章節 69: Chapter 69

The once lively desert town of Rainbase had descended with an unease, which had led the residents to hurriedly lock themselves in their safe havens, not wanting to get caught with the commotion which was occurring outside. Whispers of the 3C's presence been sighted had spread like a wildfire, sending waves of fear through many. Though there were some unwise ones, living for the thrill of adventure and risk, who stood outside gawking as some of the pirate hunters and marines screamed and shouted of what they should do next.

Sabo was sitting on a rooftop, observing everything which was going on, down the streets with his keen observation. He could see how some of the bounty hunters which were after his little brother and his crew, had turned tail and ran away while some stood defiantly, searching for them, trusting on their P.P.P weapons, which Sabo can assure was just a ruse. Well, it wasn't like he was going to waste time on cannon fodder when they have lots of things to do in such a short time.

"What are we supposed to do?!" One of the marines shouted, catching Sabo's attention. He could clearly see the man trembling down to his boots.

"Someone call the higher ups immediately! We need to report the sightings of the 3C's to them!" Another one of the marines commented, with his body trembling and his hands shaking by his side. That was a wise decision but none of the higher ups could do anything to harm them, so Sabo didn't bother to stop the marines.

"We need to get Captain Smoker to call them." Someone wisely reminded the protocols of the marines, which was truly just a nuisance at the rate it was developing and going on.

"You go!" Another marine pushed the other, who was likely to be a low ranked marine, not wanting to go himself as he knew that their captain was searching for the 3C's.

"No way! I-I-I-I can't go!"

"Hey, I am sure those 3P's weapons would be more of a help than the old counterfeits we had! And you have the newest edition of those! So, of course you should go! You have to!"

Sabo ignored the marines who were bantering now, pushing each other, not wanting to go after Smoker and Tashigi, who were the only ones who were running through the entire city in search of them. Sabo was impressed at the bravery of those marines though, who weren't even carrying a single of those 3P's goods, which claimed to stop them. 'What a joke!' Sabo mused, looking at the marines behaving like headless chickens.

"Are they still hunting for us?" Ace inquired Sabo, as he looked down to where his twin was seeing and indeed, there were marines who were now arguing what they should do and somehow landed on the decision of capturing the Strawhat Pirates. Ace would have been worried for Bonney, if not for the Luffy's crew to fight back the moment the marines even dared to attack them. They might be scared but that wasn't going to stop them from losing another one of them or letting their captain go.

"Some bounty hunters are running astray wanting to test their heavily paid P.P.P. weapons against us." Sabo spoke in a mocking tone as he didn't even cast a look at the bounty hunters who were howling their names, wanting a fight.

"As if they are strong enough to stand against us for even a second." Ace rolled his eyes with a mocking smile on his face.

"Truly a pitiful sight." Sabo agreed with his twin as a smirk adorned his face. "Is Luffy ready?" Sabo questioned Ace soon after. They have left Luffy to change in his own attire and the kid did say that he needed to do something for his crew to move on to Alubarna without wasting time here in Rainbase, but the loyal crew was doing all they can do to find him, which was cute to see.

"Yep! He even left to deal with his crew." Ace answered back to Sabo, his eyes fixed at the new person or rather than a marine, who was shouting Luffy's name throughout the town and cursing them to hell and back for kidnapping the 'innocent, little brat'. "Are we doing something with him?" Ace gestured to Smoker who was still running astray, spreading his smoke to search for their little brother.

"I have a job for him." Sabo grinned, pulling his trademark cape to hide his face and beckoned Ace to follow him, which his twin did without a doubt. "No speaking for you though, Cole. Smoker can recognize your voice."

"That sucks, Cyane." Cole pouted, pulling his trademark cape to cover his face, which only allowed the lower part of his face to peek out.

"You get to ambush him." Cyane shrugged, not seeing how the situation was unfair to Cole, who immediately beamed at Cyane's answer and hopped several rooftops to reach the alley, where Smoker was running through to find Luffy.

