Chapter 25: Declaration

As Buggy held his one arm out with daggers, Ryo remained calm, his demeanor betraying no hint of concern. He knew that this clown wasn't a genuine threat to him, so he played along, raising his hands as if in surrender, though anyone could see he wasn't serious. Buggy ranted about revenge, his anger palpable as he vowed to make Ryo pay for cutting off his arm and humiliating him.

Dragging Ryo toward the execution platform, Buggy's determination to kill him was evident. Despite Buggy's theatrics, Ryo maintained a cool exterior, his mind already wandering as they ascended the platform. From his elevated vantage point, he had an excellent view of the bustling marketplace below, where crowds gathered, and Marine soldiers swarmed.

Buggy continued his monologue, boasting of his greatness and impending revenge, but Ryo paid little attention until the clown mentioned a name, Yamato. "You and your friend humilated me in front of everyone. I have lost my whole reputation. Do you know how it feels that no one gives a shit about you?! But that will change. After I killed you I am going to take your friend, have her as my trophy and if she isnt willing i'll make her obey. After I am famous again nobody will be able to stop me." All of this was said with a disgusting and cruel laught on his face.

As Buggy threatened Yamato, Ryo's mood darkened instantly. Rising to his feet, he faced Buggy with an aura of power radiating from him. Buggy, sensing the shift in Ryo's demeanor, began to panic, attempting to backtrack and negotiate. But it was too late. Ryo's grip tightened around Buggy's throat as he delivered a chilling ultimatum.

"I don't care if you threaten me," Ryo growled, his voice laced with menace, "but if you dare to harm Yamato or any other person I care about, it will be the last thing you do."

Buggy, now trembling with fear, frantically attempted to apologize, his pleas falling on deaf ears. Despite the terror in Buggy's eyes, Ryo relented slightly, recognizing that the clown posed no true threat to him or any of his girls. With a final warning, Ryo released Buggy, but it was clear that this act of mercy would not be repeated. "If I see your face ever again, no one else will have to do the same thing again," Ryo threatened in a dark tone to him.

As Buggy scurried away from the platform, Ryo was left alone, a sense of foreboding lingering in the air. His attention shifted to the four girls, who approached with many bags in thier hands, accompanied by an unfamiliar good looking woman, who was smiling with Yamato about something. "Why doesnt it surprise me that she makes new friends all this time?", he asked himself and had a grin on his face.

As he looked again through the masses that had their eyes fixed on him he saw the ever so slightlyrising numbers of the marines. But there was something he didn't expect. Amidst the crowd, Ryo's gaze fell upon the beautiful woman he had met in the bar. Smiling and waving to her, he couldn't help but feel a twinge of affection, despite knowing she was likely an officer of the marines and thus, potentially an enemy.

But he had something in mind that couldn't wait. Something that had to be done. As the determination was burning within him, Ryo took a deep breath, filling his lungs with air. His voice rang out, echoing across the marketplace as he declared his ambition to all who could hear. "I am Ryo," he proclaimed, his words resonating with power, "and I am the one who will surpass Gold Roger. I am gonna conquer the seas and be the new King of the world!"

As he spoke, Ryo channeled his energy, manipulating the elements around him to darken the sky. Lightning crackled and danced across the heavens, and the ground trembled beneath his feet. The display of power left onlookers stunned, but amidst the shock, Ryo noticed his crew and the unknown woman, who had proud smiles on their faces. But as he looked to the group of marines again, he could see a sad look on the ladys face.

With his declaration hanging in the air, Ryo stood tall, his resolve unwavering. The path to kingship lay before him, and he would stop at nothing to claim his rightful place atop the world.