Chapter 16
Trying to get up, Usopp felt that none of his muscles were willing to obey him. He didn't even feel his lower body anymore.
" I'm… paralyzed. "
Sneering then, hearing him, Kuro exclaimed.
" You are pitiful! And then, what's the use of getting up? You want to catch up with Jango, right? Given your physical condition, it's impossible for you! And even if you did, you could never beat it! So, a word of advice, sit quietly there while I massacre each of your friends! "
" No way ! " Roared Usopp, sobbing in frustration! " I'm the great captain Usopp! A superman among the greatest warriors on this earth, as well as the brave protector of this place! And never ... never you hear me, I would not let you harm this village. "
Listening to him without saying anything, Zoro, Raynare and Scorpio remained stony, unlike Lucy who bit her lip to the point of making her bleed. At that moment, she was mad at herself. She blamed herself for not being stronger in order to come to the aid of Usopp.
As for Luffy, having stopped fighting, he simply began to look at his friend, on the ground, while the other pirates affirmed.
" But what does this idiot say? "
" It is impossible to defeat Captain Kuro! "
" Even a boat with a whole regiment of soldiers could not defeat it. "
" That he stays on the ground, it's better for him. "
Noting that they were no longer paying attention to him, Luffy suddenly stretched his leg to the maximum.
" GUM GUM WHIP! "
Then being all struck by his attack, the pirates were thrown to the side and fell heavily to the ground. Yet despite this, some were already starting to get up, even if it made them spit blood.
Seeing this, Luffy preferred to move away from them, in order to run towards Kuro. If these pirates did not give up because of their captain, then defeating Kuro would be tantamount to finishing this fight for good.
" ZORO ! " He cried then.
Seeing him coming towards him, the swordsman simply nods, before walking towards Usopp and picking him up to put him on his shoulder.
" Get ready ! I'm taking you to the forest. "
" Tha… Thank you! And sorry to be a nuisance! "
" It's nothing ! And then, without you, I couldn't know where to go. "
Then turning to the two girls, he questioned them.
" You come ? "
" No way ! " Cried Lucy, sending Kuro a glare. " I would stay there to stand up to him. "
Then, turning to Scorpio, she said.
" I'm sorry Scorpio, but do you mind helping me beat him ? "
" No problem. " Assured her spirit. " My tail and I will be happy to teach him a lesson."
As for Raynare, the angel flew away before landing at the top of one of the walls of the slope.
" Sorry, but I hurt myself enough like that ! I would stay there to cover these two idiots, if it's necessary. "
" Well ! " Said Zoro, continuing to advance.
Nevertheless, standing before him, Kuro questioned him.
" Where do you think you're going, like that ? "
" Save the companions of Usopp ! " Assured Luffy, jumping in the air. " GUM GUM JET PISTOL! "
"His arm is stretched out?" Kuro wondered, dodging the arm while dropping back.
Seeing him thus, Zoro taking advantage to run in the direction of the forest. Grunting when he saw them leaving, Kuro could only mumble.
" They don't lose anything by waiting. "
Then, turning to Luffy, he said.
" I understand how you were able to survive your fall yesterday ! If I'm not mistaken, you're made of rubber ! Have you eaten one of these famous demon fruits? "
" Yep! The fruit of gum-gum ! "
Then, running towards him again, he threw a new punch at him, which Kuro dodged, then disappearing.
" Where is he ? " Wanted to know Luffy, looking around.
" You're made like a rat. " Kuro assured him, preparing to attack from behind.
" SANDER BLAST ! "
Seeing the attack in time, Kuro managed to retreat in extremis to avoid it, however allowing the tornado to keep him away from Luffy. Then, placing himself near the latter, Scorpio affirmed.
" Don't worry, Mugiwara ! We will help you. "
" Thank you ! And at least Zoro and Usopp were able to escape. "
" Eh, you three. " Cried Kuro, addressing the two men and Lucy. " I have a question for you before I kill you ! Why would you want to defend this village when you have only known it since yesterday ? "
" To make you pay for all your crimes. " Replied Lucy.
