"Female commoner?"
Maria Palace took a sip of black tea, her brow slightly furrowed. "Don't recall."
She'd killed too many commoners, even used their heads as soccer balls—how could she possibly remember each one?
"I'd nearly forgotten too."
Diana Palace chuckled lightly. "But that woman's son actually dared disguise himself and sneak into the Holy Land last year to seek revenge. That jogged my memory. Though he was so weak he couldn't even get close to me before the guards disposed of him like trash."
She elegantly smoothed her hair, her eyes filled with disdain. "How utterly foolish. Mere commoners dreaming of harming gods?"
The deck immediately erupted in mocking laughter.
A young Celestial Dragon girl couldn't help but interject, "Well, exceptions do exist. Let's not forget that audacious fellow who appeared in Sabaody two months ago."
That man named Xiano...
The surrounding Celestial Dragons fell into momentary silence, recalling the terror from two months ago.
The impact of the Sabaody Incident had been felt most deeply by them.
Their elders had strictly forbidden them from leaving the Holy Land afterward—not that the order was even necessary, as none dared step beyond Mariejois during that period.
"What's there to fear? It's been so long, why dwell on it? Besides, that madman's in the New World, far from the North Blue!"
Charloss Saint snorted contemptuously, patting the gem-encrusted golden pistol at his waist.
"And haven't you heard? The Marines have deployed their largest protective detail yet—multiple Admirals present! Let him try coming here! I'll blow his head off myself!"
Diana Palace and Maria Palace covered their mouths with light laughter.
Being more experienced, they wouldn't shamelessly boast like Charloss, but his first point was indeed correct.
This time was completely different from the sudden terrorist attack in Sabaody.
With tens of thousands of Marines forming a protective perimeter and Admirals standing guard, who in this world could possibly break through?
...
The sun climbed higher, dispelling the morning sea fog.
Gradually, the massive Marine fleet encircling the Kingdom of Lubunir came into clear view.
Over twenty warships!
Sixteen thousand elite Marines!
Learning from the precedents of God Valley and Sabaody, this was the military defense line the World Government had meticulously arranged for the North Blue hunting game!
Not even pirates—not even birds—would be allowed through to disturb the Celestial Dragons' excursion!
The steel behemoths encircled the kingdom like fortress walls, their cannons ominous, while lookouts atop the masts vigilantly scanned the surrounding seas.
A young sergeant recently transferred to headquarters had been standing watch in the lookout tower since midnight yesterday.
Finally relieved for shift change, he couldn't help complaining to his senior: "Mr. Soren, what exactly is our mission this time? Such a massive operation, even Admirals are here..."
The veteran took a drag from his cigarette, casting a complicated glance toward the distant luxury cruise before lowering his voice:
"Kid, don't ask questions you shouldn't. Just remember - no matter what you see these next few days, keep your mouth shut and follow orders."
Almost simultaneously.
On the central flagship, Akainu approached the railing, lit a cigar, and took a hard, expressionless drag.
Normally, people don't inhale cigars into their lungs, but for a powerhouse at his level, it was no different from regular cigarettes.
"You didn't used to smoke much, Sakazuki."
A somewhat lazy voice came from nearby. "But you've been doing it more frequently lately. This change started about a year ago, didn't it? Something troubling you?"
Has it really been a year since I started smoking cigars...
Akainu slightly startled.
His expression then darkened. "Don't play dumb, Borsalino! Shouldn't you be the one losing sleep over the threat that man poses? After all, you're the one among us who actually suffered serious injuries at that brat's hands!"
"Now, now, don't exaggerate like that."
Kizaru stood nearby, one hand in his pocket, maintaining his usual careless demeanor:
"It's just a lost arm. After years on the battlefield, such days are inevitable. Didn't Teacher Zephyr experience the same? I've long since made peace with it. Don't make it sound like I nearly died by that kid's hand."
"Compared to that, I'm more concerned about what's right before us..."
Kizaru's gaze fell upon the distant luxury cruise ship. After a long silence, he looked up at the sky and murmured:
"The price of justice is truly heavy, Sakazuki."
The sea breeze from North Blue seemed particularly cold as it swept across the deck, causing the "JUSTICE" cloak on his back to flap vigorously.
"I managed to delay for several days, thought I'd brushed it off, but they still transferred me here claiming insufficient manpower. Really, couldn't they just pretend I didn't exist..."
