The Ark Maxim hovered slowly in the night sky off the coast of Dressrosa.
Its dark golden hue shimmered faintly in the moonlight.
Roy stood on the ship's railing, gazing down at the dimly lit royal city.
He toyed with the covenant badge given to him by King Riku.
" Tesoro."
Roy turned around and looked behind him.
"Yes, boss."
Tesoro emerged from the shadows, tiny arcs of electricity dancing on his fingertips, his eyes gleaming with excitement.
"Proceed according to plan."
Roy's voice was calm yet carried an undeniable power.
"You have two hours to wipe out Doflamingo's underground agents in Dressrosa."
Remember, do it cleanly and efficiently, leaving no trace of us.
My Observation Haki will guide you to your target!
"Clear!"
Tesoro grinned, and his body instantly transformed into a golden Inazuma, disappearing into the night sky.
Bullet walked over to Roy with his arms crossed, gazing in the direction Tesoro had disappeared.
"Is it alright to let him go alone?"
"Rest assured."
"The people currently operating undercover are all minor figures."
" Tesoro has already touched the threshold of Devil Fruit Awakening; dealing with them is no problem at all."
Kyros and Scarlet also watched in astonishment as Tesoro vanished in a Inazuma.
Even though they knew there were many powerful people on the ship, witnessing someone jump directly from thousands of meters in the air was still beyond their comprehension.
Roy didn't explain; he simply walked to the side of the ship and looked down.
His Observation Haki had already spread downwards like an invisible spider web, firmly locking onto Doflamingo's subordinates.
One hour later.
A bolt of Inazuma ripped across the sky, Tesoro's figure materialized on the ship's deck.
"Boss, mission accomplished."
Tesoro dusted off imaginary dust and grinned.
" Doflamingo's underground agents in Dressrosa, a total of seventeen strongholds, have all been wiped out."
As you instructed, the Donquixote Family's mark was left, disguised as a scene of infighting.
Roy nodded. "Was it clean?"
"Absolutely clean."
Arcs of electricity danced at Tesoro's fingertips.
"I used Lightning to completely destroy the scene, even burning the body to ashes."
Even if Doflamingo sends people to investigate, he'll only conclude it's a shootout caused by a conflict of interest between underground forces.
"Very good."
Roy patted Tesoro on the shoulder with satisfaction.
"In this way, Doflamingo will temporarily assume that the problem lies internally."
The focus will be on self-improvement, which will buy more time for Dressrosa.
Stella, who was taking notes, added:
"According to the intelligence brought back by Tesoro, many of those underground personnel do indeed have control over the economic network of Dressrosa."
I've already informed King Riku Den Den Mushi, and he'll arrange for people to fill these vacancies as soon as possible."
Kyros and Scarlet, who had just boarded the ship, stood to one side, listening to the conversation.
He gained a deeper understanding of the Roy Pirates ' strength and style of operation.
Kyros clenched his fist and silently swore an oath in his heart.
You must become stronger as quickly as possible in order to gain a foothold in such a team.
Scarlet looked tenderly at her husband; she knew the pressure Kyros under, but she also believed he could do it.
"Boss, the next target is Alabasta, right?"
Savi asked excitedly,
"I heard it's a desert country, full of yellow sand!"
"That's right."
Roy looked at the nautical chart,
Alabasta is Paradise located in the first half of the Grand Line.
We need to pass Fish-Man Island first, and then cross the Red Line from ten thousand meters underwater.
Charon's eyes lit up at the mention of Fish-Man Island:
"Captain, will we stay on Fish-Man Island? I want to go back and see my grandfather..."
Charon's voice carried a hint of anticipation and trepidation.
He hadn't returned to Fish-Man Island for a long time since he went to sea with Roy.
I wonder how Grandpa Fish-Man Rendan is doing now.
Roy looked at Charon, thought for a moment, and then nodded:
"Since we're passing through, let's stay on Fish-Man Island for a day. We can replenish our supplies and let Charon go back to see his family."
"Great!" Charon clenched his fist excitedly.
Yamato, who was listening nearby, immediately came over.
Fish-Man Island?
"I've heard it's a dreamlike underwater kingdom! It's home to beautiful mermaids and powerful Fish-Man!"
She grabbed Roy's sleeve, her eyes gleaming with excitement.
" Captain Roy, I want to see it too! I've never seen a real Fish-Man Island before!"
Savi, Enel, and Pea also gathered around, the boys all showing expectant expressions.
They vividly remembered their last trip to Fish-Man Island.
Roy looked at the young crew members and smiled helplessly:
"Alright, during our stay on Fish-Man Island, Savi, Enel, Pea, the three of you take Yamato to Fish-Man Island for a visit."
But remember--"
His expression turned serious.
" Fish-Man Island is beautiful, but it also harbors dangers. Don't cause trouble, don't act alone, and never leave the protective shield area of Fish-Man Island."
"Do you understand?"
"Clear!"
The four young people responded in unison, their faces beaming with excitement.
" Stella, contact the Fish-Man Island authorities to inform them of our imminent arrival and request permission to enter the port."
Roy gave the order.
"Yes, Captain."
Stella immediately went to the communications room.
Ark Maxim adjusted its course and flew towards Fish-Man Island.
The journey from Dressrosa to Fish-Man Island takes several days, during which time life on board is well-organized.
Kyros began his training.
At five o'clock in the morning, he appeared on the deck on time, where Hawk Eyes was already waiting for him.
"Starting today, I will learn to Steel Cutting."
Hawk Eyes cut to the chase without mincing words.
"The ultimate swordsmanship is the ability to cut through anything one desires: steel, rock, even... Haki."
Kyros stood solemnly. "Please enlighten me!"
Hawk Eyes drew his Black Blade Yoru, and swung it casually.
A delicate slash flew out, splitting a specially made Seastone alloy steel plate on the deck in two, leaving a smooth, mirror-like cut.
"Did you see that clearly?"
Kyros was dumbfounded—he had tried that steel plate before, and even with all his might, he could only leave shallow scratches.
Hawk Eyes simply struck casually...
"Look... I see it clearly now." He swallowed.
"Then let's start practicing."
Hawk Eyes tossed an ordinary training sword to Kyros.
"You can move on to the next stage when you can cut through this steel plate without brute force."
The afternoon is Bullet's time.
Roy's preferred training method for the first mate was simple and brutal—real combat.
"Your foundation is solid, but you lack experience in life-or-death combat."
Bullet grinned.
"Therefore, I will fight you with 30% of my strength."
Don't worry, they won't kill you—probably.
Kyros could only manage a wry smile upon hearing this, but for the sake of Dressrosa, his eyes quickly hardened again.
Please give me your guidance!