Head maid Shirley brought over a tray of red bean dumplings and placed it on the table. She said gently, "Master, the head of the Vinsmoke family, Judge, has come bearing gifts and requests an audience. Should I give him a reply?"
"Vinsmoke family?" Kaguya raised an eyebrow, pausing as she held a dumpling.
If she remembered correctly, they were a powerful family from the North Blue, known for their fondness for assassination. She didn't recall the exact details, but she vaguely remembered this was the family Sanji came from.
In the original story, the family was depicted as strong—at one point using force to control the North Blue, showcasing considerable power.
But in the end, they didn't seem that formidable. They just relied on advanced technology and brainwashed soldiers. Plus, their patriarch wasn't exactly the sharpest tool in the shed—kind of dumb, and even got tricked later on.
To put it bluntly, they were a filler-tier family.
Kaguya said, "Not seeing him."
If it had been someone truly powerful, she might've been interested. But for a weak, second-rate clan like this, she had no desire to waste her time.
"Understood. I'll inform them," Shirley replied with a graceful smile and turned to leave.
"Wait," Kaguya suddenly remembered something. "What did you say earlier? He brought a gift?"
"Yes," Shirley replied. "It appears to be a Devil Fruit or something similar."
Kaguya set the dumpling back on the plate, cleared her throat, and said with a serious tone, "Since he came all this way and brought something so sincerely, it would be rude to turn him away. Tell him I'll be there shortly."
"Yes, ma'am," Shirley said, covering her mouth as she stifled a giggle.
When Kaguya entered the grand hall, a man was already waiting. He wore a metal helmet, had wild long hair, a pair of small mustaches, a tall figure, and a white cloak draped over his shoulders. He did look somewhat imposing.
Kaguya sat down casually, crossing her legs, and said with interest, "The patriarch of the Vinsmoke family—North Blue's mighty ruler—what a surprise to see you here."
"It's an honor to meet you," Judge laughed heartily. He seemed to be in a good mood, clearly pleased by the title of North Blue's ruler. "I thought you'd have thrown me out."
If not for that gift, you'd have been kicked out already.
Kaguya couldn't help but mentally sneer.
With a hint of amusement, she said, "You didn't come all this way just to visit, did you?"
"Of course not," Judge smiled faintly. "I'm here to propose a partnership."
"A partnership?" Kaguya raised an eyebrow. "If I'm not mistaken, you're a pirate, aren't you? For a pirate to come to Mary Geoise alone, and even request a meeting with me—you've got guts. Aren't you afraid the World Government will capture you?"
"There are no eternal enemies, only eternal interests," Judge said. "I believe we can strike a beneficial deal. I trust you won't refuse."
"Oh?" Kaguya's interest was piqued. "And how can you be so sure I won't turn you down?"
"No one turns away a gift," Judge said proudly. "And I brought exactly what you want."
Kaguya's eyes narrowed slightly. "What I want?"
"Exactly," Judge said, walking over to several large crates in the hall. He smiled and added, "What you want is right inside these."
"Twenty Devil Fruits," Kaguya smirked. "Quite the extravagant gift. As expected of a centuries-old family—truly generous."
Judge's expression shifted. "As expected of Admiral Kaguya, to be able to see through the contents so easily."
"Just a minor trick," Kaguya replied nonchalantly. "Now tell me, what kind of deal are you here to make?"
"It's quite simple, actually," Judge said, eyes narrowing. "I want to form an alliance with you—a firm partnership. I'll provide the Devil Fruits you desire, and you, in return, will share the scientific data I need."
"That's straightforward enough," Kaguya said.
"However, since we're forming an alliance, we must establish a blood connection. That way, the bond between us will be even stronger," Judge added.
"A blood connection?" Kaguya raised an eyebrow.
"Exactly," Judge said solemnly. "Only a bond thicker than water can serve as the most reliable guarantee."
Kaguya's brow furrowed slightly. "And by that, you mean..."
