Chapter 12 Vs Buggy Pirates

"The only troublesome thing is Buggy's Chop-Chop ability! With my current Haki, I can't kill him instantly!"

"Taking us on together? Kid, you're really underestimating us! We are the officers of the Buggy Pirates, not some small fry!"

Seeing Moonlight not even looking at him, Mohji shouted angrily. He raised his whip and lashed it at Richie, causing the lion to roar in pain and charge fiercely at Moonlight.

"Enough."

Moonlight sighed, slashing his sword and sheathing it in one swift motion.

"Crack! Crack! Crack!"

A crescent-shaped sword energy split into three segments, slashing out violently!

After Moonlight sheathed his sword, the charging Richie and Mohji were sent flying, blood spraying as they fell unconscious on the ground!

A single slash was all it took; they were no match for Moonlight!

"Mohji! Richie!"

"Damn it!"

Seeing this, Cabaji and Buggy shouted in anger, but they couldn't afford to be distracted in their battles with Zoro and Luffy.

"He took them out with one slash?

Impressive as always. Let me handle this guy; I need to sharpen my sword skills!"

Zoro was secretly amazed by Moonlight's power. He turned to face the incoming Cabaji, his expression serious. This was no ordinary opponent!

"This guy's a Devil Fruit user. Let me handle him!"

Luffy engaged Buggy. Although Buggy's Chop-Chop ability was troublesome, Luffy had his own ways.

Only a Devil Fruit user could effectively deal with another! Others couldn't touch Buggy, but Luffy could!

"Alright, you take care of them. I'll handle the rest."

Moonlight shrugged, jumping off the ship as the villagers rushed toward them. They had regrouped with the village chief, who had been scouting for information, and charged over after sensing the commotion!

"The famous Buggy Pirates, defeated just like that?"

Dragging a huge sack of stolen treasure, Nami walked out, looking overjoyed. But seeing the scene before her, she was stunned.

The Buggy Pirates weren't just small fry—they were notorious in the East Blue. She couldn't believe they had been taken down so easily!

"Who are they?"

She was then distracted by the approaching villagers, her face full of confusion.

"Stop!"

As the group reached the ship, the village chief halted abruptly, staring at the scene on the ship in shock.

"What happened? Are they fighting among themselves?"

"No, they're not fighting each other. Those three aren't members of the Buggy Pirates!"

"My God, look! That beast tamer Mohji is down, his beast is dead, and the officer Cabaji is being overwhelmed! And that captain—who is that boy fighting him? Another Devil Fruit user? He can stretch his arms? Amazing!"

"What's going on?"

Not only the chief but all the villagers were stunned. They had come here with the resolve to die but were greeted with this unbelievable sight!

"Everyone, stay where you are. Don't take another step or interfere."

Facing the oncoming villagers, Moonlight swung his sword!

A massive crack, several feet deep, appeared on the ground, separating Moonlight from the villagers!

Moonlight spoke calmly, his words short and direct.

He didn't bother to explain. Once this was over, he would leave—he had to go to the Grand Line and couldn't waste time here!

"This… can't be real!"

"He cut the ground with one slash?"

"How strong!"

Seeing the massive crack before them, the villagers were stunned. They had never seen power like this! Compared to this man, the Buggy Pirates were nothing!

"Who are you? What are your intentions? What are they doing?"

The village chief took a deep breath, looking at Moonlight with fear but still gathering the courage to ask.

"Our target is the Buggy Pirates. It has nothing to do with you, so if you don't want trouble, just stay put."

Moonlight said plainly.

"Chief, he seems to be telling the truth. Look, the Buggy Pirates are all down!"

"Right, the other two seem to be his companions, fighting against the pirates!"

"He's so strong, there's no reason for him to lie to us. At least for now, there's no need for conflict!"

Hearing this, the chief hesitated, unsure whether Moonlight was telling the truth, but the villagers continued to speak.

"Alright then, we'll stay here. But if you intend to destroy our town, we'll fight to the death!"

The chief nodded, looking at Moonlight with a resolute expression.

Moonlight nodded back and turned to the battlefield.

The fight was nearing its end. Zoro had been caught off guard by Cabaji's flashy tricks, suffering multiple wounds, but ultimately unleashed his Onigiri, slicing through Cabaji with a single strike!

Luffy's battle had also concluded. Although he was repeatedly injured and constantly on the back foot in a one-on-one fight, even his rubber body couldn't withstand Buggy's blade.

Finally, Nami discovered Buggy's weakness: his feet couldn't leave the ground. She stepped in to help, and Luffy sent Buggy flying with a powerful punch!

Victory was theirs!

The Buggy Pirates were completely wiped out!

"We did it!"

Luffy sighed in relief, looking at his hat, now cut and damaged, feeling a bit downhearted. That hat meant a lot to him, a symbol of his promise.

"Thank you for saving me. I can fix your hat for you."

Nami offered, seeing Luffy's concern.

"Really? Thanks a lot! But, Moonlight already invited you once. Let me ask again: join us and be our navigator!"

Luffy looked at Nami, extending another invitation.

"Joining you is impossible. My goal isn't the Grand Line; I'm more interested in treasure. But we can work together. You'll be going to a lot of places, right? I'll guide you while collecting treasure along the way!"

Nami smiled. After surviving together, they had become comrades in hardship.

"A partnership, huh? Sounds good to me."

Luffy nodded, then pointed to the sleeping Zoro on the ground.

"Moonlight, let's get going—to the Grand Line!"

"Captain, if we're heading to the Grand Line, we'll need our own ship at least. And this guy, how can he just sleep like that?"

Moonlight looked at the snoozing Zoro, feeling helpless. To be able to sleep in a place like this and still be alive was nothing short of a miracle!

"Don't worry, we'll get a ship."

Luffy nodded, full of mysterious confidence!