Kyros didn't show much combat power in the original work.
Among his opponents, Diamante was the most formidable.
However, in the background story, Kyros once severed his own leg to save King Riku, who was controlled by Doflamingo.
According to him and King Riku, he was ambushed by Sugar and turned into a toy just as he was about to take Doflamingo's head.
This point is actually questionable.
Doflamingo, after all, is a master of Shichibukai level.
It was already year 1512 of the Sea Calendar, and Doflamingo was over thirty years old.
Even if he hadn't reached his peak, he wouldn't be far from it.
Yet, in year 1522 of the Sea Calendar, Kyros ambushed Doflamingo, and if it weren't for Luffy's rescue, he would have lost his life.
They seemed to be completely out of each other's league.
Mandy has now completely integrated the power of two sword master-level ability cards, forming her own unique sword style.
Black was very interested in the fight between these two.
As Black's command was given, Mandy leaped from the sanctuary and landed in front of Kyros.
She stood still like an ice sculpture, drawing her rapier from her waist, the tip slightly lowered.
This was Mandy's starting stance, elegant and deadly.
Kyros, however, was not in a hurry to act; instead, he looked up at Black on the deck and said loudly:
"If I win, can I take Princess Scarlett with me?"
"Heh!"
Black scoffed:
"You are not qualified to negotiate with me."
"Offending a World Nobles is a capital crime."
"However, considering your three thousand consecutive undefeated matches in the Dressrosa Colosseum, if you win, I can forgive your offense."
Take Scarlett?
Are you kidding?
I have the upper hand now; why would I bet on that with you?
And the other party's appearance, like a protagonist about to slap a villain, made Black a bit uneasy.
Kyros wanted to say something more; he didn't come here for Black to let him go.
But Mandy had already pointed her longsword at Kyros, clearly a bit impatient.
Kyros had no choice but to take a deep breath, his gaze sharply fixed on Mandy.
A moment later, he charged directly at Mandy, his longsword whistling as it cleaved down.
But Mandy merely shifted half a step to the side, her sword tip, like a silver serpent, thrusting towards his sword-wielding wrist.
Kyros's Observation Haki had already warned him, but before he could change his move, there was a hiss, and blood splattered.
Kyros looked down and saw a bloody mark scraped across his tiger's mouth by the sword energy.
"A speed type, huh?"
Whispering softly, Kyros charged again.
Three thousand duels, even if most of the opponents were insignificant cannon fodder, were enough for him to accumulate rich combat experience.
Especially the strategies adopted when facing enemies of different styles.
However, the gap in strength in this world usually cannot be compensated by combat experience.
Even Mandy, who had no combat experience at the time, could defeat the fledgling Lafitte with the advantage of Haki.
Her rapier drew fine silver lines in the air, each thrust terrifyingly precise.
Kyros roared as he swung his sword, but the opponent's figure dodged like a ghost, yet her sword always left new wounds on him.
Mandy did not use the charged attack she used against the giant in Delgado; instead, she relied on her agility, like an elegant dancer, constantly leaving wounds on Kyros.
Kyros's greatsword smashed into the ground, sending gravel flying.
His breathing was heavy, and sweat mixed with blood ran down his forehead.
Mandy's sword light poured down like a torrential rain.
Kyros's greatsword barely blocked, but her thrusts were too fast, too accurate, each aiming for tendons, joints, and vital points.
His movements became slower and slower, blood oozing from countless tiny wounds.
Until his vision gradually blurred, Kyros's body slowly fell to the ground, still muttering:
"I... can still..."
Bang!
Kyros's body hit the ground, and Black applauded, praising:
"Not bad, great progress."
Mandy didn't reply; instead, she picked up Kyros and jumped onto the deck.
She casually tossed the opponent onto the deck and stood beside Black.
Black turned to look at Scarlett and King Riku, who were standing on the dock, their faces already pale, and said nothing.
Scarlett gritted her teeth, lifted her skirt, and quickly walked up the gangway.
Black then nodded to King Riku:
"Thank you for your hospitality, Your Majesty. I will take my leave now."
"Dressrosa has left a good impression on me. I will visit again when I have time."
