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The Strongest Frost Loli (186)
🕑 Added 2025-02-01 17:00:09 +0000 UTCChapter 186 - Cleaning Up
“Mamahahahaha! You’re quite something, Hawkeye! Why don’t you join my crew?! A man of your calibre would be most welcome!”
“I refuse. I have no intention of serving someone weaker than myself.”
“Oh? You’ve got guts! And who, pray tell, is stronger than you?!”
Clang!
There was an enormous crashing sound as Linlin and Mihawk's swords clashed.
The Marines and the Big Mom Pirates had been locked in battle for days. Even with three admirals mobilized, containing a monster like Big Mom for an extended period was a formidable task. Thus, Mihawk, along with the admirals, had been rotating in and out of the front lines, maintaining a continuous blockade.
Big Mom, on the other hand, had remained at the forefront of the battle, pausing only for brief meals. Her stamina was monstrous. Mihawk, though capable of fighting continuously, wasn't particularly motivated. He had fulfilled his obligations as a Warlord, nothing more.
The Sweet Commanders were also formidable opponents. Even with the admirals rotating in shifts, both sides were nearing exhaustion. Then, Kaido, in his dragon form, came crashing into the fray.
“Oof!”
“Kaido! What are you doing?!” Big Mom yelled.
“Shut up, Linlin… I’m fighting Kanata, can’t you see?! That woman’s tossing me around like a damn ping-pong ball!”
Kaido, perhaps fueled by alcohol, transformed into his hybrid form while crying. While he lacked any serious injuries, numerous smaller wounds oozed blood. Kanata, by contrast, seemed relatively unharmed, her only sign of fatigue was a slight weariness in her expression.
“Why the hell aren’t you fighting seriously?! Are you looking down on me?!” Kaido roared at Kanata.
“This is just a stalling tactic. I only need to keep you occupied until the Alabasta situation is resolved.”
Neither side had mobilized their full forces, prioritizing mobility over sheer numbers. A full-scale war would have been far more devastating. Kanata brushed aside her windswept hair and said,
“I am fighting seriously. You’re just incredibly durable.”
While not fighting at full strength, Kanata’s assault would have overwhelmed any ordinary opponent. They had clashed briefly before, but a prolonged battle of this scale was a rare occurrence. Kaido’s strength had increased significantly, but Kanata, wary of revealing too much, had focused on gradually wearing him down. However, her efforts seemed to have had little effect, making her weary.
She could end this instantly by taking his head, but the Beasts Pirates were a formidable force. Their territory was vast. Eliminating Kaido now would only create a power vacuum, leading to further chaos, like when Shiki fell.
“Don’t lie! I can tell… You’re still hiding something!”
“He has a good nose.”
Black lightning crackled around Kanata’s spear as she prepared to meet Kaido who was charging at her with his iron club..
“Gundari Myriad Army!”
Kaido, wielding his kanabo, unleashed a flurry of blows. Kanata parried each strike, the force of their Haki clashing caused the warship beneath their feet to groan and crack. Nearby Marines scrambled for safety.
Kanata and Kaido, however, paid them no mind and locked in close-quarters combat.
“Ragnarok!”
Kaido’s muscles bulged before he unleashed a devastating downward swing. Kanata, knowing she couldn’t block it directly, dodged and leaped away from the crumbling warship. As the bisected warship sank beneath the waves, she froze the sea, creating a platform of ice.
She heard the clash of swords in the distance. Big Mom had attempted to attack her, but Mihawk had intercepted. Kaido landed on the ice, holding his kanabo in both hands.
“Thunder Bagua!”
“Oops.”
Kanata narrowly dodged Kaido’s lightning-fast strike and retaliated with a slash from her spear. The attack pierced Kaido’s Haki-reinforced scales, drawing blood. A shallow wound. Not even close to fatal.
“Troublesome.”
A resilient body. Immense strength. The fearless “Strongest Creature.” Combined with his seemingly limitless stamina, Kaido was a formidable opponent, even for Kanata. His rapid growth was a threat to the world’s balance. Left unchecked, he would undoubtedly disrupt the established order.
These past few days had given her a good measure of his current strength. She couldn't afford to wait. He needed to be eliminated before his Haki grew even stronger. And so, she decided.
“…I’ll kill him.”
Even if Kaido fell, as long as Big Mom lived, the balance of power in the New World wouldn't be drastically altered. The Beasts Pirates would likely be absorbed into the Big Mom Pirates, forming a new alliance under her leadership. With the Marines’ cooperation, she could then systematically eliminate the combined forces, once they were consolidated. Without Kaido and Big Mom, the remaining members posed little threat.
At least, not to her.
Kanata narrowed her eyes, the Haki surrounding her spear intensified. The black lightning, previously radiating outwards, now converged, compressing into a dense point. Kaido, noticing this unfamiliar phenomenon, grinned and allowed his Haki to explode.
“Wororororo…! Finally ready to get serious, Kanata?!”
“You’ll be a nuisance if I let you live. Leave your head here.”
“Not a chance. I’m going to defeat you!”
BOOM! BOOM!
