Leo had spent a month on Sabaody Island. During that time, he had handled another matter, but this time the nobles were lucky—they were under the protection of the guards and returned safely to Sabaody. Leo continued to watch from a distance. Honestly, seeing the nobles crying on the shore made him feel a bit lighter.
Another day passed. The sea near Sabaody Castle was blessed with rare calm weather. The afternoon sun lazily bathed the coast. In this tranquil atmosphere, Leo felt drowsy and decided to take a nap on the submarine deck. Suddenly, in his half-sleep, he heard a low whisper near his ear:
"Boss Dean, the slave ship is expected to arrive at Shampu before 5 PM tonight. We should prepare to receive the cargo."
A man named Dean scanned the surroundings to ensure no one was listening, then seriously instructed his subordinates:"Shh, this shipment is for the boss. He instructed us to prepare. The cargo is large, so escort it carefully. Once it arrives, notify the slave market as usual and have someone meet it halfway."
Hmm? A slave ship? That's… quite the affair. Leo suddenly perked up. He checked his watch—it was already three o'clock. Time was running short.
Leo carefully retreated into the submarine and pulled out his little "Den Den Mushi" again."小 buddy, you've got work to do today. It's been a while since you've flown. Are you ready?"
The Den Den Mushi didn't speak—or else Leo would have scolded it for being silly. Somehow, Leo could tell by its watery gaze that it was eager for flight.
Everything ready, the submarine quietly left the harbor. Since Leo couldn't take action near Sabaody, he had to rely on the Den Den Mushi to scout the enemy. Finding a slave ship in the vast ocean was like looking for a needle in a haystack.
After over an hour, Leo's eyes were bloodshot."Damn it! If I don't catch these slavers, I'll lose money. Please don't let this be for nothing. All of you—get into my net, you bastards!"
The sea seemed to answer his prayer. The Den Den Mushi finally spotted a target: an unflagged ship. While its purpose was unclear, the draft suggested it carried a large cargo.
Leo swam out of the submarine, letting the currents guide him toward the unknown ship. Using the water like a mirror, he observed the deck—no guards had noticed him. Controlling the water like a slime, he climbed onto the wooden planks.
Meanwhile, in Shampu, Dean and his team had also set out to meet the ship. It was heading straight toward them, flying no flag.
Dean lowered his telescope:"We've spotted the enemy. Alert the ships behind us for escort."
Suddenly, his eyes nearly popped out of the telescope. A wave rose violently, battering the slave ship.
Chaos erupted on the ship. The captain gripped the wheel tightly and ordered the sailors to tighten the ropes. Yet, the ship was swept off course, racing toward the navy's port.
Leo's plan was simple. He intended to drive the slave ship toward the navy and sink it before their eyes, hiding beneath the ship to deal with any slavers who fell into the water while leaving the navy to rescue the slaves.
The ship was already in chaos. Sudden acceleration caused sailors to stumble, and iron cages slid or broke in the tilted hold. Meanwhile, Leo struck from the sea with his attack, the Deep Blue Blade, cutting through the hull. Water flooded the lower hold.
"Captain… no… the hull is leaking!" a terrified sailor reported.
"What?" The captain was shocked. The navy had already dispatched ships. If the slaves were discovered in the hold, they would be sent to Impel Down. The captain cursed inwardly, then made a decision:"Take a few men and drive the target to the lower hold. Kill anyone who resists."
"What? Captain, you mean…" The sailors were horrified. Killing all the slaves would not end well.
"Stop arguing. Move!""Yes, sir!"
Before they could act, another blue blade sliced through the ship. The slave ship was cleaved in two, and both bow and stern sank, throwing all personnel on deck into the sea. Iron cages trapped the slaves, sparing them from drowning.
By then, the navy had arrived and focused on rescuing the slaves. Slavers in the water were in mortal danger, with death lurking beneath.
Leo dove into the water, dagger in hand, a grim reaper of slavers. The deep-blue blade precisely cut each slaver's neck. Within five minutes, all slavers in the water were dead.
"Ace! Heh, descend into endless darkness, you scum." Leo was satisfied, striking a pose he considered stylish.
Just then, he noticed a chubby black-and-white fish staring at him awkwardly. The sea transformed into a giant hand, seizing the plump fish. Leo intended to eliminate this witness.
The pudgy little fish screamed in fear:"No, Don麦, don't do it!"Leo laughed. "Damn, you really know how to provoke me."
Soon, a submarine appeared near Shampoo Land. Leo, shirtless, twisted his clothes as he approached.
"Fatty, don't blame me. Since you discovered my true identity, I can't let you live here today. I'll have to settle for sashimi for dinner." Leo's face flushed red at being discovered; he instinctively wanted to shut the witness up.
"Don't eat me! I'm not tasty!" the bound fish struggled. Strangely, Leo felt a thrill.
"Tell me, why are you here?""I'm Blackwell. I swear I won't tell anyone what I saw today. Please, spare me… but you looked so cool."
Leo's face reddened. He kicked the chubby fish."Don't change the subject. Tell me why you're really here."
"I was captured and locked in a cage. Everything was fine at first, but then the ship started shaking, the cage fell and broke. I crawled out of a hole, and before I could escape, the ship started leaking. I happened to slip through a crack into the sea, and then I saw…"
Leo punched Blackwell's head, cutting him off:"Enough." Blackwell, hurt and frightened, burst into tears.
"Shut up, little fatty. Do you want to go home?"
Blackwell could hardly believe his ears. This terrifying guy actually wanted to send him home. He immediately agreed:"Of course I do! Brother, are you really letting me go?" His crying softened as he focused intently on Leo.
"Of course. But I won't just release you. I'll personally take you to Fish-Man Island. I've never been there, so you'll lead the way."
"Okay! But can you take me to Sabaody Magic Park first?" Even tied up, Blackwell glanced longingly at the amusement park.
"Are you idiots serious? To Sabaody and the chestnut park? Don't make trouble!" Leo said impatiently.
"Pwease! It's my lifelong dream!" Blackwell cried. Leo, almost annoyed, said:"Alright, alright! Stop crying. I'll take you to Shampoo Park, okay?"
"Red bean paste? Brother, you're amazing. I'm so glad I met you."
Blackwell got so excited he nearly pressed his big runny nose against Leo, which enraged him. He pushed Blackwell away.
"Blackwell, let me ask you. I saved your life, took you to Shampoo Park, and will bring you back to Fish-Man Island. How will you repay me?"
"I don't know. What do you want, brother?"
"Since you have to obey me for now, why not become my temporary servant?"
Blackwell shot upright: "No! Fish-Men are never slaves!" His species' resistance flared. His round eyes stared at Leo, adorable yet fierce.
"Fine. You won't be my servant. From now on, you're my brother. If I tell you to go east, you can't go west. If I tell you to hit someone—even a kid—you must obey. You'll clean the ship, pour tea and water, and eat on your own with no pay. Agreed?"
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All the fanfiction is 30-chapter ahead but this "One Piece: Shadows of the Throne" is 30 chapters ahead there