"What I mean is—" Judge grinned, "all you need to do is marry me."
The room fell completely silent.
Kaguya's expression turned icy. "What did you just say?"
Completely unaware of the danger he was inviting, Judge continued proudly, "I said, as long as you marry me, we'll become family. There'll be no more divisions between us. Then I can hand over all the Devil Fruits without worry, and I'll gain control over the North Blue. It's perfect! Hahaha!"
The more he spoke, the more excited he became. His eyes gleamed with ambition, already envisioning the unification of the North Blue.
"You've got to be kidding me."
Kaguya could no longer hold back. She lashed out with a powerful kick, slamming her foot into Judge's gut. Caught completely off guard, his eyes bulged as his chest caved in. Like he'd been hit by a freight train, he was launched backward, crashing into the wall with a thunderous boom. Stone shattered and debris flew everywhere, leaving a gaping hole in the wall.
Judge coughed up a mouthful of blood.
"You—" Before he could get up, Kaguya stomped her foot down viciously on his face.
She was livid, as if she had been deeply insulted. "What the hell are you? Saying such shameless things—have you been eating too much crap? Is your head full of it now?!"
With another fierce kick, she sent him flying again.
"Damn you!" Judge growled in fury and shock. Midair, he barely managed to stabilize himself.
"Jet Burst Kick!"
With a sudden hiss of compressed air from his heels, his backward momentum slowed dramatically.
But before he could even touch the ground, Kaguya appeared before him with a frosty glare. Her fair, slender hand shot out and pressed against his chest.
"Shinra Tensei."
Boom!
A deafening crash rang out as Judge was blasted away like a cannonball, smashing into a thick wall. The wall exploded instantly, stones crumbling and flying as he crashed through several buildings. He finally stopped when he slammed into a statue.
Shattered rocks flew in every direction, kicking up a cloud of dust.
Cough cough—
Judge, bleeding from his nose and mouth, coughed violently, spitting out mouthfuls of blood. As he tried to get up, a foot suddenly emerged from the dust and stomped hard on his chest, pinning him to the ground.
"Y-You—" Judge's bloodied face was filled with shock. He hadn't expected Kaguya to attack without warning.
"You idiot," Kaguya looked down on him with contempt. "Did you really think so highly of yourself? Just another mass-produced mob villain, and you dare talk about marrying me?"
"D-Damn you, I'll kill you!" Judge shouted with wide eyes. But with a couple of front teeth knocked out, his words came out with a whistle, making him sound ridiculous rather than threatening.
"Go on then, kill me. If you don't, you're the spawn of a fool," Kaguya sneered coldly and delivered a sharp kick straight to his groin, sending him flying once again.
BOOM! Stone shattered, dust rolled, and the human cannonball smashed another house to rubble.
"Aaaah!"
A sudden scream rang out.
"Who dares?! Who dares to offend me—the great Celestial Dragon? Are you tired of living?!"
Accompanied by a furious roar, a man with his head covered in blood and dust crawled out of the ruins, enraged and ready to curse.
Then he met a pair of icy cold eyes.
He froze. They looked familiar. When he realized who it was, he was stunned, and the curse in his throat died instantly.
Oh no…
Why did it have to be her?
The Celestial Dragon immediately cowered.
"So? Were you the one who said you didn't want me to live?" Kaguya asked coldly, glancing at him.
"N-No! Not at all!" The Celestial Dragon frantically waved his hands, forcing an awkward smile. "That was a misunderstanding. I was just rambling nonsense."
"And?" Kaguya raised an eyebrow.
"I'll be leaving now! Right away!" the Celestial Dragon stammered and quickly turned to flee.
Under Kaguya's knife-sharp gaze, the "great" Celestial Dragon ran off in panic, stumbling and nearly tripping over debris like a chubby, waddling penguin.
