Chapter 36: Betrayal in the Desert

Josh had wandered off from the group to take a break when he heard a familiar voice.

"Well, my old friend, we meet again," Galdino, aka Mr. 3, said in a low voice as he approached.

Josh faked a smile as he pulled up his pants, unimpressed. "Galdino, long time no see."

Of course, Josh expected this. Who would have thought that an old workmate would strike when he was about to take a piss? But Josh had been ready for this—the water hadn't even flowed yet.

"I heard you were dead," Galdino said, his candle-like hair flickering. "You've got some nerve betraying the boss. You're lucky you ran into me and not him. Trust me, death in your sleep is better than facing Crocodile."

The sweat on Galdino's face revealed his fear of Crocodile, a terror that ran deep, unlike Josh's brazen confidence.

Josh grinned. "Where's Marianne, that little girl?"

"She's busy," Galdino replied, adjusting his glasses. "We're setting a trap for your friends."

Galdino wasn't one to face enemies head-on, especially given how well he knew their strengths and weaknesses. Josh's speed and cunning made him dangerous. Galdino planned to take him out first, leaving Mr. 5 and his partner as easy prey.

As Josh stood there, seemingly unbothered, his feet were already trapped in solid white wax, immobilizing him. Galdino smirked, pleased with his success.

Josh remained calm, even smirking. "I bought Marianne some candies and milk. Maybe she'll grow up a bit."

At that moment, a feminine voice snapped from the side. "I'm not little, you jerk!"

Josh chuckled as Marianne emerged from behind a tree, glaring at him. 

"It's fine, size doesn't matter," Josh shrugged, before adding cheekily, "except in bed."

Marianne huffed, crossing her arms over her small chest. "No offense," Josh added with a grin.

Galdino's smirk faded, something was off. The air carried the faint scent of gasoline, a detail that hadn't registered until now.

"Marianne, get back!" Galdino yelled, his calm demeanour slipping as white wax wrapped around his arms. He aimed at Josh, intending to sink him in wax completely.

"This is going to hurt," Josh muttered just before a gust of wind swept past him.

Before Galdino could react,

BOOM! 

A massive explosion erupted beneath him, sending him soaring through the air. The gasoline spread across the area ignited in a chain reaction, creating an enormous fiery blast. The heat melted the wax, rendering Galdino's defense useless. He was flung high into the air before crashing to the ground.

Marianne, frightened by the explosion, extended her hand instinctively, trying to steady herself in the blast.

Josh reached out, grabbing her hand before she was swept away by the wind. "Don't worry, I don't hit kids," he said with a smirk.

---

When Marianne opened her eyes again, she saw Josh in midair, launching himself toward Galdino. With a swift kick, Josh sent him crashing to the ground, far away from the fire.

"What are you doing!" Marianne squeaked. She realised she was cradled in Josh's arm, blushing as she noticed how he held her like a child.

"Giving you a choice," Josh replied, still holding the girl, oblivious to her embarrassment.

"What choice?" she asked, still red in the face.

"This is a conversation for grown-ups," Josh teased. "Behave like a good little girl."

Before Marianne could respond, Josh lifted her by the ribs and gave her a quick kiss on the cheek before setting her down. Her face turned bright red as she stumbled behind Galdino's crumpled form.

"You… how dare you!" she yelled, pointing at him, though her voice was more flustered than furious. 

Josh simply smirked as Marianne quickly turned her back to him, covering her blushing cheeks. 'That's the first time an adult kissed my cheek,' she thought to herself before remembering the mission. Rushing to Galdino, she helped him sit up.

Galdino wasn't in good shape. His face was bruised and swollen, and it looked like some of his bones were cracked. Although Josh had been ranked Mr. 7, he was far stronger than Mr. 3, which left Marianne bewildered.

"Cough… Cough... What do you want?" Galdino asked, wincing from the pain.

Josh grinned. "I'll give you a chance. Live or die, your choice."

Mr. 3 knew he was outmatched. He glanced behind Josh to see Mikita and the others standing there, their presence making him sweat.

"What do I have to do?" Galdino asked, knowing there was no other option.

Josh's smirk widened. "I knew you were smart."

---

Later, Galdino reported to Crocodile over the Den Den Mushi.

"Yes, boss, we've defeated them. They're dead—each one wrapped in wax."

"Finally," Crocodile's deep voice rumbled through the snail-phone. "That Josh is persistent. I killed him once, and he still came back. Traitors belong in the ground, wouldn't you agree, Mr. 3?"

Galdino, looking at the very much alive Josh and his crew, broke out into a nervous sweat. Crocodile was terrifying, but Josh could end him right now if he wanted.

"Yes, boss. But their tombs are made of solid wax, so I can't retrieve their bodies," Galdino lied, doing his best to keep his voice steady.

"Good. Come back to Alabasta. You'll meet Mr. 4 and Mr. 2 along the way. Since Josh warned the king about us, we need to act quickly."

"What are the plans?" Galdino asked cautiously.

"You'll find out when you return to Alabasta."

Once the call ended, Galdino looked like he could barely keep it together. Josh crossed his arms and gave a nod of approval.

[Ding, a mini-boss is defeated. 

+20 Draw Points. 

+ Mystery Box Tier 3.]