Kyros had never truly displayed the full extent of his combat power in public.
Among his known opponents, Diamante was perhaps the most formidable.
Yet in the hidden history of Dressrosa, Kyros had once severed his own leg to save King Riku, who had fallen under Doflamingo's control.
According to Kyros and King Riku, he had been ambushed by Sugar and turned into a toy just as he was about to strike Doflamingo down.
This claim was questionable.
Doflamingo, after all, was a Shichibukai-level master, already over thirty years old in the year 1512 of the Sea Calendar.
Even if he hadn't reached the peak of his powers, he was still far beyond most combatants' reach.
Yet in the year 1522, Kyros had attempted to ambush Doflamingo, and only Luffy's timely intervention had prevented his death.
Clearly, in terms of raw power, the two were leagues apart.
Mandy, on the other hand, had now fully integrated the strength of two Master Swordsman-level ability cards, forming her own distinctive sword style.
Black observed the upcoming duel with intense interest.
At his command, Mandy leapt from the sanctuary, landing gracefully before Kyros.
She froze like an ice sculpture, rapier drawn from her waist, tip slightly lowered the very embodiment of elegance and lethal precision.
Kyros, however, did not rush to attack. Instead, he looked up at Black on the deck and called out:
"If I win, may I take Princess Scarlett with me?"
"Heh!"
Black scoffed, voice dripping with disdain:
"You are not qualified to negotiate with me."
"Offending a World Noble is a capital crime."
"However, considering your three thousand consecutive victories in the Dressrosa Colosseum, should you prevail, I may forgive your offense."
Take Scarlett?
Black's thoughts raced. He held the advantage now why would he risk it?
Kyros appeared like a hero confronting a villain in a story, which unnerved Black slightly.
Kyros wanted to argue further, but Mandy's rapier now pointed at him, her patience waning.
There was no choice. Kyros inhaled deeply, fixing his gaze sharply on Mandy.
Moments later, he charged, his longsword whistling as it cleaved downward.
Mandy shifted lightly, half a step aside. Her rapier, like a silver serpent, thrust toward his sword-wielding wrist.
Kyros's Observation Haki warned him, but too late the hiss of steel and a spray of blood marked the strike.
Looking down, he saw a gash etched across his tiger's mouth by the sword's energy.
"A speed type, huh?"
Whispering, Kyros lunged again.
Three thousand duels, though mostly against cannon fodder, had honed his instincts and strategic mind.
Yet in this world, experience could not bridge the gap of strength.
Even Mandy, once inexperienced, had defeated a fledgling Lafitte by leveraging Haki.
Her rapier carved silver streaks through the air, each thrust precise and terrifying.
Kyros roared, swinging his greatsword, yet Mandy evaded like a ghost. Her blade struck again and again, targeting tendons, joints, and vital points.
His strikes sent gravel flying, his breaths ragged, sweat mingling with blood on his brow.
Mandy's swordwork was relentless, elegant, and exacting, leaving Kyros's body slower and riddled with small wounds.
Eventually, his vision blurred, and he collapsed, muttering:
"I... can still..."
Bang!
Kyros hit the deck. Black clapped, impressed:
"Not bad. Tremendous progress."
Mandy made no reply. She hoisted Kyros onto her shoulder, leapt onto the deck, and casually placed him beside Black.
Black turned to the dock, where Scarlett and King Riku stood, faces pale. He said nothing.
Scarlett clenched her teeth, lifting her skirt to ascend the gangway.
Black then inclined his head to King Riku:
"Thank you for your hospitality, Your Majesty. I will take my leave now."
"Dressrosa leaves a fine impression. I may visit again when time allows."
King Riku's expression stiffened, two hollow "heh heh" sounds escaping before a forced smile:
"Dressrosa always welcomes Saint Black's presence."
Black smiled and departed. He ordered the Slaves to shackle Kyros for training upon waking, then set the sanctuary to sail.
On the deck, Scarlett felt the sea breeze, salty and brisk against her cheeks.
The gilded ship sparkled in the sunlight, her fingers clutching her skirt, knuckles white.
It seemed the weight of Dressrosa rested on her shoulders, now a Slave under the Celestial Dragon's command.
"Another poor soul has arrived," a soft voice said behind her.
Scarlett turned to see a blonde woman smiling gently, her gaze warm like sunlight through fog.
Black's eyes flicked to Stella; he thought how pitiable she seemed.
Stella merely pretended not to notice, bowing slightly:
"I am Stella. Welcome to the sanctuary."
Seeing Scarlett remain silent, Stella continued:
"Do not worry. Lord Black can be stern with outsiders, but he is kind to us."
"Come, I will introduce you to the others."
Regardless of Scarlett's hesitation, Stella took her hand, leading her through the cabin.
The corridor was wider than expected, adorned with exquisite oil paintings and soft wool carpets.
Scarlett was led to a bright lounge, where several girls sat around a low table.
"Newcomer?" a black-haired girl asked, a sly smile on her lips:
"I'm Nico Robin. You can call me Robin."
"Koala," said the shy girl beside her, timidly waving.
"I am Perona-sama!" the pink-haired girl bounced forward, touching Scarlett's pink hair:
"Your hair is beautiful!"
Scarlett stepped back instinctively. Perona blinked, grinning:
"Can Perona-sama already inspire fear? Horo horo horo horo..."
Stella pressed down on her head:
"Stop messing around."
She continued:
"You've met Mandy. There's also Rami, but she's resting."
"His Highness treats us differently; you needn't be too restrained."
Scarlett hesitated, then nodded:
"Hello, everyone."
She began to understand Black, indirectly.
The door opened. Black entered, still in his spacesuit and fishbowl helmet, though the arrogance was gone.
"Looks like you're getting along quite well."
Seeing Scarlett's awkwardness, he stepped forward and gently pinched her cheek.
Scarlett tensed, trembling slightly.
"Don't be nervous," Black said, waving a hand:
"I am not here to harm a sixteen-year-old."
"Yes, indeed!" Robin teased from the side:
"You just enjoy seeing pained expressions."
Black squinted at Robin:
"Do you want to try it yourself?"
"No, thank you," Robin replied, shrugging:
"I'd rather not throw out your back."
Black clicked his tongue, turning back to Scarlett:
"Since you're here, be honest. Obey, and you won't find things difficult."
Scarlett paused, then nodded:
"I will abide by the rules."
That night, Scarlett stood alone on the deck, staring at the dark sea.
Dressrosa was far behind, yet her heart remained tied to it.
"Can't sleep?" Stella's voice came behind her.
Scarlett did not turn:
"How do you all endure it?"
"Endure?" Stella chuckled softly:
"We adapt. Not just to the life of a Slave, but also to the life of an 'upper-class person'."
"His Highness can be strict, but he is also very gentle."
"Gentle?" Scarlett sneered:
"Treating humans as Slaves, can that be called gentle?"
"Still," Stella smiled warmly, "we have each other."