Chapter 106: 3 O'clock at Spider's Café
The calm that had shrouded the ocean gave way to an uneasy energy as the Going Merry approached the rugged coast of Nanohana—a port town tucked away behind a cluster of jagged, sun-bleached rocks. The ship, battered yet resolute, drifted into a secluded cove where the churning sea offered a natural barrier against prying eyes. The gentle lapping of the water against the hull mingled with the distant murmur of a bustling desert port, a juxtaposition of serenity and the underlying threat of conflict.
Atop the deck of the Going Merry, the crew gathered as if summoned by fate itself. Goku stood at the helm, his gaze scanning the horizon with the intensity of a man who had seen far too much to trust a moment's peace. Around him, the crew assembled in a tight semicircle—Zoro, his scarred features set in a permanent scowl; Nami, eyes alight with a mixture of determination and worry; Usopp, nervously adjusting his gear; Sanji, exuding his customary cool despite the tension; Gin, still rough around the edges from his recent watch duty, and Chopper, his wide eyes reflecting both trepidation and hope.
Stepping forward with an air of calm authority, Goku's voice cut through the quiet murmur of the early afternoon. "Alright, everyone—listen up!" he called, his tone leaving no room for doubt. "We've set anchor in a hidden bay behind these rocks for a reason. Nanohana is our gateway into Alabasta, but that doesn't mean we're off the hook. Baroque Works isn't blind—they may already know we've arrived."
He paused, his gaze shifting from face to face, ensuring every crewmate understood the gravity of the situation. "Sanji, I need you to head into town and secure food supplies—meat, fresh produce, anything that'll keep our strength up during what's coming. We're not just passing through; we're preparing for a battle, and you're our gourmet warrior."
Sanji smirked as he adjusted his jacket, his eyes gleaming with the promise of both culinary delights and the thrill of the hunt. "Leave it to me, Goku. I know exactly where to find the best cuts in Nanohana."
Goku then turned his attention to Vivi, whose compassionate yet resolute face reflected the weight of her responsibility. "Vivi, you'll lead Nami and Usopp. I need you to procure all the other necessities for traveling in the desert—water, protective gear, and anything else that'll help us navigate the unforgiving sands. We can't afford to be unprepared."
Vivi's eyes shone with gratitude and determination, and beside her, her loyal, super sonic duck squadron captain Karoo—a vibrant, surprisingly spry duck with a crest of iridescent feathers—bobbled proudly, as if ready to take flight at a moment's notice. "I won't let you down, Goku," Vivi promised softly, her voice steady despite the storm of emotions swirling inside her.
Goku's gaze then fell on the duo of Zoro and Gin, who had already exchanged a wordless nod of mutual understanding. "Zoro, Gin—you two stay behind and guard the Going Merry. We can't risk letting Baroque Works catch wind of our exact position. Keep a sharp lookout. If anything stirs out there, I need you both ready to defend our home away from home."
Zoro grunted in acknowledgment, his hand resting casually on the hilt of his sword, while Gin's eyes scanned the rocky perimeter, every muscle coiled and alert.
Finally, Goku's tone grew even more solemn as he concluded his briefing. "As for me—I'm heading into Nanohana. I have a meeting in town with our double agent, Miss All Sunday. She's our link inside Baroque Works, and the information she holds might just be the key to turning the tide. I'll update you all as soon as I have news."
A heavy silence descended on the group for a heartbeat, each member absorbing the enormity of the tasks laid before them. In that moment, the cove seemed to hold its breath, the crashing of distant waves and the whisper of desert winds forming a natural symphony of impending conflict.
One by one, the crew set off on their respective tasks. Sanji strode confidently toward the town's bustling marketplace, where vibrant stalls offered an array of spices, meats, and exotic ingredients. His every step exuded a mix of purpose and anticipation, knowing that behind every morsel lay the fuel for the battles to come.
Vivi, Nami, and Usopp made their way to another section of Nanohana—a labyrinth of narrow alleys where merchants hawked their wares. The desert heat wrapped around them like a suffocating shroud, but Vivi led with an unyielding resolve, her eyes constantly scanning for the best provisions that could withstand the harsh journey ahead. Nami's sharp mind darted from stall to stall, calculating costs and quality with a precision that belied her worry, while Usopp's nervous energy found solace in the camaraderie of their shared mission.
Back on the Going Merry, Zoro and Gin took up their positions at the ship's bow and stern, respectively. The jagged rocks that hid their anchorage served as both a shield and a constant reminder of the precariousness of their haven. They exchanged brief, wordless signals—a glance here, a nod there—each aware that their vigilance could mean the difference between life and death.
And then there was Goku, alone now on the ship's edge, staring out toward the sprawling port town. The battle for Alabasta loomed large, a shadow on the horizon that promised both glory and peril. Every muscle in his body tensed as he prepared to step off the Going Merry and into the heart of Nanohana, where hidden alliances and double-dealing awaited him.
The port town of Nanohana buzzed with the clamor of everyday life—a stark contrast to the silent urgency aboard the ship. But beneath the veneer of normalcy lay the promise of chaos. Goku's heart pounded with the anticipation of what was to come. The stakes were higher than ever; the battle for Alabasta was not merely another skirmish—it was destined to be the greatest battle they had ever endured since joining the crew.
As the sun climbed higher in the cloudless sky, each member of the crew moved with purpose, their steps carrying them closer to destiny. In that moment, amidst the clamor of a bustling port and the steadfast resolve of a crew united, the battle for Alabasta was not just imminent—it was inevitable.
***
The Spiders Café stood isolated in the heart of the Alabasta desert, a lone structure surrounded by endless waves of golden sand. The scorching midday sun beat down mercilessly, casting long shadows across the barren landscape. The café itself was a weathered building, its exterior worn by years of sandstorms and relentless heat. A flickering neon sign above the entrance read "Spiders Café," though the letters were barely visible under layers of dust and grime. Inside, the air was thick with the scent of oil and the faint tang of cigarette smoke, mingling with the oppressive heat that seeped through the walls.
Behind the counter stood a woman with striking blue hair, tied back in a loose ponytail. Her sharp, emerald eyes scanned the room as she absentmindedly wiped down the counter with a cloth. She moved with practiced ease, her hands busy with tasks that seemed to occupy her mind as much as her body. The café was eerily quiet, save for the occasional creak of the wooden floorboards and the faint hum of a ceiling fan struggling against the heat. She was alone, the only sign of life in the desolate establishment.
The silence was broken by the sound of the door creaking open. A figure stumbled inside, his breath ragged and his movements unsteady. It was Mr. 2 Bon Kurei, though he looked far from his usual flamboyant self. His colorful outfit, a mix of bright pinks and blues, was torn and stained with sand and sweat. His face, usually adorned with exaggerated makeup, was pale and drawn, his eyes hollow with exhaustion. His signature swan-shaped hat was tilted awkwardly, and his once-pristine feather boa hung limply around his neck. He collapsed onto a stool at the counter, his shoulders slumping as he struggled to catch his breath.
The bartender, Paula, raised an eyebrow as she set down her cloth. "Well, well," she said, her voice smooth but laced with curiosity. "You look like you've been through hell. What happened to you?"
Mr. 2 groaned, leaning heavily on the counter. "My ship… it started sinking out of nowhere," he muttered, his voice hoarse. "I don't know how, but I managed to make it out alive. Barely." He coughed, his hand trembling as he reached for a glass of water Paula slid toward him. "I pattled on a piece of wood for hours… thought I was done for."
Paula studied him for a moment, her expression unreadable. "Lucky you," she said dryly, though her eyes betrayed a flicker of concern. "You're not the only one who's had a rough time lately."
Before Mr. 2 could respond, the door swung open again, and two new figures entered. The first was Mr 4.
Mr. 4 is a large, heavyset man with a slow and lumbering demeanor. He has a round face, small eyes, and a perpetual look of dullness or confusion. His hair is short and unkempt, and he often has a vacant expression. He wears a simple, loose-fitting outfit consisting of a white shirt with vertical stripes, dark pants, and sandals. His most notable accessory is the large, bazooka-like gun he carries, which is shaped like a dog and can fire explosive baseballs.
