"Remember to bring the food over on time. I can't let my beloved wife go hungry."
As he left the hold where the cages were kept, Saint Childers imperiously ordered the CP1 members.
"Yes, Saint Childers." The CP1 member bowed respectfully.
"By the way, there's one more thing..."
Saint Childers paused, then turned back.
"The Navy's top commander in the North Blue. Right, that fellow named Darren..."
At the mention of Darren, the CP1 member froze, recalling the gifts the North Blue Admiral had sent earlier. He bowed and said:
"Does Your Lordship intend to promote him? Darren, the highest-ranking Navy officer in the North Blue, holds the rank of Marine Headquarters Colonel. According to reliable intelligence, he's already been selected for special training by Marine Headquarters and earned a place at the Marineford Officer Training Camp..."
"He's very capable, with excellent judgment and political skill. Under his leadership, order and the economy in the North Blue have both improved considerably. He certainly seems worthy of promotion."
"Promotion?"
Saint Childers suddenly laughed, as if he'd heard an absurd joke.
He sneered.
"No. I mean we should find an opportunity to kick him out of the Navy, then kill him."
The CP1 leader froze, struggling to follow the Celestial Dragon's train of thought.
"Did that fellow offend Your Lordship?"
The Celestial Dragons wielded immense power and could decide anyone's fate with ease.
But Darren was no ordinary man.
Those admitted to the Marineford Officer Training Camp were all targets of special attention from Marine Headquarters.
Even with the World Government's authority, interfering on a whim with a specially selected Marine officer—one who held real command over the entire North Blue Navy—wouldn't be easy.
At the very least, they'd need a somewhat plausible excuse in public.
"Offend me? Not exactly..."
Saint Childers let out a cackling laugh.
The CP1 member dropped to one knee in terror.
"Then, what exactly is the reason..."
Saint Childers shot him a sidelong glance, then suddenly planted a foot on his head, kicking him so hard that blood poured from the wound.
"If I make a decision, do I need a reason?"
"N-no, Your Lordship!!"
Seeing the Celestial Dragon's fury, the CP1 leader trembled, his face pale. He didn't dare wipe the blood from his face.
Saint Childers snorted.
"If you insist on a reason..."
He narrowed his eyes, his gaze vicious.
"He looked at me the wrong way."
"...I really don't like the way he looks at me. Is that enough?"
With that, he went into his private cabin.
Unlike the hold where the slaves were kept, Saint Childers's private cabin was spacious, brightly lit, and lavishly decorated.
A soft carpet covered the dry floor, and the oil lamps cast a warm glow.
Saint Childers glanced at the so-called gift from the North Blue Admiral.
The large chests were piled high with gold and silver treasures, their dazzling gleam filling the cabin with a golden radiance.
A satisfied smile appeared on the Celestial Dragon's face.
He took off his fur coat and tossed it carelessly onto the floor.
He walked past the mountains of gold and silver to a concealed door at the end of the cabin, then unlocked it.
The secret door slowly swung open.
"Come out, my darling."
Saint Childers licked his lips. His desire surged, and his small eyes gleamed with vicious excitement.
Soon, a woman knelt and slowly crawled out from behind the secret door.
She was beautiful, with heavy shackles on her hands and feet.
Her expression was numb and vacant, her eyes dull. Saliva dripped from her lips, which were painted bright red.
Like an obedient little dog, she crawled on all fours toward the Celestial Dragon, as if she had lost her soul. Reaching his feet, she gently rubbed her face against his calf.
A twisted madness rose in Saint Childers's face, and he laughed with sick delight.
He casually pressed the button on the gramophone. Soon, a lilting saxophone melody began to flow through the cabin.
The Celestial Dragon picked up a long whip covered in thorns.
Outside the cabin, on the deck of the government ship.
"Boss, are you all right?"
Seeing the blood on their leader's face, the CP1 members couldn't help asking.
"I'm fine. It's an honor to be disciplined by a Celestial Dragon."
The CP1 leader smiled proudly. He casually wiped the blood from his face, pulled out a pack of cigarettes, and handed one to each of his subordinates before lighting one for himself.
Phew...
The CP1 members leaned against the railing and exhaled clouds of smoke, looking relaxed.
They all loved this feeling.
The smoke from the finest tobacco, mingled with the damp scent of falling snow, filled their lungs. It was soothing and comfortable.
Standing aboard this grand, prestigious ship and gazing out over the endless sea made it feel as if the whole world lay before them.
Whenever they arrived at an island, the foolish, lowly commoners would kneel before their masters, staring at them in terror and alarm. It gave them the bewildering impression that they, too, had been born noble.
Only excellent people like them, who served the "gods," deserved a life like this.
Just then, the cabin gradually filled with the winding, decadent notes of the saxophone, mingling with the Celestial Dragon's savage laughter, the crack of a whip, and a woman's pained screams.
At the familiar music, a hint of envy crossed the CP1 members' faces.
"Saint Childers is at it again..."
"I wonder if he'll generously give us his plaything once he's done this time."
"Heh heh heh..."
"..."
As if recalling something worth savoring, they all wore knowing smiles.
"You lot..."
The CP1 leader looked at his subordinates helplessly and shook his head with a laugh.
He was about to say something when he suddenly froze.
His subordinates were staring fixedly behind him, their eyes filled with horror.
A chill swept through his mind.
The CP1 leader turned around, his eyes widening little by little.
In front of the grand government ship,
a man stood floating in midair on a metal skateboard, his broad white cape fluttering in the sea breeze.
Amid the falling snow,
he raised a finger to his lips, giving them a murderous yet smiling signal to be quiet.
"Shh..."
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Before you continue