"Rumble..."
A few seconds after Pica collapsed, the shattered chunks of rock that Maud had sent flying one after another crashed to the ground, causing a series of thunderous booms.
The resulting shockwaves swept over from afar, carrying vast amounts of sand and dust that filled the air and lingered for a long while.
The tremendous commotion jolted the Straw Hat Pirates awake. Their taut nerves relaxed first, then they looked at Maud with either awe or admiration.
Perona floated in midair with her umbrella, glanced at the Straw Hat Pirates, then flew forward to Maud's side.
She shifted the cute little umbrella over Maud's head.
Maud paid no attention to Perona's thoughtful gesture and walked straight toward the Straw Hat Pirates.
Perona followed closely behind, making sure the shadow cast by the little umbrella was large enough to cover Maud.
"Idol!!!"
Seeing Maud walk toward them step by step, Bartholomew was the first among them to react. He immediately pounced in front of Maud, shining stars in his eyes.
"..."
Maud stared in surprise at Bartholomew, who had thrown himself before him with an excited expression.
His gaze swept over Bartholomew's distinctive crest-like hair, and several memories surfaced in his mind.
He quickly recognized Bartholomew's identity. He had just forgotten the man's somewhat long name.
Could it be...
Was the Bartholomew from the intelligence reports the crest-headed man standing before him?
But that guy was supposed to appear two years later. How had he already ended up mixed in with the Straw Hat Pirates?
As Maud pondered this, Bartholomew pulled a pen from his pocket and held it out to Maud with trembling hands. Excitedly, he said, "Idol, I-I've finally met you. Could you give me an autogra—"
"Bang."
Before Bartholomew could finish, Luffy came from behind and pressed