Red Line, Holy Land Mariejois.
Fires are spreading all around, and the echoing cries of distress have now taken center stage in this city that never rests.
Amidst the flickering flames, a towering red fish-man took charge, leading a band of freed slaves as they forcefully unlocked the prison cells. The group grew stronger as additional slaves joined their formidable ranks.
Cory and the middle-aged burly man were naturally among them, and even Tesoro, who just looked sad, was also among the crowd.
"Hey! Uncle, why are you going?"
Nervously, Corey extended his hand and seized the middle-aged man beside him. Not out of fear, but rather because this guy was unexpectedly heading in the opposite direction of the team!
"Where am I going? Of course... to take revenge!"
The middle-aged man almost spat out his words through gritted teeth, his eyes no longer holding the initial calmness and composure. The unveiled madness made Corey instinctively take a step back, and the hand that had gripped him involuntarily relaxed.
"Penny, Turner, I can finally avenge you... Wuwuwu..."
Staggering, the middle-aged man stumbled towards the Celestial Dragons' residence with anguish in his voice.
Corey observed his departing figure with a complex expression. While he couldn't fully understand his feelings, he sensed that there must be deep pain involved.
Tiger naturally caught sight of the activity on Corey's end, yet he refrained from intervening. Recognizing that everyone had their own choices, he wasn't one to act impulsively. He had liberated these individuals and presented them with a choice. The extent of his contribution was providing them with an opportunity.
...
"You losers, hurry up and get my slaves back!"
The youthful Celestial Dragon, Saint Rosward, appeared somewhat irritated, continuously inhaling the slugs that emerged from his nose. Initially excited to select a few male slaves to serve him, he was dismayed to discover that his chosen slaves had actually escaped. Despite dispatching several guards with firearms, he remained somewhat disheartened.
"Saint Rosward, CP0 has initiated efforts to apprehend the fleeing slaves. The Five Elders have decreed that you are not to leave the palace grounds. The area outside is swarming with lowly slaves, and there's a concern they might inadvertently cause harm to you!"
The quivering waiter on the side couldn't resist reminding him that despite being scared by the recent gunfire, if anything were to happen to Saint Rosward, his own fate would be even more dismal. Therefore, he was adamant about preventing Saint Rosward from stepping outside the palace gate at any cost.
"I am a Celestial Dragon; those slaves wouldn't dare lay a finger on me."
At this moment, the youthful Saint Rosward had not experienced defeat and exuded confidence in his status as a Celestial Dragon. Moreover, he had no intention of altering his prearranged sleep schedule for the night. After all, he considered himself the ultimate Celestial Dragon!
The miserable waiter on the side had an idea and plastered a fawning smile on his face. "Esteemed Saint Rosward, considering the multitude of slaves outside, the atmosphere is rather unsanitary, and their attire is far from presentable. How could they possibly befittingly meet someone of your stature, a World Noble?"
"this..."
Saint Rosward hesitated for a moment, a sudden retreat in his heart. His pride in being a Celestial Dragon had always been unwavering, leading him to firmly believe that those slaves were in no way qualified to lay eyes on him.
"Well, I won't go out, then you must bring back my slaves!"
"Yes! The noble Saint Rosward!"
...
"Mero Mero Mellow!"
Corey, who had unintentionally strayed from the group, was suddenly alarmed. A guard armed with a gun beside him concealed in the shadows transformed into a human-shaped stone statue. It was Corey who had targeted him with his firearm!
Corey broke into a cold sweat as the situation became clear. If he had been shot just now, even if he managed to survive, escaping from Mariejois would likely be an insurmountable challenge.
Turning towards the voice, I beheld an exceedingly beautiful girl. She possessed a slightly broader forehead, smooth and level eyes, slender and delicate corners, a touch of indifference in her almond-shaped eyes, a high nose bridge, a petite yet charming nose, and alluring lips that were soft but not overly flirtatious. Her long black hair cascaded straight down, the kind of dreamy, long black hair that captivates every man's imagination!
Gazing downward, she wore a simple slave dress. Despite her youth, she stood tall, and the petite adornment on her head displayed its sharp horns, giving her a young and charming appearance.
"Hey! Rude man, what are you looking at?"
Hancock felt a twinge of irritation. He had saved the person in front of him from slavery, yet the individual continued to gaze at him impudently. Suddenly, Hancock grew slightly enraged and was on the verge of activating the power of the Devil Fruit in his hand to petrify this person indefinitely.
"Ah! Sister! We need to go, now. If the Celestial Dragons catch us again, we might never escape!"
Sandersonia, observing the irate Hancock, immediately hugged her with anxiety. They had already spent too much time here, and the primary objective now was to escape from this wretched place.
"Yes... I apologize. I didn't intend to stare at you!"
Corey felt a bit flustered. It wasn't entirely his fault. Despite Hancock being relatively young, she already exuded the future allure of being the most beautiful woman in the world. Moreover, the Devil Fruit's enchanting powers only added to her charm. It would be unusual if Corey could resist it.
The three Boa sisters paid no attention to him and swiftly made their way toward the port of Mariejois. In this predicament, the only viable means of escape was by taking a boat.
...
"The situation in Mariejois is extremely critical. Marines, mobilize more personnel quickly. We cannot allow those slaves to escape from Mariejois. It would be an unprecedented scandal for the World Government. Otherwise... well... handle the consequences!"
Saint Nusjuro voice came over the phone.
Snap!
The call abruptly ended, leaving Sengoku with a somber expression. This unexpected turn of events cast a shadow over Sengoku, who had been in a good mood until then.
"Sengoku Admiral, Mariejois was attacked?"
Atlas inquired, having listened to the entire conversation. He did recall an event. It appeared that in the Sea Circle Calendar of 1507, the Holy Land Mariejois had been invaded by a fish-man named Fisher Tiger. Moreover, in the future, the world's most beautiful pirate empress, Boa Hancock, was also rescued during this incident.
"Um."
Sengoku contemplated for a moment and swiftly made arrangements, "Atlas, since you're here, you'll now lead a warship to Mariejois to aid the CP department in executing their mission. I'll organize for Borsalino and Aokiji to follow behind!"
"It's truly a bother. Just provide assistance. If it's not successfully executed, don't hold the Marines accountable..."
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