Buggy soon entered Mori City, where the sight of elegant Western-style architecture greeted him. Flowers and greenery were neatly arranged around the city, complementing the buildings beautifully. The streets were bustling with people—some playing, some shopping—while street vendors lined both sides of the road, calling out their wares.
Without lingering, Buggy headed directly to his destination: a bar.
His reason for going there was simple—to purchase information on Lafitte.
While Buggy knew that Lafitte was somewhere within the Illusia Kingdom, he didn't know the man's exact location.
In the world of One Piece, bars were often the central hub for intelligence gathering.
If someone needed information, the first stop was always the local tavern.
Buggy had no intention of wasting time, so he went straight to one of the busier bars in the city.
The bar was crowded, filled with men and women of all ages—even elderly patrons were enjoying themselves at various tables.
Buggy walked straight to the counter, ordered a glass of beer, and drank it down in a single go. Then, he fixed his gaze on the bartender.
The bartender, sensing Buggy's intent, approached with a professional smile.
"Good evening, sir. Is there something I can help you with?"
Without beating around the bush, Buggy got right to the point.
"I'm looking to buy some information. Does this place handle that kind of business?"
"Of course, sir. If there's something you wish to know, we're more than happy to provide it—for a price."
The bartender remained polite, but his eyes gleamed with interest.
Selling information was a lucrative side hustle, and depending on the quality and rarity of the intel, some tips could fetch sky-high prices.
As long as he made a sale, he'd receive a handsome cut—so naturally, he was eager.
"Please follow me."
Naturally, a transaction like this wouldn't happen in the open.
Buggy was led through a discreet door beside the counter, into a private room tucked behind the bar.
"Alright, sir. What kind of information are you looking for?"
"I'm trying to find a man named Lafitte—a patrol officer.
He's from this kingdom, probably around seventeen or eighteen years old, and his methods are likely quite violent.
Based on what I know, he should have a small but growing reputation by now."
Buggy offered what clues he had, including his guesses, to help the bartender identify the right person quickly.
"Understood, sir. Please give me a moment."
The bartender pulled out a Transponder Snail and walked over to the corner of the room to make a call. Buggy didn't pay attention to the details and simply waited in silence.
A short time later, the bartender returned, wearing a smile.
"Sir, we've located the person you're looking for.
He's currently stationed in Babu Village, a rural area under Mori City's jurisdiction.
This information will cost you 500,000 Berries."
To Buggy, the price was nothing.
He calmly handed over the prepared sum and, in return, received a detailed report.
According to the intel, Lafitte was currently serving as a patrol officer in Babu Village.
He matched Buggy's description precisely—violent, ruthless, and feared.
In his district, no one dared commit even the smallest offense.
If caught, the offender would likely suffer inhumane treatment, either beaten within an inch of their life or locked up for "re-education."
Buggy was now confident—this was Lafitte.
With the information in hand, Buggy left the bar immediately.
He found a local guide and, under their direction, headed straight for Babu Village.
A few hours later, Buggy arrived.
What greeted him was a peaceful, pastoral landscape—fields of crops and people working the land.
But something felt... off.
Buggy didn't rush to find Lafitte. Instead, he lingered to observe the village's atmosphere.
He noticed that there were no pedestrians on the streets, and even the farmers working the fields spoke in barely audible voices.
Two men, clearly arguing, kept their tones polite and restrained, almost like they were having a calm conversation—yet the actual words were harsh, insulting.
Buggy quickly realized what was going on.
This was Lafitte's doing.
He walked directly toward the two arguing middle-aged men.
"Why are you two whispering like this while arguing?
Are you afraid of something?"
The two men turned to look at him.
Seeing an unfamiliar young man, they dismissed him and resumed their quiet quarrel.
Buggy instantly understood—they weren't taking him seriously.
So, without hesitation, he released a wave of pure killing intent.
He didn't have Conqueror's Haki (yet), but as a Swordmaster, his spiritual pressure was potent enough to weigh heavily on others.
The two men immediately froze.
Beads of sweat rolled down their faces as the pressure mounted, their bodies involuntarily bending forward under the weight.
One of them finally broke down, panic in his eyes.
"P-please, sir! Don't be angry—we'll answer anything you want to know!"
They could feel the sheer power radiating off Buggy.
This was not someone they could afford to cross—not if they wanted to live.
Buggy withdrew his aura.
He had no grudge against them and only wanted answers. Since fear had worked, there was no need to go any further.
The men slumped in relief, gasping for breath.
Then, still hunched over, they explained why they were afraid to argue loudly.
As expected, it was because of Lafitte.
He was the village's patrol officer.
Anyone caught arguing in public would face brutal punishment.
Some were beaten half to death; others were locked away for "re-education."
No one dared to raise their voice anymore.
Hearing this, an idea sparked in Buggy's mind—the perfect excuse to approach Lafitte and a way to subdue and recruit him.
He fixed his gaze back on the two villagers.
"I sympathize with your situation.
That patrol officer sounds like a tyrant.
I can help you drive him out—if that's what you want.
So tell me, are you willing?"
Buggy planned to use the villagers' resentment as a reason to confront Lafitte.
He would "challenge" Lafitte under the pretext of defending the village, defeat him, and recruit him afterward.
The men hesitated.
"Sir, Lafitte is a monster.
We've always wanted to get rid of him, but we're powerless.
If you go after him, you might get hurt…"
Their fear ran deep—years of Lafitte's oppressive rule had left them convinced that he was invincible.
Buggy didn't reply.
Instead, he slowly drew his sword, Flame Sun, and slashed at the dirt path beside them.
With a boom, a deep gash split the road.
The villagers gasped, their eyes widening in terror.
And Buggy had held back his full strength—otherwise, he might have scared them into a heart attack.
"Do you still think I need to fear Lafitte?
You might not get another chance like this.
If you choose to stay silent now, your miserable lives will never change."
The two men exchanged a look, then nodded solemnly.
"With strength like yours, sir… no, there's no way you'd lose.
Please—we leave it to you!"
They were utterly convinced.
Buggy was the man who could finally end their nightmare.