Clang!
A crisp clash of metal rang out, sending sparks flying as the intruder was forcefully repelled.
"Showing up without even a greeting—how impolite," Kaguya remarked, casually gripping her crystalline blade. She cast a cold glance at the man who had just attacked.
The figure now stood revealed—he appeared to be in his forties, with messy golden hair and round-framed glasses. A long scar ran across one of his sharp eyes. He wore a dusty yellow coat over his shoulders, an old trench coat draped over it, and an ill-fitting pair of shorts. On his feet, he wore simple sandals, adding to his disheveled appearance.
Despite his unkempt look, Kaguya immediately recognized him.
The middle-aged man tightened his grip on his sword, his gaze narrowing. "To think I'd run into you here… It seems my luck is running dry."
"Letting you take someone away so easily would be a bit humiliating for me, don't you think?" Kaguya twirled the hilt of her crystalline blade and smirked. "Isn't that right, Dark King Rayleigh?"
"Dark King Rayleigh?"
"You mean that Rayleigh, the former vice-captain of the Pirate King Roger?!"
"Impossible! Didn't he disappear after Roger's execution? What's he doing here?!"
The surrounding Marine soldiers tensed, their hands tightening around their weapons as they swiftly surrounded Rayleigh.
Rayleigh rested his hand on his sword hilt, his expression growing sharper. "I didn't expect you to recognize me."
"The infamous Dark King Rayleigh? I'd be surprised if I didn't know who you were," Kaguya ran a pale finger along the gleaming edge of her blade. "Still, for you to appear so openly before me… that's quite bold."
Rayleigh sighed, his tone deepening. "I take it this won't end peacefully. But that child is innocent—I ask that you spare him."
Kaguya walked up to the small Fish-Man child, running her fingers through his starfish-like white hair. "For the sake of one little Fish-Man, you're willing to take such a huge risk? You saw my power firsthand on Sabaody, didn't you?"
Rayleigh chuckled, his lips curving into a smirk. "That child is kind and naive. More importantly, he once saved my life. I don't like owing debts."
"Even if it means dying here?" Kaguya asked, her gaze unwavering.
"Precisely," Rayleigh said, his hand gripping the hilt of his sword tightly.
The air grew tense. Marine soldiers raised their rifles, surrounding Rayleigh in an armed standoff. The battlefield was primed to explode into chaos at any moment.
"Such unwavering resolve. You truly live up to your title, Dark King Rayleigh," Kaguya said as she released her grip on the Fish-Man child.
The boy, who had been immobilized moments earlier, suddenly found himself able to move again. He wasted no time rushing to Rayleigh's side, tiny fists clenched in an almost comical display of defiance.
Rayleigh's eyes darkened with suspicion as he shielded the boy behind him. "What's your game? Are you mocking me?"
Kaguya scoffed, rolling her eyes. "Mocking you? You think too highly of yourself."
Nearby, a Marine officer spoke up hesitantly, "Celestial Dragon-sama, are you truly letting him go? This is Dark King Rayleigh, a notorious criminal. If we let him escape—"
The Marine soldier had barely finished speaking when Kaguya shot him a glance. "Since when do you have the right to question my decisions?"
The moment her gaze fell upon him, the soldier felt his heart tighten as if he had been plunged into an icy abyss. The rest of his words caught in his throat.
Rayleigh's eyes narrowed. "Then what exactly are you saying?"
"Nothing much. I simply have no interest in taking advantage of a weakened opponent," Kaguya replied nonchalantly, sheathing her blade and turning away. "However, the next time we meet, you won't be so lucky."
She paused, glancing back at him with a sharp glint in her eyes. "Next time, I'll kill you."
With that, she turned and left, her entourage following in tow.
Rayleigh watched her figure disappear into the distance, a smirk tugging at his lips. "To think I was spared by a little girl… At such a young age, she already carries such presence. Just as the captain once said—the Great Age of Pirates is truly beginning."