Cole lunged down at Smoker without a warning, using his swift and precise movements to barrel an unsuspecting Smoker to the ground, who instantly began to fight for his freedom.

"You! Where is he?!" Smoker growled, shaking off his fear, as he was literally smacked to the ground by none other than Cole, who had not been sighted for several years but now. "Where is Luffy?! WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO HIM!?" Smoker shouted out, trying to get out of the tight death grip Cole had on him. He could see the bastard pirate smirking with so much joy, that it had Smoker want to crawl under a rock but he wasn't going to cower in fear, not when he knew that an innocent kid's life was at stake.

"Color me surprised, White Chase Smoker." Cyane slyly remarked, catching Smoker's attention, who was realizing how much trouble he was in, by being in presence of two of the deadliest legends to ever sail on the seas. He hadn't even noticed Cyane sitting idly on the rooftop of one of the houses in the alleys, looking down at him with a deadly smile on his face. But he wasn't going to give up nor show the fear which his heart was feeling on his face. No, he refused to! "I never thought you for one to save pirates of all people."

"Luffy is different!" Smoker instantly argued, trying to change his body into smoke, but he soon found out that resistance was futile as Cole's grip only tightened on his arms and head, keeping them low enough to touch the ground. "He is innocent! He hasn't done anything wrong. Give him back!" Smoker shouted out, with all his strength and glared at Cole and Cyane with all the hatred he could muster, but even that seemed to be useless before the two men, who were fucking snorting at his reply.

But in reality, Cole and Cyane were impressed at Smoker's bravery and his worries for Luffy. They couldn't believe that Luffy's Luffy effect had worked even on one of the marines who is known to not let any pirates escape his sight. But that was enough for Cyane and Cole to trust Smoker, even if it was a little.

"I'm impressed, Cyane. This guy's not too shabby like the other marines." Cole spoke for the first time between his snorts, making Cyane sigh, who knew that Cole would eventually talk, especially in a condition like this. Well, it doesn't matter much.

"I know." Cyane smiled to his twin, ignoring Smoker who was cursing at them to not ignore him and return Luffy back. "What do you say we do? Include him in our plans, huh, Cyra?" Cyane questioned the teen, Cyra, who was chuckling with his familiar 'Shishishishishi' and had joined them just a while ago. Though behind those joyful peals of laughter, he could clearly hear the little guilt hidden behind his voice.

"Yea-" Cyane instantly shut down Cyra, whose voice could be way too recognizable to Smoker. Luckily, Cyra got the memo and nodded his head enthusiastically instead of giving a verbal answer.

Smoker's eyes widened as he recognized the childish voice which was let out from Cyra's throat. He recognized the voice of the one who had made deals with the mysterious organization with members called by their code names.

"You-!" Smoker was abruptly interrupted as Cole slammed his face into the cold, hard pavement. A devilish smile glistened on Cole's lips, announcing an untold threat. Smoker could even feel the intense glares burning into his back.

"You are in position to even talk, Mr. Marine." Cyane spoke, his voice filled with a cold fury, which was controlled and yet felt like crashing straight with an iceberg. "But follow our words." Cyane's face lit up into a calm smile, the aura of the sudden chill dissipating with it. "There is a bomb planted somewhere in the city of Alubarna by Crocodile. Find it and rescue the innocents. That's your job." Cyane ordered.

Smoker's eyes widened in disbelief at what the scums of the earth were ordering him to do. He couldn't believe that they were going to let him go to search for a bomb, which can be fake for all he cares about. "For you to finish off Luffy at that time?! No way!" Smoker shouted out, snapping his last cigar in two between his teeth.

Cyane and Cole were really impressed by Smoker's ability to care for Luffy even when he was given the opportunity to turn tail and leave the scenario but only if he does the job which Sabo appointed him to. Meanwhile, Luffy- or rather, Cyra- the little shit, was giggling at Smoker's worries and concerns for him. He was really glad to have got people who were looking out for him but truly, he didn't need the concern and fear with which it came. He was very well capable of protecting himself, thank you very much.