" To protect a friend. " Adds Luffy.
" A friend ? " Kuro was surprised, realizing that it was Usopp. " And for you, is it worth putting your life on the line ? "
" Of course ! But don't worry about me! I don't intend to die. "
" You know, we don't always choose our destiny. " Kuro assured him, running towards him.
" GUM GUM WHIP ! " Cried Luffy, trying to touch his legs.
Immediately jumping in the air to dodge him, Kuro sneered.
" You are way too slow to have a chance to touch me! "
" In that case, take this. " Cried a voice behind him.
Barely having time to turn around, the heel of a shoe hit his nose and ejected him against the ground. Getting up, however, he could only glare at Raynare, who only smiled arrogantly at him.
" This time, I did get you. "
" So there, you really signed your death warrant. " Roared the butler.
Then smiling strangely, he said.
" By the way, if I understood what you said earlier, you are a pirate who intended to steal Kaya while she was sleeping, before kidnapping her, right ? "
" I admit that it was. " Raynare said, resting on his perch.
" In this case, should I understand that you are not better than me? Frankly, you are with this bunch of sermons givers while you yourself are just a little thief with no moral ! Why do you want to defend this place ? "
Not knowing what to answer, Raynare was surprised to hear you hear Lucy's voice retort.
" Ray-chan is not like you. "
" Hum ? " Kuro said, staring at her.
" It's true that Ray-chan has many faults ! She is selfish ; narcissistic and even sadistic, and cares about her first of all ! Of all the people on our crew, she is the one who could cause us the most problems! However, … "
Shouting, she said.
" Ray-chan also has good sides! And I know there is kindness in his heart of ice! And be sure of one thing, I would always trust her more than a junk like you!
" Lu… cy? " Raynare wondered.
" Well spoken, Lucy! " Asserted Luffy, cracking his fingers! " And then, anyway, Raynare's character has nothing to do with our fight! So get ready, Kuro! I'm going to party for you! JET PISTOL! "
Jumping up in the air, Kuro managed to escape the attack and fell gracefully onto Luffy's arm.
" What … ? " Said the boy.
" You are too predictable, Mugiwara." Kuro assured him, before running to him.
Then striking him a blow, he swung it back, before bending down, to avoid another attack from Scorpio.
" You start to annoy me. " Assured the pirate, running towards him.
Barely seeing him, Scorpio was surprised to feel the man hitting him in the abdomen, injuring him.
" And one less. " Rejoices Kuro.
However, not falling, Scorpio's arms suddenly grabbed him, as he began to stare at the pirate.
" It's you, isn't it ? "
" What ? "
" It was you who hurt Sagittarius, huh ? You are going to regret it. "
Seeing the spirit swing his tail towards him, Kuro could only widen his eyes, while a beam of sand struck him before throwing him in the middle of the slope. Collapsing thus, he roared again in rage, while he had just fallen for the third time on the ground.
"Those damn kids ! "
Seeing this, his men watched him get up, before shouting.
" Go ahead, Captain Kuro ! "
" You're going to have them, Captain Kuro ! "
Then turning to them, the pirate gave them such a dark look, which froze them on the spot.
" Close there, bunch of fools ! And stop calling me by that name. "
" But, captain ...? "
" You really don't understand anything ! I struggled for three years to do my best to have this name permanently forgotten! I have had enough of this pirate life where I have to spend my days fleeing the navy while being flanked by a bunch of fools, who only think of looting. "
Then, staring at Luffy and his gang, he declared.
" You understand therefore, I hope that nothing can prevent me from carrying out my plan that I established three years ago? I drooled over it, but now that it's almost complete, I'm not going to leave a bunch of stupid brat… "
Increasing his speed, he ran over the wall to Raynare.
