Chapter 23: Paradise Island
Ezio looked out of the window and had an uneasy expression.
„Tell us, what did you find out about this place?", asked Hancock.
„You know, these people… everyone in this city… there is something really unusual in their behavior. I don't know what it is, but to me they aren't like living people… it is hard to describe"
He took a deep breath and continued to talk.
„Every person has his own unique way to walk, to talk, to smile… every gesture of an individual has his own unique traits. Usually people don't see the difference between these little details when it is not an obvious characteristic of this special human being. When I watch the people in this city… They have different faces, different ages, the whole body is different. But when they smile, when they laugh, when they move, how they walk… it's like every person has the same soul. Maybe the body is different, but their gesture is the same. And this was the case with every person I saw in this city. When you train your observation haki into a level were you can see every detail of your surroundings, you will notice such things"
„What do you think is the reason for this?", asked Tsuru while she had a frown on her face.
„How should I know? In a crazy world were abilities could be gained by eating a random fruit, everything could be possible. But let's not talk about the strange citizens of this place…-"
„You want to talk about that merchant girl?", asked Hancock.
„Yes. This girl is even more frightening than every citizen in this place. I don't know if she is the Shichibukai we are searching for, but she will be an enemy. Hancock, if she isn't the boss of this place, you have to take care of that girl"
Hancock had a serious look on her face. This girl had a devil fruit power that was truly like a cheat.
„Don't be afraid, Hancock. My old man said once that a great power has a great price. Maybe this strange merchant girl traded with many abilities, but there must be a restriction how she can gain these abilities. And there must be restrictions how she can use them in a fight. You have to find out how her devil fruit works before you fight her with all your power"
After that Ezio took a deep breath.
„They are here"
„Who?", asked Hachi.
„Everyone is here", said Ezio.
This sentence confused his crew members. It even confused Ezio.
„Every citizen of this damn place is surrounding this inn at the moment. I also sense that there are three strong guys at their way to us. There is another one, but he is hiding himself. Ah, and this strange merchant girl… she is in front of the house, too"
Everyone walked to the window and saw exactly what Ezio described.
„What the hell is wrong with this place?", asked Bonney.
„Tsuru", said Ezio. „You will hide. Record everything you see with the snail I gave you. If someone is in critical danger, then you can help them. Don't show yourself if there is no need. This is a fight for the young generation, we have to solve this problem with our own strength"
Tsuru nodded and then she vanished.
„Let's go, our first fight will start now"
After that Bonney, Hachi, Hancock, Reiju and Ezio walked out of the inn.
Around the inn were thousands of people. Every citizen of Paradise Island surrounded them. Everyone of them had the same smile on their face.
„Now that I see all these people smile at us in this creepy way…" said Bonney nervous. „I understand what Ezio meant about the people of this place"
The blonde merchant girl smiled after she saw the four people walking out of the house.
„Wow, so you aren't an old man", said Lily. „You are a handsome young man. And this beautiful girl besides you, alone her beauty is a precious thing for my collection. Do you want to trade that beautiful face with me?"
„You creepy b*tch…"
Hancock wanted to start the fight but Ezio hold her back.
„Don't let her provoke you. You have to stay calm and you have to analyze your opponent. She is dangerous"
After that Ezio looked at the citizens.
„So, what is the secret behind you all? Do you all share the same soul or something? You are clearly controlled by someone"
All citizens laughed at the same time. It was so loud that the Blackflame crew had to hold their hands on their ears. When thousands of people laughed at the same time… this was truly a strange experience.
„You aren't to far away, boy"
All citizens said this sentence at the same time. It sounded like a choir because their timing was perfect.
„So you are all one and the same!", said Ezio and frowned.
All citizens laughed again. Then all people began to talk at the same time.
„Of course we are the same. Why do you think we are so selfless? One for all, all for one… It doesn't really matter. We are all one and the same, so if one of us helps the other, we are helping in reality ourself. Isn't it funny that the people called this island the paradise? Hahaha…"
Ezio took his scythe from his spatial ring and looked serious.
„This place is truly annoying. This place should burn for eternity"
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone