In the northern part of the Three Worlds, the former pirate world, Sabaody.
This place was originally the meeting point of the four seas, as well as the starting point of the Grand Line. Generally, there were only two ways to enter the Grand Line.
The first was through Sabaody to coat the ship with resin, then dive to Fish-Man Island at a depth of 10,000 meters below the sea, then enter the New World in the Grand Line.
The second was through the Calm Belt. However, there were no currents or driving winds there, so ships had to move under their own power. Moreover, the Calm Belt was filled with many Sea Kings, so the risk was very high. Usually only Marine ships with special technology dared to pass through this route.
Currently, in Sabaody, Area 16.
In Sabaody, Areas 1 through 29 were lawless zones. Various illegal businesses ran smoothly here, and this place was also a favorite area for pirates to gather.
In front of the entrance to the Human Auction House.
At this time, three figures lay in pools of blood. On each of their heads was fitted a transparent bubble helmet. This was the symbol of the Celestial Dragons. To distinguish themselves from commoners and show their high status, they felt disgusted breathing the same air as ordinary people.
Around the three corpses, crowds of people gathered. There were civilians, some pirates who didn't want to get involved in the war between the two great powers, and most numerous were Marine personnel.
These Marine personnel had received orders from above; they only surrounded the area in a circle. Each held a flintlock rifle with tense expressions, but none dared advance.
In the center of their encirclement, standing right beside the corpses, was a strange man wearing a black robe. In his arms, he carried a black cat that was lazily stretching its body.
"You all... don't intend to let me go?"
From behind that black robe, a strange voice that was difficult to distinguish whether male or female could be heard. A hand as white as jade extended out, gently stroking the black cat's back.
The Marine commander in charge, gathering his courage, stepped forward and said: "We apologize, Sir. You have committed arbitrary slaughter here. We cannot let you go just like that. Please cooperate!"
This Marine commander wore a large robe with one-star rank on his shoulder. He was Commodore Tarfa from Marineford. He was also a user of the rare Mythical Zoan-type Devil Fruit and had considerable strength, but he still didn't dare act rashly.
Because he had received information from above that the person before him was most likely the mysterious first-ranked figure on the Gold List. If he provoked the other party's anger, not only would they all be in trouble, but perhaps all of Marineford and the World Government would be dragged in. In the current situation, one small move could change the entire situation, so no one dared act carelessly.
"Cooperate?" The black-robed figure chuckled. "Alright, what kind of cooperation do you want?"
Commodore Tarfa didn't expect this person suspected of being the Gold List's first rank to be so easy to talk to. He observed his opponent doubtfully and said: "If you're willing to cooperate, that would be very good. If possible, please come with us to Marineford."
The black-robed figure tilted his head. "I actually want to go with you all, but I haven't been satisfied walking around this place. I still want to play for a few more days."
"This..." Tarfa felt trapped in a difficult position. What did this person mean? Would he cooperate or not?
"Besides," the black-robed figure extended his hand pointing toward the Marine personnel around them, then said flatly, "These people surrounding me make me feel uncomfortable. When I feel uncomfortable, I do things that even I don't like. Do you understand what I mean?"
Tarfa's hair stood on end. He couldn't withdraw his troops, but he also didn't dare oppose the other party's wishes. While he was hesitating, suddenly, from above the sky, a beam of lightning struck, making the sky become brighter.
*BOOM!*
A tremendous thunderous sound followed. A giant hammer struck the ground hard, embedded deep until only half of its handle remained. Blue electric sparks jumped on it, while the ground around it cracked into pieces.
A figure descended slowly, the tip of his feet landing on top of the hammer's handle. His figure was tall and large, his gaze arrogant and wild, while also conveying curiosity.
"Oh... so this is the lowered world..."
The surrounding people were shocked, Tarfa also felt doubtful and wary. The aura emanating from his opponent was clearly not his match. Just seeing that man-height giant hammer alone was enough to make people feel terrified. Where did this strange person come from?
Suddenly, someone among the crowd shouted.
"That's him, 50th rank on the Gold List—Ruler of Skypiea, Enel!"
"So it's him!"
"That man who claims to be 'God' in Skypiea!"
"Terrifying power. Is that hammer the Gold List reward, 'Mjolnir'?"
"Why did he appear here?"
The surroundings immediately became noisy with whispers, and many people began to retreat in fear.
Tarfa looked doubtfully toward the man stepping on Mjolnir and carrying a long staff on his back, then asked: "You are Enel?"
Enel glanced at him briefly and said calmly: "Call me Lord Thunder God!"
Tarfa's face twitched; another crazy person!
He remembered Akainu once said this person was very arrogant and had a bad personality. Enel wasn't the type who was easy to cooperate with, and if he appeared, though not a pirate, he definitely wouldn't be an ally.
Tarfa glanced toward the black-robed figure, then looked back at Enel. The corner of his mouth suddenly lifted slightly, he asked: "Did you also come to admire the greatness of the Gold List's first rank?"
Instantly, the entire area became chaotic.
Everyone stared at Tarfa in awe.
What?
The Gold List's first rank? Who?
That black-robed figure?
Suddenly everything became clear to them. No wonder the Commodore brought so many people but didn't dare attack. Turns out that person was the mysterious and legendary Gold List's first rank!
Right, absolutely right. A mysterious figure carrying a black cat... only an existence like that could make the Marines and World Government so respectful, not even daring to demand accountability after he killed Celestial Dragons.
"Gold List's first rank?"
Enel's eyebrows immediately raised, his expression becoming very excited. His figure flashed, transforming into a blue electric stream and directly appeared in front of Tarfa. He grabbed Tarfa's neck and lifted him up, then laughed wickedly: "Which one is he?"
Tarfa felt difficulty breathing. He reflexively used his Devil Fruit power. His body swelled, and in an instant he transformed into a three-tailed red fox. His three tails shot out attempting to coil around Enel.
"Be quiet!" Enel waved his hand roughly, sending a beam of lightning that struck his opponent's body.
Tarfa's body convulsed, emitting black burnt smoke, and nearly fainted from the electric shock. His three tails hung limply, and his body slowly returned to its original form.
The 50th-ranked existence on the Gold List was actually this terrifying! Even a Marine Commodore who was a Devil Fruit user couldn't withstand one of his attacks!
The entire area was in uproar, even the Marine soldiers reflexively stepped back two steps.
"He's the one!" The already weakened Tarfa pointed toward the black-robed figure in the middle of the field with difficulty.
"Oh?" Enel turned toward the middle of the field.
He threw Tarfa aside, then extended his right hand. Mjolnir embedded in the ground shook violently, then shot as a lightning flash and was caught in his hand.
The next step that could happen: Enel now faced the figure suspected of being first rank!