" ... oppose any form of resistance. "
Trying to fly away, the fallen angel quickly realized that it was too late for that. Trying in vain to create a spear of light, she was surprised when a huge rock was thrown between her and Kuro, while the pirate dug his claws into the rock, unwittingly.
" How ? " He wondered, unable to withdraw his hand.
" You don't have the soul of a captain! " Luffy told him, jumping near him.
" What … ? "
" JET PISTOL! "
Taking the brunt of the attack, Kuro was thrown so hard that his claws stuck in the rock made it destroyed. Falling again to the ground, however, he had to get up as quickly as possible, in order to avoid the rock which threatened to crush him. Standing on the latter, Luffy displayed his big smile, while affirming.
" You will never bear the brunt of us. "
" Bastard brat. " Roared Kuro, more and more out of him.
Running in the forest, the fugitives pursued by Jango were still at large, while they were constantly looking behind them.
" Its good ? Did we sow him ? " Wanted to know Rudo.
" In any case, I don't see him anymore. " Afro assured him.
" Ok, kids ! Where is the best hiding place in this forest ? " Nanf asked them.
" In this direction, there is a whole hectare of shrubs. " Assured him Onion. " We can hide there. "
" Okay, let's go and ... "
Suddenly Afro cried out in pain. Falling forward, he revealed a wound on his back, created by a sharp object. Falling at the same time as him, some trees collapsed, while the silhouette of Jango took shape in the distance.
" There's no point in running. " Assured the man, taking back his chakram. " I would kill you anyway. "
Roaring in anger, Rudo and Nanf put Kaya and Phelix on the ground, before pulling out their daggers.
" You will pay it. "
However, under the frightened eyes of the children, the two pirates ended up being slashed, in turn, in pieces, by Jango's weapon. Falling to the ground, they let him approach Kaya while he mumbled.
" Damn it, the drug that Kuro gave her put her in a bad state ! I hope I could still make sure to hypnotize her. "
" Don't ... Don't move. " The children ordered him, pointing their weapons at him.
Sighing simply, Jango re-twisted his ring while asserting.
" I seriously begin to have enough of all this circus. "
Getting up while boiling with rage, Kuro stared at Luffy, as well as the claws cut from his right hand.
" How… How could you dare? I will ... I will ..."
" You can't do anything anymore. " Assured Lucy, arriving near Luffy, with Scorpio.
" It looks like the great captain Kuro will soon sign his retirement for good. " Sneered Raynare, landing not far from them.
Seeing them, while he tried in vain to repress his anger, Kuro finally heard his men run towards them, while affirming.
" We're coming, Captain Kuro. "
" Yes, we will beat them for sure, Captain Kuro ! "
" Trust us, we will have them, Captain Kuro ! "
Unable to bear it any longer, Kuro suddenly asserted.
" I will kill you all, including Jango. "
" That ? " Said his men, then stopping. " But ... But why ? "
" If we kill these people, we can always destroy the village. "
" Yeah, and if Captain Jango hypnotizes this girl, you will get the money ! It has taken longer than expected, but the result is as you want. "
" Anyway, you can't kill us. " Noticed a man. " If we are all found dead on this island, like the villagers, and you are the only survivor, many will wonder about your strength. "
" That is true. " Assured one of his comrades. " None of the villagers can beat us! When the Navy becomes aware that you have killed an entire crew of pirates, it will try to research you ! And chances are she will guess who you are. "
Sneering then, Kuro questioned them.
" Do you really think I hadn't thought of that ? In fact, it is very simple ! After everyone is exterminated, I would just have to throw your corpses into the sea, before burning your boat, and all this will be settled ! The Navy will just think you are gone and will never suspect me of killing you ! And then, to be clear, I never intended to let you leave this island alive! What I wanted to do from the start, was to kill you. "
" But… But why ? "
" It's simple ! You all know my true identity! If one of you talks about it, it could destroy my cover! And that I would not allow it under any circumstances! "
" Well, he rolled them well in the flour! " Raynare noticed, seeing his men tremble in fear.
