They continued discussing until evening. In the end, the five of them finalized everything and prepared to gather all the gang's money before heading out to sea.
Just then, Killer thought of something. "But even if we have money, what about a ship? The Revolutionary Army controls the entire island. All ships are under their control."
Although Kid was an ability user, he had only obtained his power recently. The Revolutionary Army had too many people. If they failed to break through, they would be dragged down and killed.
Kid's eyes narrowed slightly, and his voice turned cold. "Then we'll use the Revolutionary Army as our opening sacrifice. Consider it repayment for their 'care' during this time."
After the Revolutionary Army took over the island, life had indeed improved for ordinary people. But for gangs like theirs, things had become extremely difficult.
The reason was simple. They could not defeat the Revolutionary Army. Otherwise, they would not even be talking about going out to sea.
Killer glanced at the only girl among them. "Doruyanaika, draw the crew's flag."
She nodded lightly. "Leave it to me."
Kid then turned to the others. "Killer, come with me tonight to check the port. Heat, Wire, you two gather as much treasure and as many weapons as possible. We move at dawn."
* * *
Dawn. The port.
The sky was only just beginning to brighten, but it was already light enough to move around.
After a brief lull, the sea lay unusually calm, and the Revolutionary Army soldiers stationed at the port were at their most relaxed.
From a corner at the edge of the docks, Kid's group's eyes settled on a ship positioned near the outskirts.
They had considered killing everyone at the port. But after scouting the area, they realized there were simply too many soldiers. In the end, they chose the safer option. Steal one ship and flee.
Each of them carried a large pack on their backs. They exchanged glances, nodded, then placed the packs down and opened them. Inside were densely packed blades.
The other four slipped into the water and quietly moved toward the ship. Kid activated his ability, lifting all the blades into the air as he prepared to strike.
Suddenly, a hand clamped over his mouth from behind.
His pupils shrank sharply. He burst out with all his strength, trying to break free. But that long hand was like an iron clamp. There was even the sound of facial bones cracking. The overwhelming force pinned him in place, leaving him completely unable to move.
The floating blades shifted direction, attempting to tear toward the attacker. At the same time, something sharp was driven into his body from behind. In an instant, Kid lost all strength to resist. Waves of weakness washed over him.
Clatter! Clatter!
The sound of blades hitting the ground jolted the drowsy soldiers at the port awake.
"Who's there?!"
They scanned their surroundings and immediately spotted the figures holding weapons and climbing onto the ship.
Bang!
A gunshot rang out. The others froze.
At that moment, they even suspected that Kid had deliberately set them up, trying to wipe them out and take control of the island.
"Run!!!"
They jumped straight into the sea.
But escape was never going to be easy. The port was filled with Revolutionary Army soldiers. Sneaking onto a ship with weapons before dawn could only mean one thing.
The soldiers opened fire without hesitation.
From behind cover, hearing the gunshots, Kid's eyes went wide. He struggled violently, letting out a crazed, beast-like roar through the narrow gap in his mouth.
Carlo let out a soft laugh. "It's just a few people dying. No need to get this worked up.
"Yesterday, when you were discussing how to wipe out villages and towns, dreaming of becoming famous across the seas, you all looked pretty excited. So why can't you handle it now? Honestly…"
Hearing Carlo's words, Kid struggled even harder. Carlo pressed a hand against his neck.
"Don't rush. It'll be over soon."
Crack!
A sharp sound of bones breaking rang out, and Kid's neck twisted to a grotesque ninety-degree angle.
It happened so fast that, before his consciousness fully faded, Kid caught sight of Carlo's clothes.
The Marines…
Filled with extreme unwillingness, his mind sank into complete darkness.
Carlo pulled the Devil Fruit recovery device from Kid's body, then stood up and looked toward the chaotic port. On the surface of the sea, two large patches of blood slowly spread outward. A figure floated in each.
They were Heat and Wire, the two minor gang leaders.
"So two of them got away."
In a flash, his figure vanished.
* * *
Elsewhere.
On a beach far from the port, Revolutionary Army soldiers had already begun searching the area.
Killer dragged Doruyanaika up onto the shore. He did not dare slow down for even a moment and ran straight toward the center of town.
Bang!
But after only a few steps, both of them were sent flying backward. Blood trickled from the corners of their mouths as they clutched their chests and struggled to stand.
Killer stared at Carlo walking toward them, the Devil Fruit recovery device in his hand. His eyes were locked onto that object, filled with disbelief.
"That is!!!"
After Kid ate that fruit, he had described its appearance to him.
Carlo noticed his gaze and chuckled softly. "You mean this? I got it after killing a red-haired kid. You know him?"
Killer sprang up and charged forward.
"Bastard!!!"
If Kid was dead, then the source of that sound was clear. It was the man in front of him.
Carlo shook his head and raised one hand.
Rip!
The sound of tearing flesh echoed as blood sprayed across the beach.
Carlo did not seem to move at all. Yet somehow, a head had appeared in his hand.
Killer, who had been charging forward, had already become a headless corpse. He took a few more steps, as if only then realizing what had happened, before collapsing crookedly onto the sand.
Thud.
The sound of the body hitting the ground made Doruyanaika shudder. Her mind went blank as she slumped down, unable to react.
Carlo shook his head again and raised his index finger, pointing it at the girl's forehead.
"Don't be afraid. It won't hurt."
Bang.
Another headless body fell limply to the ground.
* * *
The Grand Line. Alabasta.
Rainbase. The top floor of Rain Dinners.
Robin organized this month's flow of funds. Staring at the glaring negative number, she walked into Crocodile's office.
Looking at him standing by the window, Robin laughed quietly in her heart, though her tone remained calm.
"Boss, this month's revenue is negative again. If this keeps up, the plan itself won't be affected, but Rain Dinners might go bankrupt."
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