"They're going to fight—!"
"Don't push me!!"
Buggy shoved Mohji down, who didn't know any better, and poked his own head out of the bushes first. His red nose was particularly conspicuous in the night light.
"This tension... it's intense!" His eyes widened in amazement.
"Boss Buggy, aren't we here to watch the fight? Why are we hiding?" A subordinate behind him scratched his head, looking puzzled.
"Idiot! Do you even have to ask!" Another pirate beside him immediately chimed in.
"Captain Buggy is obviously afraid that his aura is too strong and will affect the performance of those two! That's why he's deliberately hiding, to give them enough space to fight!"
"So that's it!" The subordinate who asked the question suddenly realized, his eyes lighting up.
"You said it—"
"Mighty... Mighty... Buggy! Buggy!..."
The subordinates immediately began to chant in low voices, filled with adoration and fanaticism.
---
"Lend me all your abilities, then go into the mansion."
Chrollo spoke expressionlessly.
None of the Troupe members said another word, nor did anyone object.
Instead, they placed their hands on Chrollo one by one, lending him their abilities, and then jumped into the [Fourth-Dimensional Mansion] in succession.
Everyone knew clearly... their leader was angry.
As companions who had been through countless experiences together, the Spiders knew:
When Chrollo was truly angry, it wasn't when he looked savage... it wasn't when he roared... nor was it when his killing intent boiled over...
It was precisely this expressionless demeanor.
Whenever Chrollo looked like this, it meant the other party had touched a line Chrollo absolutely could not tolerate. It also meant he was about to fight to the death...
How long has it been since we've seen this side of Chrollo...
Pakunoda looked back at Chrollo's impassive profile, her thoughts drifting.
Ever since the Boss's Nen evolved, it seemed like nothing was difficult for him anymore.
At the same time, the gap in strength between him and those around him, including herself... had gradually widened immensely.
It wasn't just her; everyone, including Uvogin, could feel it...
They didn't seem to be able to truly help Chrollo.
He alone was enough to solve everything...
Although no one said it out loud, in their hearts, they were all desperately trying to become stronger. To become stronger, to become more useful to Chrollo...
That was why everyone was so excited to come to this Dark Continent.
Here, miraculous Fruits that could enhance their strength and make them stronger were everywhere.
But... at the same time, monsters of immense power were also everywhere...
Pakunoda's hand unconsciously clenched and unclenched...
"Heh... I really am weak..."
"Survive... Chrollo..."
---
This is a mess...
Chrollo's expression was grim.
He didn't know why Kizaru would appear here at this time, and judging by the situation, he really intended to fight them.
Kizaru's appearance completely exceeded his expectations. In the original story, he wasn't supposed to be in Loguetown at this time...
Chrollo frowned tight.
"Which link in the chain led to this moment..."
If Chrollo knew that just meeting on the coastal island of Sorbet was enough for Smoker to pursue them relentlessly,
And that Smoker, through some connections and exaggeration, had reported their information to the Navy,
Leading to Kizaru appearing here... he would probably have the urge to kill Smoker...
Chrollo didn't think he was Monkey D. Luffy with sky-high connections; Kizaru wouldn't show him any mercy.
Therefore, in this battle, the opponent most likely wouldn't hold back.
And the most critical point... Bonney was captured, meaning he couldn't steal the Age-Age Fruit!
That meant he couldn't use the move [Age-Age Fruit: Distorted Future] to boost his stats.
A bitter smile tugged at the corner of Chrollo's mouth...
That moment just now was too fast!
Fast enough that Chrollo couldn't react at all...
He couldn't abandon Bonney and leave alone. That didn't fit his personality, nor did it fit the personality of the Leader.
So, there was no choice but to fight...
Feeling the surge in the number of abilities within him after all the members lent him theirs, Chrollo silently calculated his battle plan:
First step... make physical contact with Bonney while she's in Kizaru's grasp!
Use the information gap!
The amount of intelligence is the main condition that determines the direction of a battle between ability users!
That wasn't just talk.
Kizaru didn't know his true ability or its activation conditions!
For a target whose ability he had already stolen, Chrollo only needed to make physical contact to steal the ability again.
Therefore, as long as he touched Bonney, he could steal the Age-Age Fruit ability and transform himself into his state three years later.
Only in that state would his stats be enough to contend with a monster like Kizaru.
Second step... use his wide variety of abilities to maneuver against him.
Kizaru's Armament Haki was definitely superior to his, and he possessed Observation Haki that could predict the future... his physical skills and Fruit abilities were all top-tier.
If Chrollo's combat power right now was 7,000, then Kizaru was at least over 20,000!
Therefore, only an endless stream of abilities would be the trump card that allowed him to truly contend with him!
Third step... survival measures...
He had already secretly told Nobunaga to go find the Revolutionary Army.
Dragon wouldn't just watch Bonney get taken away!
As long as he could stall until Dragon arrived, then in a two-on-one situation, there would be a possibility of snatching Bonney from Kizaru and escaping!
Chrollo looked up, eyes narrowing as he gazed at Kizaru.
Unfortunately, Kizaru was holding onto Bonney. Instant displacement didn't work on individuals who were restrained; otherwise, there wouldn't be so much trouble!
He could have just swapped her to his side, then everyone could enter the [Fourth-Dimensional Mansion] and let Kizaru search for them!
".....Sigh."
Chrollo wished so badly right now that he had a billion berries and had redeemed the Door-Door Fruit.
That way, he could open a door right next to Kizaru by surprise, snatch Bonney, and slip away!
The door to the [Fourth-Dimensional Mansion] required him to touch a surface to set the entrance; it wasn't as convenient as the Door-Door Fruit, which could open a door anywhere.
"Damn it... I'm never spending money recklessly again!"
Chrollo looked remorseful. After all the members had entered the [Fourth-Dimensional Mansion], he closed the door and began to stretch his muscles.
"Hey, old man, one last negotiation~"
"Can you give Bonney back to me? In exchange, I'll release Lucci and the others..." Chrollo looked at Kizaru and asked tentatively.
"Oh my, oh my~ That won't do~" Kizaru still wore that punchable expression, his eyes holding deep meaning.
"After all, Bonney~ is much more important than those people~"
"So, no deal then~" Chrollo's gaze gradually turned cold.
"Then..."
Chrollo's figure suddenly vanished from where he stood. The blue book of Skill Hunter flipped open out of thin air.
A dagger with a dark purple, poisoned blade flashed into his right hand. He aimed it at the unconscious Lucci below and stabbed down viciously—
"Let's just call it off—"