Getting up at that moment, while spreading a pile of rubble that had fallen on him, Siam put his hand on his head, while affirming.
" Hell, it hurts! "
Still, he froze, seeing Kuro right in front of him, bleeding and looking very angry.
" That ... Captain Kuro? "
Hearing his name again, the man pointed his claws in his direction. Seeing this Siam affirmed.
" W… Wait! You are angry because I lost, right? Please! If you want, I will fight these guys and I will win, you can be sure! Give me another chance, Captain Kuro. "
" But shut up! " Ordered his captain, raising his claws above him before folding them over the man.
At that moment, a geyser of blood could be seen. However, Siam may tremble and be frozen, he did not feel a single ounce of pain. Instead, he was surprised to see a figure positioned between him and Kuro, in order to protect him.
Seeing this, Luffy and Raynare widened their eyes in surprise, while Scorpio cried out.
" LUCY ! "
Gritting her teeth in pain, the poor girl had intervened to protect Siam, risking her life. Now with injuries similar to Usopp's, she nevertheless refused to collapse. Instead, a tear ran down her cheek as she begged.
" Enough ! Pity ! "
" That … ? " The two men wondered.
" A captain should never behave like this and kill his men for such a futile reason. "
" Huh ? What are you talking about ? " Asked Kuro. " A crew is only a set of pawns that I have the right to move as I wish in order to make them fight or sacrifice them! My crew only serves me for that. "
" You got it all wrong. " Retorted Lucy. " A captain is like the head of a guild ! It is true that he must punish or lecture when one of his comrades does something stupid! However, never by killing him ! It is not that to be a captain! A true captain is someone who respects his men and who sets an example for them to form a real team! Your men are certainly not objects that you can handle as you please. "
Listening to her, stunned by what she said, Siam and the rest of the crew stayed there without saying anything. Finally, Kuro sneered a little, before retorting.
" You're really just an idiot who understands nothing about piracy. "
And preparing to attack her again, he took a violent punch from Luffy. Thrown back, he had to get up at full speed, while a tornado of sand and a rain of spears rushed on him.
Trying to aim him, Scorpio and Raynare stood in front of Lucy, in order to protect the wizard. Seeing them, the young magician finally dropped forward, until Luffy arrived, to catch her in time. Feeling her strength leave her body, Lucy whispered.
" Lu… Luffy ? "
" You did a good job, Lucy. " Assured her captain, while hiding his gaze. " Leave the rest to us. "
Fainting then, the blonde stopped moving. Staying there staring at her for a few moments, Luffy ended up ordering, in an extremely calm voice.
" Raynare ! Take her to the village. "
" Hum? " Said the angel, turning around.
A face filled with rage. It was the very first time that the fallen angel could see Luffy display such a face. Still holding Lucy, he handed her to her while ordering her.
" Do it quickly ! "
Can only nod, she took Lucy's body in her arms before flying into the air. Nevertheless, seeing the poor girl's condition, she ends up ordering in her turn.
" You have an interest in settling his account, Mugiwara. "
There was no response.
But while Raynare left, Kuro got to his feet, screaming.
" I will slaughter you. "
" SANDER BLAST! "
Managing to dodge Scorpio's new tornado, he chuckled while asking.
" Do you not understand that your tornado can do nothing against me ? "
Nevertheless, staring at the spirit, he could only be surprised, seeing it all alone.
"Where's Mugiwara ?"
Suddenly emerging from the tornado, Luffy cocked his fist at his face, before hitting it again.
" what … ? " He wondered, falling to the ground.
" It was for Lucy. "
Then raising his tail to the sky, Scorpio let his tornado rise upwards, while particles of sand fell to cover the ground.
" What are you doing ? " Kuro asked.
Then creating a sort of sand barrier, Scorpio made Kuro's view more blurry, as he tried to see his opponents around him.