Their Haoshoku Haki clashed, causing the air itself to tremble. They paid no heed to the potential collateral damage to the Marines and the Big Mom Pirates. A moment of silence enveloped the surroundings before they clashed – and in that instant,
“Kaido-san!”
“Mama! We have a problem!”
King and Perospero approached their respective captains. While aware of the dangerous situation, they couldn't delay delivering their urgent message any longer.
“What is it, King? Can’t it wait?” Kaido asked.
“Jack failed. He couldn’t capture Nico Robin!”
“What?! Someone in Paradise strong enough to defeat Jack?! Or did he get outsmarted?!”
While still focused on Kanata, Kaido couldn’t hide his surprise. He recognized Jack’s strength, his rapid ascent to the ranks of Headliner. Jack’s failure implied unforeseen circumstances.
“It was Douglas Bullet! That damn fusion freak went on a rampage and took down everyone we sent!”
“Bullet?! Don’t tell me…”
Bullet wasn't a man who took orders from others. However, Kanata might have found a way to compel his obedience. Kaido glanced at Kanata, questioning her involvement.
“He was happy to oblige when I told him you were in Paradise. You seem to be quite popular,” Kanata replied.
Well, that was closer to the truth than Kaido knew. Regardless, his and Big Mom’s plan had failed. Prolonging this battle would benefit no one. Both Yonko reluctantly lowered their weapons and instructed King and Perospero to organize their retreat. Cutting their losses now was the wisest course of action. They could settle their personal grudges later. They understood the strain this conflict had placed on their crews.
“I’ll defeat you next time. Wash your neck and wait,” Kaido growled at Kanata.
“Get stronger. If you’re still this weak when we meet again, I might just get bored and take your head myself.”
Kaido snorted and, with King, flew off into the sky. Big Mom, riding on Zeus, with Perospero perched on her shoulder, returned to her ship.
***
After Kaido and Big Mom’s departure, Kanata boarded Chiyo’s ship. The Marines had likely begun their own retreat. Kanata issued orders to return to Hachinosu. Chiyo, dressed in her military uniform, emerged from the ship’s interior.
“Good work. I stalled them as instructed, but are you sure it was wise not to eliminate them?”
“It’s fine. After the Golden Lion Pirates incident, I realized eliminating an entire force requires careful preparation.”
Though she had been tempted to ignore those preparations and simply crush them all. Kanata accepted the offered glass of water, drained it in one gulp, and returned it to Chiyo. She was tired, but food was her priority. They walked towards the mess hall, sharing information as they went.
“Things would have been easier if that idiot Teach was here. Where did he even go?” Chiyo grumbled.
“Don’t worry about him. He’ll return when his vacation ends. He’s smart enough to understand my intentions. There’s no need to search for him.”
“You think so?”
“More importantly, have you heard from Junshi?”
“Yes, I instructed him to contact us via Den Den Mushi. Shall we listen to his report while we eat?”
“Please.”
The mess hall was crowded, but as Kanata entered, the crew parted, creating a path to a private room at the back. She entered, instructed them to bring her food, and Chiyo followed. Chiyo placed two Den Den Mushis on the table.
“One’s Junshi, the other’s Bullet,” Chiyo explained.
“Hey, Kanata! You lied to me!” Bullet’s voice came from the Den Den Mushi.
“Don’t be so angry, Bullet. I didn’t see Kaido at first, so I took precautions.”
“Tch… I’m coming for you. Wash your neck and wait.”
“I’ll have some good sake ready.”
Bullet, having said his piece, hung up. Kanata shrugged and turned to Junshi’s Den Den Mushi.
“How did it go?”
“I secured the Mane Mane no Mi. Lycoris insisted, so I captured Mr. 3 and his partner, Galdino and Marianne.”
“As long as you got the Mane Mane no Mi, that’s fine. What about Crocodile?”
“That Straw Hat brat defeated him. We weakened him, but the finishing blow was definitely his.”
“Fufufu, I see.”
“You sound cheerful.”
“Do I? Fufu… Oh, what about the other results?”
“I eliminated Mr. 4 and his partner. The Marines captured Mr. 1 and Miss Doublefinger. Crocodile was in public, so I couldn’t extract him. The Marines will take him. Gem is badly injured and resting.”
“Gem’s alive?”
“Yes. Not fatally wounded.”
“Good… What about Robin and the others?”
With Jack and his forces defeated and retreating, Robin and the others were likely safe. However, the Marines were still in Alabasta. Kanata hoped they had left before things got complicated.
“Robin said she’d make a deal with Princess Vivi to see the Poneglyph.”
“How did that even… Never mind, I’ll ask later. More importantly…”
“I know. The copy.”
“I’ll need your help with that. It won’t be easy.”
“Haha, don’t worry. I understand. I await your good news.”
The call ended. Chiyo, who had been listening, asked,
“Was that wise? It’s your friend’s kingdom, isn’t it?”
“Precisely because it’s my friend’s kingdom.”
Ancient weapons undoubtedly existed somewhere in this sea. Crocodile’s search wasn't entirely unfounded. While ignorance was bliss, knowledge offered a means of control.
