Chapter 43

Buggy mocked Zyhark's naivety while laughing and slamming the table.

After Zyhark left the circus headquarters, Buggy had given it some thought. If Zyhark truly were one of those monstrous entities from the New World, there'd be no need for such an elaborate scheme just to get a special Buggy Ball from him.

With the treasure map now in his possession and ample preparation on his part, the discovery of the fake cannonball wasn't much of a concern to him.

"Damn it! To deceive even the great Goddess of Water, Aqua-sama?!"

Aqua's temper flared at the sharp, mocking laughter, and she stepped forward, water swirling around her. She was ready to unleash a flood and drown everyone associated with Buggy.

"Calm down, Aqua," Zyhark said quietly, patting Aqua's shoulder and stopping her casting.

"Huh? Being fooled is your own fault for being stupid. Are you thinking of starting a war with us?"

Buggy, noticing Aqua's actions, clapped his hands, and his underlings immediately wheeled out two large-caliber cannons.

The sound of the machinery was grim as the cold, dark muzzles aimed at Zyhark and Aqua.

Even so, Zyhark's expression remained undisturbed.

"Captain Buggy, why don't you take a look at the treasure map in your hands first?"

"What did you say?!"

Buggy, startled, quickly unfolded the parchment in his hands.

The fresh ink gave him an uneasy hunch.

"This treasure location... why does it look familiar..."

"Damn it! It's the garbage dump in Orange Town!"

After scrutinizing the meandering paths on the treasure map, Buggy's previously cocky smile froze.

But the smile didn't disappear; it shifted to Zyhark and Aqua's faces.

"While it's just trash, who knows, a thorough search might turn up some unexpected treasures, right, Captain Buggy?" Zyhark smirked.

"Ahahaha! So it's a garbage dump! Really suits someone as useless and filthy as you, you red-nosed idiot! Just be careful not to step in dog poop while treasure hunting!" Aqua burst into uncontrollable laughter.

Buggy's animal tamer, Mohji, couldn't resist adding, "You got played, Captain Buggy."

"Shut up!" Buggy was livid, tearing the worthless paper into shreds.

"Let's end these silly games, Buggy," Zyhark returned to his usual calm demeanor.

"That's right," Buggy said darkly, standing up from the sofa.

Only now did he truly consider Zyhark, who was as cunning as himself, a worthy opponent.

And then, there was no "then." 

The two stood staring at each other, neither willing to make the first move.

"How about this, Buggy? Since neither of us wants to go first, let's settle this the pirate way, shall we?"

Seeing Buggy's puzzled expression, Zyhark paused before saying seriously, "I'll stand still, and you can send someone to slash at me three times."

"If I make a sound or dodge, I lose, and I'll hand over the treasure map willingly!"

The underlings were revitalized by his words, their eyes blazing with killing intent.

"Could there really be such a fool in the world? No matter how tough one is, the eyes, throat, and groin can't withstand everything!"

"Hahaha! My sword is thirsting for blood; say yes, Captain Buggy!"

...

The underlings' urging didn't make Buggy lose his sanity. He kept his gaze fixed on Zyhark, expressionless.

He had witnessed Zyhark's Armament Haki that morning.

While attacking vulnerable areas might work, he couldn't dismiss the possibility that Zyhark, like himself, could be immune to slashes due to a Devil Fruit power.

Wait a minute!

A brilliant idea flashed through Buggy's mind.

Instead of guessing about the opponent, why not let himself, who had consumed the Chop-Chop Fruit, take the stage? Hahaha, I'm such a genius!

"I agree to your proposal, but let's change the protagonist."

Buggy held back his noisy underlings and stepped forward to Zyhark, "It'll be you who slashes at me three times!"

Hearing this, the underlings were initially stunned, then snickered, thinking of Buggy's fruit ability.

Truly, Captain Buggy's wisdom was unmatched!

"No problem."

Seeing Buggy so easily take the bait, Zyhark chuckled and agreed without hesitation, "Just lend me a sword, preferably a heavier one."

After catching a large cutlass thrown by Cabaji, Zyhark grasped the cloth-wrapped hilt and swung it a few times with practiced ease.

During his year in Windmill Village, he had learned some swordsmanship.

Before setting sail, he even sparred with officers of the Red Hair Pirates, gaining a solid foundation.

Of course, he was far from a swordmaster, merely an entry-level swordsman.

This confident posture made Buggy even more complacent: Let this arrogant fool witness my true capabilities!

He willingly presented his head to Zyhark, laughing smugly, "Hurry up and use some strength. I can't wait to see your pathetic failure!"

"Hey! Zyhark, are you sure you can do this?"

Aqua, having never seen Zyhark wield a sword before and noticing the Buggy Pirates' smug faces, felt a trace of worry.

In response, Zyhark's calm and steady voice reassured her.

"Watch closely, Aqua."

"This strike will be cool!"

Buzz!

As soon as Zyhark finished speaking, he hesitated no longer and swung the sword at Buggy's voluntarily presented head!

Time seemed to slow down at that moment.

0.1 seconds, Zyhark strikes, and Buggy wears a triumphant smile;

0.2 seconds, the sharp blade reflects the cold light, mirroring Buggy's still cocky clown face;

0.3 seconds, Zyhark slightly twists his wrist, and Buggy's smile intensifies, seeing victory beckoning;

0.4 seconds, as Zyhark completes the subtle wrist movement, the blade aiming for Buggy's head turns horizontal, replaced by the broad side of the sword.

Buggy feels an inexplicable chill, sensing something amiss;

0.5 seconds, propelled by Zyhark's full force, the thick blade, like a stretched-out brick, whistles through the air.

Buggy finally realizes something's wrong, his eyes widening in shock.

But it's too late. The thought to dodge barely emerges when a loud, clear "thud" echoes.

The hefty side of the blade slams hard onto his head!

The pain, unimaginable and overwhelming, floods Buggy's entire body, sending shockwaves through every pain receptor.

For a moment, Buggy thought he saw a smiling Captain Roger beckoning to him.

"Damn it! Who the hell taught you to use a sword like that, you sick bastard?!"

Buggy, finally regaining some sense, couldn't help but curse loudly.

His eyes, red and teary, sprayed saliva everywhere.

Zyhark's unconventional strike had...

Knocked the snot right out of the formidable Captain Buggy's nose! 

(End of Chapter)