In the Holy Land of Mary Geoise, Carl didn't return to the Navy Headquarter right away. Instead, he went directly to his family estate to discuss Roger's latest actions with Garling.
Garling sat on the sofa, arms crossed and legs casually draped, while Carl took the seat across from him. After Carl recounted Roger's activities, Garling raised an eyebrow slightly and said,
"Oh? Roger's headed for the 'End'?"
Carl sipped his tea, nodding.
"Yes, he's gathered all four Poneglyphs. He'll make his move any moment now."
To Carl's surprise, Garling didn't appear concerned; instead, he chuckled dismissively.
"Let him go, it might do him some good. Once he sees it, he'll give up."
"Uncle Garling, do you mean...?"
"Ha! The secrets at the End can only be unlocked by Joy Boy's heir, and Roger clearly isn't one."
"Because he isn't a Nika Fruit user, right?"
"Exactly. That's the bare minimum requirement. Even if Roger stirs up chaos, he can't threaten our core. Otherwise, would the Navy send only Garp to chase him down? Only a fool would think Garp could actually capture him."
Carl chuckled noncommittally and continued,
"Uncle Garling, should we keep searching for the Nika Fruit?"
"Of course. No matter what, we have to try. Even if Joy Boy is destined to return, we'll make sure that day never comes. The Celestial Dragons alone shall reign over this world."
"But aren't there too many Celestial Dragons?" Carl said, implying a larger issue within the faction.
This caught Garling off guard, his gaze hardening as he scrutinized Carl's expression. The two stared at each other in silence, the air tense. Then, Garling broke the silence with a laugh.
"Perhaps so. What do you propose to do about it, my dear nephew?"
The two shared a knowing smile, and Carl shrugged.
"I think we need to remove a certain someone from that position. After all, it should have been held by the Figarland family."
Garling remained silent, nodding for Carl to go on.
"Still, that figure was alive during the same era as our ancestors. Even if she wasn't as powerful back then, it's been 800 years. Who knows what her strength has become…"
"Don't rush, Carl. Your potential is the greatest in the Figarland family's history. I have no doubt you'll surpass her."
"Haha! When the time comes, I'll need your support, Uncle!"
"Of course! You're my only nephew. Who else would I help?"
"One more thing, Uncle Garling. Should I bring Shanks back?"
At the mention of Shanks, Garling's face stiffened. After a moment, he replied,
"Let's leave him be. The Figarland heir can only be you, Carl. No need to have him complicate things."
Carl blinked in surprise, quickly saying,
"Uncle, you're misunderstanding! That's not what I meant!"
With a scowl, Garling stood abruptly.
"Let's drop this matter. Besides, the boy isn't ready to return yet, anyway."
With that, Garling disappeared. Carl sighed, amused.
"Uncle Garling, maybe you're the one who's not ready."
..
On the Red Line, beyond Mary Geoise, there lay a thriving town known as the closest settlement to the world's power center. Yet it teemed with illicit trades—gambling, vice, and, most prominently, slave trafficking, all sanctioned simply because the Celestial Dragons found it entertaining.
In this town, the desires of the elite shaped the economy. Slaves were displayed openly in cages along the streets. Anyone with the money could claim one at a moment's notice.
After lingering a while in his family's estate, Carl decided to take a stroll. Though close to Mary Geoise, he wore a high-collared black coat and dark sunglasses to avoid drawing attention. Borsalino had gifted the shades to him for his birthday, the pure gold frames were a rare extravagance from the usually frugal marine.
Strolling through the streets, Carl's gaze drifted over the "showcases" filled with slaves. Some looked vacant and lifeless, while others radiated despair or clung to faint hope. Carl felt no urge to save them, only those worthy of his interest would draw him to open his wallet.
Most of the captives here were pirates snatched by slavers, hardly powerful enough to have earned a place in Impel Down. Stronger captives would already be enjoying "hospitality" in Impel Down.
Male slaves, particularly grotesque or exceptionally muscular ones, fetched the highest prices. Those with Devil Fruits, mostly low-level Zoan Fruits, contributed to what Carl thought of as a "zoo" among them.
For female slaves, beauty dictated value. Celestial Dragons, in this respect, weren't much different from commoners. But to Carl, these women couldn't compare with Lucia and his other companions in any aspect.
As he turned to leave, a merchant's shout caught his ear.
"Look over here! Freshly arrived! A pair of rare beauties! Only two hundred million Belly, and you get two for one!"
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+170 chapters on p@treon/tambeerg