Turning to the Fish-Man child, he placed a hand on his shoulder. "Come on, let's go."
The child hesitated for a moment before saying, "Uncle, I think I saw someone familiar."
Rayleigh raised an eyebrow. "Familiar? Are you sure you're not mistaken?"
"I'm not!" the child insisted.
Meanwhile, as Kaguya strolled through the streets of the town, Tiger suddenly spoke up. "Thank you for letting Hatchan go."
As Kaguya had suspected, the child was none other than Hatchan—the same Hatchan who would later become a member of the Sun Pirates. This was why Rayleigh had risked exposing himself to save him.
"No need to thank me," Kaguya replied, glancing at Tiger. "I'm not so low as to use a child as a bargaining chip."
"Ah, that's not what I meant!" Tiger quickly waved his hands. "I know that child—he grew up in Fish-Man District. When I left, he wasn't even a meter tall. I can't believe how much he's grown."
"Mm." Kaguya gave a slight nod and said nothing more.
To reach Fish-Man Island, even the sturdiest ships required a proper coating to survive the immense pressure of the deep sea.
Normally, even the most skilled craftsmen would need at least three days for the process. However, due to Kaguya's Celestial Dragon status, every expert coater in Sabaody Archipelago had been summoned immediately. The entire process was completed in less than a day.
It was a stark reminder of the power that came with a corrupt society.
As the ship slowly descended beneath the waves, following its planned route, the underwater world unfolded before them. At first, light still reached them, but as they sank deeper, the brightness gradually faded, until the world around them became an expanse of darkness.
Ordinarily, the deep sea was filled with massive Sea Kings, some stretching dozens of meters, others reaching hundreds, even thousands of meters in size. However, for some reason, their voyage remained eerily undisturbed, much to the relief of the Marine soldiers onboard.
When they finally arrived at Fish-Man Island's port, they were met with an extravagant welcome. Fish-Men and Merfolk lined the docks, holding bouquets of flowers, while a long red carpet, scattered with petals, stretched before them.
However, despite the grand display, their smiles appeared somewhat forced.
Just then, Kaguya's gaze shifted to several massive warships docked nearby—ships even larger than the Marine vessel she had arrived on. Their imposing presence was undeniable.
But what truly caught her attention was the emblem emblazoned on their sails.
Her eyes narrowed.
It was him.
"Welcome, Celestial Dragon-sama."
A crisp voice rang out as a woman dressed in elegant royal attire stepped forward, speaking respectfully.
She had golden hair, delicate features, and large, deep-set eyes. Her fair skin added to her beauty—it was no wonder she would one day give birth to Shirahoshi, a stunning beauty in her own right.
She was none other than Queen Otohime of the Ryugu Kingdom on Fish-Man Island.
Kaguya ignored her words, instead glancing toward the distant ships in the harbor. With a knowing smile, she remarked, "It seems we have other guests."
Otohime's expression stiffened slightly, and her smile became noticeably strained. "How could that be? We have long awaited your arrival."
"Is that so?" Kaguya chuckled but said nothing more.
Otohime quickly added, "You must be weary from your long journey, Celestial Dragon-sama. If you do not mind, please allow us to escort you to the palace for some rest. We have prepared a grand banquet in your honor."
Kaguya nodded and proceeded toward the palace. As she did, Otohime let out a quiet sigh of relief. Fortunately, it seemed the guest had not noticed anything.
"I've heard that Fish-Man Island has suffered from pirate raids recently. Is there any truth to this?" Kaguya asked casually as they walked.
"Indeed, there have been some lawless individuals passing through," Otohime admitted with a polite smile. "However, the situation has improved significantly. Many of them have disappeared. Thank you for your concern, Celestial Dragon-sama."
"So," Kaguya suddenly stopped and turned to face her. "That's your justification for aligning with pirates?"
