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Chapter 9 - Chapter 9: Clowns and Foxes – The Carnival of Madness Begins

Loguetown.The city where the Pirate King died.And perhaps, where the next Pirate King would begin.

The Dream Conqueror entered the harbor like a phantom ship—gliding above water before dipping back into the sea with a theatrical splash. Crowds of merchants, pirates, and Marines gasped at the strange vessel, but none dared approach.

Not after seeing Vegito.

A Town of Tension and Tricks

The crew split into teams for the day. Nami and Nojiko explored the local cartography shops. Scarlet went out to purchase exotic spices. Yasaka and Alvida scouted out strongholds and gossip. Vegito wandered solo, cloak draped around his shoulders, blending in despite his wild hair and Saiyan tail.

Until he heard music.

And laughter.

And… cannons?

"Buggy's Grand Carnival!"

Loguetown's central plaza had been overtaken by tents and banners. A makeshift stage had been set, complete with fireworks and cheering throngs of citizens. At the center of it all stood a large, red-nosed man in a jester's outfit, arms outstretched.

"Welcome, worms and wanderers, to Captain Buggy's Greatest Show on the Seas!"

Behind him stood a handful of familiar faces. Vegito's gaze sharpened as he recognized two female crewmates of Buggy.

One was Moji's lion tamer assistant, a curvy redhead named Mimi, now dressed in a revealing ringmaster's outfit.

The other, Kara, a dark-haired blade dancer, twirled beside her—showing off her speed and grace as sparks flew from her twin daggers.

"Today!" Buggy shouted, "We shall crown the true King of the Carnival with a glorious game… unless someone's brave enough to challenge me!"

Vegito crossed his arms, amused. "A clown, a crowd, and a challenge. Sounds like fun."

System Alert: Side Quest Triggered

Title: "Carnival Clash – Buggy's Davy Back Match"Objective: Defeat Buggy's crew in three-stage carnival-themed challengesBonus Objective: Seduce or recruit Mimi and KaraReward: 50,000 system credits + 1 Rare Devil Fruit (Random) + Enhanced Public Infamy (East Blue)Warning: Losing a stage may result in the capture of a crewmate (optional forfeits only—triggered by plot)

Accept Side Quest?✅ Yes❌ No

Vegito smirked. "Yes."

Challenge 1: Cannonball Chaos

A platform was erected near the docks. Buggy stood atop a rolling barrel, his crew launching paint-filled cannonballs toward moving targets.

"Let's see if you can out-circus the Clown King!" he cackled.

"Alvida," Vegito called out. "Your turn."

She grinned. "Let me show 'em how the new Alvida plays."

Slim, curvy, and dangerous, Alvida danced across the platform, spinning her mace with shocking grace. Paintballs flew toward her, but she deflected them all with a snarl and flourish.

Final score:Alvida – 48 deflectionsBuggy's best – 34

Vegito raised a hand. "That's one win."

Buggy's smile faltered.

Challenge 2: Blade Ballet

A ring was drawn. Kara, the blade dancer, stepped forward, flipping her daggers with hypnotic rhythm.

"I don't just fight," she said. "I mesmerize."

Vegito turned to Yasaka. "Think you can keep up?"

Yasaka smiled devilishly. "She's fast, but I'm unpredictable."

The dance-off began. But it wasn't just a performance—it was a duel of precision, showmanship, and speed.

Kara's movements were elegant and vicious.

Yasaka's style? Chaotic elegance. She leapt into the air with pressure bursts, bounced between walls, and left a trail of swirling wind with every kick.

In the end, Kara was panting. Yasaka stood untouched.

Final score:Yasaka – 4 knockouts, 3 flips, 1 stolen daggerKara – 0

Even Buggy was impressed. "Okay, okay… so you've got flair."

Vegito grinned. "Two down."

Kara looked at Yasaka. "You weren't bad. Got a name?"

"Yasaka," she said. "We've got room on the ship if you're done dancing for clowns."

Kara flushed slightly.

Challenge 3: The Showdown

Buggy floated into the air using his Chop-Chop powers.

"You think you can waltz in here and make a fool of me?!"

Vegito floated higher—arms crossed.

"You do a good enough job on your own."

Buggy launched his limbs at blinding speeds, trying to box Vegito in. Cannons exploded from the background. Kara and Mimi watched nervously.

But Vegito? He vanished.

In an instant, Buggy's body parts were bound with ki ropes midair. His head spun wildly.

"How did—!?"

Vegito's fist struck like thunder.

"King's Fist: Ringmaster's End!"

Buggy crashed into the stage, his body planted like a tent stake.

System Notification: Side Quest Complete

Buggy DefeatedCarnival Stages Conquered

Mimi – Affection +40 (Curiosity and Awe)Kara – Affection +60 (Intrigue and Attraction)

Rewards Unlocked

50,000 system credits

Devil Fruit (Spin-Spin Fruit – can control momentum)

Carnival Cape cosmetic for all female crew (+Minor Allure Aura)

Buggy's Crew Disbanded – Public embarrassment triggers dispersal

Post-Fight: Recruitment Begins

Mimi approached Alvida with wide eyes. "You really… hit all those cannonballs?"

Alvida smirked. "Wanna ride with a real crew?"

Mimi bit her lip. "I'm not a fighter, but I've got talent in handling logistics. And I'm sick of Buggy's madness."

Vegito gave her a once-over and smiled. "Then join us. Logistics officer, huh? I like the sound of that."

Kara approached Yasaka.

"You move like a wild wind," she said.

"I take that as a compliment," Yasaka replied.

Kara looked at Vegito. "I want to see how far your crew can go. I want freedom. Count me in."

Crew Update – New Members Acquired

Mimi (Logistics Officer): Smart, resourceful, skilled in managing ship supplies and carnival-style illusions.

Affection: Interested

Kara (Blade Dancer): Agile, stylish fighter with a love for duels and acrobatics.

Affection: Budding Interest

New Shared Shiproom: "Performer's Hall" unlockedCrew morale increasedNami and Nojiko now see Kara and Mimi as friendly rivals

A New Challenge Emerges

As the crew celebrated, a strange signal reached Vegito's mind. A pressure... strange and slippery.

He turned sharply toward the harbor—where a long, narrow ship with a foxhead prow had docked.

From the deck, a lean man with a fox mask and flamboyant attire grinned.

"Foxy the Silver Fox has arrived!" he declared. "And I challenge you… to a Davy Back Fight!"

Alvida groaned. "Oh not this clown…"

Yasaka cracked her knuckles. "Let's break the game."

Vegito smiled. "Sure. I've got some crewmates I'd love to win."

He pointed at the woman next to Foxy—a cool, composed woman with silver-blue hair and sharp eyes. She stood beside Foxy like his personal advisor.

Portia, Foxy's strategist and battle coordinator.

Target Identified – PortiaAffection: NeutralPotential: High (drawn to powerful men who outwit Foxy)

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