Chapter 125: Don't Let Him Die Too Easily!
Naturally.
While the sea was shaken by the events on Sabaody Archipelago and legends conversed on Elbaf...
Mary Geoise, the true center of the incident, was far from calm.
"Piercing the Red Line... what presumption!"
"Unforgivable! This is a threat to us!"
"Was Saint Anbokamu of the Limozif Family really taken? Saint Kiringolm couldn't stop them?"
"Are the Admirals useless? Couldn't even capture a single person!"
The Celestial Dragons were genuinely panicked.
As descendants of gods residing in the Holy Land, standing above mortals.
Their rule had never been shaken—even if occasional fools tried to act against them, they were erased before anything could happen.
Even when Fisher Tiger caused the massive fire in Mary Geoise and freed countless slaves, the resulting chaos didn't truly threaten them.
And eventually, Fisher Tiger died under the World Government's endless pursuit.
This was the truth—Celestial Dragons could act recklessly. Those who resisted would be killed. Even occasional disturbances couldn't threaten their lives.
But now, this rule was broken.
Saint Anbokamu was truly taken, reportedly severely injured before being abducted.
And the perpetrator escaped smoothly despite being surrounded by a Marine Admiral and the God's Knights, disappearing completely.
So naturally, the Celestial Dragons' anger and unease were immense—their noisy clamor was just to cover their true emotions.
A primal biological instinct that shouldn't arise in the hearts of World Nobles.
Fear.
Meanwhile.
Highest Room of Pangaea Castle, Room of Authority.
The Five Elders, the Highest Authority in the World, gathered here.
"A bunch of trash."
St. Topman Warcury, the Warrior God of Justice, stood by the window looking at the gathered Celestial Dragons below. "Clueless about the truth, panicking over mere rumors... such trash should be disposed of."
His words were sharp and cold.
But the other four Five Elders found no fault in them.
Because their views aligned.
Although nominally Celestial Dragons and World Nobles, belonging to certain 'Families'...
After becoming Five Elders, they were beings on a different level.
Ageless, undying, possessing immense power and infinite authority, serving only Lord Imu.
To them, ordinary Celestial Dragons were like mortals to Celestial Dragons—no different from insects.
"Can't be helped. They are part of the 'Agreement'."
St. Jaygarcia Saturn, the Warrior God of Science and Defense, said calmly.
"More importantly... is Sakazuki under control?"
He looked at the other three Five Elders sitting on the sofa.
"Mm. He and his subordinates have been brought to the Holy Land."
St. Marcus Mars, the Warrior God of Environment, nodded.
"He didn't seem to hear Lord Imu's name, but he heard 'Star Lord'."
Yes.
After that battle, 'Akainu' and his subordinates, who overheard some secrets, were brought to the Holy Land.
The excuse was intel investigation, but in reality...
"We just wait for Lord Imu to make a decision after hearing Kiringolm's report. To release or execute him."
Yes.
They were waiting for the true World King's order.
Once decided, even a Marine Admiral like 'Akainu' could be executed immediately.
This was their power.
Admirals, Fleet Admiral, even the entire Marines—ultimately just tentacles of their authority.
As they spoke, their gazes pierced through walls toward the deepest part of Pangaea Castle.
A room known only to them.
The Room of Flowers.
"He said... to say hello to me for him?"
Butterflies fluttered in the air, lush green grass swaying with intense vitality.
The World King's voice seemed to come from every corner of the room, indistinguishable between male and female.
As He spoke, a butterfly landed on His slender fingertip, like resting on a tree branch.
"Y-Yes."
Before Him, Saint Kiringolm prostrated on the ground, forehead almost touching the floor.
He dared not look up. No one in this world was qualified to look directly at Him.
"You took a hit from him?"
Imu continued asking.
"Yes—a terrifying strike. If not for Your Gift, I would have died complet..."
"Wrong."
Before Kiringolm finished, he heard Imu's calm but cold voice.
Accompanying the word was the slowly falling corpse of the butterfly.
Its body fell into the grass, seemingly crushed.
But the next moment, it flew up again, flapping its wings as if trying to escape Imu.
Looking closely, everything about it seemed normal again.
Kiringolm couldn't tell—did the dead butterfly revive, or did the Lord create an identical one instantly?
But clearly, it didn't matter.
Because for the existence named 'Imu'.
Life and death, insects and beasts, flowers and birds—all phenomena in the world were His slaves.
"If it were truly him."
Imu said.
"With his Conqueror's Haki and power... you wouldn't have had the chance to resurrect via the 'Gift'."
His voice seemed misty, recalling something from the past.
"But the ability you described is indeed him—did he get weaker?"
At this point, His tone carried a hint of delight and chill.
He turned slowly.
"No need to hide anymore—let that Marine, let the whole world know of the existence of 'Star Lord'."
"Then... go confirm."
He dragged His long, massive train deeper into the Room of Flowers.
"Confirm the identities of The Zodiac. Confirm if he is truly the 'Star Lord' from back then. Confirm..."
As He spoke.
The flying butterfly burst into flames spontaneously.
WHOOSH!
It fell from the sky—this time, it didn't fly again.
"Where is he hiding?"
The voice, cold enough to seem inhuman, faded.
The Room of Flowers remained eternal spring.
Kiringolm, still prostrate, dared not lift his head.
He backed out of the room.
Only after leaving did he exhale deeply. "Phew..."
He knew—if his answer or behavior had been slightly improper, or if the Lord's mood was bad...
