Hero's Journey Begins

Chapter Nine: The Fall of a Demon

The tension in the air was palpable as Red Tail and Natsuru Senou stood ready, the battlefield illuminated by the destructive energy emanating from King Piccolo. Twoearle's voice crackled through their communicators. "Red Tail, King Piccolo has arrived. He's heading toward the city center. Be careful—his power is unlike anything you've faced."

Without hesitation, the two warriors set out, their hearts pounding in unison. They spotted King Piccolo, a towering, menacing figure with a cruel grin, his eyes glowing with malevolent energy. "So, these are the champions who defeated Arlong?" he sneered. "I expected more."

Red Tail tightened her grip on her swords. "You'll find we're full of surprises."

Natsuru's fists ignited with blue flames. "This ends now."

Without warning, they launched their ambush. Red Tail darted in with swift, precise strikes, while Natsuru unleashed a barrage of fireballs. The battle was fierce, their movements honed by Jinbe's rigorous training. For a moment, it seemed as though they could hold their own against the demon.

But King Piccolo's power was overwhelming. With a roar, he released a shockwave, sending Natsuru crashing through a nearby building. Red Tail barely had time to react before his hand wrapped around her neck, lifting her off the ground. "Foolish girl," he hissed, his grip tightening. "Did you really think you could defeat me?"

Hero, watching from the sidelines, squealed in desperation. Without thinking, he charged forward, headbutting King Piccolo's chest with all his might. The blow barely moved the demon, but it was enough to make him release Red Tail. She fell to the ground, gasping for air.

King Piccolo's eyes narrowed. "You insignificant creature... You dare interfere?"

Just as he raised his hand to deliver a final blow, a torrent of water crashed into him, knocking him back. Jinbe stood tall, his eyes blazing with fury. "You will not harm them."

The battlefield shifted. Jinbe, Red Tail, and Natsuru regrouped, their eyes meeting Hero's. The small pig grunted urgently, pointing toward King Piccolo's knees and then his neck. Red Tail's eyes widened. "He's telling us where the weakness is."

Natsuru nodded. "We'll follow your lead, Hero."

The trio coordinated their attacks. Red Tail targeted Piccolo's knees, her blades cutting deep, forcing him to falter. Natsuru struck at his neck with fierce, burning punches, each blow weakening the demon. Jinbe unleashed powerful water blasts, keeping him off balance.

King Piccolo roared in fury, his energy waning. "This... cannot be!"

With one final coordinated strike, they unleashed their combined power. Red Tail's blades, Natsuru's flames, and Jinbe's water blast struck true, overwhelming King Piccolo. He staggered, his body cracking with energy before finally collapsing to the ground.

Silence fell over the battlefield. They had won.

Hero stood at the center, his eyes reflecting the triumph of their victory. Red Tail knelt beside him, a soft smile on her face. "You did it, Hero. You saved us all."

Jinbe placed a hand on Hero's head. "You're braver than any warrior I've known."

But the moment of peace was short-lived. From the shadows, a pair of eyes watched. A Marine officer, hidden from view, had seen everything—especially Jinbe fighting alongside the heroes. He smirked, turning away. "Interesting... A Fishman aiding humans? The higher-ups will want to know about this."

The heroes stood together, unaware of the new threat lurking in the shadows. Their battle was far from over, and the true test of their unity was yet to come.