Mr. 4 is slow-witted and often a dim or oblivious to his surroundings. He speaks slowly and seems to lack urgency, even in dangerous situations. Despite his sluggish demeanor, he is incredibly strong and resilient, making him a formidable opponent in battle.
Mr. 4 is paired with Miss Merry Christmas, a small, mole-like woman who complements his slow nature with her quick temper and aggressive personality.
Miss Merry Christmas is a short, stocky woman with a round face and a mischievous grin. She has small, beady eyes and a large nose, giving her a mole-like appearance. Her hair is wild and spiky, sticking out in all directions, and she wears a pair of goggles on her forehead. Her outfit consists of a brown, earth-toned jumpsuit with a large shovel strapped to her back, reflecting her Devil Fruit ability.
Miss Merry Christmas is loud, brash, and quick-tempered. She often yells and gets frustrated easily, especially with Mr. 4's slow reactions. Despite her small size, she is fiercely aggressive and enjoys taunting her enemies. She is highly confident in her abilities and isn't afraid to take risks in battle.
Miss Merry Christmas has eaten the Mogu Mogu no Mi which allows her to dig through the ground and move underground with incredible speed. This ability makes her a tricky and unpredictable opponent
"Looks like we're not the only ones who got the message," she said, her deep voice resonating through the room. She took a seat at the table, her movements deliberate and controlled. Miss Merry Christmas followed, her eyes darting around with a mix of curiosity and amusement.
"Hey, Bon-chan," she said, her tone teasing as she addressed Mr. 2. "You look like you've been dragged through the desert backward. What happened to you?"
Before Mr. 2 could answer, the door opened once more, and a new presence filled the room. It was Mr. 1, his tall, lean frame exuding an air of quiet danger. He has short, dark hair and sharp, angular features that give him a stern and unyielding expression. His most distinctive trait is his body, which is covered in scars, reflecting his history as a deadly assassin. He wears a simple, sleeveless black vest that exposes his muscular arms, paired with dark pants and boots. His attire is practical and suited for combat.
Mr. 1 is calm, stoic, and highly disciplined. He rarely speaks unless necessary, and when he does, his words are direct and to the point. He has a strong sense of pride in his abilities and respects strength in others.
As the user of the Supa Supa no Mi. He can transform any part of his body into blades, making him a living weapon. This ability complements his assassin's skills, allowing him to cut through almost anything with ease.
Paula, who had been quietly observing the arrivals, finally spoke up. "Now that we're all here," she said, her voice calm but firm, "let's get down to business." She set down the glass she had been polishing and turned to face the group. "You're probably wondering why you've been called here."
Mr. 1's eyes narrowed slightly as he regarded her. "Enlighten us," he said, his tone cool and measured.
Paula's lips curved into a faint smile as she reached up and untied her apron, letting it fall to the floor. Beneath it, she wore a sleek, midnight-blue outfit that hugged her figure, the fabric shimmering faintly in the light. She reached up and removed a small pin from her hair, letting it cascade down in a wave of auburn locks. Her emerald eyes gleamed with a newfound intensity as she addressed the group.
"My name is Paula," she said, her voice steady. "But you may know me better as Miss Doublefinger, partner of Mr. 1."
A murmur of surprise rippled through the room, but Paula continued without hesitation. "The reason you've been called here is simple: Baroque Works is close to its goal of utopia. Our boss has sent out an order to converge on his location."
Mr. 2 leaned forward, his expression grim. "So we finally get to meet Mr. 0 huh?" He asked, his voice low.
Paula's smile turned cold. "That's what we're here to find out. But one thing's for certain—no body will see us coming."
The room fell silent as the weight of her words sank in. Outside, the desert wind howled, carrying with it the promise of a storm. Inside the Spiders Café, the agents of Baroque Works prepared for the battle to come, their resolve as unyielding as the sands of Alabasta.
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