Akainu didn't respond, similarly staring coldly at the distant sea.
Though separated by several nautical miles.
Somehow, the Celestial Dragons' laughter, clinking glasses, and boasts about their achievements... all came rushing over, lingering in his mind, impossible to shake off.
He turned away in disgust.
After taking a deep breath, he adjusted his expression and spoke indifferently: "A soldier's duty is to obey orders. At this point, there's no use complaining."
"Ah, I understand."
Kizaru turned and looked Akainu up and down, suddenly breaking into a mischievous laugh:
"But hey, Sakazuki-kun, do you think that brat will show up this time? I heard over three hundred distinguished guests are attending. If something were to go wrong, pfft hahaha, that would be quite interesting."
"Watch your attitude, Borsalino!"
Akainu bit down on his cigar and snorted coldly:
"If he dares to come, we'll settle both old and new scores! We'll make that arrogant brat understand he can't shake the order of these seas! But you know as well as I do that's impossible."
They had already received reports about the Curtain Closer launching large-scale attacks and harassing New World outposts.
"What a pity."
Kizaru pursed his lips. Just then, deafening cheers suddenly erupted from the distant cruise ship.
Both men looked up.
The Celestial Dragons had already donned specially tailored hunting uniforms, holding various exquisite weapons, eagerly preparing to disembark and go ashore.
"Report!"
A communications officer hurried over, "Admirals! The Celestial Dragons on the cruise ship demand the game begin immediately! They can't wait any longer! The Cipher Pol agents want our final confirmation—are all perimeter defenses fully deployed?"
"They've been deployed long ago."
Akainu responded coldly, "Tell them they may begin."
The communications officer saluted and hurried away.
Crushing his cigar casually, Akainu was about to return to the cabin when he noticed Kizaru staring intently into the distance, a faint, elusive smile playing on his lips.
"What are you thinking about?" Akainu frowned.
"Oh? You noticed that?"
Kizaru looked over in surprise, shrugging as he said, "Well, I was just thinking—if that kid really is here and we fail to stop him, what kind of scene would it be? Would these fat pigs remember what happened at Sabaody and piss their pants in terror?"
"Shut up!"
Akainu whipped around, flames of anger burning in his eyes, "Watch your position and know your limits, Borsalino! If words like that get out, we'll all be in serious trouble!"
Kizaru shrugged and fell silent.
...
New World.
On a sunny, tranquil island, the Red Hair Pirates' New Red Force was anchored.
Despite the pleasant scenery, Red Hair had no mood to appreciate the beautiful view. Instead, he kept his head down, pacing restlessly back and forth along the shore.
"Boss!"
The urgent call came from the ship's doctor and intelligence officer, Hongou.
"What's the news?"
Red Hair immediately turned and rushed over, "Any updates?"
"Yes, there's definitely something wrong, Boss."
Hongou approached quickly, handing over a secret report: "Just as I thought—the Curtain Closers have been launching large-scale operations for days, yet the Marine bases in the New World remain eerily calm. I mobilized all the connections and resources we could, and only then did we get this lead."
Red Hair took the secret report, scanned it briefly, and his expression instantly changed: "Someone spotted their fleet suddenly changing course and entering the Calm Belt?"
"That's right. The Curtain Closers sent out many scout ships, clearing the surroundings along the way. They were extremely cautious. If not for our informant being a Fish-man who happened to see it from underwater, no one would have known their whereabouts."
The Calm Belt...
Red Hair's heart sank, his unease growing stronger.
Since the Curtain Closers firmly established themselves in the New World, every time they mobilized, it led to major, earth-shattering events.
This time, their actions were the most covert yet—even he had only just learned of it today.
As for where they were heading and what they intended to do...
"Completely clueless."
Beckman shook his head nearby: "Our intelligence capabilities aren't sufficient—we can only go this far. Hey, Shanks, we have no choice but to use that method, right?"
"Yeah, it's the only way."
Red Hair nodded slightly, pulling out a Vivrecard from his chest.
This was obtained last year in Blackstone City, when Beckman used a little trick to take it from the Curtain Closers' top executive named Jack.
At this moment, the card was floating in a direction pointing straight toward the Calm Belt.
"It matches the intel. During the Sabaody incident, this card also pointed toward Sabaody."
Beckman spoke up, "This confirms that the Vivrecard indeed belongs to Jack himself. There's no need for hesitation anymore. Shall we set off immediately, Shanks?"
