"Lady Charlosria, just ahead is the famous tourist street. If you're looking for strong pirates to make into slaves, this is the best place," Abdon said, attending closely and speaking with utmost sincerity.
Charlosria wore her signature bubble hood, holding a pug at her side. Behind her stood several capable guards, and beneath her sat a powerful slave used as a mount.
Though she knew no one dared disrespect a Celestial Dragon, as a descendant of the Creator, maintaining proper grandeur was necessary.
Otherwise, how would she distinguish herself from the lowly commoners?
"Is that so? If I find a suitable slave, I won't hesitate to reward you. A pirate captain would be even better," Charlosria said calmly, glancing at Abdon.
Slaves could be bought, but she insisted on capturing one personally. It would highlight her uniqueness, and she would no longer need to borrow her father's slave captain.
During the banquet, Abdon—her host and a long-time loyal servant of the Celestial Dragons—offered to personally select someone appropriate. She was moved by the idea.
And in her heart, being chosen by her was a tremendous honor. Who would dare resist?
"Of course not. Serving Lady Charlosria is my greatest honor," Abdon replied humbly.
"Very good." Charlosria accepted his attitude with ease. Even among the lowborn, there were a few useful ones.
For such people, she didn't mind granting things like status, rank, or money, so they could serve her better.
"We're almost there," Abdon said with a smile. Everywhere they passed, people knelt. Pirates unwilling to kneel hid out of sight before being noticed.
The Celestial Dragons claimed to be descendants of the Creator, the most noble beings in the world. Showing any disrespect could bring down an admiral from Marine Headquarters—something few could endure.
They stood at the pinnacle of this world's elite. People, having lived under such authority all their lives, feared them deeply.
Dressrosa.
"Do it. Why wouldn't we? It's free money. But if anything comes up, inform me immediately."
Doflamingo hung up the Den Den Mushi, excitement rising across his face.
The war between the Marines and the Four Emperors was about to begin. Crocodile was already near the Sabaody Archipelago. Would he head into the New World first, or did he have plans for the coming war?
Given what he knew of the sand crocodile, the latter seemed more likely. Whitebeard would appear, and since the old man rarely left his territory, Crocodile wouldn't waste such an opportunity.
Everything was becoming more interesting. Let them slaughter each other and tear apart this world's false mask of peace. Fufufufu…
"I heard Straw Hat is on Sabaody too."
"Seriously? Someone actually saw him?"
"Of course."
"Let's go hunt them."
A Marine training camp.
"Ain, it seems someone on the Sabaody Archipelago is investigating your background. Go check it out," Zephyr said calmly as he read the report.
He was old now, and his expectations for the Marines were not what they once were. After a lifetime of service—rising to admiral and training the current three admirals—none of it brought true satisfaction.
The Marines and the World Government differed from the justice he once upheld. He knew this long ago and understood what compromises had to be made for the greater good. He endured it.
But seven years ago, the trainee ship he led was attacked. Only Ain and Binz survived. The memory never left him.
Even after forming the Anti-Pirate Unit these past two years and killing countless pirates, the fire of revenge still burned. Finding a single person in the vast sea, however, was difficult.
Ain hesitated for a moment. Although their Anti-Pirate Unit was active, she herself wasn't particularly prominent. Why would anyone investigate her?
And according to Zephyr, it seemed to come from the underworld.
Ain's long sea-blue wavy hair framed quiet, sorrowful eyes. A large X-shaped scar marked her right leg—clearly a wound from an explosion. She never hid it, nor did she think it made her less beautiful. She still wore shorts suited for battle and a blue hooded cloak.
"Pirates?" Ain detested pirates with her whole being. Hearing this, she didn't dare ignore it. She would never allow past tragedies to repeat. Any investigation into her came with danger and uncertainty.
"Mm."
"Where was the information traced from?"
"Sabaody."
"It's close. I'll go."
"Good. I'll inform the nearby Marine officers. If you encounter an enemy you can't handle, don't push yourself," Zephyr warned.
"I understand."
Ain nodded and departed from the training camp with a small team.
A country in chaos.
"Luffy's already on Sabaody? Reckless as always—but he's growing fast. As expected of my little brother. He even defeated the legendary pirate Golden Lion! Hahaha…"
Sabo laughed openly as he listened to his subordinate's report.
He had regained his memories. He, Ace, and Luffy were brothers.
But Luffy… do you know? Ace has already been captured by the Marines. Let's save him—together.
"Chief of Staff, the Commander advised that we not involve ourselves in the war between the Four Emperors and Marine Headquarters. It isn't time yet," Koala reminded him.
"I know. From the Revolutionary Army's standpoint, it really isn't the right moment. So I'll act only as an individual," Sabo said firmly.
"Don't do anything reckless."
"Relax. I'll be fine. Prepare a ship for me."
Sabaody Archipelago.
"You're not changing back?" Rosen asked as Bonney remained in child form, still munching away.
"Mind your business. Just say what you want," Bonney huffed, shoveling food into her mouth. It didn't make sense—how was someone prepared against her ability?
"Do you remember your childhood?"
"I do. Why are you asking?" Bonney frowned. Did Crocodile have some intention toward her?
"When you were eleven, you left your hometown and were abducted by traffickers?"
"What nonsense? At that age I was still at sea… If that's what you're asking, then you've got the wrong person." Bonney instantly understood—she wasn't who Crocodile was looking for.
"Sorry to bother you."
"One apology? That's it? Fight me," Bonney said boldly.
"Captain?!" her crew froze. Their captain wanted to fight Crocodile? They obviously couldn't win head-on!
"You're sure?" Rosen asked with interest. Bonney's ability was dangerous, but in all other aspects she wasn't outstanding. As long as he didn't get touched, she posed little threat.
(End of chapter)