"How about this? If you manage to diffuse the bomb in time- which is just in four hours- and protect the innocents, we will leave Strawhat Luffy unharmed in Alubarna?" Cyane proposed, seeing that this was the only way for the marine captain to get his ass moved to Alubarna and diffuse the bomb while the others worked on apprehending their opponents.

Smoker gritted his teeth, not knowing if the 3C's will keep the end of their deal but he didn't have any choice. Seas, he couldn't even fight Cole, who didn't even use his rumored devil fruit on him! He was weak to even challenge the 3C's in a fight. That's why he didn't get any options. The weak never get choices.

"You better keep the end of your deal!" Smoker grunted, feeling the weight of Cole leave his body.

"We will!" Cyane and Cole spoke in unison, before vanishing with Cyra from Smoker's sight completely and leaving him shocked, frustrated and angry.

Just a few minutes ago, Luffy, who had changed into his trademark red cape, was dashing through the streets to find his crew, whom he could feel even from far away. He didn't like the way he was worrying and frightening them. He had wanted to play Cyra and the 3C's with his brothers after his crew had left for Alubarna but Sabo had said it was important to throw people off trails from identifying his real identity as Cyra and Strawhat Luffy at the same time. He even said that it was a good way for the rebel army, royal army and the Baroque Works to mildly stop at their plans in fear of them being in the country. Sabo is smart, that's why Luffy didn't question his decision and agreed with the plan.

But now that he was approaching his crew and clearly saw how Zoro and Sanji were totally worried for him, and Chopper, Nami and Usopp having tears in their eyes, Luffy was having second thoughts. He could even see Vivi, the princess who was in dire need and time to save her country, trying to console his friends. It was really making Luffy feel sad but he wasn't going to let that stop the mission he was onto.

"You there! You are Cyra, right?!" Zoro growled out, his sharp eyes instantly landing onto Cyra's being as he stood solemnly at his swordsman's sight. "Give back Luffy!"

"Give him back this instant!" Sanji joined Zoro, both of them dashing towards Luffy at a really good speed.

"He has done nothing to you guys! Give him back or Captain Usopp will crush you!" Even Usopp was standing bravely despite his teary eyes and slightly shaky legs, raising his slingshot and ready to attack Cyra, who couldn't help but let a smile grace on his lips, seeing the love and protection which the crew was showering onto him. His eyes swept at Nami, who had her new weapon in her hands; Chopper ready in his monster form to attack him and Vivi with a determined look in her eyes, ready to face anything. His eyes met that of Bonney's who instantly beamed back at him, subtly pointing at the groaning marines at the ground, which was indeed the handiwork of his own crew. Luffy couldn't help but feel proud but he needed to leave and so does his crew now.

Giving one last glance at his crew, Luffy threw the letter which Sabo had written at haste, to Zoro's face and dashed off to where his brothers were confronting Smoker.

'Be safe and kick asses!' Luffy prayed for his crew, wanting them to fight their own battles and get out of it alive. He was not worried as he had been training them with Haki since they entered the Grand Line but it would be the first time Luffy would completely leave his crew behind to deal with the things on their own, while he deals with Crocy.

"Where the hell do you think you are going?!" Zoro shouted out angrily, not having time to even nurse the bump on his forehead caused due to a mere paper of all things. He just wanted to run after Cyra, to find his captain who was definitely with them.

"Dammit! Not again!" Sanji cursed, snapping his cigarette in frustration. It was the fifth cigarette from the morning which fell lifelessly on the sandy grounds.

"Hey! There's something written on it!" Bonney made sure to instantly grab the piece of paper which Luffy had thrown, and which the Strawhats were dumb enough to not even read. Well, she couldn't blame them seeing it was Luffy of all people who was kidnapped according to them.

