Bonus for 200 PS
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Seeing the arrogant Galdino knocked unconscious by Caelan, Miss Goldenweek's legs went weak as she stood trembling, staring at him.
What just happened?
He had looked half-dead only a moment ago, being cared for by several girls.
How could he suddenly recover and knock out Mr. 3 as if he had teleported? This was terrifying!
Miss Goldenweek's mind was filled with question marks, and cold sweat rolled down her forehead.
"Ka-ka-ka-ka! I'm glad I didn't have to die at the hands of a scumbag like that!"
Dorry laughed heartily.
"Sad! Caelan really is a monster. To recover so quickly…"
Brogy was also happy for Caelan's counterattack, though at the same time, he was shocked by Caelan's terrifying recovery ability.
Nami, Tashigi, and Vivi were equally stunned watching Caelan suddenly rise and turn the situation around.
Not only had the enemy been caught off guard, but even they could not figure out how Caelan had healed so fast.
"Caelan, you didn't use some method that overdraws your life force just to recover so quickly, did you?"
Vivi's eyes filled with tears, and she covered her mouth as she spoke.
Nami and Tashigi nodded in agreement, both looking at Caelan with concern and heartache.
Even Dorry and Brogy believed that was the case, nodding in understanding.
"How could that be? It was just a small injury. Just needed a little water!"
Caelan replied casually, looking completely relaxed as he explained to the girls.
He truly was not afraid of being injured. All he had lost was a bit of magical energy.
That magic power would naturally recover with time, or at worst, after a good meal.
"You don't need to explain. We understand."
Vivi clearly did not believe him at all and simply assumed he was trying to comfort them.
Nami and Tashigi felt the same.
"Well, alright. Think what you want."
Caelan could only spread his hands helplessly.
What else could he say? No one was going to believe the truth anyway.
"Now then, let's deal with the lady over there."
As soon as Caelan spoke, everyone's eyes turned toward Miss Goldenweek.
Under their angry stares, Miss Goldenweek stood frozen in place.
Is it too late to kneel down and beg for mercy now?
Tears welled up at the corners of the young girl's eyes. She didn't know what to do.
"You're here on Crocodile's orders to deal with us, right?"
Caelan asked her with a smile.
But in Miss Goldenweek's eyes, he looked like a devil.
"N-no… that's right."
Miss Goldenweek stammered, unable to lie.
"Hand over the Den Den Mushi. I want to talk to him."
Caelan kept smiling as he spoke.
"I won't…"
Miss Goldenweek mustered up the courage to try and refuse.
"Won't what?"
Caelan's face instantly turned cold as he raised the same right hand that had knocked out Galdino.
"I… I won't refuse your request!"
Forget it, Crocodile. I'm sorry!
Tears filled Miss Goldenweek's eyes as she hurriedly handed over the Den Den Mushi to Caelan.
"Bru Bru Bru!"
"Bru Bru Bru!"
Caelan accepted it with satisfaction and dialed the Den Den Mushi.
"Hello, Mr. 3. I was just about to contact you. Is there any good news?"
"After you finish them off, return immediately. Our plan needs to begin ahead of schedule."
Crocodile's cold voice came through the Den Den Mushi, the snail showing an indifferent expression.
In his mind, it was only natural that Mr. 3 and Miss Goldenweek would succeed in taking down Caelan and his group.
Vivi trembled when she heard Crocodile's voice.
The plan was moving forward sooner than expected. Time was running out for Alabasta.
"Crocodile? I'm not your useless subordinate."
Caelan's tone was casual, showing not the slightest respect.
"Who are you?"
Hearing Caelan's unfriendly tone and the fact that he called him by name, Crocodile's voice grew darker.
"Caelan."
Caelan chuckled as he answered.
"…"
There was a brief silence. But as soon as Crocodile processed the name that had ruined his plans twice already, his anger flared.
"So, Mr. 3 failed after all. They're useless trash!"
Though his voice stayed calm, it was clear Crocodile was suppressing his rage. He knew shouting over the Den Den Mushi would accomplish nothing.
"That's right. Everyone in Baroque Works is trash. I've already traded a whole shipload of your men for bounties."
"Mr. Crocodile, it would be great if you could turn yourself in for the bounty too."
Caelan smiled, his words sharp and direct, completely disregarding Crocodile's pride.
They were already clear enemies. Making Crocodile angry only made Caelan happier.
"You dare provoke me just because you defeated a few of my subordinates?"
Crocodile's eye twitched with anger as he growled.
"Crocodile, enjoy the time you have left. You won't have many good days ahead."
Caelan's voice remained calm.
"You…!"
Click!
Just as Crocodile was about to roar again, Caelan calmly hung up the Den Den Mushi.
Staring at the disconnected snail, Crocodile's face twisted with rage. He casually crushed the ashtray on his desk into powder, his mood foul.
"Caelan… I'll make sure you regret this."
A newcomer who had only just entered the Grand Line dared to challenge him and ruin his plans.
Crocodile had already decided to make Caelan's death as cruel as possible, to send a message to the world about the price of offending the Desert King.
….
"Everyone heard it. Crocodile can't wait to make his move, so we need to move fast too."
Caelan turned to Nami and the others. Crocodile was ready to advance his plans. They had no reason to delay either.
The purpose of coming to Little Garden was complete. There was no longer any need to stay.
Vivi looked serious, her heart heavy with concern for Alabasta's situation.
But she also felt touched by Caelan's support.
Dorry and Brogy did not think too deeply about the situation. They simply felt honored.
What kind of waves would Caelan, the man who had defeated them, stir up on these seas?
Surely, the news would soon shake the world.
With the blessings of the two giant warriors, Caelan set out once again.
Of course, before leaving, Caelan did not forget to bring along the unconscious Mr. 3 and the trembling Miss Goldenweek.
After all, they were walking piles of bounty.
Suddenly, Caelan had an amusing thought.
If Crocodile kept sending people after him one by one, would he be able to gather the entire Baroque Works into Impel Down himself?
(To be continued.)
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