Mist Star Island.
This island, which had been under the protection of the Whitebeard Pirates for many years, was now shrouded in an eerie atmosphere.
The harbor, drizzling with light rain, remained as bustling as ever, with merchant ships coming and going. However, those who paid attention would notice that the number of guards at key intersections had significantly increased compared to usual.
Groups of merchants huddled together, whispering among themselves, their faces tinged with varying degrees of unease and confusion.
Meanwhile, beneath the town, in a dim and damp dungeon...
"White Bay, why? Why all of this?!"
Vista, covered in blood, his limbs pierced and pinned to the wall, stared in disbelief at the woman before him:
"Pops treated you like family, and we've fought side by side for decades... Why would you betray me? Why betray Pops? Why betray the Whitebeard Pirates?!"
On the other side of the iron bars...
The blue-haired woman in a purple captain's hat, puffing on a thin cigarette, grinned at him:
"Hey! You're so damn noisy, really... Do I owe you an explanation? Wouldn't it be better to die in ignorance?"
"Don't worry, your death won't be in vain. Vista, the 5th Division Commander of the Whitebeard Pirates, with a bounty of 1.023 billion Berries—such a famous head, handed over to the Marines, will fetch a hefty reward."
She was going to kill him?
And then trade his head to the Marines for a bounty?!
"White Bay!"
Vista's eyes burned red with grief and fury as he roared, "How could you do something like this? When did you sink so low?!"
"Who knows?"
White Bay couldn't be bothered to answer, still smiling as she enjoyed Vista's helpless rage.
Just then...
Tap, tap, tap...
A tall, lanky man rushed into the dungeon in a panic, whispering something into White Bay's ear.
"Hmm?"
White Bay's expression immediately darkened. After glancing at Vista, she pulled the man toward the stairwell and frowned. "Are you sure?"
"No mistake, Third Sister!"
The man gulped. "It's definitely Xiano himself. He'll reach the harbor soon. That fat old man Henry isn't dead either. He must've called in reinforcements!"
"A mere merchant managed to summon someone of that caliber?"
White Bay narrowed her eyes. "Hmph, I underestimated that fat old man... I should've killed him on the spot."
"What do we do, Third Sister?"
The man wiped sweat from his brow, staring at her anxiously. "Should we just cut our losses and run? We've already made enough these past few days. Fat Henry must've told that man everything. If he comes after us..."
"Let me think."
White Bay paced back and forth. "When will the last payment come in? How much will we have in total?"
"Two big fish won't arrive until tomorrow, so we'll have to wait until tomorrow night. Including the last two billion-plus Berries and Vista's head, our total haul this time will exceed ten billion."
Ten billion?
White Bay's gaze momentarily grew distant. She still had a long, long life ahead of her, but with this much money, no matter how extravagantly she spent it, she could never use it all in a lifetime...
"Seems there's no other way."
Suppressing the greed in her heart, she licked her lips. "A hundred billion Berries is a threshold. If we leave without taking this last sum that rightfully belongs to us, I'd be filled with regret..."
"But, third sister..."
The tall, thin man opened his mouth but hesitated to speak.
"Don't worry, second brother."
White Bay snapped her fingers and chuckled lightly:
"I already have a plan. Just follow my instructions and stall that man. However, the identity of White Bay is no longer reliable—it's time for a change."
She glanced toward the prison cell, her eyes resting on Vista. Just as she was about to walk over, her steps suddenly halted as a bold idea surged in her mind.
Compared to a lifetime of inexhaustible wealth...
What would it truly feel like to stand at the pinnacle of this world?
No more hiding in the shadows, no more scheming and deceiving—instead, reigning supreme, basking in the awe-filled gazes of everyone.
The Marines would fear me, the Pirates would tremble before me, and even those lofty nobles wouldn't dare provoke me!
In that case...
Money?
What does mere wealth even matter?
Once this thought took root, it sprouted like wild vines, spreading uncontrollably, impossible to erase...
"Second brother."
She turned back to the bewildered tall, thin man and spoke softly, "Our plan... might need a slight upgrade..."
...
Splash!
As the Sunset docked, the rain at the port grew heavier.
"We're here. This is Mist Star Island!"
