One Piece: I will become stronger by checking in

Above a forest outside Loguetown, a trail of white smoke streaked through the sky at breakneck speed.

Smoker's face was grave. Just thirty minutes earlier, he had been scouring Loguetown for the Straw Hat Pirates.

Suddenly, he sensed a massive battle erupting outside the town.

Without a second thought, he raced towards the source of the disturbance.

He was now nearing the island's edge, still some distance from Loguetown. Despite his half-hour dash, he had yet to arrive.

Moreover, the battle's intensity had faded several minutes ago, and he wondered if he'd still find the fighters upon arrival.

And...

Based on the intensity of the earlier fight, he was certain he was no match for the combatants.

But he pressed on without hesitation. Loguetown was under his jurisdiction, and he was determined to keep it safe.

If someone wanted to wreak havoc here, they'd have to step over his dead body first!

...

In the heart of the battlefield, two figures stood silently.

Dragon regarded Kai with surprise, understanding now why Kai was so confident.

Had Dragon possessed such strength at Kai's age, he would have been even more arrogant!

Thinking this, Dragon felt a sudden urge to recruit Kai and asked:

"Are you interested in joining the Revolutionary Army?"

"Join the Revolutionary Army?" Kai was momentarily taken aback. He hadn't expected Dragon to offer, but... he wasn't interested!

"Forget it, I prefer being a pirate!"

"Being free is wonderful!"

"Alright, I've accomplished my goal, so I'm heading back now. Bye~"

With that, Kai turned and headed towards Loguetown.

At that moment, Smoker arrived and nearly collided with Kai , who was about to leave.

"Hey, Marine, didn't expect to run into you here. What a coincidence~"

Kai greeted Smoker.

Smoker, however, seemed oblivious to the greeting, his eyes wide with shock as he surveyed the devastation.

The landscape before him was a scene of utter destruction, with trees reduced to splinters and a massive crater spanning several miles in the forest.

Kai didn't interrupt Smoker's stunned silence. Instead, he casually walked past him. Just as he was about to use Moonwalk to speed back to Loguetown, Smoker called out again.

"Demon King Kai Vane!"

The tone was no longer questioning but filled with resolve.

"It's me!" Kai admitted openly this time, no longer needing to hide.

With his goal achieved, he wasn't afraid of drawing attention now.

"How dare you deceive me? I'm taking you to Impel Down!"

With that, Smoker charged at Kai , drawing his Ten Hands.

Smoker believed that since Kai Vane looked different from his bounty poster, it had to be due to a Devil Fruit power.

And the Sea-Prism Stone embedded in his weapon was the perfect counter to Devil Fruit users!

Too bad his assumptions didn't match reality!

The strength gap between him and Kai was vast!

Kai barely turned, merely dodging Smoker's attack with ease.

"How... how is this possible?"

Smoker was astonished, sweat beading on his forehead. Then Kai's voice reached his ears.

"Marine, you're quite brave!"

"Do you think my 300 million bounty is just for show? Or... are you overly confident in your Logia powers?"

"Boom!"

Smoker was sent flying back at an incredible speed, crashing into the ground hundreds of meters away.

"Pfft!"

As Smoker struggled to rise, he spat out blood, his gaze fixed on Kai Vane with a mixture of dread and respect.

"Marine, your strength is lacking. Trying to capture me? You're not even close!"

With that, Kai continued his departure. After a few steps, he stopped and waved back at Smoker.

"By the way, thanks for the Berries!"

(╬▔盘▔)╯!

That's too much!

Smoker tried to stand, determination in his eyes. Even if he couldn't defeat Kai , he was resolved to track him down!

But just then, a hand pressed him back to the ground.

"You can't defeat him!"

Smoker slowly lifted his head, shock evident as he recognized the person before him.

"Dragon!!!"

...

Back in Loguetown, Kai saw a massive bolt of lightning streak from the sky.

"Hahaha... I'm still alive!"

Luffy chuckled, adjusting his straw hat.

At the same time, heavy rain began to pour, accompanied by fierce winds.

Seeing this, Kai called out to Luffy:

"Let's go, Luffy. The Marines are on the move. If we don't leave now, it'll be too late!"

"Oh, Kai , what are you doing here?"

Luffy noticed Kai and greeted him happily.

Kai sighed, rubbing his forehead.

No wonder the Straw Hats in the original series always escape at the last moment. Is this how you get the Marines' attention?

"Forget why I'm here. Will you listen to me?"

"The Marines are coming, so run, got it?"

"Oh, got it, got it!" Luffy nodded.

"Then why are you still standing there? Run!" Kai snapped, seeing Luffy standing still.

"Oh, right!"

Luffy bolted, but...

"Straw Hat, stop!" Buggy's voice rang out from behind.

Unexpectedly, Luffy really did stop.

Kai couldn't take it anymore. Seriously, does he enjoy dragging things out?

Kai spotted a long alley leading out of town and grinned.

Kai appeared next to Luffy, sneering.

"Since you don't want to leave on your own, let me help you!"

With that, Kai gave Luffy a powerful kick.

In an instant, Luffy was propelled towards the edge of town at high speed.

Kai, watching from his spot, clapped his hands with a satisfied grin.

"Isn't this much faster? It really is!"

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Power Stones would be appreciated if you liked the story