"That's exactly what I was thinking."
Red Hair grinned, handing the Vivrecard to the helmsman before turning to issue the command: "Everyone! Board the ship at once! Follow the Vivrecard's guidance and head at full speed toward the Calm Belt!"
"Aye, Captain!"
The New Red Force departed from the harbor, beginning its journey.
Red Hair gazed into the distance, his expression resolute.
Whatever you're planning, Xiano, there won't be a third time after two chances—I won't allow you to keep disrupting the order of the seas any longer!
And this time, there won't be any Kaido jumping out to interfere either...
We will make it in time!
...
"Honorable Celestial Dragons, please quiet down for a moment!"
The golden-masked host, standing on a platform erected by the shore, struck the golden bell behind him.
Clang~
As the clear metallic chime resonated, the noisy Celestial Dragons below gradually fell silent.
"Welcome to the hometown of Noland the Liar! This land was once famed for the legend of El Dorado because of him, yet for four hundred years, no one has been able to find it."
"Of course, to all of you, whether it's El Dorado or this golden bell, their authenticity hardly matters. This is merely a prelude before the official announcement begins."
The host bowed respectfully, then straightened up with a smile.
Just like the golden bell behind him—though its legend would drive countless people across the seas to madness—here, it was nothing more than a prop for entertainment.
For eight hundred years, the Holy Land has amassed wealth beyond ordinary imagination.
A mere golden bell? They could make as many as they wanted!
"At the same time, this bell chime is also a blessing, wishing all esteemed guests an unforgettable experience in today's long-awaited hunting feast!"
The host's voice grew louder and more enthusiastic:
"For this Paradise Project, a total of 367,000 prey have been prepared. Among them are 200 SR-class 'Hares' and 30 rarer bloodline holders—SSR-class 'Hares.' The entire Kingdom of Lubunir is your hunting ground! And the rules remain as simple as ever—"
"The top five hunters with the most 'Hares' killed will have the privilege of freely selecting precious prizes specially prepared by the World Government!"
He clapped his hands, and attendants immediately wheeled out a large cage covered with a red cloth.
Whoosh!
The cloth was pulled away, revealing a pair of young triplet sisters inside the cage. Dressed in luxurious attire, with delicate, elf-like features, they trembled and clung to each other, tears streaming down their faces.
"These are the descendants of a royal family from a now-extinct kingdom in the West Sea. Due to certain ancestral bloodline mutations, they will retain their youthful appearance until death—their 'bloom' lasts over fifty years!"
The host proudly announced:
"Pure bloodline, exquisite beauty—they are perfect slave candidates! And this is only the first prize!"
"As for the second prize!"
Two attendants carefully carried a sword and hung it on the wall.
"One of the Supreme Grade Swords of the Twelve Craftsmen—'Sakurayuki'! A legendary Famous Sword forged by the master female swordsmith of Wano Country two centuries ago, Shimotsuki Azami, who poured the remainder of her life into its creation in her later years! It holds immense significance and is priceless!"
"And the third prize—three extremely rare Devil Fruits!"
Three servants slowly ascended the stage holding crystal trays as the host smiled and declared:
"As for what exactly they are, we'll keep that a mystery for now, but I can guarantee these three Devil Fruits are exceptionally rare, far surpassing ordinary fruits, and worthy of your status as descendants of the creators!"
Clang!
The golden bell tolled once more.
"I'm sure you're all growing impatient!"
The host spread his arms wide and laughed heartily: "Then without further ado, everyone, I declare the two hundred and fifty-sixth Hunting Games officially... BEGIN!!!"
Whoosh—!
A sharp whistling sound tore through the sky. Before the host's words had fully faded, dozens of dark shadows descended like meteors, crashing onto the beach near the golden bell and kicking up clouds of sand.
The largest among them landed directly on the host, instantly crushing him into a bloody pulp before he could even scream.
"Eek!"
The Celestial Dragons recoiled in fright, stumbling backward at the sudden turn of events.
Charloss Saint frantically drew his pistol, but his hands trembled so violently from panic that snot bubbles burst from his nose. "W-what was that?!"
As the dust settled.
The beach now bore dozens of craters of varying depths.
The first to climb out was an orange-haired girl, spitting out sand in disgust while slapping her denim shorts in frustration:
"What the hell! It's all sand! Should've used Elemental Transformation! And that Kuma! Slapping us without a word—couldn't he have been gentler?!"
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