Three days passed in the blink of an eye. By evening, the Silver Dragon finally arrived at Cactus Island. Standing on the deck, Eli could see, far in the distance, giant cacti rising like small mountains, and between them, a small town glowed warmly in the twilight, quiet and peaceful.
Under Filina's guidance and Dotai's precise maneuvering, the Silver Dragon docked smoothly at one of the town's piers.
No sooner had the ship come to a halt than cheerful music echoed from the shore. A group of townsfolk in vibrant, colorful attire hurried toward them, their faces alight with enthusiastic smiles. Leading them was a tall, middle-aged man who boomed, "Welcome, friends from afar, to Cactus Island!"
Eli's expression betrayed a faint sense of wariness, as if stepping straight into a scene from an anime.
Having watched enough of such shows, he knew these outwardly hospitable residents were actually a group of bounty hunters. They remained in this town to ambush inexperienced pirates entering the Grand Line. Many young, naive pirates had fallen victim to these hunters, lured in by false hospitality.
Scanning the crowd, Eli did not recognize any familiar faces. It seemed Crocodile's influence had not yet reached this island.
Eli did not feel particular animosity toward these bounty hunters. As long as they did not harm innocent civilians, he rarely intervened. That said, they must not provoke him or his crew.
Leading his companions off the ship, Eli was approached by the tall man, who bowed with exaggerated respect. "Welcome, Your Excellency Eli Winters, and esteemed guests, to Whiskey Mountain Town. The town has prepared fine food and drinks, awaiting your presence at the banquet."
Eli's smile was calm but carried a sharp edge. "Oh, don't tell me you plan to slip something into our drinks."
Big Pan and the others' eyes narrowed with barely contained killing intent.
The man broke into a nervous sweat. "N-No, Excellency! Even if I had a hundred cowardly men, I wouldn't dare!"
Eli studied him for a moment, then chuckled lightly. "Not bad. And your name?"
Relieved, the man replied quickly, "I am Darui, the current mayor of Whiskey Mountain Town."
Eli nodded slightly and followed Darui into town.
On the way, Darui prattled on about the town's unique charms and attractions. Eli, however, showed little interest, occasionally offering noncommittal responses. In contrast, Big Pan and the others were full of curiosity, pointing out peculiar sights and asking questions. Darui answered each respectfully, creating an atmosphere of seemingly genuine hospitality.
Finally, they arrived at the central town square. The scene was vibrant and meticulously arranged. Colorful banners swayed gently in the evening breeze, welcoming the newcomers. Residents bustled around, arranging tables and chairs with care. Some carried trays of aromatic dishes to the long banquet table, while others adjusted the placement of silverware to perfection.
The table itself was a feast for the eyes. Roasted skewers, golden and crisp, colorful fruit platters, delicately crafted desserts all spread in an irresistible display.
Under Darui's guidance, Eli and his companions took their seats. At that moment, Reiku leaned in and whispered something in Eli's ear, her expression serious. Eli slightly tilted his head, casting a quick glance at Darui, but kept his face calm, simply nodding to acknowledge Reiku's warning.
Darui raised his glass with exaggerated reverence. "Let us toast to the great Eli Winters and his esteemed companions, welcoming you to Whiskey Mountain Town."
The other bounty hunters followed suit, raising their glasses in enthusiastic cheers. Eli and the others did not refuse; they raised their glasses and drank. With Reiku present, there was no need for concern. Big Pan, in particular, happily indulged in the roasted meat, clearly enjoying himself.
The banquet lasted over three hours. Eli and his crew ate heartily, while Darui and his townsfolk frequently toasted to their guests. By the end, some were lightheaded from both food and drink.
Afterward, Darui bowed politely. "Your Excellency, I have prepared accommodations for you to rest tonight. You may plan your next steps tomorrow."
Eli nodded, following Darui to a lavish villa. After brief pleasantries, Darui made a discreet exit.
Reiku whispered to Eli, "Captain, should we act now?"
"No need. He drank the wine himself. He's probably just a pawn. Killing him won't help, and it might alert others," Eli said with a faint smile.
"What about us?" Reiku pressed.
"Wait and observe. They might make a move tonight. Everyone should rest, but stay alert there could be other traps." Eli instructed.
Cree, still inexperienced, was placed under Big Pan's watch.
Night fell, and Whiskey Mountain Town grew quiet.
Suddenly, several figures silently infiltrated the villa. Nine intruders, each carrying a set of handcuffs, moved with deadly precision.
Moments after entering, a single figure shot through a wall like a cannonball, landing in the grass outside. This was the signal.
Boom! Boom! Boom! One by one, the remaining eight followed, crashing through walls until all nine stood in the open.
Watching from a distance, the CP0 observers' faces turned pale. The "tonic" wine they had administered had failed. Fortunately, they had kept a backup plan, refraining from direct intervention.
