The straw hat spun lazily at Shanu's fingertip. Suddenly, he let out a quiet "hm," straightening up and turning his gaze southwest.
There—birds burst from the treetops, scattering into the distance.
Someone coming? Or perhaps a beast?
He narrowed his eyes, spread his legs, and slid swiftly down the trunk, stopping on a broad branch halfway. From there, he had both a clear view of the forest floor and a wide field of vision.
…
"Boss, that kid's only what, a few years old? And he still beat all three of you down?"
The dumb, heavy voice came from a towering, two-meter fat man carrying a spiked club on his shoulder.
"Why would I lie about something like that? You think it's an honor?"
The wiry man beside him, face bruised and swollen, snapped angrily. "Look at this! Still not healed! That damn brat did this. Don't underestimate him—he's got power from a demon!"
The fat one blinked, confused. "Power from a demon?"
"I don't understand it either, but everyone says so! His arms and legs stretch meters long, then snap back—like those spring-loaded jack-in-the-box toys! It's terrifying!"
"That sounds scary, boss! Good thing Scarface finally caught him. Otherwise, we'd be trembling every patrol!"
"Yeah, but don't relax. The boss says the brat's got an accomplice. They might try to rescue him. That's why we've been called back to camp."
"There! Someone's here!"
The fat man jabbed his club upward.
The wiry one looked up sharply. Sure enough, a black-haired figure perched above, watching them with a curious smile.
"That's the brat's partner! Careful—he might be another demon!"
The wiry bandit shouted, yanking his flintlock free and aiming it at Shanu. "Get down here! Hands up, or I'll shoot!"
"How scary—pointing guns at strangers right away…"
To their surprise, Shanu actually raised his hands slowly, still smiling.
"Funny, this is our first meeting, isn't it? Why call me a demon's partner?"
"Not a partner?"
The fat man tilted his head, lowered his club, and turned to the wiry one. "Boss, maybe we got it wrong. He says he's not."
"You believe whatever anyone says? Idiot!"
The wiry man nearly exploded, glaring at Shanu. "Not a partner, huh? Then explain this—why do you have the exact same hat as that demon brat?"
"This?"
Shanu glanced back at the straw hat on his back and shrugged.
"Just coincidence. But honestly, I've been searching for that brat too. Days in this cursed forest, nearly exhausted. So really—thanks for catching him. Saves me the trouble."
"No need to thank us—it's our job."
The fat one chuckled. "That kid's a menace. He kept stealing our roast meat whenever we split up. Scarface got so furious he went himself and tied the brat up by a cliff. Let's see him steal again!"
"Exactly! A naturally evil little brat deserves that fate!"
Shanu nodded seriously. "He owes me something too. Since we're on the same side, how about taking me to that cliff?"
"No problem, brother!" The fat one grinned. "It's out of the way, but come with me—"
"Idiot!"
The wiry man smacked him hard, finally losing his patience. "Can't you hear? He's fishing for info! Fool!"
"Eh?"
The fat man froze, but the wiry one had already pulled the trigger.
Bang!
The shot ripped past Shanu's face, grazing the air by his nose. He turned calmly, noting the fresh hole in the tree trunk.
"You people really do shoot first, ask later."
His eyes narrowed. "I can't dodge every bullet, so sorry—I'll have to act."
With a kick, he launched from the trunk like a cannonball.
Before the wiry bandit could react, Shanu's hand clamped around his throat, lifting him into the air. The flintlock was torn from his grip and snapped like a toy.
"Don't bully the boss!"
The fat man roared, swinging his spiked club down.
Shanu slipped aside, seized his arm, and hurled him across his shoulder.
Boom!
The fat bandit crashed into a tree, leaving a man-shaped crater, pinned and howling.
Still holding the wiry one by the skull, Shanu smiled politely.
"So… will you take me there now?"
…
"Oi, wake up! Wake up!"
Through a haze, Luffy felt rough hands slapping his face.
Smack!
A stinging slap jolted him, followed by a bucket of icy water splashed over his head.
"Cold!"
Shuddering, Luffy blinked awake.
"Huh? Wh-what's going on?"
He looked around—tied tightly to a stone pillar, with only a sheer cliff behind him.
"Waaahhh!" he screamed, snot flying.
"Shut up, brat!"
A scarred, dark-skinned brute loomed before him, one boot on a chair, face twisted in anger.
"You've given me trouble enough. Now you'll tell me—why've you been targeting my men?"
"Targeting? Your men?"
Luffy tilted his head, utterly confused. He looked from Scarface to the snarling bandits all around him, their eyes blazing with hate as though he'd committed some unforgivable crime.
Still baffled, Luffy asked:
"Uh… who are you guys again?"