Turning back, Kaguya stepped on Judge's head, face icy. "Now then, how should I punish you for saying something so shameless? Maybe take a long look in the mirror and reflect on your stupidity."
Everyone watching was stunned. Never had they seen a beauty of such ethereal appearance spout such crude language—it was utterly unexpected. But somehow…
It was thrilling.
Everyone's eyes were wide.
Was this the legendary contrast charm?
If Kaguya knew what they were thinking, she would have stomped all their faces in.
"Damn it, I misjudged you! It was just a political marriage!" Judge shouted indignantly, head still held high. "I didn't expect you to be so deceitful. You took the gift and still struck me!"
Despite his rage, he was still confused—what had triggered her so badly?
Kaguya stomped his face into the ground again. For someone so oblivious, death was probably a better option.
Shirley rushed over and whispered, "Master, the commotion has drawn the World Government's attention. Some CP0 agents are coming. Should I send them away?"
Kaguya frowned and replied, "Tell them it was a thief—nothing serious. They don't need to interfere."
"Understood," Shirley said respectfully and hurried off.
Kaguya's eyes narrowed as she gazed toward the distant CP0 agents.
Their senses were sharp, to say the least. They had arrived quickly—clearly, they had been tracking Judge from the beginning. He probably hadn't even realized he was being followed.
"Master, what should we do with him?" a guard asked, glancing at Judge, who lay beaten and barely recognizable.
Kaguya snorted coldly. "Lock this idiot up in the dungeon. Keep a close watch on him—don't let him slip away."
"Yes, ma'am."
Just then, Baby 5 rushed in excitedly. "Master, Master! The two girls you picked up have woken up!"
"Already?" Kaguya was a bit surprised. She had used a calming hypnosis technique specifically so they could get proper rest. She hadn't expected them to wake so soon.
"One of them asked to see you," Baby 5 said, smiling brightly.
Over the years, Baby 5 had grown. No longer a naïve little girl, she was now a blossoming young lady.
"You look awfully happy," Kaguya noted.
"Of course!" Baby 5 beamed. "She asked me to come find you."
Sometimes, Kaguya thought, being a bit silly might just be a kind of happiness.
She looked at Baby 5's cheerful expression and couldn't help but smile to herself.
When Kaguya entered the room, the pale green-haired girl had already cleaned up and changed into fresh clothes. Kaguya blinked in surprise.
Was this really the same girl who had nearly starved to death on the street?
Her long hair was smooth and elegant. Her facial features were delicate, skin pale and flawless. Her deep eyes held a calm, gentle air. She was clearly a quiet girl. Though she was still a bit thin due to malnutrition, she carried an aura of pure innocence.
"You're awake," Kaguya said with a soft smile as she walked over and sat on the sofa. "How are you feeling?"
"Much better," the girl replied softly. Her voice was gentle and soothing.
"That's good." Kaguya nodded. "If you need anything, just ask Shirley. She's the housekeeper here—don't worry, she's very kind. By the way, I assume you don't have anywhere to go?"
The girl nodded slightly.
"In that case," Kaguya said, "why not stay here?"
The girl looked up in surprise. "You're saying… you'll take us in?"
"Is that so surprising?" Kaguya said with a faint smile. "There are already so many people here—what's a few more?"
"But… we're beggars," the girl said hastily.
Kaguya waved it off and said brightly, "There are no beggars here—only family."
Family.
The girl froze. She couldn't remember the last time she had heard that word since she and her sister began wandering.
"So just stay here with peace of mind," Kaguya said, standing up. "I've got something to do. If you need anything, talk to Shirley or call me."
"Okay."
The girl nodded softly, and when she looked at Kaguya again, her eyes held a new glimmer.
As Kaguya reached the door, she suddenly turned back and asked, "Right, my name is Kaguya. Like the others, you can just call me Master. And you?"
The girl smiled gently. "My name is Monet."
…Ha.
Monet.
Kaguya suddenly stumbled mid-step.
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