"What?!" Sanji instantly questioned, turning to Bonney and peeking over her shoulders to look at what the letter entailed. Was it a challenge to get their captain back? Or was it something else-? Sanji's eyes widened at what he was reading. "Dammit! Dammit! Dammit!" Sanji cursed out loud, his eyes tearing to go to Vivi, who was trembling like a leaf in rage and confusion and so much shock.

"My father..?" Vivi let out in a trembling voice. "The port city? The rebel army? Everything started at midnight...? W-When I was sl-sleeping?" Vivi cried out, drops of tears falling from her eyes to the ground, which instantly soaked it in.

Sanji had known about the situation, the same as Zoro, after being told by Sabo, but Luffy's brother had not told them that they would require eight fucking hours to reach Alubarna to stop the war. Even if they head out now, they would only reach when the war was over and the kingdom was destroyed.

"We need to hurry to Alubarna." Bonney spoke, becoming the voice of reason in the situation which the Strawhat Pirates found themselves in.

"But what about Luffy!?" The Strawhat Pirates questioned at once, not wanting to leave their captain on his own against the 3C's, who were way too strong for the teen to even handle.

"What about him?" Bonney asked innocently, with a tilt to her head.

"The 3C's have never let any pirate go except the Spades and Whitebeards..." Nami trailed off, as realization crashed on her. Ace. 'Fire Fist' Ace, Luffy's big brother, the captain of the Spade Pirates, who had once allied with the 3C's to go toe to toe with the Whitebeard Pirates, meaning that he has connections with the 3C's. "Where are Ace and Sabo?!" Nami questioned Bonney, who began whistling and avoided looking at her.

"You know something." Sanji addressed Bonney, looking at her with curious expression, wanting to just know if Luffy was truly safe or not as they were beginning to speculate. "You aren't worried." Sanji pointed out, observing Bonney to get any clues. He could swear from the interaction between the siblings that Bonney loved Luffy the most. But wasn't it too strange for Ace and Sabo to disappear in a situation like this and Bonney to not even panic?

"The letter does say that Luffy-ni will be fine if we deal with the situation in Alubarna." Bonney shrugged, not wanting to look at the concerned eyes of her big brother's crew. 'You owe me for this, Lu-ni!' Bonney pouted mentally. She was sad that her brothers left her behind but she wasn't worried sick like the other Strawhats, which was not missed by anyone. "Moreover, I know that they would lead Luffy-ni to Crocy to deal with, since they and Ace are friends."

That sentence was enough to make the Strawhats relax and let hope bubble in their hearts.

"How does Ace even know the 3C's in the first place?!" Usopp groaned, wanting to know about the story, to distract the residual worries in his heart. But unfortunately, Bonney didn't have any more lies in her arsenal and chose to wisely stay silent and ignorant to the question.

"Let's go." Zoro said calmly, moving to the direction where they came from. "We need to stop the war and trust Luffy to deal with the 3C's and defeat Crocodile." Despite the words, Zoro couldn't help but feel bitter and weak. He couldn't protect his captain. He was weak. That's why the only thing he could do right now was lead the crew on behalf of Luffy, as he had told him, and guide them to Alubarna to stop the war. He only prayed to the seas to return Luffy, the teen god who wasn't yet ready. He only wished that the 3C's would keep their end of the deal.

"Not that way." Bonney groaned, correcting the direction of the swordsman, who didn't even grumble at that and began moving, leading the entire crew to walk behind him.

"Luffy is a monster. So, he has to be okay." Usopp tried to lift the somber mood as the crew headed out of the town.

"Yeah, Luffy's the strongest!" Chopper agreed with Usopp, sniffling and wiping the tears from his eyes.

"Are we going to run all the way to Alubarna though? Aren't we short on time?" Nami questioned, chewing her lips in worry. She was worried for Luffy but she trusted that dumb idiot enough after knowing Ace's connections with the 3C's. But that left the concern of reaching on time to stop the war.