Kanata had intended to acquire a copy of the Poneglyph with Cobra’s permission later, but this saved her the trouble. She would simply ensure no one else could access it afterwards. Perhaps she would keep it for herself, but that was a decision for later.
A knock echoed on the door.
“Captain, dinner is served.”
“Oh, finally! I’m starving!”
“Why are you here too, Chiyo?!” Ragnell got amgry at Chiyo, who had settled into a seat opposite Kanata, clearly intending to join them for dinner.
It seemed the meal, prepared by Ragnell due to the busy kitchen staff, was large enough to share.
“I figured as much. It’s huge!”
Chiyo said, observing the platter, clearly too large for even Kanata and her to finish alone.
***
Meanwhile, in Alabasta, Bastille reported to Sengoku.
“That concludes my report.”
“Good work, Vice Admiral Bastille. Now for the remaining pirates…”
“It’s unlikely they’ve escaped. They’re probably still within Alabasta, but we haven’t found any ships along the coast.”
“Spread the net wide enough, and they’ll be caught eventually. Crocodile is our priority for now.”
The Marines had captured three individuals: Crocodile, Mr. 1 (Daz Bones), and Miss Doublefinger (Zala). The other Baroque Works agents were missing, presumed to have escaped. While not ideal, capturing Crocodile, their primary target, was considered acceptable. The recent clash with the Beasts Pirates and Big Mom Pirates alliance in the New World had stretched their resources thin.
“Also… the Revolutionary Army was in Alabasta. Based on their conversation, they seem to have some connection to Twilight.”
“Yes… well, that’s not entirely surprising. It was always a possibility.”
“Should we ignore them?”
“There’s nothing we can do. Antagonizing Twilight would be too costly at this point.”
Sengoku’s voice was laced with weariness. While he had his reservations, Twilight had grown too powerful to be easily controlled. They were the only pirate crew with significant influence at the Reverie.
“Regarding Crocodile, you’ll be awarded a medal soon.”
“A medal, sir?”
“They want to credit you with his capture. While I can’t promote you, there will be a monetary reward.”
“I see…”
It was likely a political decision. While Luffy had delivered the finishing blow, with Twilight's involvement further complicating matters, attributing the victory to a pirate wouldn't sit well with the public. While Bastille had his own thoughts on the matter, defying the government wouldn’t achieve anything. He would accept the medal.
“I can’t accept the reward, sir. Please donate it.”
“Are you sure?”
“Accepting a reward for a pirate’s work goes against my pride as a Marine.”
“Hahaha, a true Marine. Very well, I’ll arrange it.”
Crocodile and the others had been transferred to a nearby branch and would soon be transported to Impel Down. While they were restrained with Seastone handcuffs, they were still dangerous opponents. Bastille reminded his subordinates to exercise caution. He had also deployed Hina, Smoker, and other captains to search for the artificial rain-making ship. They would likely find it soon.
“We should have everything resolved within a few days, including the pirates. I’ll submit a full report on the Alabasta situation then.”
“Good. The New World situation is under control… Still no sign of Nico Robin?”
“Some Marines reported seeing her briefly on the battlefield with Twilight crew members, but her whereabouts after that are unknown.”
“She likely anticipated our arrival and left the island. Her two escorts were also present, I presume? Their whereabouts are also unknown?”
“Yes, sir… I apologize.”
“It’s fine. But Twilight’s involvement… is concerning.”
The Ohara incident still cast a long shadow. While their covert cooperation had been known, their recent actions had become increasingly bold. The Revolutionary Army, the Ohara survivor, ancient weapons… their connections were too significant to be ignored. Sengoku hoped this wasn’t a prelude to something more serious. He suppressed a sigh, offered Bastille a few words of encouragement, and ended the call.
***
“Oh my, it seems Crocodile-san failed.”
“You knew?”
“I was hired, so I made some preparations. Silver, weapons, a few other things.”
“Why didn’t you report this?”
“Sharing client information is unthinkable! I’m a merchant. Trust is paramount.”
Alpha Maraptonoka, a woman with bright pink hair, said this with a completely straight face. She sipped her coffee elegantly while speaking with someone over a Den Den Mushi. Martin sat beside her, idly reading a newspaper.
“So, what can I do for you this time? More weapons? Devil Fruits? Perhaps some rare slaves?”
“I need…”
Maraptonoka’s brow furrowed as she listened.
“…Are you serious?”
“Do I look like I’m joking?”
“…I see. I was hoping you were.”
A sigh escaped her lips. She wanted to curse, but she knew it was pointless. The client paid well, even if the jobs were troublesome. They purchased her wares, excluding slaves, at exorbitant prices. They were as valuable a client as Kaido and Big Mom.
After discussing some terms, she ended the call, and drained her coffee in one gulp.
“This seems like a troublesome job.”
“It’s incredibly troublesome,” said Martin.
“Then I’ll need to bring a few others. I can’t handle this alone.”
“Indeed.”
Martin was still a child. He couldn’t even defeat a rookie pirate. Maraptonoka knew she would need additional manpower.
“A Sky Island… How peculiar. There are certainly some strange things in this world.”
