Which one of you killed someone on the street today? Step forward and come with us!
The soldier commander hadn't been briefed on the details—just a direct order from above: apprehend the individual responsible for the street killings. Everything else wasn't his concern.
"I'm the one who did it," Buggy said calmly. "Those people were vile human traffickers. They deserved to die. I have no regrets."
Just as Buggy suspected, they were here about the group he had killed earlier that day. Judging by the situation, this wasn't going to be simple.
"That's not my concern," the commander replied indifferently. "You killed someone. That alone means you have to come with us. How you're dealt with will be decided by others."
Buggy could tell that reasoning was a waste of breath. The man was simply following orders and had no interest in justice or truth. Buggy also wasn't the type to let himself be dragged away—getting caught up in someone else's scheme and waiting to be judged wasn't his style. That was dangerous and foolish.
"I did nothing wrong. I eliminated scum for your kingdom. You should be thanking me, not threatening me. And if you still insist on taking me in... well, you'll have to earn it."
He had no guilt about killing those traffickers. But he also wouldn't just surrender. If words wouldn't work, then they'd have to settle things the old-fashioned way—through combat.
The commander's expression hardened. It was clear now: this man wouldn't come quietly.
He pointed at Buggy and barked to his soldiers, "Take them all in. If they resist—kill them."
Even though he knew Buggy had killed human traffickers, orders were orders. He had to bring the man in. If resistance came, then it was life or death—no mercy, no hesitation.
Upon command, the soldiers surged forward, swords and spears raised, rushing toward Buggy and his crew.
As they charged, Buggy unsheathed Yan Yang and slashed at the ground in front of them. A powerful wave of sword energy carved a deep scar into the earth.
It was a final warning.
These soldiers weren't villains. They were just following orders. Buggy didn't hold a grudge—but he wouldn't let them capture him either. If they backed off, there'd be no need for bloodshed. But if they pushed forward... he would show no mercy.
The sight of the massive gash across the ground made the charging soldiers instinctively stop. They stared at the deep wound in the earth, stunned. It was clear—this man was not someone they could casually take down. Charging forward meant death.
The commander saw it too. That single strike had revealed the gap in strength. He knew that average soldiers were useless against this opponent.
"Bunch of cowards. Stand aside!" the commander shouted, pushing forward. "I'll handle their leader. You lot deal with the others."
The soldiers immediately cleared a path. The commander strode to the front, eyes locked on Buggy, wariness etched across his face.
"You're strong," he admitted. "But this is the Illusia Kingdom. You don't get to run wild here. Surrender now, or I promise your fate won't be pleasant."
Despite seeing Buggy's power, the commander remained confident. He still had his trump card.
"Oh? I'd love to see what my fate might be," Buggy grinned. "Enough talk. Let's settle this with steel."
No more words were needed.
As soon as Buggy spoke, the commander's body began to shift—his arms transformed into wings, his legs into sharp talons, and his head morphed into that of an owl.
Buggy's eyes narrowed. "A Devil Fruit user…"
The transformation revealed his opponent's power: the Bird-Bird Fruit, Model: Owl—a Zoan-type Devil Fruit.
Zoan Fruits could be powerful depending on the user, and owls were formidable among birds: carnivorous, agile, and strong. The commander likely had enhanced senses, flight capability, and dangerous physical traits—a powerful advantage against normal pirates.
But to Buggy? It meant nothing.
He could fly, too—thanks to his mastery of Geppo (Moonwalk). And at his level, with sword techniques capable of slicing through mountains, no amount of height could save an opponent. He didn't need to catch you—he could cut you out of the sky.
The commander ascended rapidly into the air, seeking aerial dominance. It was a smart move against most. But Buggy simply stood there, arms crossed, watching.
Seeing that Buggy made no move, the commander became emboldened. Smirking, he spread his wings wide, charging his attack.
Thousands of feathers expanded from his body—and then, with a screech, rained down like a deadly barrage, all aimed at Buggy.
Buggy didn't flinch. Not even as the feathers closed in.
He stood calmly, motionless, letting the attack come.
The soldiers, seeing their captain unleash his signature move, gained a surge of confidence. They charged toward Dadi and the others, encouraged by what they thought would be Buggy's downfall.
Their captain had never failed with this technique. It had torn through countless enemies. Now, watching him in action, the soldiers let go of their fear and rushed in to fight.