The Deserter King Who Was Killed Off Upon His Debut

East Blue, Satsuruso Kingdom.

Behind the heavy gates of the royal city, an inconspicuous tavern was hidden deep within a secluded alley. Its doors were tightly shut, and a yellowed piece of parchment on the door bore a notice: "Closed Temporarily."

The tavern was dimly lit, the air thick with the rich aroma of malt ale and old wood. Tavern Owner stood respectfully in a corner like a wooden statue, hunched over with his hands folded before his stomach, fine beads of sweat covering his temples.

Dawn lounged sideways in the Oak Chair at the head of the table, tilting a coarse clay jug as amber liquor slid down his throat. He let out a satisfied sigh.

Beside him, Stussy wore a tailored black dress and spoke softly into a Den Den Mushi. The static crackling from the receiver was especially clear in the quiet tavern.

After the call ended, Stussy put away the Den Den Mushi. Her fingertips lightly brushed over its smooth shell as she raised her eyes to Dawn, a trace of gravity flashing through her usually calm gaze.

"According to intelligence gathered by our spies in the New World, the Flying Pirates have been extremely active recently. They're summoning their old subordinates while recruiting troops like mad across the islands. Their total numbers have already exceeded twenty thousand..."

Dawn slammed the wine jug heavily onto the table with a dull thud, splashing several drops across the rough wood grain. He curled his lips in a cold sneer.

"Tch, that old lion sure knows how to find excuses. He claims it's revenge, but from what I can see, he just wants to use this as a pretext to start a war. His ambitions aren't small."

Stussy stepped to Dawn's side, her delicate brows knitting slightly as concern