"Do it!"
At the officer's command, the soldiers in black raised their energy weapons, and blinding beams of energy shot towards the ramen stall and the Straw Hat Pirates!
" Gum-Gum-- "
Just as Luffy was about to make his move, a green sword light was faster than him!
"Ding ding ding ding!"
Zoro's three swords flashed, creating a curtain of light that precisely deflected all the energy beams aimed at the stall owner and the food, sending sparks flying! "Disturbing someone's meal will have consequences!"
At the same time, Sanji appeared like a ghost among the soldiers.
" Mutton Shoot!"
His leg movements were like a whirlwind, instantly kicking the weapons out of the hands of several soldiers. He controlled the force perfectly, causing them to drop their weapons without seriously injuring them.
"To resort to violence in the chef's sacred kitchen (even if it's just a stall) is unforgivable!"
Franky's chest armor opened, " Franky Laser Beam --!" A thick laser swept across, blasting several charging soldiers and their weapons away, sending them crashing into the alley wall.
"That's so unreasonable!"
Brook's cane sword gleamed like cold moonlight. "Song of Plunder - Snow Slash!" A chilling aura spread, freezing the soldiers charging from the other side, making them slow to move and chatter.
"Ho ho ho~ You don't even have the freedom to eat a bowl of noodles? This is colder than the underworld!"
Jinbe stood firmly in place, Fish-Man Karate: Arabesque Brick Fist! An invisible shockwave emanated from him, sending the soldiers attempting to break through from the front flying.
"To deprive others of even the smallest happiness is not a matter of benevolence and righteousness."
Although Usopp and Chopper were afraid, they mustered their courage. Usopp used his slingshot to shoot Smoke Star and Sticky Star, interfering with the soldiers' vision and movement. Chopper transformed into his Guard Point and stood in front of Old Hunter.
Ace didn't use his wide-range fire abilities to avoid affecting the alleys and the city, but his fists were enveloped in flames, and each strike precisely incapacitated a soldier temporarily, his movements clean and efficient.
"You even control what you eat? Is your king's stomach made of steel?"
Nami used her Clima-Tact to create a small thundercloud, precisely shocking soldiers who tried to call for backup or operate heavier weapons. Robin unleashed her powers in the shadows of the surrounding buildings, snapping soldiers' wrists and disarming them.
The battle began almost instantly and ended in a very short time. This group of soldiers, who usually acted arrogantly and were more than capable of dealing with ordinary people, were no match for the Straw Hat Pirates. They lay sprawled on the ground, groaning and unable to get up.
The officer was the only one still standing. His face was deathly pale, his hand gripping the energy pistol trembled, and he stared in disbelief at what he had witnessed. He had never seen anyone so powerful, so perfectly coordinated, and so daring to openly defy the code!
"You, you all... openly attack the law enforcement team! This is a declaration of war against King Wapol and the Efficiency Code!" the officer shouted, his voice trembling with fear.
Allen slowly walked up to him, looking at him calmly. "We have no intention of declaring war, we are merely protecting an old man and his right to bring warmth to people. Go back and tell your superiors, or rather... tell your king directly—"
His voice carried clearly throughout the alley, reaching the ears of the residents who were secretly watching from a distance:
True strength lies not in cold gears and strict rules, but in respecting every life's instinct to pursue happiness. 'Order' maintained by fear and constraints will ultimately be broken by the will to yearn for freedom.
The officer was terrified by Allen's deep and oppressive gaze, and could no longer muster the slightest thought of resistance. He scrambled away, not even caring about his companion on the ground.
The alleyway was temporarily quiet, with only the bubbling sound of the ramen pot remaining.
Old Hunter looked at the group of people who were fighting against the entire state apparatus for a bowl of noodles for him, his old eyes welled up with tears, his lips trembled, and he couldn't speak.
The workers looked at them excitedly, their eyes shining again.
"Alright, the troublemaker's gone." Luffy down, picked up the bowl of ramen that was almost cold, and said, "I'm starting! Slurp--! Wow! It's so delicious!"
The others also sat down and continued to enjoy this hard-earned, heartwarming bowl of ramen. This time, it seemed to taste especially delicious.
However, everyone knew that this was far from over. They had slapped the king in the face and challenged the very foundation of the nation. A greater storm was brewing. The ironclad order of Wapol Island had been cracked open by these uninvited guests.
In the distance, atop the highest spire of the palace, a cold gaze watched everything unfolding in the alleyway through a monitor screen. King Wapol tapped his fingers on the armrest of his throne, his face expressionless.
"Interesting bugs... Looks like we need to activate a higher level of 'purification program'."