"Where is Eyelashes and Purple?" Vivi queried, looking around to find the camel and the reptile, but even when they were out of the town, both of the animals could be nowhere found.

"Don't worry about that." Sanji grinned, pointing at the giant bird which was flying towards them. He still couldn't believe that Luffy had somehow managed to befriend the giant bird, which was flying above the Merry one day and had somehow called it to aid them.

"That's an Archaeopteryx! They are not even found in Alabasta!" Vivi recalled the name of the bird, which she had read once. They are the fastest bird one can ever find in the Grand Line. But why were they approaching them?! Did they want to have a bite of their fleshes?

"'We have been ordered by the little king to help his friends reach their destination. So, please take a seat.' He says." Chopper translated with his jaws dropping on the sandy terrain. He was truly amazed over and over whenever Luffy would get any living beings to command respect towards him.

"What the?!" Usopp, Nami and Vivi let out with their eyes bulging out of their sockets at the gigantic bird's words and decisions.

"Get on!" Zoro commanded, climbing on the bird first, then followed by Sanji who was ready to give a hand to the others to climb up the bird.

"Captain Smoker!" One of the marines instantly pointed out the man who was heading out of an alley and rushing towards them, with an angry look on his face. "We are so sorry but we failed to catch the-"

"Call back the marines chasing after the 3C's or the Strawhats." Smoker instantly commanded, cutting off his subordinate. He didn't have enough time to bicker with them. "Also, contact HQ! and tell them to get all the Marines ships in the vicinity of Alabasta to gather here in this country."

"Are we supposed to tell them about the presence of the 3C's, sir?" The marine questioned, getting a glare from Smoker for his words.

"What else do you think!?" Smoker growled out, giving a deathly glare to the marine, who instantly began running to call the higher ups for back up in fear. "Tashigi." Smoker called out for the woman who instantly saluted him and stood by his side. "You are to head out to the sea to get the higher ups and other marines to surround the perimeter of this island." Smoker commanded. He would have loved to send Tashigi on behalf of him, to judge for herself what's wrong and right and follow her own sense of justice, but he ain't got any time for that.

Knowing what the 3C's had told him through their words and letter, he could tell that the culprit behind the civil war in Alabasta was Crocodile. But he still wasn't sure why the 3C's, one of the most evil pirates on Earth, would ever help a kingdom and want to stop the war. Wouldn't they have rejoiced as the kingdom fell and one of the pirates with whom they might have made a deal won?

"You want me to help them?" Tashigi questioned, trailing behind Smoker, not getting why she was getting chosen for the job when it would be Smoker who would always do it. "What am I supposed to do? Tell them to stop the 3C's..?" Tashigi didn't want their troops to fall like the many who have fallen in the hands of those scums. "Or am I to stop the Strawhats?" That would make sense but knowing that the crew had already left the town and headed to who knows where, was embarrassing.

"I'll leave that to you." Smoker spoke, starting his bike. "I have another business in Alubarna and you have to decide on your own what the right thing to do is." Smoker commanded, throwing the letter which the 3C's gave him to Tashigi to read.

Tashigi's eyes widened at the information which was scribbled down in the letter. "Just what on Earth is going on, Captain?" Tashigi questioned, not getting what was truly even going on. The uprising, the 3C's and lastly Crocodile behind it all. "Who gave you this information?"

"The 3C's."

"But why would they?" Tashigi instantly asked Smoker but the smoke fruit user had no answer to that.

Meanwhile, on top of the tallest building, which was the Rain Diners, in the Rainbase, the three brothers, Ace, Sabo and Luffy were having their morning breakfast, while watching the chaos which was slowly starting to cease. They would have preferred to finish Crocodile and not stuff their faces, but they were too hungry to be bothered to fight right now. They needed energy after all, for the day.

"My crew left for Alubarna finally." Luffy grinned, hearing the message which the winds relaid to him about his crew finally getting on the birdy whom he had requested help from. He was lucky to find him in the first place in the morning.

