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Noir and Garp, like two childish fools, hurled insults and spat at each other relentlessly.
Vice Admiral Tsuru watched the two grown men with a weary expression. Only idiots can truly understand each other, she thought.
Her aide, observing Noir, hesitated before whispering, "Vice Admiral, I have a feeling that this Celestial Dragon is... rather mild-mannered."
Tsuru nodded. "Escort him back to Mary Geoise. And have the Government keep a close eye on him."
Garp and Tsuru's fleet had pursued the Straw Hats for a considerable distance but found no trace of them.
Tsuru massaged her temples, a worried frown creasing her brow. "It must have been the Revolutionary Army..."
Garp and his aide were taken aback. "But wasn't it pirates who attacked the Heavenly Tribute? Devil Noir and Fire Fist Ace!"
Tsuru let out a cold laugh. "Mere pirates couldn't have pulled off such a large-scale operation."
Garp sighed in relief. "I'm glad it wasn't Ace's doing."
Then, a new worry surfaced in his mind. But if it was Dragon's doing... that's not good either...
Unable to apprehend the attackers, Garp and Tsuru had no choice but to return, taking Noir, whom they believed to be a Celestial Dragon, back to Mary Geoise.
Mary Geoise, the Holy Land, was home to the World Nobles, the Celestial Dragons. It was a heavily guarded and strategically advantageous location.
Situated atop the towering Red Line, it was virtually impenetrable.
But there were always exceptions.
Fisher Tiger, the fish-man, was a legend.
He had scaled the Red Line with his bare hands, single-handedly freed thousands of slaves, and then set Mary Geoise ablaze before escaping and founding the Sun Pirates.
He was the first man to openly declare war on the World Government, even before Dragon.
Sadly, despite his heroic actions, his life ended tragically at sea.
Noir didn't need to climb the Red Line. He took the official travelator, a convenient path to Mary Geoise.
This was also an alternative route from Paradise to the New World, besides Fish-Man Island.
As soon as Noir arrived in Mary Geoise, excitedly taking in the scenery, a group of burly guards surrounded him, their expressions wary.
Noir, his height altered and his view obstructed, snapped, "What are you doing?"
The guards, dressed in white suits, quickly explained, "We heard that Saint Rolviff was attacked. Your father has instructed us to escort you to him."
Rolviff's father wanted to see him?
Noir recalled the map of Mary Geoise, his mind racing.
He probably wants to use the map to gain favor or some sort of advantage. That's why Rolviff's actions were so secretive.
The poor fool had no idea that Noir had already killed his fat pig of a son and obtained the map.
Noir feigned a moment of compassion before saying to the guards, "Very well, take me to him."
A Government official approached Tsuru. "Thank you, Vice Admiral. You are free to return now."
Tsuru glanced around, lowering her voice. "There might be something suspicious about Saint Rolviff's identity. Be careful."
The official nodded, but didn't seem too concerned.
We see that idiot every day. What could possibly be wrong? Who would even impersonate him?
Tsuru had done her duty by voicing her concerns. She promptly departed from Mary Geoise.
With the Heavenly Tribute stolen, she had pressing matters to attend to, including investigating the incident and capturing the culprits. A single Celestial Dragon was a waste of her time.
Seeing Tsuru leave, Noir finally relaxed. That old woman was sharp. If she'd observed him for too long, she might have discovered his deception.
His mind at ease, Noir began to appreciate the scenery.
These Celestial Dragon scum certainly lived in luxury compared to most people in the world.
Calling their residences villas felt like an understatement. The place was spotless and opulent, with not a speck of dirt in sight – except for the people themselves.
As Noir made his way through the Holy Land, he encountered numerous Celestial Dragons.
The men were mostly obese and repulsive. They paraded through the streets, either dragging slaves on leashes or riding on the backs of beautiful female slaves, flaunting their power and conceit.
The women were slightly better. Though some were unattractive, there were a few who were passable.
But they, too, kept slaves. Groups of female Celestial Dragons would gather, excitedly discussing whose slave was the most physically impressive.
Noir overheard their conversations, filled with malice, conceit, and vulgarity. It was like listening to a convention of sadists.
Noir's expression darkened with each encounter.
Though he had become morally ambiguous since arriving in this world, his heart wasn't entirely devoid of compassion.
After all, he came from a nation with a deep sense of righteousness. Witnessing such blatant injustice and cruelty stirred a sense of indignation within him.
Noir tried to avoid looking at the slaves, their spirits crushed. Under the guards' escort, he arrived at "his" home.
He pushed open the doors, revealing a lavishly decorated interior. High-quality diamonds and gold adorned the walls, and countless treasures were displayed in rows.
The items were valuable, but the way they were showcased reeked of nouveau riche vulgarity.
After safely escorting Noir home, the Government officials withdrew. From the depths of the palace-like entrance hall, a flamboyantly dressed man approached.
Despite his regal attire, the man's appearance was far from pleasing. He grinned, revealing his teeth. "Son! Did you bring back the item?"
You disgusting pig! My "dear" father!
Noir was tempted to electrocute the old man on the spot, but he held back, unsure of the situation. He tossed the map to the man. "Here you go!"
Saint Roelmot, Rolviff's father, snatched the map and examined it, his ugly features contorting with delight. "Well done!"
The map is already etched in Robin's super-brain. It doesn't matter if he has it, Noir thought.
Roelmot tucked the map into his robes. "You don't need to worry about the rest!"
"Oh, and Saint Rosward and his daughter are here to see you. Go meet them."
Roelmot's eyes gleamed with malicious glee. "I heard that Rosward's son was killed in Sabaody Archipelago by some lightning-wielding idiot. The old man has been crying for days!"
Noir's expression faltered. The incident and the name sounded familiar…
Wasn't that the Celestial Dragon Enel killed?
Noir asked cautiously, "Why do they want to see me?"
Roelmot smirked. "Losing his heir has weakened his position within the family. Now he's trying to use his daughter to regain some standing."
"I've already arranged everything. Shalria will be betrothed to you!"
"This solves his problem and strengthens our family's ties with theirs. A win-win marriage!"
Marriage? To a Celestial Dragon?
Noir was momentarily stunned, then a cold laughter echoed in his heart. Marrying a Celestial Dragon? The thought disgusted him. But… taking her as a concubine might be acceptable.
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