As chaos reigned in the Corrida Colosseum, the rest of the Straw Hat crew found themselves drawn into their own tangled threads of adventure across Dressrosa. Meanwhile, Kael, already having sailed with the crew, began to quietly observe and understand Luffy more deeply. But in the arena, the two would soon meet in a clash that would test Kael's resolve.
Luffy vs Kael
In the heart of the arena, fighters from Block C dropped one by one. Luffy, still in his Lucy disguise, dashed through the crowd with a grin plastered on his face.
"Man, there's so many strong guys here! This is fun!" he laughed.
Kael, masked as Ironshade, squared off against another contender before effortlessly disabling him with a swift elbow and a spin-kick. His eyes snapped toward Luffy.
He's reckless... but powerful, Kael thought. Why do I feel drawn to him instead of disgusted?
Their eyes met as they circled each other. Luffy squinted. "You feel kinda familiar..."
Kael said nothing, taking his stance.
Without hesitation, Luffy lunged forward. Their fists clashed—an impact that sent a shockwave through the coliseum.
"You're strong," Luffy said, bouncing back with excitement.
Kael hesitated. "So are you... Straw Hat."
The moment stretched, tension thick. Then Kael charged, aiming for Luffy's flank.
Their battle raged in a blur of fists, grit, and echoes of cheering. As they exchanged blows, Kael found it harder and harder to hate the man in front of him.
He fights for others… not for pride, Kael thought, beginning to understand.
Zoro's Loss
Zoro strolled confidently down Dressrosa's vibrant streets, keeping an eye on his surroundings—or so he thought.
Without warning, a gust of wind rushed past.
Swish!
He turned just in time to see Shusui vanish into a flash of motion.
"HEY! Come back here, damn thief!" Zoro roared, sprinting through the alleyways. Citizens yelped as he barreled past, slicing a clothesline in half by accident.
"It's the fairy thief again!" someone cried.
Zoro gritted his teeth. "I'm getting that sword back, even if I have to cut through the whole island!"
The Green Bit Mission
On the vine-covered bridge to Green Bit, Robin, Usopp, Law, and Caesar advanced with caution.
"Law! This bridge is too long and shaky! What if it collapses?!" Usopp whined.
"Then swim," Law said coldly.
"Se-re-re-re! I'm not a fish! I'm a genius!" Caesar wailed, wobbling behind them.
Robin chuckled softly. "Don't worry, Usopp. You'll be fine. Just focus on the mission."
Law gave a final warning. "We're meeting Doflamingo's men. No mistakes."
Caesar paled. "Wait—what?! You didn't say we were trading with him!"
Trouble on the Sunny
Back aboard the Thousand Sunny, the atmosphere grew tense.
A fog drifted in, thicker by the second.
"Why is it so misty all of a sudden?" Nami asked, frowning.
"Yohoho, this doesn't bode well!" Brook said, raising his cane.
Momonosuke yelped. "Look! Over there! Something's coming!"
Giolla emerged from the fog, riding a bizarre snail-like craft, holding a paintbrush dripping with strange slime.
"Art! Emotion! Elegance! I am here to beautify you all!"
Chopper transformed. "She's the enemy! Get ready!"
Giolla waved her brush. "You will all be my canvas!"
In a flash, Nami, Brook, Chopper, and Momonosuke were caught in her strange art-based Devil Fruit power. Their forms twisted—partially transformed into abstract art pieces.
"What the heck is happening?!" Nami screamed.
Brook looked at his now geometric skull. "I-I'm modern art! Yohohoho!"
Chopper panicked. "We can't move!"
Momonosuke groaned. "Not again..."
Sanji Meets Violet
Sanji danced along the promenade, spinning with joy.
"Dressrosa has beautiful women AND delicious food! Life is good!"
That's when he saw her—Violet, draped in sadness and elegance.
"Miss! What's wrong?!" Sanji cried, rushing to her side.
She flinched. "You shouldn't be near me... I'm dangerous."
"Danger only makes you more mysterious! Please, allow me to help!"
Violet looked up at him, calculating. Then she smiled slightly. "Very well... but only if you trust me."
"With my heart and soul!" Sanji declared, tears of joy flooding his eyes.
Kael's Reflection
Between blows with Luffy, Kael's thoughts churned. Each punch, each dodge, filled him with conflicting emotions.
He's not my enemy, Kael thought as he blocked another punch. But he's part of the path I chose to walk.
"You're holding back," Luffy said suddenly.
Kael stiffened.
"I don't know why, but... I don't think you're a bad guy," Luffy added.
The words hit Kael like a blast. His knuckles tightened.
"Maybe I'm not," he whispered. "But I'm still dangerous."
Kin'emon's Search
Kin'emon paced the alleys of Dressrosa, gripping his sword tightly. He approached an elderly woman.
"Excuse me, have you seen a young samurai boy? Possibly taken by soldiers or held captive?"
The woman blinked. "A strange boy with topknot hair was seen in the toy district. Talks to himself. Odd little thing."
"That's him!" Kin'emon bowed. "Thank you. I must rescue him."
He turned, eyes fierce.
"Kanjuro... hold on. I'm coming."
The crew, separated by fate, now faced trials in every corner of Dressrosa. As their bonds were tested, each member stepped forward with resolve.
And above all, the clock ticked—toward betrayal, truth, and war.