53. Just Want To Find The Barrier-Barrier Fruit!

After completing his action, Tom clapped his hands and observed the container as it trembled vigorously, wearing a smirk on his face.

Spike couldn't suppress a gulp; Tom's action seemed excessively harsh!

A loud bout of coughing erupted from the container, followed by Smoker's shouts.

The marines on the ground dashed towards the billowing smoke, filled with urgency.

Yet, despite their efforts, they found themselves unable to ascend within the smoke.

"Darn it, what's happening here?"

"Why can't we reach this smoke column?"

"Colonel Smoker!"

Silence lingered.

Tom and their clash concluded simultaneously.

Within a dim alleyway.

Under Carina's threat, Yale also reveals this assault, and the mastermind orchestrating against Bartolomeo has been unveiled!

Yet, upon discovering the identity of the behind-the-scenes manipulator, Al appeared visibly taken aback for a moment, betraying a hint of surprise.

Observing Al's unusual reaction, Carina inquired, "Captain Al, do you recognize that individual?"

Al nodded subtly, recalling the image of the elderly woman who had guided him upon his initial foray into the black market.

"If it's her... many pieces would fall into place."

There's only one puzzle Al can't solve.

Namely, why would the old woman turn against Bartolomeo?

Even though after the skirmish with Arlong, Tom's bounty did create a stir in East Blue for some time.

But according to Yale, he struck his initial deal with that old lady just a few months ago!

One must remember that a few months ago, Al hadn't even arrived in this world!

This simply doesn't add up in terms of timing!

Could it be that the old woman can foresee the future?

How is that possible!

Just as Al was pondering over this perplexing situation, Nami suddenly interjected, "Captain Al."

"The atmosphere has shifted, a storm is brewing. We need to leave here quickly," Nami warned.

"Rain?" Al questioned.

Carina glanced at the cloudless sky, expressing surprise. "How can it rain in such fine weather?"

Al hesitated briefly, then dismissed the question, immediately opting to head to the black market to locate the old woman.

Once he finds her, everything will become clear.

Al was convinced by Nami's words; after all, he knew that Nami's weather predictions were more accurate than the official forecasts.

With a plan forming in his mind, Al promptly summoned Nami and Carina to join him at the black market.

"Captain Al, should we also inform Tom and the others?" Carina inquired, gesturing towards Tom and Spike, who were taunting the Marines from atop the smoke column.

Shaking his head, Al replied, "No need. It'll be simpler for us to maneuver without them drawing attention from the Marines."

Al led the two girls into the black market without encountering any difficulty.

However, the scene was starkly different from the bustling marketplace he had encountered on his first visit.

The current black market appeared eerily deserted, devoid of any sign of life.

"I have a bad feeling about this," Al remarked, tightening his grip on his western sword. With a wry smile, he added, "Did you clear the area just to welcome us?"

As soon as the words left her lips, the old woman emerged from a shadowy corner, sneering as she spoke.

"If I hadn't cleared the area, who knows how many lives would be at stake. I have no desire to clash with you!"

Facing the old woman, Nami and Carina adopted defensive stances, prepared for any unforeseen circumstances.

"Well, aren't you a feisty one," the old woman remarked, approaching the group. After scrutinizing Al for a moment, she retrieved two wanted posters from her person.

Upon laying eyes on the two wanted posters, Carina promptly recognized them as belonging to Al and Tom.

Just as Carina was about to speak up, the old woman abruptly tossed the two arrest warrants into the air, fixing a serious gaze upon Al.

"I truly didn't anticipate that you would manage to best the White hunter," she remarked.

"Although it's somewhat unexpected, it's of no consequence now."

As she spoke, the old woman suddenly halted, her gaze unwaveringly fixed on Al, before posing a question:

"Is that Bartolomeo still breathing?" the old woman inquired.

Al remained silent, his gaze icy as he kept a watchful eye on the shadowy corners.

He couldn't fathom why someone would confront him so brazenly within gangster territory without setting an ambush.

Observing Al's guarded demeanor, the old woman couldn't suppress a laugh.

"I've already stated, I harbor no desire for conflict with you. There's no need for such vigilance."

"But..."

"If you lay a hand on Bartolomeo, I can't assure your safe departure from here!" the old woman declared sternly.

As her words echoed, dozens of gangsters clad in black uniforms emerged from a shadowy corner, brandishing guns.

The old woman's demeanor turned increasingly frigid.

It appeared that any suggestion of Bartolomeo's demise would trigger an immediate assault from them!

Gripping her staff tightly, Nami took a step back, a hint of skepticism crossing her features as she questioned, "Isn't your objective simply to manipulate us into eliminating Bartolomeo?"

Upon hearing Nami's inquiry, the old woman and all the gangsters erupted into laughter.

The lights within the entire underground tavern flickered on.

The old woman beckoned two gang members forward, who proceeded to pour four glasses of wine onto the table beside Al.

"Now that Bartolomeo is unharmed, I can breathe easy," remarked the old woman, her serious demeanor giving way to a gentle smile as she gestured towards the seats.

"Please, take a seat. I'll clarify everything for you," she offered warmly.

Despite the hospitable invitation from the old woman, Al declined, still uncertain about the old woman's intentions.

Observing their hesitance, the old woman picked up a wine glass herself, took a sip, and continued:

"Sorry, I didn't intend to manipulate you," the old woman apologized.

"What do you mean?" Carina asked, her brow furrowed in confusion.

Setting down her wine glass, the old woman sighed and began to explain.

"Bartolomeo, you see, has a mother in the countryside, who also happens to be my closest friend."

"She confided in me once, revealing that Bartolomeo harbored a desire to set sail and become a pirate."

With fervor, the old woman slammed her hand against the table, her expression twisted with disdain as she exclaimed, "What's so appealing about being a pirate? I can't fathom if this guy's got a broken brain!"

Al and the others exchanged peculiar glances, but they remained silent, patiently listening to her tale.

"That's why my dear friend implored me to find a means to dissuade him from setting sail and instead lead a respectable life as a gang leader in East Blue."

"I've pondered numerous strategies, but nothing seems to sway him."

Al's expression turned contemplative, and he gradually lowered his hand holding the western sword. He spoke slowly, "So, your plan was to use the threat of pirates to scare him into giving up?"

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