Watching Dragon walk toward the Pirate King's execution platform, Sandy immediately understood his intent—he was testing Luffy, letting him truly experience the resolve of staking his life for his dream.
Sandy thought for a moment.
Better not to show up yet.
If Luffy noticed him, would he still face life and death with that same fearless smile?
With Sandy's abilities, Luffy would never believe Sandy couldn't save him.
No—this time, he'd watch from the shadows. He wanted to see that free, unshakable smile again.
At the Plaza
At this moment, Luffy was tied to the execution platform by Kabaji, while Buggy stood over him, knife in hand, grinning with mad glee.
The air pressure above the square grew heavier and heavier—it was clearly being manipulated by Dragon.
His control over his Devil Fruit was terrifying. Combined with his exceptional Observation Haki, it was no wonder the World Government feared him so much. Capturing him would practically defy the laws of nature.
On the platform, Buggy raised his curved sword and shouted,
"Monkey D. Luffy! You've got guts, daring to piss off me, Buggy the Clown! Do you even know what I went through after being blasted apart by you?! Sob sob sob…"
As he ranted, Buggy actually started tearing up, remembering his tragic journey.
"Hey!" Luffy shouted, struggling against the frame. "Let me go already! Aren't you friends with Sandy?"
Buggy blinked, then barked out a laugh. "How could I let you go, you idiot! Although Sandy's my friend… ah, speaking of him, he's a great guy. It's the first time anyone's ever treated me to a meal since I became a pirate. So heartwarming…"
He caught himself rambling, coughed, then bellowed, "This isn't the time for that! Monkey D. Luffy, do you have any last words before you die? Yahahahaha!"
Luffy grinned, unbothered. "Yeah. I am the man who will become the Pirate King!"
The crowd fell silent.
That one sentence froze everyone in place.
Only Luffy's voice echoed across the plaza.
Zoro and Sanji, who had just arrived, dashed toward the platform—but without Devil Fruit powers, saving Luffy seemed impossible.
Even Luffy knew he was out of options now.
At that critical moment, as Buggy's knife gleamed in the sunlight, Luffy raised his head.
And smiled—a pure, carefree smile that seemed to make even the flowers bloom.
"Sorry, everyone," he said softly. "I'm gonna die."
The crowd below was stunned.
Who smiles like that while facing death?
From the shadows, Smoker clenched his jaw, cold sweat forming on his neck.
That smile wasn't normal. It wasn't resignation—it was freedom.
How could anyone, about to die, look that peaceful?
To stand at the very place where Gol D. Roger was executed and declare the same dream… and then smile at death?
That was the kind of madness only a future Pirate King could have.
Smoker's eyes darkened.
Regardless of the outcome, that man already had the qualifications to become the Pirate King.
Suddenly—
CRAAACK!
A blinding bolt of lightning struck the execution platform, splitting it apart and sending Buggy flying.
The result was obvious—Luffy had survived.
"Hahahaha! I didn't die! Guess I got lucky!"
Luffy laughed, picking up his hat and placing it back on his head, that same idiot grin on his face.
Zoro and Sanji both exhaled in relief.
Sanji was so shocked that he didn't even notice his cigarette fall from his mouth.
He turned to Zoro, muttering, "Do you believe there's a god in this world?"
Zoro snorted. "Don't talk nonsense." Then he turned to Luffy. "You took that way too far, Captain."
"Ah? Sorry, sorry," Luffy said, scratching his head.
At that moment, Sandy appeared beside them.
He stared up at the now-broken platform, thinking quietly.
If he were in Luffy's place… could he have stayed that calm?
After a pause, he answered his own question.
Yes—he could.
Seeing the plaza descending into chaos, Sandy said, "Let's get moving. Time to set sail."
"Okay!" Luffy shouted, full of energy again.
Trouble on the Way
But halfway down the street, trouble found them once more.
A sleek white motorcycle was parked right in their path.
Standing beside it were Smoker and Tashigi.
Sandy sighed inwardly. Great… these two again.
Smoker crossed his arms. "Your journey ends here, Straw Hats."
Luffy grinned. "No way. I'm still gonna set sail and become the Pirate King!"
Smoker sneered. "With your strength? You can't even defeat me. Your so-called dream ends here."
Before anyone could react, Sandy suddenly stepped forward, a strange grin forming on his face.
Then came that laugh—low at first, then rising into a bold, booming roar.
"Chehahaha… chehahahaha… CHEHAHAHAHAHA!"
Everyone froze.
Smoker frowned. "What the hell are you doing?"
Sandy spread his arms wide. "Smoker! A man's dream will never end, will it?!"
[Congratulations to the host for completing a flamboyant operation. Reward: Armament Haki rank increased. Please continue to strive.]
Sandy's eyes lit up. "Holy shit, really?! Upgrading Haki is one of the hardest things ever!"
In that instant, his fatigue vanished. His back didn't ache. His legs didn't hurt. He felt unstoppable.
Smoker, however, was less impressed. His pupils shrank.
This guy wasn't simple. He still remembered how Sandy had scammed him out of three cigars.
Even an aunt could tolerate that—but an uncle couldn't!
Smoker was just about to speak when Tashigi stepped forward, holding a bounty poster.
"Damn you, Sandy! You tricked me before—and now I find out you're a wanted criminal!"
She slapped the poster against Smoker's chest.
Sandy glanced at it—and his jaw dropped.
Wait… wasn't his bounty 250 Belly?
Why the hell did it now say 300 million Belly?!
"NANI?!" Luffy yelled, eyes bulging.
Zoro stared too. "The hell did you do?!"
Sanji grabbed Sandy's collar furiously. "What kind of insane stunt did you pull, you bastard?! How did your bounty skyrocket like that?!"
The truth was simple.
During a stroll, the Celestial Dragon Charloss had recognized Sandy's face—the same man Sandy had punched unconscious earlier!
At first, Charloss wanted the bounty set even higher, but the Five Elders intervened. The offense of attacking a Celestial Dragon was far too serious. After deliberation, they decided on 300 million Belly.
The reason wasn't made public—after all, the Celestial Dragons cared more about saving face than justice.
Zoro muttered under his breath, a hint of envy in his tone. "Sandy… you bastard."
Before anyone could say more, Sandy suddenly twitched. "Wait—again?! Hu—"
And then he launched into twenty full backflips, crashing straight into a wall.
"OW! Damn, that hurts!"
Everyone just stared, deadpan.
Luffy, Zoro, and Sanji all had black lines on their foreheads.
Luffy glanced down at his own bounty—30 million. Suddenly, it didn't feel that impressive anymore.
Zoro had 10 million. Compared to 300 million? That was nothing.
And Sanji?
He was already crouched in the corner, sulking and drawing circles in the dirt.