Otohime froze, her face paling. "N-no! That's not true! We would never conspire with pirates!"
"Then how do you explain that flag?" Kaguya gestured toward a large pirate emblem hanging on the entrance wall, her tone laced with sarcasm.
It was a skull with two crossed bones forming an X, but what stood out the most was the distinct curved mustache on the skull's face.
Otohime's heart sank. She noticed...
When Otohime had first heard that a Celestial Dragon was visiting, she hadn't been too concerned. Based on past experiences, most Celestial Dragons only came to Fish-Man Island to indulge themselves. As long as they were entertained and well-served, there wouldn't be any problems.
But this time was different. The Celestial Dragon before her wasn't like the others—she had immediately seen through the situation.
The story began a few days prior. Due to the long-standing discrimination against Fish-Men and the high price young mermaids could fetch in human trafficking rings, pirates frequently raided Fish-Man Island, abducting its people. The kidnappings had become so frequent that the island's security forces were powerless to stop them.
That was until Whitebeard arrived.
He declared Fish-Man Island as his territory, and from that moment on, no pirate dared to set foot there. The abductions ceased overnight.
Though the Ryugu Kingdom had reluctantly accepted Whitebeard's claim, they had done so in secret. After all, Whitebeard was one of the most infamous pirates and an enemy of the World Government. Publicly aligning with him would mean defying the government, which would shatter Otohime's dream of securing equal rights for Fish-Men.
How could she not be worried?
"It was my doing. If you have a problem, take it up with me."
A deep, thunderous voice suddenly echoed behind Kaguya.
She smirked and turned around. "So, you really are here... Whitebeard."
Before Kaguya stood a towering, broad-shouldered man with chiseled features. His sharp black eyes gleamed with intensity, and his iconic white mustache curled upward. His body, sculpted like marble, was covered in bulging muscles and thick veins that pulsed with explosive power. He radiated an air of absolute dominance, a man who stood above all others.
Whitebeard, the man known as the strongest in the world.
Behind him stood members of the Whitebeard Pirates, including the captains of various divisions, each exuding an imposing presence. However, Whitebeard's sheer aura overshadowed them all.
Whitebeard's piercing gaze studied Kaguya. "So, you're the newcomer everyone's been talking about?"
Kaguya ignored his remark and instead asked, "I hear you intend to make this island your territory?"
Whitebeard grinned. "Not intend, girl. This is my territory."
"Your territory?" Kaguya's tone was indifferent. "That seems a bit premature."
Whitebeard raised an eyebrow. "Oh? And what, little girl, do you have to say about that?"
Kaguya's gaze was unwavering, her lips curling slightly. "Have you asked me for permission before claiming Fish-Man Island?"
The entire area erupted into murmurs and gasps.
"Did she just say that to Whitebeard?!"
"Does this girl even know who she's talking to?!"
"Whitebeard is a man from Roger's era, the strongest man in the world!"
"Just because she beat a few Marine Vice Admirals, does she think she can stand against him?!"
"Is she out of her mind?!"
The Whitebeard Pirates openly mocked her, laughing at the sheer audacity of her words. No one had ever dared to speak to their captain in such a manner. Those foolish enough to disrespect Whitebeard had long since been buried at sea.
Marco, the First Division Commander, stepped forward. His tired-looking eyes locked onto Kaguya, his expression darkening. "Listen, little girl. You'd better show some respect. Pops isn't like those nobodies you've beaten before."
Kaguya shot him a cold glance. "When the adults are talking, children should stay silent."
Marco's expression twisted in anger. "What did you just say?" His voice carried a dangerous edge. "You arrogant brat. Just because you took down a few Marines, you think you can run wild? This isn't a place for you to act recklessly."
"Annoying."
Kaguya's eyes flashed with icy light as a dark purple sphere, crackling with lightning, materialized in her palm. With a swift motion, she hurled it at Marco at blinding speed.
"Tailed Beast Ball."
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