" I see ! He uses sand to hide! However, I was able to record where it was. "
However, before he could take a single step, he blocked a hand in time with a claw glove.
" What ? " Kuro wondered, recognizing the weapon.
As he can be seen, Siam's face was close to hims, as he tried to attack him.
" What does that mean ? "
" If you want to kill us… " Began Siam, while other figures appeared all around them. " … You will have to fight against all of us. "
Armed with their sabers, Kuro's former men were now facing him, ready to get rid of their former captain for good. Being not far from them, Luffy said.
" You see, Kuro? Lucy was right, when a captain does not respect his crew, the latter takes his example, and does not hesitate to betray him too! And without a crew, you don't have a chance to win. "
" Really ? " Said Kuro. " Well know that against one, ten or even a hundred opponents, I would always win. "
Then sending a kick to Siam, to make him back off, he then began to switch from right to left, while affirming.
" I will exterminate you with my technique. "
" Oh no ! " Someone said. " It's ... It's his attack. "
" It's " Creeping Cat". "
" What ? " Said Luffy.
" CREEPING CAT ! "
Disappearing then, Kuro suddenly made all the people around him tremble. And while only the sound of Scorpio's tornado could be heard, the strange silence ends up being interrupted by a man screaming in agony, while injuring himself to death.
" That ? " Said Luffy.
Seeing another man fall, the other pirates then fled, hoping to escape their captain's attack. However, not thinking so, Kuro attacked them one after the other, dropping their bodies to the ground without hesitation. Trying to follow him with his gaze, Siam ends up hitting into the void, before being, in turn, disemboweled.
Continuing thus, Kuro moved at full speed towards Scorpio and touched him at his turn. Wounded to death, the spirit eventually disappears, leaving Luffy facing Kuro.
As soon as the sandstorm stopped, Luffy could see all the bodies of Kuro's men on the ground, while that of Scorpio was not found. Furthermore, standing in front of Luffy, Kuro smiled, while the claws of his left hand were covered with blood.
" So, Mugiwara, what do you think? I did it on purpose to spare you to show you that even on my own, I can overcome anyone! I don't need a crew! My power alone is more than enough. "
Seeing the others dying on the floor, Luffy remained silent until he said so.
" You disgust me ! You pretend to be a captain and yet, you will never get anywhere near Usopp or Lucy. "
" Sorry ? I must have heard wrong ! Would you be saying that these two maggots would be stronger ... than me? "
" Yeah! It's exactly that. "
" And for what reason ? "
" Because, they too are the leaders of two teams. " Taught him Luffy. " And they know what it is to respect others! The scorpion that you just killed was one of Lucy's spirits! And you see, compared to your men, him and the other spirits will always be ready to fight with Lucy, with the greatest pleasure and without she being forced to scare them ! For Usopp, it's the same with his own ! He has ten times more reason to be named captain than you. "
" Oh, but I reassure you, I am a real pirate, me! Not one who plays to be one like that fool with a long nose. "
" I hate men like you. " Asserted Luffy. " It is you who plays to be pirates without having the means to become a real one. "
" Well, I don't care ! Anyway, I plan to kill you in the minute! Come on, let's go! CREEPING CAT! "
Running in the forest, Zoro had Usopp's cheek pulled while the sniper laughed.
" Damn it ! I said left! On the left, damn it! "
" Hey, it's good! Either way, they can be anywhere in this forest. "
"But we are only turning in…! Over there ! "
" Huh ? " Said Zoro, looking at the direction he indicated.
Being thrown against a tree, Piment fell alongside his two friends, already on the ground, while Jango was standing in front of them. Seeing them now injured while Nanf and the others were covered with wounds, he smiled, before heading for Kaya.
" Finally, I will be able to hypnotize her. "
Nevertheless, hearing footsteps coming in his direction, he started to cringe, recognizing Zoro running towards him.
" You ? " Astonished Jango, taking Kaya immediately, before positioning his cutting weapon in front of his throat. " Stop one more step and she dies. "
Despite his words, Zoro continued to run.
