In this world, Celestial Dragons are not the only ones with privileges.
For the common people of the various World Government Member States, Celestial Dragons were distant abstractions; the true weight pressing down on them were the royal families of their respective nations.
Kyros had originally been sent to the Dressrosa Coliseum for acts of murder and resisting arrest.
However, his unmatched combat record had transformed him into a hero of Dressrosa, earning him a personal invitation from King Riku to join the Royal Army.
King Riku had even disguised himself as a gladiator and entered the coliseum to duel Kyros personally, cementing a private bond between them.
Seeing Kyros now, King Riku exhaled helplessly:
"You heard everything… But this is an order from the Celestial Dragons. I have no choice."
Kyros, however, bellowed at the king:
"No matter what, Scarlett will not become a Slave of the Celestial Dragons!"
He turned his piercing gaze toward Scarlett. His nearly three-meter height loomed oppressively within the small study.
"Princess, I will take you away from here."
"The sea is vast, the World Government might never find you."
"Those Celestial Dragons are simply"
"Stop talking!"
Scarlett took a step back, somewhat frightened, but interrupted Kyros with quiet determination:
"Mr. Kyros, I am the Princess of the Dressrosa Kingdom."
"I bear the responsibilities and duties of a princess."
"If I leave now, what will happen to my country? And how will Father explain this to the Celestial Dragons?"
Her words forced Kyros into a dilemma.
At this point, Scarlett harbored no special feelings for him.
First, the gulf of class differences was still obvious.
Second, Kyros's gladiatorial attire gave him the appearance of a rough barbarian.
Any budding feelings were merely a product of circumstance: Scarlett had once been kidnapped by pirates, and Kyros had rescued her single-handedly, killing every last pirate in the process. This heroic deed had subtly reshaped her perception of him.
In essence, Kyros was an exemplar of someone who clawed his way to prominence.
Yet at present, he was nothing more than the object of one-sided admiration.
Seeing King Riku and Scarlett resolute in their stances, Kyros gritted his teeth and exited the study.
The father and daughter exchanged a glance, each smiling bitterly while shaking their heads.
Over the following days, the Slaves aboard the sanctuary continued repairs on the ship, while Black led the young female Slaves on a tour of nearly the entire Dressrosa Kingdom.
He had no intention of visiting the territory of the Tontatta Kingdom.
In Black's estimation, aside from Princess Mansherry's exceptional healing Devil Fruit ability, the Tontatta Kingdom offered only advanced cultivation techniques.
Whether medicinal herbs, exotic crops, or other goods, these were tasks for the World Government and did not require Black's personal involvement.
After all, the World Government's interests were not his.
Mansherry, five years younger than Nico Robin, had a lively personality.
Having Perona on board already brought enough chaos… It would be interesting to see how Mansherry fared after sampling the healing fruit.
Currently, Dressrosa was comparatively mundane, far less vibrant than the later "Country of Love and Passion."
Most commoners here sustained themselves through agriculture, hunting, and similar modest means.
Perhaps King Riku considered this peace and prosperity.
Black, however, saw the kingdom's excellent geography as a wasted opportunity.
Still, he had no intention of intervening.
Dressrosa was not his domain.
Moreover, the Heavenly Tribute had been collected and distributed according to headcount. As long as his share remained unaffected, he had no reason to interfere with the rest.
After a few more days, the sanctuary was finally repaired and ready to set sail once more.
On the day of departure, the port of Dressrosa lay shrouded in an unusual silence.
The sanctuary rested quietly at the dock, the World Government flag fluttering from its bow.
King Riku stood on the steps, hands gripping his scepter tightly, speechless.
Behind him, Princess Scarlett in a plain white gown lowered her eyelids, concealing the tears threatening to fall.
She forced a smile:
"Father, it's almost time. I will depart now."
Without waiting for a response, she slowly made her way toward the sanctuary.
King Riku's Adam's apple bobbed nervously:
"Scarlett… you… take care."
Scarlett turned her head, her voice calm and composed:
"Don't worry, Father, I will take care of myself."
Just as she was about to board, a metallic clang rang out from afar, followed by a fierce roar:
"I disagree!"
On the dock and aboard the ship, nearly everyone turned to the source of the noise.
Kyros, still clad in gladiatorial armor, wielded the longsword that had accompanied him through three thousand consecutive victories.
Black stood on the deck, tilting his head with curiosity.
He had not expected Kyros to jump forward to obstruct them.
Black had always assumed that, except for members of the D. clan, those dissatisfied with Celestial Dragon authority would at most subtly shirk their duties, like Kizaru or Fujitora.
For anyone to openly oppose a Celestial Dragon was unprecedented in Black's memory.
Kyros's full name had never appeared in the records, so Black could not determine whether he belonged to the D. clan.
For now, he simply wished to enjoy the spectacle.
King Riku hurried to intercept Kyros:
"Kyros, what are you doing?"
"Drawing a weapon in the presence of a Celestial Dragon is an unforgivable offense!"
Kyros's expression remained calm as he lifted his longsword:
"Your Majesty, I know exactly what I am doing."
"I absolutely cannot allow the Princess to be taken."
"Even if it costs me my life."
He pushed King Riku aside and strode toward the dock.
One man, yet he radiated the aura of a thousand troops.
It was not Haoshoku Haki, but the indomitable will of a man facing death, which quietly influenced those around him.
Black muttered to himself:
"If sacrificing one's life could eliminate regrets, the Celestial Dragons would not have ruled this world for eight hundred years."
"But now… it seems I am the villain?"
"This plot isn't right!"
"Shouldn't I be the mastermind?"
"How is it that I've only kidnapped a princess, and now some supposed hero jumps out to interfere?"
"Doesn't that make me a minor villain?"
Thinking this, Black released his hand from Mandy's waist:
"It's time to test the results of your training during this period."
"Go test his mettle."
"Bring him back."
"I want him in charge of pedaling on my ship."