💖 If you enjoy my work, consider supporting me on Patreon. I'm offering advanced chapters there as a thank-you to readers.
--------------------
Check out advanced chapters on : patreon.com/DragonOP
--------------------
A crescent moon hung high in the sky, and its moonlight, like liquid silver, poured down to drape Whiskey Peak in a shimmering veil.
In the alley, after knocking down her last opponent, Nami raised her chin and flashed a mocking smile. "What's this? You guys are just so-so. You can't even beat a 'weak' girl like me. No wonder it takes dozens of you just to chase one of me."
She emphasized the numbers to deliberately provoke them. She hoped to goad them into challenging her one-on-one, allowing her to vent her rage while thinning the herd to ease the pressure on Goku later.
However, her plan hit a wall. While a few hot-blooded youngsters clamored to teach her a lesson, the more experienced agents reached out to stop them. They weren't falling for it.
"I underestimated you," Kuro, the leader of the squad, said as he took a long, hard look at Nami. He hadn't expected her to possess such combat prowess. He decided to abandon all pretense of a "fair" fight. "All of you, go together! Capture her now!"
With a wave of his hand, a dozen strong men stepped forward, their smiles dripping with ill intent. Nami's confidence wavered. "Oh? So many men against one girl? How spineless. You guys must be really weak."
The men ignored her. They cracked their necks and clenched their fists, closing the distance until they were less than five meters away. At this point, Nami's "tough girl" facade shattered. She let out a "wah!" and scurried behind Goku, patting his shoulder frantically.
"Goku, it's your turn now!"
The roles had completely reversed; she was the child seeking protection, and Goku was the mountain standing in the way.
"Mhm, leave it to me, Nami," Goku nodded, his expression calm.
The dozen men paused, their laughter echoing in the alley. "That woman is pathetic. She's actually hiding behind a kid!"
One man pulled out a rope as thick as a man's arm and walked toward Goku with a sinister chuckle. "Don't resist, kid. Uncle will tie you up loosely so you stay comfortable. But if you fight... don't blame me."
Goku didn't move. He just tightened his small face and warned, "I advise you not to do that, or I'll really have to make a move."
Kuro, watching from the rear, felt a sudden prickle of unease. But he dismissed it. He's just a child. We are agents of Baroque Works, chosen for our strength. How could a brat possibly compare?
The man with the rope reached out, looping the hemp toward Goku's neck. Simultaneously, others circled around to grab Nami.
Goku didn't wait any longer. He landed a lightning-fast punch directly into the lead man's abdomen. Then, his figure became a blur. He flicked back and forth, appearing behind or beside each man in a flash, delivering precise hand-chops and straight punches.
The next second, the dozen men were either clutching their stomachs on the ground or falling forward with their eyes rolled back. Dull thuds filled the alley as the bodies hit the dirt.
"Yay! Well done, Goku!" Nami cheered, her fists raised in triumph.
In contrast, the remaining bounty hunters were dead silent.
"Who exactly is this kid?!" Kuro's pupils constricted. Capable men—stronger than average adults—had been wiped out by a child in seconds without even landing a finger on him. All contempt vanished, replaced by cold dread.
"Everyone! Weapons out! Go together!" Kuro drew his long saber, no longer caring about his orders to keep the targets unharmed. In this situation, it was about their own survival.
The entire mob charged. Goku left a quick "Nami, be careful" before plunging directly into the sea of blades. He moved like a ghost under the moonlight, his fists and feet outperforming their steel. One strike, one knockout. The number of Baroque Works members fighting him plummeted. The ground was soon littered with people foaming at the mouth.
Kuro was among the first to fall.
"Wah ah ah ah! Goku! Save me!!!"
Nami's cry for help rang out again. Agents from the other end of the alley had stopped watching and were rushing her. Goku's face grew serious. He pulled the Ruyi Jingu Bang from his back.
"Extend, Ruyi Jingu Bang!"
Whoosh!!!
The staff elongated instantly, disappearing into the crowd. Goku swung it in a massive arc, sweeping away the frontline of enemies like autumn leaves in a gale. He didn't stop until every last one of them was sent crashing into the alley walls.
"You can't beat me," Goku said, leaning on his staff, his face taut. "Quickly return our money!"
The agents who could still move looked at Goku with pure terror. He's a monster! It makes no sense! Some of the weaker-willed ones turned and bolted. The others hesitated—stay and get beaten, or flee and be laughed at?
Just then, two tall figures appeared on a rooftop overlooking the alley.
"You're no longer needed," a deep voice commanded. "Take the unconscious and leave!"
"It's Igaram and Miss Monday!" The agents cheered in relief, quickly gathering their fallen comrades and retreating.
Igaram ignored them. His gaze was locked firmly on the small boy with the tail.
"You kid... just who are you?"