" Hey, I'm serious. "
"AHHH ! " Cried the Usopp's pirates, suddenly striking the back of his leg with a shovel.
" Ouch, dirty kids ! " Said Jango, dropping Kaya.
Grabbing his leg, Afro bit down on him, while Rudo and Nanf stood up to belt him.
" That … ? Let go of me, bunch of larvae ! "
" No way ! "
" You will have wanted it. " Jango assured, turning his hips, while cutting the pirates around him.
Screaming in pain, the three Buggy's pirates released the man. However, Jaeger could do nothing, while Zoro had just cut a branch, not far from them.
" That ? "
" Perfect ! This branch was on the way. " Said Usopp, aiming Jango from his place. " EXPLODING…!
Extending his arm towards Kaya, to use her as a hostage, the man did not even have time to grasp her that he felt a powerful detonation fall on his face.
" ... STAR! "
Running around Luffy, Kuro was chuckling, noting that the pirate didn't move an inch.
" Well, then what's the problem ? Can't you see me anymore, Mugiwara ? "
However, finally fixing him, Luffy threw him several punches, which he could barely avoid.
" What ? " He wondered. " Can do he see me ? "
Suddenly, he felt himself lose his balance, while his foot seemed to sink into the ground. Looking down, he widened his eyes, seeing that he was walking in a heap of sand where his foot had sunk.
" Oh no ! The attack of the other idiot put sand everywhere! And the latter is hampering my race. "
And while the poor support of the ground slowed him down, the sand did not bother Luffy, who stayed put, making only his arms move.
" Only teamwork will triumph. " He said, turning his arm around him, while stretching it out.
Finally banging against Kuro, the pirate wrapped around him, before Luffy let himself come on him. Then grabbing him, he gave her a big smile, while affirming.
" It's over. "
" You will never be able to beat me. "
" Oh yeah ? GUM GUM… "
Seeing him stretch his neck back, Kuro lost his temper while affirming.
" Kuro's plans cannot end in failure. "
"… KRANE ! "
Then taking Luffy's forehead head on, the pirate lost consciousness, before falling to the ground, out of combat. As for him, Luffy ends up putting his hat back on his head, while affirming.
" I am stronger than you. "
However, falling at that moment, he collapsed to the ground, tired, while a voice questioned him.
" So you too can be tired ? "
Recognizing Nami's voice, Luffy questioned him.
" Do you think that after that, the villagers will give us free meat ? "
" Stupid stomach on leg. " She growled.
Getting up at that moment, several pirates were surprised to see their former captain on the ground, while Luffy remained conscious.
" That … ? He put KO Kuro. "
" Impossible ! He was known to be invincible. "
" But who is this guy ? "
Straightening up a bit, Luffy assured.
" I'm Monkey D. Luffy ! I am the one who will become the king of the pirates. "
" The… King of the pirates ? "
" What… what do we do now ? "
" Let's go ! " Then ordered two voices.
Helping each other to walk, Siam and Buchi were the ones who had just given this order.
" We're leaving here. " They repeated. " Come on ! Quickly ! "
" Um ... yes. " Said the rest of the crew, then starting to leave.
" Hey ! " Said Luffy, then pointing at Kuro. " Take it with you. "
Looking at their former captain with a dark look, the Nyabans Brothers nevertheless finally complied, before joining the others.
Then, a few minutes later, the boat weighed anchor, before setting off.
Seeing them leave, Luffy ends up asking.
" Nami, tell me ! Should a pirate crew be ours or like this man's? "
Sitting next to him, Nami said.
" The pirates I came across were almost as cruel as this man! In my opinion, the crews should normally be like his ! Nevertheless, what person would not want to be under your orders, when we know that you will always come to their rescue? "
Smiling at that moment, Luffy tried to get up, as he said.
" Go, we have to go to the village, see if Lucy is better! "
" Lucy? What happened to her ? "