Nextgen Kids: Legend of the Nine Newborn

The Merchant Colzione

Origami King was an amazing game and a refreshing experience among these new Paper Marios. I would say it's now my 3rd favorite Paper Mario, still behind TTYD and Super, but surpassing the original game (which I honestly don't revisit that much because it doesn't have the same weight as the other two).

Gourmet 5: The Merchant Colzione

Iizuka's ship

Iizuka and Mera brought their barrel of spring water back to their ship, setting off from the Travel Station. "By the way, Mera... wasn't that the pirate, Augustus, from the Big Mom crew?"

"He disbanded from the crew, if I recall, and he's not exactly dangerous. Still, knowing what his family is, I wonder if that has anything to do with where they found that spirit?"

"Heck, I wonder if what's left of the Big Moms would allow us to-" Their ship rumbled from a sudden crash. "What was that?!"

"Something crashed in the lower hull. Let's go look!"

The duo traveled down one floor, Mera's knives raised and Iizuka's hands in a knife fashion. A smaller ship seemed to have crashed into theirs, a fragrant smoke emitting from it. A figure with a wide silhouette stepped out of the smoke on very skinny, heeled legs. When their form became clear, she was shown to be a thin, wrinkly woman in a black gown, red high-heels, matching gloves, and a large, fluffy white, furred coat with black spots. She held a long cigar and had monochrome hair. "Ah, and you would be Iizuka and Mera." She spoke in a British accent. "Cruella de Vil, it's a pleasure~" She introduced herself with a wave of smoke.

"Cruella de Vil, the Fur Hunter." Mera narrowed her eyes in recognition. "Infamous for hunting animals with rare coats simply to wear them for yourself, and also well known for awful driving skills."

"Yes, yes, I do love a flashy entrance~" Cruella chortled. (From 101 Dalmatians.)

"It's one thing to wear the skin of your prey as coats," Iizuka said, "but from what we hear, you never eat the prey itself. A true hunter respects their prey by ensuring that every bite is consumed."

"Oh, pish posh, I'll do with my prey as I please. But tell me, what of your little excursion to Historia? I would have gone myself, but merely the idea of handing over my lovely coat was dreadful. Now, what marvelous creatures did you hunt?"

"We didn't hunt any animals." Iizuka said. "We secured water from the Emerald Green Spring. You may have a sip if you like~"

"Spring water? Ugh." Cruella scoffed. "Well, I'm sure the others will find a use for that."

"As if we're going to let you take it. In fact, I think our friend has a few things to say to you."

"HYAH!!" Cruella was pounced from above by a red-haired girl in a karate uniform, with cat ears and little fangs on her smirking mouth. "You're about to be the prey now, Fur Lady!"

"Right on time, Tsue!" Iizuka cheered.

"A Faunus? How fitting!" Cruella's head became that of a dog's, her skin turning white and spotted as she smacked Tsue off her. "A spotted coat was lovely enough, but with the Dalmatian Fruit, I can wear my own natural spots!"

"KNIFE!" Iizuka jabbed Cruella from behind. "Devil Fruits are the most disgusting excuses of food that've ever crossed the market...huh?!"

His knife impacted one of Cruella's spots and did no damage, though the spot itself disappeared. "My spots absorb attacks, imbecile!" She swiped her claws back at Iizuka, who jumped back. "And what are you still doing in there?! Get out here, you lug!"