He would have been that butterfly.
Kiringolm turned to leave quickly.
But as he left, he hesitated. "Did I... forget something?"
"Spare me! Spare me! My father will give you money, as much as you want!"
"I told you everything—the location of my personal vault, with over 70 billion Berries and two Devil Fruits, all collected by myself, no need to go through the family!"
"That slave named Kori was broken by me, but she was still disobedient, so I had her thrown onto 'Plague Island' to continue the torture. I don't know if she's still alive! Don't!"
"You can't kill me, or the world will be enraged... I am a Celestial Dragon, you can't..."
Saint Anbokamu's wails echoed in the Pocket Dimension.
The Celestial Dragon, already missing four limbs, looked even more miserable than before.
His nose was broken, one eye blinded—clearly tortured severely.
In front of him.
Alan's fists were clenched tight.
Fingernails dug into his palms, drawing red blood.
But he seemed unaware, staring at Anbokamu with hatred.
As mentioned, Anbokamu's 'pleasure' wasn't lust, but torturing and destroying beautiful things.
So what he confessed was enough for Alan to want to eat his flesh bite by bite.
"Plague Island..."
He whispered the name.
Beside Alan, Yuji was reading the intel obtained by Baroque Works.
"..."
He didn't speak, just read silently.
Plague Island—an island in the Grand Line.
Territory of the non-World Government affiliated 'Addi Kingdom'. Reportedly filled with intense miasma and deadly poisons.
Surviving a month there was a pipe dream for normal people.
Strangely, this dangerous, valueless island was treasured by the Addi Kingdom.
The royal family stationed many guards there, forbidding entry, nominally "to prevent casualties".
The kingdom's power was rising, rumored to join the World Government soon.
At first glance, a kingdom "caring for its people".
But reality was different.
From Anbokamu, Yuji learned the truth—the Addi Kingdom hosted a Celestial Dragon 'Hunting Competition' in the past.
The royals sold out all citizens on 'Plague Island' as targets.
The island wasn't originally toxic—it became so because losing Celestial Dragons dumped massive amounts of incurable poison there out of spite.
Afterward, it became a dumping ground for slaves.
The Addi Kingdom prospered due to this connection with Celestial Dragons.
"Typical World Government. Anyone with a shred of humanity couldn't do this."
Yuji muttered.
Just then...
"Lord Yuji..."
He heard Alan's voice.
Turning, he saw the determined gaze under Alan's mask. "I... I want to go to Plague Island. To confirm if Kori is alive... I think she... she might still..."
He choked up.
Clearly, he knew—Kori's survival chance was minimal.
But he had to confirm.
Besides that...
"And... this guy..."
He looked at Anbokamu, took a deep breath, and clenched his fists again. "He's right. He's valuable—exchanging him could get a lot of money. I... although I'm just an intern, I'm part of the organization."
"For the organization, I should hand him over to you."
His gratitude to Yuji was unspeakable, his sense of belonging to The Zodiac immense.
But he felt he only took from The Zodiac and never gave back.
Now was his chance.
Yuji kidnapped a Celestial Dragon for him, helping him find his sister.
In Alan's view, that was enough—it was time to repay the organization.
Kidnapping a Celestial Dragon was a heavy crime, but killing one was unforgivable.
Anbokamu could be exchanged for a massive ransom, valuable to the organization.
So despite his unwillingness, he felt he should choose this.
'They're letting me go. They'll use me for ransom... They really don't dare kill me!'
Hearing this, Anbokamu showed a look of joy.
But next...
"Don't spout nonsense, brat!"
Before he could finish, Yuji interrupted.
Alan looked up and saw Yuji's eyes.
Calm, yet hiding fire.
"You made two mistakes."
He said calmly.
Leaving aside the danger of ransoming Anbokamu when Kiringolm clearly knew of 'Star Lord'.
Just the act itself...
"First, who do you think I am?"
Yuji stared at Alan. "I am 'Yuji'—letting trash like this breathe for one more second annoys me."
"Releasing him back? I wouldn't be able to sleep if I did that!"
"Second, who said you're an intern?"
Saying so, he raised his hand and tossed something to Alan.
Alan caught it instinctively and realized.
It was a Sea Beast Mask.
On top of the mask was a small 'Crow'.
"From today on, you are a formal member of The Zodiac, The Crow under my 'Rooster Division'."
Yuji looked at him. "In other words, you are my direct subordinate... If you say such stupid things again, I'll kill you myself!"
He threatened, then added, "As for your sister... our fame is a bit high lately—the Leader asked us to lay low."
"And Plague Island is dangerous for you."
Yuji paused. "However... I have a colleague who specializes in this area. I'll ask him to handle your sister's matter."
Hearing this, Alan was stunned.
Holding the heavy Sea Beast Mask, his nose soured. "Lord Yuji..."
"Shut up!"
Then, he saw Yuji turn around, leaving.
Before leaving, Yuji pointed at the stunned Anbokamu. "I find this guy annoying, but you have more reason to kill him than I do. So I leave him to you."
"This is also your first formal mission—"
"Don't let him die too easily."
With those words, Yuji dissolved into light and vanished.
"..."
Left behind, Alan took a deep breath.
He took off his mask, turned, and looked at Anbokamu struggling to escape.
Tears and a smile appeared simultaneously, making his young face look somewhat savage.
"Yes, Sir."
He put the new Sea Beast Mask on his head, like a soldier performing a loyalty ritual.
"I guarantee mission completion!"
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