"Damn it, Luke! Is your tonic fake? Why aren't they affected?" the hot-headed Eri barked.
"Rubbish! Didn't you test it? The last volunteer hasn't woken up. Don't blame me!" Luke shot back confidently.
"What the hell is happening now?" Eri muttered, frustrated.
"Captain Rodi, what now?" Toshihide Sakikawa asked, uneasy.
Rodi's face darkened. "We haven't exposed ourselves yet. Retreat for now. They'll need to store energy for the next island. We still have time."
"Captain, maybe we should abandon the mission. That Fariel Squad was wiped out in a single attack. We're no match for them," a fearful member suggested.
"Are you insane? Do you understand the consequences? I won't tolerate such talk, or I'll personally deal with you," Rodi snapped.
The team fell silent. Rodi's tone softened slightly. "Retreat for now. We'll regroup and rethink our strategy."
Suddenly, a voice cut through the darkness. "You won't get another chance." The CP0 agents froze, instantly on guard.
"Who's there? Show yourself!" Rodi shouted.
"Hehe. You came to capture us, yet you don't even recognize my voice?" Eli's calm laughter echoed as he stepped from the shadows. Big Pan and the others flanked him, forming an imposing perimeter.
"You… impossible! How are you here?" Rodi stammered.
Eli's gaze was sharp. "Do you think your little tricks can fool us? I can't tell if you're foolish or naïve."
Inside, Eli's mind was cautious. If not for Reiku's medical knowledge learned from Kurokas, the tonic might have caused trouble, especially for Filina and the others. Fortunately, their training made them resistant.
"Scatter and flee!" Rodi shouted. The CP0 members shot in all directions like arrows.
Could they truly escape? Eli and Big Pan stood unmoved, observing calmly.
It was Filina and the others who struck. Cree used his Devil Fruit power for the first time, generating countless iridescent bubbles. The seemingly harmless spheres floated gently, but on contact with the CP0 agents, they burst with explosive force. The blasts weren't lethal yet, but they severely hindered movement.
Despite the CP0 agents' formidable strength, six of them nearly rivaling Navy admirals, they were outmatched today. Within minutes, aside from their captain, the remaining agents were captured or incapacitated. Those who were captured were Devil Fruit users, making them valuable prizes.
Eli surveyed his team proudly. Each member had grown tremendously since setting sail. Even without his presence, the Navy would require multiple admirals to challenge them.
Snap! Fiona's blade severed Rodi's right arm, blood spouting like a fountain.
Rodi gritted his teeth and delivered a powerful Arashi Kick, forcing Fiona back. He then drew a red button from his pocket, cackling darkly. "Kehehe… none of you will survive! To hell together!"
He slammed the button with his remaining hand. Silence followed. The anticipated explosion never came. Rodi's triumphant grin froze, replaced by disbelief. "Impossible… how could it… fail?" he whispered.
Eli stepped forward with measured calm, a bundle resembling explosives in hand. "You mean… this?" he asked lightly, eyes glinting with amusement. He had detected 26 hidden bombs across the town using Observation Haki and had disarmed them.
Rodi's face twisted with rage as Eli secured the devices. "What is the World Government planning this time?" Eli asked coldly.
"You'll find out soon enough," Rodi sneered.
Eli gestured to Reiku. She raised her hand, releasing a thick, black smoke that shot toward Rodi like a living snake. It enveloped his face instantly, and he screamed in excruciating pain, writhing and clawing at it.
Despite the torment, Rodi refused to speak. CP0 training forged unparalleled willpower.
Seeing his perseverance, Eli shook his head. "These CP0 agents are stubborn. Extracting information is impossible."
Eventually, Rodi weakened. Eli signaled Reiku to stop. With a swift motion, he drew his blade and ended Rodi's life.
The remaining CP0 agents were subdued similarly. Their Devil Fruits were confiscated, and Eli's team remained unharmed.
"Good work, everyone. Rest now," Eli said.
"Captain, should we keep watch?" Simon asked.
"No need. My Observation Haki covers the entire town. The bounty hunters are still asleep from the tonic. Tonight is secure," Eli reassured.
Exhausted from both the banquet and the battle, the crew dispersed to rest. Eli gazed into the black night sky, sensing a larger scheme brewing within the World Government.
But he let it go. With his current strength, no matter who came, it would make no difference.
_________________________________________________
Already sailing with Eli on this fog-shrouded journey?
Drop your thoughts and reviews every word keeps this grand voyage alive! And for every 300 Power Stones, a bonus chapter will set sail, bringing Eli's wild adventure closer to its next storm!
The seas are vast, the dreams are boundless, and Eli Winters' legend is only just beginning. Stay aboard One Piece: I'm Just an Adventurer, and let's ride the tides toward freedom, laughter, and the greatest treasure of all!
[email protected]/_tey
Change @ to a