Fat Henry was the first to jump off the ship. Turning around, he looked up urgently and said:
"Sir, do you see that purple castle in the middle? That's the stronghold of the Ice Witch, White Bay. Just follow me, and all the money is with that wretched woman—"
"No need to rush while I'm here. Lead the way first."
Xiano replied noncommittally.
According to Kuma's words...
The Ice Witch, White Bay, was known for her bold and generous personality. Having joined the Whitebeard Pirates for over thirty years, she was a veteran member, fiercely loyal to Whitebeard.
Not everyone could be fooled by Akainu like Squard.
For this woman to suddenly betray Whitebeard—there had to be something unusual going on. It needed to be investigated face-to-face.
Once the truth came to light, they could deal with the merchants' stolen money.
"Yes, as you command, sir."
Fat Henry nodded hastily.
"Agin, stop sleeping. You and Mochi stay here and guard the ship."
"Awoo!"
Agin lazily raised his right paw to show he understood.
Only then did Xiano stride toward the ship's railing. Beside him, Robin smiled faintly and naturally opened a black umbrella for him, following closely as they descended the gangway.
Raindrops dripped from the umbrella's edge, splattering onto the rough stone pavement of the dock with soft patters.
"Lord Xiano, look over there."
Kuina hurried to catch up, holding her umbrella, and pointed out, "At the far right of the dock, there's a small speedboat flying the flag of the Whitebeard Pirates."
"Mhm, I see it. What's your point?"
"Whitebeard must have caught wind of what's happening here and sent someone specifically to investigate," Kuina said solemnly. "Perhaps we should find him first before talking to that Ice Witch, White Bay..."
"No need for the trouble. I've been waiting here all along!"
Amid hearty laughter, a tall figure holding an umbrella strode through the rain toward them.
"Members of the Curtain Closers, and Lord Xiano—long have I heard of your reputations!"
Everyone turned toward the voice.
The newcomer wore a top hat, a black cape, white gloves, had dark skin, and sported a thick, slightly curly beard...
"Vista?"
Fat Henry's eyes widened in surprise and delight. He rushed forward and embraced him.
"Hahaha, old friend! So Whitebeard sent someone of your stature to investigate! Where's White Bay? What did she tell you? How did she explain herself?"
"You know Vista?" Xiano asked with interest.
"Yeah, we crossed paths a few times in the past."
Fat Henry released Vista and laughed. "With him here, I'm at ease. Vista's strength ranks among the top under Whitebeard's command—more than enough to handle White Bay!"
"Is that so?"
Xiano glanced at Vista, raising an eyebrow slightly.
His vision was sharp enough that even though Vista was bundled up in a coat and cape, he could still tell the man had suffered severe injuries recently and hadn't fully recovered.
Especially around his joints—there were clear signs of piercing wounds.
"You've seen through me, my lord."
Vista rubbed his wrist with a wry smile. "I've mostly dealt with White Bay already, but the details are complicated. It's a long story. Please, follow me to the castle—I'll explain everything on the way."
He stepped aside and gestured toward the main road leading to the castle.
All eyes turned to Xiano, waiting for his nod of approval before following Vista toward the castle.
...
Before the ancient castle gates.
"So you're saying White Bay colluded with the World Government? Planning to defect from the Whitebeard Pirates, then used Whitebeard's name to amass wealth recklessly?"
Fat Henry was stunned. "But... how did the World Government persuade her...?"
"Seems her family was threatened."
Vista shook his head with a sigh.
"Anyway, she's locked up in the dungeon now. There's still more to question. Lord Xiano, would you like to come with me to see her? As for the rest of you, I've prepared a welcoming feast in the castle's dining hall on the second floor. Please wait there for a while."
"Ooh! A feast?" Bonney's eyes instantly lit up. "Is there meat? Is there meat, mustache man?"
"Of course, little girl. All kinds of meat," Vista laughed.
"What do you think, bro?" Nami rubbed her stomach and looked up at Xiano pleadingly. "I'm kinda hungry too."
"Go ahead as Vista suggested. You all eat first—we'll join you soon."
Xiano had no objections.
Immediately, the others followed Vista's subordinates to the dining hall on the second floor, while Xiano accompanied Vista through the dimly lit corridors toward the dungeon.
