The assassin lunged, slashing toward King Cobra without hesitation.
But Luffy was faster.
In a blur of motion, he intercepted the blade with his forearm, catching it between two shadow-forged bracers that materialized just in time. The steel screeched against the dark energy, sparks flying into the air and momentarily lighting up the dim chamber.
"You're not laying a finger on him," Luffy snarled, his voice low but seething. His aura flared, a subtle pulse of pressure pushing through the cavern.
He twisted his body, planting his foot with precision, and drove his fist straight into the assassin's stomach. A sharp thud echoed as the man was lifted off the ground and launched across the room. He crashed into the stone wall, cracking it on impact before slumping to the floor, unmoving. A faint groan escaped him before silence settled in.
Robin stepped past Luffy with calm efficiency, her gaze flickering over the fallen enemy. "He's out cold. And lucky. You held back."
Luffy ignored the comment. His eyes were already locked on King Cobra. The king looked frail, his skin pale beneath the blood and grime, his breathing shallow and labored. Every breath was a struggle.
"Are you alright?" Luffy asked, crouching beside him, his brows furrowed.
The old monarch managed a faint smile through cracked lips. "I'll live... thanks to you. Straw Hat Luffy... your name echoes far and wide."
Luffy gave a small grunt. He summoned a dark tendril, which extended and morphed into a sharp edge. With one precise slash, he sliced through the chains around Cobra's wrists. The rusted metal clattered to the floor, breaking apart with age and force.
Cobra winced as his arms fell free. His shoulders sagged, and he coughed, a dry rasp echoing in the chamber. He tried to move but staggered from the strain.
Robin moved quickly to support him. "Lean on us. We'll get you to the surface. We don't have time."
Luffy stepped to his other side and offered a shoulder. Together, they began walking slowly toward the stone corridor. Each step was careful, deliberate.
As they moved, Cobra struggled to speak. "Crocodile's plan... it was never just about power. He wanted to erase history. Take control of our royal records—the Poneglyphs. Twist the legacy of Alabasta to serve his own lies."
Robin's eyes narrowed, her voice tinged with resentment and memory. "I know. He viewed history as his enemy. That's why he wanted me—to read, and then to bury what he didn't like."
Cobra looked at her with cautious interest. "You were one of them... yet you helped me."
Robin paused as they walked, her voice quieter. "Because I chose someone different this time. Someone who doesn't lie."
Luffy gave her a quick glance, the corners of his mouth twitching. The silence between them was one of understanding.
They reached a spiral staircase that led up toward the palace's lower halls. Robin formed extra arms along the wall to support Cobra from behind as they began the slow, difficult climb upward. The torches lining the steps flickered weakly, casting elongated shadows against the stone.
Above ground, the city square had shifted.
The thick dust in the air was settling. The endless clash of weapons had dulled into silence. Only the echo of distant cries remained, like the final breaths of a storm.
Vivi stood near the bell tower, hands clasped tightly, her eyes scanning the palace gates. Her heart pounded in her chest, every breath shaky. Her knuckles were white from holding on to hope.
Zoro stood a few steps behind, arms crossed, swords sheathed. He was alert but relaxed, scanning the rooftops with a swordsman's instinct.
Sanji leaned against a broken column, cigarette perched in his mouth, flicking ash with a faint scowl. "They're taking too long."
"They'll be here," Zoro replied calmly. He tilted his head slightly, eyes narrowing.
The soldiers in the square looked around uncertainly. Their weapons were lowered, and many had discarded them completely. Confusion hung in the air like fog. Murmurs passed between them—some ashamed, others angry, most dazed.
Then—
A creaking door burst open at the far end of the square.
Everyone turned.
Robin and Luffy emerged from the shadows of the corridor, supporting a limping figure between them.
Gasps spread like wildfire.
"The king!"
"He's alive?! That's King Cobra!"
The silence shattered. Vivi's hands flew to her mouth.
"Father!"
She ran, her feet slipping slightly on the dust-slick stones. She didn't care. Her arms opened as she dropped to her knees beside him, sobbing freely.
"You're safe... I thought—"
Cobra gave her a tired but warm smile. "You protected our people, Vivi. I saw it in your eyes the moment you rang that bell. I'm proud of you."
Tears spilled down her cheeks like floodgates had opened. She clutched his robe tightly, burying her face into his chest. Her sobs echoed in the quiet.
The crowd stood in stunned reverence. No one moved. Even the most skeptical soldier lowered his head. Whispers of loyalty and guilt rippled through both rebel and royal ranks.
But before the moment could last—
A sharp whistle echoed across the rooftops.
Zoro's eyes narrowed instantly. Sanji spat out his cigarette and growled.
"Snipers," Sanji muttered, already in motion.
Luffy's head snapped up. His eyes scanned the skyline like a hawk. From the edge of a tall building, he saw it.
The glint of metal. The silhouette of long barrels aimed with deadly precision.
Baroque Works agents—four of them—camouflaged among the roof tiles, rifles already leveled.
Each one aimed squarely at King Cobra.
Time slowed.
Luffy's pupils shrank. He screamed, lungs tearing with urgency.
"GET DOWN!"
To be continued...
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