"Smoker also headed out for Alubarna." Sabo announced, watching as Smoker sped his bike and went towards the city of Alubarna all alone. He just hoped that the trust they put on Smoker wouldn't be wasted on.

"All that's left is to kick Crocodile's ass." Ace smirked, stuffing bacon in his mouth. He was really hungry since the morning.

"Hey, Crocy's mine to fight!" Luffy pouted, stealing a large piece of meat from Sabo's plate, only for his hands to get attacked by a deathly fork and swatted away.

"I know little brother." Ace ruffled Luffy's hair but there really wasn't anything for him and Sabo to do if Luffy wants to hog Crocy all for himself. Anyways, if they did join in that fight then it would be overkill. So, nope. He was fine in standing at the sidelines and helping. All that was required was to inform his crew where he was and with whom. He was sure they would find him in Alubarna at the end of this 'mission'.

Purupurupurupuru

"Who is calling now?" Luffy asked, looking curiously at the snail in Sabo's hands.

"Must be Kuma-san." Sabo replied back, picking up the call.

Click

"How's the situation there?" Kuma questioned immediately once they picked up the call. He was certain something had happened to make the rebel army antsy. He could see how the few Baroque Works agents were constantly alarmed.

"Me, Ace and Sabo scared the shit out of everyone." Luffy giggled happily, as he got hold of the snail, whose expressions instantly softened.

"I take it as the reason why the rebel army are uneasy." Kuma mused, thinking how the bounty hunters and Crocodile would have began running the instant they heard or saw the 3C's, whom they were expecting to come.

"Yosh!" Luffy proclaimed happily.

"Have you defeated him yet?" Kuma asked, wanting to know if Crocodile was done for or not. It was already getting close to 6 in the morning and dealing with Crocodile as soon as possible was required.

"Not yet." Sabo answered with a sigh. "We plan to head out after filling our stomachs." Sabo gave a look to his brothers who were still eating but it was okay. Crocodile can hide or run all he wants but in the end they will catch him and Luffy will teach him a life's worth of lessons to not mess with his friends.

"Still in Rainbase then?" Kuma asked, nodding his head understandably when the snail answered with an affirmative. "I take Bonney is with the crew?" Again an affirmative.

"What's the situation on your side, Kuma-san?" Ace questioned, with his mouth full of meat and other mush. He was trying to eat fast and talk at the same time, which was disgusting but did any of them care? Nope.

"The rebels didn't listen to me and hence are moving towards Alubarna for a clash." Kuma sighed, remembering how Kouza refused to even hear him after he told the truth. "On top of that, the Baroque Works lower agents have infiltrated the rebel army as well as the royal army. We have been weeding them out from the rebels but haven't got enough chances with the royals yet." Kuma answered with a sad smile on his face. He didn't like it when innocent people would fight and the one behind it all would laugh at their misery. "So, hurry and bring the culprit to the capital. That can only stop the war now."

"Alright, Kuma-san. You can leave that to us." Sabo assured, looking at his brothers who were done and ready to head out.

"Let's head out!" Luffy grinned, his infamous D grin brightening up the mood.

The sky which appeared to be in hues of orange, pink, red and blue, announcing the dawn in the desert city of Rainbase, was casting shadows with the dark, murky clouds which had somehow gathered over the land of Alabasta, announcing the tell tale signs of rain, which everyone begged for. The thunders were cackling here and there, with the winds howling throughout the city, as if they were angry and out for blood. The abrupt change in the weather wasn't just that simple or a blessing- considered by many- but it was a sign of an impending chaos waiting to be unleashed on a sinful person.

With a cackle of the thunder in the far above sky, the 3C's landed in front of the Rain Diners, startling the guards who were appointed to guard the area and check for any passerby's identity and bags before letting them in. But the figures standing before them, identified with their billowing capes fluttering elegantly yet dangerously in the gusts of winds, and the elaborately extravagant jewels which dangled from their necks, was enough to freeze the guards and not want to move a single step. The aura which the men, the 3C's were radiating was so breathtaking yet life snatching that the guards felt that their lives would be taken the instant they even tried to take a breath.

