Chapter 84: An X Marked on the Hand

At that moment, Buffon had just finished treating a patient. Taking advantage of the pause, Fujitora spoke, “Doctor Buffon, may I ask, what do you think of this world?”

Buffon shook his head, not answering directly, but instead replied strangely, “Right now, I see only my patients.”

“And if they were navy, or the most notorious criminals?” Fujitora pressed on.

“In this place, there are no factions among the sick, nor is there any distinction of status. I only see the urgency and severity of their illnesses,” Buffon replied calmly.

“And if this nation itself fell ill, what would you do?” Fujitora asked again.

Buffon smiled lightly, “Then I would find the root of the disease and cut it out.”

Upon hearing Buffon's answer, Fujitora straightened his posture, hands resting on his sword-cane as he said, “I am Fujitora! It is because I could not bear this world full of sin that I blinded myself.”

Buffon was well aware of Fujitora’s self-inflicted blindness, so his heart was not much stirred; rather, it was Smoker, who had been eavesdropping nearby, that felt a renewed respect for this mysterious elder.

Buffon showed no reaction, continuing to suture the next patient's wound at his steady pace. Fujitora continued, “I cannot see the suffering of this country’s people, but I can hear the cries of their hearts. If I were to dig out this poisonous tumor by force, would you, Doctor Buffon, help clear away the side effects?”

This time, Buffon did not keep him waiting long and answered directly, though only Fujitora could understand the meaning.

“What will our relationship be after that?” Buffon asked.

Fujitora was clearly taken aback by the question. He thought for a moment before replying, “You are a pirate. I will uphold the justice in my heart.”

“Good,” Buffon replied coolly.

Smoker was utterly confused by their conversation; he knew Buffon's strength, so he was surprised that Buffon was willing to speak so candidly with the old man.

Meanwhile, Vivi had already reunited with the Straw Hat crew at a restaurant, led by Baggio.

“Vivi, how could you follow Captain Buffon without a word?” Nami asked, a hint of reproach in her voice.

“I'm sorry. I just wanted to reach Alabasta as quickly as possible to stop this war,” Vivi replied apologetically.

Hearing this, Nami did not pursue the matter further and instead asked about the current situation.

After exchanging information, Vivi spoke earnestly, “The person you encountered, the okama, is Mr. 2 of Baroque Works. He can transform into anyone whose right hand he has touched, including their face, body, and voice. With him around, it will be impossible to distinguish friend from foe.”

Her words made everyone’s expression turn grave; they had been impressed by Mr. 2’s abilities on the ship, not realizing he was their adversary.

After pondering for a moment, Nami said, “Then let’s mark our hands and wrap them with bandages. That way, as long as we see the mark, we won’t make a mistake.”

She took a pen and drew an X on her forearm. The others, finding it a good idea, followed her lead.

Once they had all finished, Vivi was about to share her judgment of Buffon when a discordant voice sounded from the restaurant entrance.

“Straw Hat Luffy, Roronoa Zoro—you won’t escape this time!”

Dusky had arrived, blocking the entrance with a squad of navy soldiers.

Seeing this, Vivi cursed herself for being careless; Dusky must have followed her.

Baggio had noticed Dusky’s tail, but to him, the female swordswoman’s combat strength was negligible.

Zoro placed his hand on his sword and said to the others, “You go ahead, I’ll handle this one.”

Hearing this, Luffy and the others didn’t hesitate, slipping out through the back door.

Baggio stayed behind; as a fellow swordsman, he was curious to see what this three-sword style was all about.

No sooner had the group escaped through the back door than they found it surrounded by navy as well. Luffy, without a word, used his powers to send the navy soldiers flying.

“Vivi, if we defeat Crocodile, will that stop the war?” Luffy asked seriously.

Vivi nodded, “Yes!”

“Then where is he?” Luffy pressed.

Vivi pointed to the nearby Rain Dinners casino, “The place with the crocodile statue on top—that’s Crocodile’s lair, Rain Dinners!”

“Alright, then let’s go!” Luffy declared. Before Vivi could protest, he dashed toward Rain Dinners.

The others hurried after him. Along the way, another squad of navy appeared. Sanji stepped forward, “Go after Luffy, I’ll handle these grunts.”

Moments later, a thunderous shout echoed from the entrance of Rain Dinners casino.

Not only was the voice loud—it was earth-shattering.

“Crocodile, get out here!”

In the underground chamber, Crocodile, upon hearing the commotion, smiled at Robin, “Since they’ve come to us, let’s give these little rats a proper welcome.”

“Of course,” Robin replied with her usual smile.

Yet inwardly, she wondered whether Buffon would act, now that the Straw Hats had arrived.

Ultimately, only Luffy, Nami, and Usopp managed to burst into the casino.

Hearing the racket, Smoker rushed out of the VIP room. Upon seeing Luffy, he immediately drew his ten-hand weapon and gave chase, “Straw Hat boy, you’re not getting away!”

Smoker used his ability, turning his arm into smoke and shaping it like a snake, aiming it at Luffy.

Luffy instinctively wanted to run forward, but then he caught sight of Buffon inside the VIP room. Using his rubber powers, he hooked onto a pillar in the VIP room and launched himself toward Buffon.

Witnessing this, the queue of customers scattered in terror.

Buffon frowned, but before he could act, Fujitora stepped forward, drawing his sword-cane two inches from its sheath.

A sudden surge of gravity pressed Luffy and Smoker to the ground.

“Don’t interfere with Doctor Buffon treating his patients.”

Nami and Usopp, hot on Luffy’s heels, stopped short, staring in shock at the two men pinned to the floor.

“What kind of power is this?” they exclaimed in unison.

Just then, Robin appeared, smiling as she addressed Buffon, “Doctor Buffon, apologies for the disturbance these people caused.”

Buffon shook his head, indicating it was nothing.

“Honored guests, our boss, Crocodile, requests your presence. Please, follow me to another VIP room.”

At Robin’s words, Fujitora resheathed his sword-cane.

Hearing that Crocodile wanted him, Luffy rose the moment the gravity’s pressure vanished and ran in the direction Robin indicated, still grumbling, “Fine! Let’s go!”

Smoker was not far behind, chasing after Luffy. Nami and Usopp followed, and, under the bows and invitations of the attendants, entered the “VIP” passage.