Clone

Just as Lin was about to be injured again, a hand suddenly appeared in front of her, blocking the massive fist.

The newcomer was dressed in a gentleman's suit, complete with a top hat, and held an iron pipe in one hand; it was none other than Sabo and his team, who had arrived to rescue the captives.

"As a gentleman, I simply cannot stand by and watch two grown men bully such a young lady!"

After parrying the attack, Sabo's hand, gripped in the form of a Dragon Claw, retracted and seized his opponent, immediately following up with a shoulder throw that slammed the man into the nearby iron railing.

"Who are you people?"

The other man, who wielded a blade, saw his companion taken down in a single move by the sudden intruder and gripped his sword with a grave expression.

"Don't ask. I'm just a passerby who doesn't like what I see!"

Sabo offered a faint smile, his body vanishing from where he stood, only to reappear instantly before the swordsman.

"Dragon Claw Fist!"

Sabo didn't give his opponent a chance to react; he reached out, his hand wreathed in Haki, and struck directly toward the man's heart.

With a wet thud, Sabo's hand pierced through the man's body, pulling his heart out in one swift motion.

"So... so strong!"

In his final moments, the man only had time to utter those words before his eyes lost their focus and he collapsed to the ground, his heart no longer within his chest.

The man Sabo had thrown earlier saw his partner instantly dispatched and, terrified, scrambled to his feet to flee. But the moment he turned, a pitch-black steel pipe struck him across the head, knocking him unconscious.

"I say, Sabo, do you have to move so fast? Don't you know we're supposed to protect the mission target?"

After the man collapsed, a blonde woman appeared, waving her steel pipe and speaking to Sabo with a look of exasperation.

The newcomer was Koala, who had come with Sabo to assist in the rescue. Behind her followed their target—a plain-looking old man—and Matthew, who had accompanied them on the mission.

"Who are you people?"

Lin, who had just recovered from the shock of seeing the sudden arrival of Sabo and his swift defeat of the two men she had been struggling against for so long, asked with a nervous expression.

"Don't be nervous. We're from the Revolutionary Army. We were just passing by and couldn't stand seeing two big men bullying a young girl, so we stepped in to help."

"Sabo! Didn't I tell you not to go around revealing our identity so easily!"

"Alright, alright! I know! By the way, young lady, have you seen The Undying Chen Qiang anywhere?"

Sabo gave Koala a perfunctory reply before seemingly remembering something and turning to ask Lin.

"What do you want? Why are you looking for Chen Qiang?"

Lin, who had lowered her guard slightly after they revealed their identity and helped her defeat her opponents, immediately raised her long sword again, eyeing the group with renewed suspicion the moment they mentioned Chen Qiang.

"Don't be nervous, Lin. They aren't enemies!"

"Rip!"

Just as Lin stood on high alert, ready to strike at any moment, Chen Qiang's voice suddenly rang out, accompanied by the distinct sound of fabric tearing.

Everyone looked toward the source of the sound, but they found no sign of Chen Qiang—only Matthew, who was frantically searching his own body in a panic.

Since the sound had come from him, it was no wonder he was so terrified.

"Where are you looking? Over here!"

Seeing everyone crowding around Matthew in an attempt to find the source of the voice, the speaker sounded somewhat annoyed as he reminded them.

Because they were now much closer, they finally spotted the person who had spoken.

A tiny version of Chen Qiang, no larger than a finger and wrapped in black cloth, was standing on top of Matthew's head, waving at the others.

"The Undying Chen Qiang? You're so small! This is completely different from what I saw in the video!"

Seeing Chen Qiang appear in this state, Sabo poked the tiny figure with his finger in astonishment.

"This is just a clone; my main body is currently—hey, stop pulling on my clothes! And Sabo, why are you three brothers all such goofballs? Can't you be serious for once?"

Just as Chen Qiang was about to explain his situation, Sabo had already snatched him up, preparing to pull off the black cloth to study him. Helpless, Chen Qiang kicked Sabo's hand away and leaped onto the shoulder of Lin, who had also approached the group.

"Eh? You know me? And you know that Luffy and I are brothers? That's amazing!"

Sabo didn't seem bothered by Chen Qiang jumping away, merely looking a bit disappointed. However, he was immediately stunned to hear the tiny man call him by name and mention his relationship with Luffy.

"I'm glad you think I'm amazing, but can we get to the point? This clone won't last very long!"

"You saved Ace and Luffy; you are their benefactor, which makes you mine as well. Speak! What is it? As long as it's within my power, I will certainly help!"

When it came to serious matters, Sabo's expression became noticeably more solemn.

"I want you to help Lin find her fellow villagers who are being held here, rescue them, and take them to a safe place!"

Perched on Lin's shoulder, Chen Qiang organized his thoughts and stated his request.

"No problem. Rescuing slaves is what the Revolutionary Army does anyway. We just have a small team here this time, which is why we haven't taken large-scale action. Since you're asking for our help, I'll go rescue some more people!"

Hearing Chen Qiang's request, Sabo agreed without a moment's hesitation.

"You heard him, Lin! Just follow him later; he'll help you rescue all your villagers!"

Seeing Sabo agree, Chen Qiang nodded in satisfaction and said to Lin.

"And what about you?"

Clearly, Lin had caught a different meaning in Chen Qiang's words and hurriedly asked him.

"Me? I'm going to do what I want to do, of course. I told you when I first arrived that I would completely destroy this filthy place. I am a man who never lies!"

Chen Qiang said to Lin with a smile.

"But."

"Enough! I know what you're worried about. With my ability and strength, unless I allow it, no one in this world can kill me!"

Interrupting Lin, Chen Qiang said with great confidence.

"Alright, the spiritual energy in this clone of mine is about to run out. From here on, you should follow Sabo and the others; they will help you rescue everyone!"

After giving his final instructions, the eyes of Chen Qiang's clone went vacant as he slumped onto Lin's shoulder, rapidly transforming into a single finger. It detached from her shoulder, attempting to fly back to where his original body was located.

However, just as it took flight, Lin snatched it out of the air and tucked it into her pocket.