Cole, Cyane and Cyra ignored the weak guards, who were practically pissing in their pants, and headed to the entrance of the Rain Dinners, which was blown wide open with a thunderous crash, garnering the attention of everyone present there. The casino patrons screamed and scattered, running for cover, knowing full well of what could happen if they got caught in a fight between the 3C's and anyone. Even the guards took this as an opportunity and scrambled away in fear, prioritizing their lives before their jobs.

A maniac giggle could be heard, taunting the patrons and the managers of the casino, who were trembling in fear and doing their best to escape the situation.

Cole casually grabbed one of the fleeing men, who he was sure was one of the managers of the large casino, by the collar and lifted him off the ground effortlessly with his raw strength. "Where's Crococile?!" Cole inquired, his voice cold and unforgiving, hiding a wrath which was waiting to be unleashed.

"S-S-S-Sir C-C-C-C-C-Crocodile i-is in the ba-basement in one of t-the VIP r-rooms." The manager stammered profusely with sweat trickling down his face, as he squirmed underneath the choke hold which was strangling the breath out of him. He could only wish that the others were doing as they were ordered and he gets enough time to escape from the 3C's.

"Liar." Cyra pointed out instantly, with a frown tugging at his lips.

Cyane wasted not a single moment to deliver a swift punch to the manager's face, knocking several teeth out of his mouth and sending him sprawling across the floor. The handful of people left inside the casino screamed in pure terror as they pushed one another to get out of the hellhole, in which the 3C's were out for murder.

"It would be wise to tell the truth rather than lie." Cyane threatened the manager, who had blood trickling down from his mouth and looked dazed.

"Pl-Please spare me!" The manager begged, kneeling on his knees, not wanting to get another taste of the 3C's power. He was regretting agreeing with Sir Crocodile as he left the casino to him. Why was he so greedy to sign his own death only for some gold?! "I'll tell you the truth! He left! He left an hour ago!"

Cyane and Cole looked at Cyra for affirmation, which he gave instantly. The manager was telling the truth this time. The coward of the Warlord had run away the instant he might have heard of their presence in the town.

"Let's go-"

Cole was instantly cut off by the sounds of alarms blaring into life as lock down protocols were initiated, shutting the doors of the entry and exit, trapping them with the few patrons and the manager who were crying and begging for his life.

"Them again?" Cyane sighed, noticing the reinforced materials designed, manufactured and produced to specially stop them. The logos of the P.P.P- Proper and Pirate Proof- stamped onto the doors, windows and the gadgets, which claim to stop them from destroying it, boasting their impenetrability. Well, at one point when they had started manufacturing they might have been tough to break through but it was just a child's play for them with their current strength.

"They never learn their lesson." Cole agreed with his brother. They don't even require their top most powers to even handle the self proclaimed 'impenetrable' doors.

"Can I destroy it this time?! Can I? Can I?" Cyra chuckled gleefully, already wanting to challenge the new set of doors begging him to shatter and break it. With a signal from his brothers, Cyra pounced on the door, punching it and shattering one of the 'unbreakable' doors, which crumbled into dust at the mere force which Cyra used.

"Just as weak as they were." Cole shrugged, bending one of the bars from their sockets with his fingers. He didn't understand why the 3P's- as the P.P.P. like to also call themselves to mock them- were even wasting their time on useless stuff like this.

"Let's go find that coward." Cyane provided, as the 3C's broke free from the so-called unbreakable defenses, practically disappearing the moment they stepped outside. They were ready to make their way to Alubarna, where Crocodile was ought to be going. Even if it was a race against time itself, none of the brothers were worried, knowing well enough that they had Crocodile right where they wanted him to be. After all, a fight is better to be played in private than in the public, where the innocent lives can be put into danger and they cannot unleash their fury to their heart's content.