~ Check my new One Piece Fanfic : One Piece: Lightning's Heir
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After effortlessly dispatching the Vinsmoke father and sons who had so foolishly rushed him, Noir descended from the sky.
He landed before a stunned Reiju, and with a slightly wicked grin, placed a firm hand on her shoulder. "Reiju, was it…?"
"Gather your people. You're coming with me."
Reiju, startled by Noir's forceful grip, trembled slightly. "As you command," she whispered.
Noir raised an eyebrow. Her words made him sound like some kind of villain abducting innocent women…
Under Noir's watchful eye, Reiju led the Germa soldiers in cleaning up the battlefield, which included fishing Judge and his sons out of the water.
Though they had only taken one hit each from Noir, the Vinsmokes had suffered multiple broken bones and were barely clinging to consciousness.
After checking on them, Reiju felt a renewed sense of awe and fear towards Noir. She was grateful she hadn't been foolish enough to join their suicidal charge.
The infamous Germa 66, a family of assassins feared even in the Underworld, had been single-handedly and casually defeated by Noir.
After all, if even the strongest of Germa couldn't defeat Sanji two years later, how could they have hoped to stand against Noir?
Once the cleanup was complete, Noir, acting as a one-man escort, led the entire Germa Kingdom and their fleet back towards Noitem.
Less than a day after Noir's departure, the citizens of Noitem were astonished to see their leader returning.
He was leading an entire fleet, a clear and overwhelming victory evident in his stride.
The people cheered, lining the streets to welcome Noir back.
During Germa's attack, they had fought with a fierce determination, fueled by a desperate need to protect their newfound home.
They were all lost souls who had finally found a place to belong. They wouldn't allow anyone to take it from them again.
Amidst the joyous celebrations, Noir led the Vinsmoke family through the portal and onto the sky island, to the newly constructed Cloud Palace.
Noir sat on the newly built throne, a playful smile on his face as he rested his chin on his hand.
Before the throne, Judge and his children knelt, their hands and feet bound. Issho and Enel stood guard on either side.
Judge, having just regained consciousness, weakly lifted his head, his gaze unfocused as he looked at the man on the throne.
"What… do you want…?" he croaked.
Beside Noir, Kalifa, acting as his secretary, answered for him. "You will serve us. You will become researchers for the Kingdom of Noitem."
Reiju, her head bowed, felt a flicker of surprise. A Warlord wanted to recruit them?
Judge was taken aback. He considered refusing, but a moment later, he felt a spark of hope.
Although he was the ruler of the Germa Kingdom, Judge didn't hold much pretense. His ambition was simple.
The Vinsmokes were once rulers of a renowned kingdom of science and military might.
At their peak, they had even ruled the entire North Blue.
Judge's dream was to use his research to restore the Vinsmoke name to its former glory and once again conquer the North Blue.
To achieve this dream, even if it meant relying on others, Judge was willing to compromise, as long as the Vinsmoke name endured.
But… if they joined Noitem, would the Vinsmoke name survive?
Could he still realize his ambitions for his family?
Noir, somewhat aware of Judge's aspirations, decided to offer more lenient terms. "After joining Noitem, Germa's forces will be integrated into mine. But your Vinsmoke family can exist as a noble house within my kingdom."
Judge's eyes narrowed. Noir's offer was surprisingly generous…
Honestly, he didn't care about the soldiers of the Germa Army. As long as the core Vinsmoke family remained intact, disbanding the army was irrelevant.
To him, those soldiers were merely tools to achieve his goals.
To gain the protection of a powerful Warlord and retain his family's status… Judge's resolve began to waver.
He looked at Noir, the animosity in his eyes replaced by careful consideration. "Lord Noir…" he began, "What is your ambition?"
"Is it only the position of a Warlord and a kingdom in the New World?"
Seeing his serious expression, everyone present understood that Judge was willing to yield. They all turned their attention to Noir.
Noir didn't hesitate. He smiled confidently. "Of course not. The Warlord title is just The Beginning!"
"And the Kingdom of Noitem will not be confined to a mere corner of this world!"
A Warlord, one of the three great powers of the Grand Line, was just a stepping stone?
Then what was this man's Ultimate Goal?
To become one of the Four Emperors? Or perhaps… the Pirate King!?
Judge's heart pounded. He steadied his emotions and bowed his head. "I-I only wish to return to the North Blue in glory…"
Under his children's watchful gazes, Judge lowered his proud head. "I am willing to join the Kingdom of Noitem and serve as your loyal subject."
Seeing their family's leader submit, the emotionless Ichiji, Niji, and Yonji, though outwardly indifferent, couldn't disobey their father's decision and followed suit.
Reiju breathed a silent sigh of relief. Being the rational one, she was grateful that her father had made the right choice.
Refusing Noir's offer, considering their crimes, would have been a death sentence.
Moreover, for a normal woman like her, living in the peaceful Kingdom of Noitem was far better than being part of an "Army of Evil."
Seeing the Vinsmokes' submission, Noir clapped his hands, a satisfied smile on his face. "Excellent. You've made the right choice."
"However… your attack on Noitem must still be addressed."
Judge's expression remained calm. "Of course. I accept my punishment."
Noir rubbed his head, thinking for a moment. "Alright. For now, you will personally participate in the reconstruction labor."
"And during this time, you must earn the forgiveness of the people."
Noitem hadn't suffered significant losses, so the punishment didn't need to be severe.
Though not cruel, this punishment was a considerable humiliation for the proud Vinsmoke family.
Noir also wanted to use this opportunity to break the arrogance and self-importance of Ichiji, Niji, and Yonji.
Judge and Reiju accepted the punishment without complaint. The three brothers, however, showed visible signs of displeasure.
Noir had anticipated this reaction. It was a perfect opportunity to have some fun…
These hot-headed, battle-crazed individuals were best suited to be disciplined by someone like Enel…
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~ Check my new One Piece Fanfic : One Piece: Lightning's Heir