The dungeon's corridor was deeper than expected, with damp stone steps covered in moss, and a faint smell of blood lingered in the air.
Vista held a torch, walking at the front.
Xiano lagged a few steps behind, squinting slightly as he stared at Vista's back.
Since their meeting not long ago, he had felt that something was off.
Vista's aura seemed to not match his expectations, lacking the sharpness unique to a Master Swordsman.
But that seemed normal, after all, he had never met the Flower Sword before, and Vista had just fought a tough battle, still recovering from his injuries.
"Once we finish our business and have lunch, how about we spar?"
Xiano suddenly spoke up, as if on a whim, casually asking.
"Your Excellency is joking."
Vista glanced back at him, scratching his head in frustration. "You are a Sea Emperor-level figure; if we were to spar, it should be with my father. I don't have the qualifications for that."
"That's true."
Xiano smiled and fell silent.
As one of the world's renowned Master Swordsmen, would he really be willing to give up the chance to face an opponent with an even greater reputation in swordsmanship?
With a thought, he unleashed his powerful Observation Haki, sweeping through the entire dungeon like a torrent.
Seconds later, Xiano retracted his Observation Haki, his expression unchanged as he continued to follow Vista deeper into the dungeon.
"It's just ahead."
When they reached a wide corner, Vista quickened his pace, disappearing around the bend, only his voice echoing back, "White Bay is locked up over here, Your Excellency, follow me..."
Thud!
A sound like something heavy hitting the ground echoed.
Immediately after...
Xiano felt his vision blur, and the surroundings became hazy, as if a translucent barrier had been placed over everything.
It was as if he were trapped inside a giant frosted glass box turned upside down.
"Interesting ability."
He raised an eyebrow slightly, reaching out to touch the barrier. His fingertips instantly rippled, and his right hand was bounced back.
"Ha! Got you, I got you!"
A triumphant laugh rang out as a tall, thin man emerged from behind the corner, clapping his hands in joy:
"Hehe! What a load of nonsense about the Sea Emperor! I knew that in front of my Newmo's Box-Box Fruit's super strong confinement ability, you'd have to obediently stay trapped!"
He excitedly turned to the other side, "Hey! Big brother, it's your turn now!"
"Well done, little brother!"
A bald, hefty man grinned wickedly as he stepped out of the shadows, firmly planting his feet. After taking a deep breath, he suddenly opened his mouth wide towards Xiano in the distance!
Buzz!
A strange yellow light flickered in his throat, and a thick wave of light instantly shot out, heading straight for Xiano, who was trapped behind the transparent barrier!
In the next moment, Xiano felt as if he had sunk deep into a quagmire.
Every movement, even just lifting his toes or moving his fingers, became extremely difficult and slow...
"How about that! My ability is pretty impressive, right?"
The bald man proudly pointed his thumb at himself.
"My name is Kilan, and I am a Slow Human who has eaten the Paramecia-type Slow-Slow Fruit! Everything hit by my Slowing Wave will have all actions become quite slow for the next thirty seconds! Even if you are the Sea Emperor, the effect will be diminished, but it will still last at least ten seconds!"
"And these dozen seconds are more than enough!"
Fatty and the thin man simultaneously raised their right arms and shouted in unison, "Next, third sister, it's your time to shine!"
Tap.
Footsteps sounded as Vista, who had just disappeared around the corner, reappeared before Xiano.
"I'm the third sister, Teaki."
Vista held a lady's cigarette between his lips, striding forward with one hand on his hip, his posture coquettish, wearing a charming smile that starkly contrasted with his appearance:
"As you can see, I'm a Paramecia-type Parasite Fruit user who can take over others' bodies. Really, thank you so much, Lord Xiano, for generously offering us such a powerful physique."
"Honestly, for a mighty Sea Emperor to be this naive, actually following us alone to such a remote place... Hey! I haven't even finished introducing myself yet, what are you doing?!"
He bared his fangs and roared at Xiano, who was bent over vomiting.
"My apologies."
Xiano finally straightened up and sighed deeply, "Can't help it. Seeing you use Vista's body to make such gestures is truly nauseating... and downright asking for a beating..."
(End of Chapter)