King Riku's expression stiffened, and he let out two meaningless "Heh heh" sounds.
Finally, he forced a smile:
"Dressrosa always welcomes Saint Black's presence."
Black smiled and turned to leave.
He ordered the Slaves to shackle Kyros, and when he woke up, he was to work with the Slaves. Black then ordered the ship to set sail.
King Riku, standing on the dock, watched the sanctuary slowly depart, remaining silent for a long time... As Scarlett stepped onto the sanctuary, the sea breeze, laden with a salty scent, swept across her cheeks.
The gilded behemoth glittered blindingly in the sunlight.
Her fingers clutched her skirt, her knuckles white from the effort.
It was as if the fate of Dressrosa rested on her shoulders, and she had to live as a Slave.
"Another poor soul has arrived."
A soft voice came from behind her.
Scarlett turned and saw a blonde woman standing not far away, with a reassuring smile on her face.
Her eyes were gentle, like a ray of sunshine piercing through the gloom.
Black glared at Stella, thinking, how is she pitiful?
Stella merely pretended not to see, bowing slightly to Scarlett:
"I am Stella, welcome to the sanctuary."
Seeing that the other party didn't speak, Stella continued:
"Don't worry, Lord Black has a strange temper when facing outsiders, but he is very kind to us."
"Come, I'll take you to meet the others."
With that, regardless of Scarlett's thoughts, she took her hand and walked into the cabin.
The corridor inside the cabin was wider than expected, with exquisite oil paintings hanging on the walls and soft wool carpets underfoot.
Scarlett was led to a bright lounge where several girls were sitting around a low table.
"Newcomer?"
A Black-haired girl looked up, a sly smile on her lips:
"I'm Nico Robin, you can call me Robin."
"Koala."
Koala, next to her, seemed a bit shy, timidly waving her hand.
"I am Perona-sama!"
A pink-haired girl bounced over, and seeing Scarlett, who also had pink hair, reached out to touch it:
"Your hair is so beautiful!"
Scarlett instinctively took a step back. Perona blinked, then suddenly grinned:
"Can Perona-sama already inspire fear?"
"Horo horo horo horo..."
Just as she let out a demonic laugh, Stella pressed down on her head:
"Stop messing around."
She continued to introduce Scarlett:
"You've already met Mandy."
"Besides these people, there's also Rami."
"But she's not feeling well and is still resting in her room."
"His Highness treats us differently, so you don't need to be too restrained."
Scarlett hesitated and nodded:
"Hello, everyone."
She finally gained some indirect understanding of Black.
Just then, the door opened, and Black walked in.
He was still wearing his spacesuit and fishbowls (helmets), but the expression on his face no longer held the previous arrogance.
"Looks like you're getting along quite well?"
Black looked at Scarlett's somewhat awkward expression and couldn't help but walk forward and gently pinch her cheek.
Scarlett's body tensed, trembling slightly.
"Don't be nervous."
Black waved his hand:
"I'm not planning to do anything to a 16-year-old child."
"Yes, indeed!"
Robin mocked from the side:
"You just like to see other people's pained expressions."
Black squinted at Robin:
"Do you also want to show such an expression?"
"No, thank you."
Robin shrugged:
"I'm afraid I'll throw out your back."
Black
tsk
ed and turned to Scarlett:
"Since you're here, be honest."
"If you don't make me worry, I won't make things difficult for you."
Scarlett was silent for a moment, then finally spoke:
"I will abide by the rules."
...That night, Scarlett stood alone on the deck, gazing at the dark sea.
Dressrosa was already too far to see, but her heart was still tied there.
"Can't sleep?"
Stella's voice came from behind her.
Scarlett didn't turn around:
"How do you all endure it?"
"Endure?"
Stella chuckled softly:
"We just chose to adapt."
"Not only adapting to the life of a Slave, but also adapting to the life of an 'upper-class person'."
"His Highness can be quite mean sometimes, but he is a very gentle person."
"Gentle?"
Scarlett sneered:
"Treating humans as Slaves, can that be called gentle?"
"But His Highness is very indulgent with us; even if Perona constantly tries to play pranks on him, he never gets angry."
Stella walked to her side, still wearing a heartwarming smile:
"And, we have each other."