War was on the verge of breaking out.
In the Kronos Kingdom, Hades welcomed a familiar guest.
With long blood-red hair, a crimson noble's robe, and the Bat Umbrella in hand, he approached at an unhurried pace, his footsteps crisp and his bearing elegant.
His face looked as young as Hades's.
"Long time no see, Red."
Hades took out a bottle of wine from his collection, poured Red a glass, and smiled.
Red made himself comfortable on the sofa. He picked up the glass and savored the wine.
Since eating the Vampire Fruit, Red had been able to keep his body youthful for as long as he had enough life force.
The two had not met since the Second Swordsmanship Tournament, when Red had officially become the "World's Greatest Swordsman."
Red rarely came by without a reason.
This time, Hades had summoned him.
"What is it this time?"
Red looked calmly at Hades. He could roughly guess why Hades had called him here.
He had been following events at sea, after all.
This was not merely a matter in which Hades needed Redfield's help. It concerned Redfield personally.
These days, the only thing that truly mattered to Red was his own people.
Over the years, Red had traveled far and wide across the sea. After eating the Vampire Fruit, he had gained the ability to sense the presence of life.
He could pinpoint anyone who carried Blood Tribe blood.
The blood of the Blood Tribe had a distinctive life presence, making it unmistakable to Red.
Along the way, he had indeed found several members of the Blood Tribe.
Most had no idea there was anything unusual about them.
As the World Government weakened and its finances declined, many projects were cut.
The search for the Blood Tribe was not among