Stanley led Sambidi and Momousagi through the town and across the central plaza before finally entering the gates of the royal palace.
The moment they stepped inside—
Both of them shuddered simultaneously, a trace of gravity flashing in their eyes.
The instant they crossed into the palace grounds, they clearly felt waves of bone-chilling coldness, as if countless icy eyes were silently watching them from the shadows.
"The killing intent… it's intense…"
Momousagi and Sambidi exchanged a glance.
Both saw shock reflected in the other's eyes.
"Momousagi, be extremely careful. This place is not ordinary…"
Sambidi lowered his voice and quietly warned her.
"Understood."
Momousagi nodded solemnly.
Seeing this, Sambidi said nothing further.
But after a moment's hesitation, his eyes suddenly widened.
Observation Haki—activated.
Buzz!
In an instant, every life presence within the palace appeared clearly within Sambidi's perception.
And then—
His face changed drastically.
One…
Two…
Three…
Ten…
Twenty…
Fifty…
Eighty…
One hundred…
My god…
There were so many powerful presences hidden here!
Feeling those powerful auras concealed in the shadows throughout the palace, Sambidi's expression grew increasingly serious.
But just then—
A strange aura far beyond anything he expected suddenly entered his perception.
Sambidi immediately focused his mind, trying to locate the source of that presence.
And then—
He saw them.
A pair of pale violet ripple-patterned eyes seemed to appear right before him.
They silently stared at him.
The pressure was suffocating.
Then—
Buzz!
His Observation Haki abruptly retracted into his body, completely beyond his control.
It was as if…
It was afraid of something.
Meanwhile—
Inside the palace reception hall, the atmosphere was warm and peaceful.
"Your Majesty, how does the cake taste?"
The little maid Xixi walked over, holding a small cake that looked like a delicate work of art.
Her eyes never left Arthur.
When he took a small bite, she immediately held her breath nervously, her gaze full of anticipation and anxiety.
"Mmm…"
Arthur savored the sweetness of the cake.
A gentle smile appeared on his lips as he was about to praise her—
But suddenly, he felt something strange.
His expression shifted slightly.
His eyes instantly transformed into the pale violet Rinnegan.
The uncomfortable feeling—like being observed by invisible eyes—vanished immediately.
"Y-Your Majesty… your eyes…"
The little maid was startled by the sudden change and stared at him nervously.
"It's nothing."
Arthur gently closed his eyes.
When he opened them again, they had returned to their ordinary black color.
He smiled at her and continued eating the cake.
"Your baking is excellent."
"This cake is delicious."
"Your Majesty…"
Xixi's face lit up instantly with a radiant smile.
But she didn't notice the faint thoughtful look that flashed through Arthur's eyes.
That power just now…
Was that the legendary Observation Haki?
Interesting…
At the same time—
Inside the palace's magnificent labyrinth-like corridor—
Sambidi suddenly trembled slightly and began breathing heavily.
Stanley glanced back at him but said nothing.
He simply continued leading them toward the reception hall where Arthur was waiting.
"Vice Admiral Sambidi, are you alright?"
Seeing his sudden reaction, Momousagi quickly approached and asked in a low voice.
"There are… many powerful individuals hidden in this palace…"
Sambidi's face still showed traces of shock.
Recalling the terrifying violet eyes that had appeared directly in his consciousness, his voice sounded slightly dry.
"And that Zephir Arthur…"
"His strength is unfathomable."
"Especially his eyes… they're terrifyingly powerful."
"Arthur? His eyes?"
Momousagi looked at him in confusion.
But Sambidi didn't explain further.
He simply walked in silence.
The corridor fell into quiet.
Momousagi did not press further, though confusion lingered in her mind.
What exactly was so frightening about Arthur's eyes?
And what did Vice Admiral Sambidi see with his Observation Haki?
They continued walking in silence.
After a long while, Sambidi suddenly spoke again.
"Momousagi…"
"Do you think Observation Haki… can encounter something it fears?"
Momousagi was momentarily speechless.
"Your Majesty! The Marine envoys have arrived!"
Inside the luxurious reception hall—
Stanley led Sambidi and Momousagi in.
He quickly stepped forward toward the sofa and respectfully reported to Arthur, who was leisurely enjoying the cake made by Xixi.
"Mmm. You've done well. You may leave."
Arthur nodded slightly, a faint smile on his lips.
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Stanley respectfully withdrew from the room.
At that moment—
Sambidi and Momousagi finally got a clear look at Arthur.
He appeared to be around twenty years old.
He wore a luxurious white robe trimmed with gold.
His tall figure looked elegant and refined.
Under his short black hair was a handsome face.
His warm smile resembled gentle spring sunlight.
At first glance, he looked like nothing more than a friendly older brother from the neighborhood.
But both Momousagi and Sambidi knew—
This seemingly harmless young man had single-handedly annihilated an entire Marine force not long ago.
"His eyes…"
Sambidi stared at Arthur's seemingly ordinary eyes and frowned deeply.
His confusion only grew stronger.
Momousagi glanced curiously at him.
They look completely normal.
What's so frightening about them?
While they observed Arthur—
Arthur was also studying them.
Vice Admiral Sambidi was tall and imposing.
Aside from his strong aura, there was nothing particularly remarkable about him.
But Momousagi drew Arthur's gaze for a few extra moments.
She wore the white Marine justice coat draped over her shoulders.
Inside was a pink lace long-sleeved shirt.
Her figure was full and striking.
Below, she wore short shorts that revealed her long, fair legs.
A sword hung at her waist.
Her tea-colored hair framed a flawless, beautiful face.
At that moment—
She was looking at Arthur with a hint of curiosity in her eyes.
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