The flames burned throughout the night until the trash on the mountain, along with the homeless who hadn't escaped in time, turned to ashes. Only when there was nothing left to burn did the fire gradually extinguish.
Time takes everything away.
After the chaos of the uncertain end of the fiery blaze and the uprising of the revolutionary army, Kaito Sakamoto and his friends, Luffy and Ace, returned to a semblance of peace in their lives.
The following noon marked the arrival of the Celestial Dragons in the Goa Kingdom. To welcome the ships coming into port, a grand ceremony was prepared at the main dock of the kingdom.
While Kaito went to buy burn ointment for everyone, he also lingered to watch the spectacle unfold. He wanted to see these Celestial Dragons, who had indirectly caused countless lives to be lost in the flames; they would soon become one of his most formidable foes.
"The government ship has arrived!" someone in the crowd shouted.
Kaito looked over, and in his view appeared a massive vessel that resembled a floating castle. The ship's prow bore the insignia of a lion-headed shield. The sails were adorned with the emblem of the World Government, five black orbs connected in a cross shape, with one in the center and one on each side.
As the people at the dock caught sight of the ship, they erupted into cheers, feeling fulfilled to witness the grandeur of the true world nobility.
Kaito smiled, stepping away from the crowd towards the entrance leading to Korbo Mountain. He preferred to observe from a distance; who knew if the Celestial Dragons would suddenly go mad and bite someone?
…
The ship docked, and a gangway was lowered to the shore. First, two men dressed in suits descended, laying a red carpet over the gangway.
The king of the Goa Kingdom approached, his face full of obsequiousness, and respectfully addressed the Celestial Dragons on the ship.
"With the highest respect, we welcome the world noble, Saint Jermak, to the Goa Kingdom for inspection."
Cheers erupted once more.
Amid the clamor, Saint Jermak slowly descended from the ship, seated on the back of a tall slave, flanked by two more slaves as his protectors. If he fell, none of them would survive.
Seeing this, Kaito glanced at the people below, curious about their reactions to seeing a world noble riding on a slave.
"Riding a slave down?"
"Now that's style! Is this how world nobles operate?"
"Something to aspire to, indeed!"
Kaito felt a wave of nausea wash over him, certain that this kingdom was beyond salvation.
Just then, he felt a piercing gaze directed at him. It came from a CP0 member following behind Saint Jermak, their face obscured by a mask.
Kaito quickly averted his gaze, his temper flaring, but he immediately composed himself, focusing on Saint Jermak while forcing a smile and clapping. Only then did the gaze slowly shift away.
In the next moment, Kaito turned and bolted away. The intensity of that stare was intimidating.
"I wonder if I pulled out the trump card of recreating Shanks and the others, who would win?" Kaito pondered. If the owner of that gaze charged at him directly, would he be able to win? Regardless, victory or defeat would bring him trouble.
…
When Kaito returned to the Dadan household, Luffy was already lively, playing with a rhinoceros beetle at the door.
Seeing this, Kaito couldn't help but envy their vitality.
"Kaito! You're back!"
"You looked so cool last night! How did you do that? You shot out a wind cannon from your palm, and Blue was taken down in one hit!!"
As soon as Kaito returned, Luffy clung to him, starry-eyed.
Ace also emerged from the house, but he looked somewhat displeased as he regarded Kaito.
Kaito knew Ace was upset that he had hidden his strength, especially since they had previously sparred without using their full power, and Ace had lost more often than not.
In all honesty, Kaito admitted he couldn't compete with them back then. Had it not been for last night's situation, he wouldn't have wanted to use Uncle Long's ability as a trump card.
"Ace, Luffy, let's go inside and change the bandages."
"I need to tell you about Sabo, as well as my situation."
Ace's eyes widened slightly, and he nodded.
"Sabo? What happened to him?"
Luffy was confused as to why Kaito was bringing up Sabo.
"You'll find out soon." Kaito replied vaguely.
…
The sea breeze brushed against them.
After changing the bandages, the three of them arrived at the cliff where they had pledged their brotherhood, gazing at the shimmering sea below.
Though one was missing, they were relieved that this time they knew Sabo was still alive and striving towards his own future, fighting for his freedom and the freedom of many others.
In the embrace of the sea wind, Kaito shared the news about Sabo and his own fruit ability, along with the story of his nonexistent older brother, with Ace and Luffy.
"So, Sabo has left with that uncle who rescued the homeless men?" Luffy asked.
Kaito nodded. Yes, that uncle was someone Luffy was both familiar with and strange to him.
"That's good. Sabo has gone out to sea and gained his freedom."
"I just didn't expect you, Kaito, to have already sailed the seas."
Ace sat on the edge of the cliff, extending his arm to the water, his gaze lost in thought as he recalled his and Sabo's previous adventures.
Sabo had been his only true friend before Luffy and Kaito arrived.
"I was just doing menial tasks. I didn't know much, but life at sea was indeed interesting, especially on the day I received my commission; everyone was overjoyed."
Kaito had rehearsed his fabricated identity many times, and the words flowed easily from his lips.
Ace stood up and patted Kaito's shoulder.
"When we set sail, when we grow stronger, we'll definitely have our chance for revenge."
"The other three of us will always be your support."
"Yeah! Kaito, if we meet your enemies when we set sail, I'll help you knock them out!!"
"Just like on the day I set sail; I'm going to knock out the Sea Kings!!"
Kaito put his arms around both of their shoulders.
"Hahaha, then I'll be counting on you guys."
"As you said, Ace, the four of us are each other's support. No matter what the future holds, remember what you said yourself."
"Sabo has embarked on his journey towards the future."
"I've promised to meet him at the pinnacle!"
"We can't lose to him!!"
Ace and Luffy smiled, showing a row of white teeth as they shouted towards the sea.
"Of course not!!"