The freezing wind of Drum Island cut through the air like blades.
The Going Merry sat anchored in the icy canal. On both sides, steep rock walls rose up, buried under meters of snow.
Snowflakes whirled wildly through the sky, reducing visibility to only a short distance.
On the shore, hundreds of militia dressed in thick fur coats crouched low. Spears and muskets in their hands glinted coldly, radiating murderous intent.
The atmosphere had fallen to absolute zero—colder than the minus-ten-degree temperature surrounding them.
Luffy stood at the bow.
The lively expression he usually wore had been replaced by a calm and solemn seriousness.
He didn't attack.
Instead, he stared at Dalton with unwavering focus.
"Mister, we're really just here to find a doctor."
His voice wasn't loud, but it cut through the wind and snow with surprising force.
At that moment, Nami rushed out from the cabin entrance.
Wrapped tightly in her coat, her beautiful face carried a sharp, determined look.
She had already noticed the mixture of fear and intense hatred in the militia's eyes when they saw Wapol.
An idea instantly formed in her mind.
"Looks like this former 'king' isn't exactly popular here."
Walking to the edge of the deck, Nami pointed toward Wapol, who was curled up in the corner with a hopeful yet fearful expression.
"Hey! Since he's your enemy, how about we make a deal?"
Dalton frowned, gripping the heavy sword at his waist.
"What are you trying to say, pirate?"
"It's simple."
A cunning gleam flashed in Nami's eyes.
"Tell us where we can find a doctor."
"As long as our friend gets treated, we'll take this prisoner away and make sure he disappears from your sight forever."
"But if we can't reach an agreement…"
Nami let out a cold laugh, her tone turning threatening.
"We'll release this 'king' right back into your country."
"Let him continue ruling over you however he likes. I doubt that's something you'd want to see again."
The militia erupted into uneasy murmurs.
"We can't let that tyrant return!"
"We don't want to live in fear again…"
In the corner, Wapol's eyes darted around.
Although he had been called a prisoner, the thought of returning to power made his greedy instincts stir again.
He secretly hoped the villagers would give in.
But hatred sometimes made people lose their reason.
"Don't listen to these pirates' lies!"
Among the militia, a young man who had been blinded by rage stepped forward.
Looking at the pirates calmly standing on the deck, he felt as though they were toying with the fate of the country.
"We won't be threatened by anyone again!"
"Not by tyrants—nor pirates!"
"Die!"
BANG!
A deafening gunshot shattered the snowy silence.
Smoke burst from the muzzle as a lead bullet tore through the blizzard with a shrill whistle, heading straight for Nami's forehead.
Nami's pupils shrank instantly.
For a split second, the cold sensation of death felt more real than the surrounding ice.
She didn't even have time to react.
She could only watch the dark streak rushing toward her.
"Looking for death."
A chilling voice sounded.
Ronan appeared beside Nami like a ghost.
He didn't even swing his staff widely.
With just a slight flick of his wrist, the tip of the ebony staff traced a perfect arc through the air.
Clang!
A crisp metallic sound rang out.
The deadly bullet was struck aside with perfect precision, shooting off into the nearby ice wall and exploding into a small spray of ice crystals.
Ronan's eyes turned completely cold.
The calm aura around him instantly sharpened into something lethal.
"So you actually dared to fire…"
He murmured quietly.
The staff in his hand trembled slightly as the surging inner energy within him searched for release.
"Nami!!"
Sanji cried out in alarm, rushing forward.
Only after confirming she was unharmed did he finally relax.
But then his golden hair covered one eye.
The temperature around him suddenly rose from pure fury, melting the snow beneath his feet.
"You pieces of trash…"
"You dared to hurt Nami-swan!"
Luffy's expression also changed completely.
This time, the carefree grin vanished.
What replaced it was the authority of a captain.
"You attacked Nami…"
The deck beneath his feet groaned heavily.
BOOM!
Without warning—
Luffy's body shot upward like a cannonball launched from the ship.
The explosive air current swept the surrounding snow into a miniature storm.
Dalton's expression changed drastically.
He felt a suffocating pressure unlike anything he had ever experienced before.
"Everyone be careful! Fall back—"
Before he could finish—
Luffy had already crossed dozens of meters and appeared directly above him.
"Gomu Gomu—"
Twisting his waist midair, Luffy's body curved like a fully drawn bow.
His fist carried no Armament Haki.
Only the terrifying pure strength forged by the Thirteen Iron Guardians Body Training.
"Bullet!!"
The punch was as fast as lightning and as heavy as a mountain!
Dalton couldn't even take a proper defensive stance.
He barely managed to raise his heavy sword across his chest.
BOOM!!
The impact echoed through the canyon like thunder.
The massive sword bent instantly under the punch, as fragile as paper.
A tidal wave of force crashed through Dalton's body.
It felt as though his organs had been violently displaced.
"PUAH—!"
Dalton was launched backward like a kite with its string cut.
He smashed through several huge chunks of ice before embedding deep into the rocky cliff.
Blood sprayed from his mouth, staining the white snow crimson.
"Captain Dalton!!"
The militia cried out in shock.
Anger instantly overwhelmed their fear.
Shaking with rage, they raised their guns and fired wildly at Luffy.
"Shoot! Fire!"
At that moment—
A deep roar came from the pile of shattered rocks.
"Everyone… stop!!"
A massive shadow rose from the rubble.
Dalton's body began to change dramatically.
His already large frame swelled rapidly.
Bronze skin sprouted thick black fur.
Huge curved horns emerged from his head.
In the blink of an eye, a giant bull with bloodshot eyes stood on the shore.
Zoan Type — Ox-Ox Fruit, Bison Form!
But Dalton didn't attack Luffy.
Instead, despite the violent pain surging through his chest, he spread his massive arms wide and blocked the militia's gun barrels.
"No one fires! Lower your guns!"
Dalton coughed up blood as his transformed body trembled slightly.
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