"Sugoi~ Can this continent move?"
"Look! So many soldiers!"
"Their ships look so weird!"
The Gale hovered in the sky, and everyone aboard marveled at the sprawling castle complex below—the mighty Kingdom of Germa.
This Germa 66 really was something. And those snail-like ships? Quite a sight to behold.
"The entire fortress below is made up of countless snail battleships joined together," Reiju explained calmly. "Normally they're scattered, but when needed, they combine into a mobile fortress that sails across the seas."
Her tone shifted the moment she spotted a tall figure down below—her expression turning cold.
"Hey, juju, your family's color coordination is impressive. What's this? Trying to form your own Rainbow Squad?"
Leno couldn't help teasing as he looked down at Judge, who was approaching the square surrounded by his three 'colorful' sons and a crowd of soldiers.
"'Juju'? What kind of ridiculous nickname is that?" Reiju muttered inwardly, though her face remained perfectly composed.
As the ship descended, Judge came forward warmly, even a bit obsequiously. The recent newspaper headlines had given him quite the scare. In such a short time, Leno had already stormed into the New World and beaten one of the new Emperors.
Now Judge regretted ever crossing him. This was a monster beyond his control—a terrifying being he'd completely underestimated in his earlier "brilliant" plan. But it was far too late for regrets; the man himself was here, and Judge had no idea how to handle it.
Honestly, when he got word that the Thunder God's ship was descending, his first reaction wasn't excitement—it was fear. Reiju had barely even joined Leno's crew; there was no way their plan could've advanced this quickly.
But there was no time to dwell on that. He immediately summoned his three sons to greet their guests.
Before Judge could even open his mouth, the green-haired Yonji whirled forward like a gust of wind, stopping right beside Leno's group—more precisely, beside Hancock and the others. His eyes turned into hearts as he ogled the women shamelessly, drooling uncontrollably.
"Beautiful... so beautiful... absolute goddesses~"
"Yonji! What do you think you're doing?!"
Judge's polite smile cracked into horror. Was this idiot out of his mind? That was the Thunder God of the New World—practically invincible—and he was hitting on his women right in front of him?!
Judge's heart sank. He deeply regretted bringing this fool along. He'd thought his son's little "quirks" would at least stay buried in the face of a monster like Leno. But no—the bastard turned into a mutt the instant he saw a pretty face, utterly oblivious to life and death.
Before Judge could intervene, a furious cry rang out—then Yonji's body shot through the air like a cannonball.
"You disgusting worm! How dare you look at me with such filthy eyes!"
Hancock retracted her long leg with disdain, glancing at Yonji's crumpled body before walking gracefully back to Leno's side.
Nami and Nojiko were visibly disgusted too. They hadn't expected someone to be that bold—to charge straight at them the moment they landed.
Only Reiju remained calm. She knew her brother's character all too well. Honestly, it would've been strange if he hadn't reacted that way.
Clap clap!
"As expected of the great King of Germa," Leno said, his tone dripping with mockery. "You've certainly raised your sons well."
His smile vanished in an instant, replaced by a chilling coldness. Damn it—what nerve.
Flirting with his women right in front of him? Germa really had guts.
"L-Lord Thunder God, this—this is all a misunderstanding! That idiot isn't right in the head..." Judge stammered, cold sweat dripping down his face. "I'll... I'll discipline him later. I swear it..."
The overwhelming pressure radiating from Leno made his legs tremble. This man was too terrifying—his presence alone was crushing.
A thunderous crash sounded from afar. Out of the rising smoke leapt a green-armored figure who landed before them, eyes burning with provocation.
"So you're the Thunder God, huh? You don't look that impressive to me. I'd say your women outshine you!"
Leno arched an eyebrow.
Hancock's eyes flashed with fury. "You insolent scum! How dare you insult Lord Leno—!" She stepped forward, ready to strike, but Leno held out a hand to stop her.
His gaze turned toward Judge, amusement flickering in his eyes. "Mr. Judge, I see you've prepared quite the welcoming act."
"N-no, Lord Thunder God, please, this is a misunderstanding—"
"No need to explain," Leno interrupted casually. "I've been curious about Germa's technology anyway. Guess I'll see it firsthand today."
He turned to the red-haired Ichiji and blue-haired Niji, who were already itching for a fight. With a smirk, he beckoned.
"You two—come as well. Let's see just how powerful these so-called Raid Suits of yours are."
"Arrogant fool!"
"Gladly!"
Ichiji and Niji exchanged grins, excitement gleaming in their eyes. They each pulled out a capsule-like device and slapped it onto their belts.
The canisters burst open with blinding light, enveloping the trio. When the light faded, red, blue, and green suits of gleaming armor covered their bodies—tight, high-tech, and dazzling to look at.
Even Chopper's eyes sparkled with awe at the sight.
"They transformed! So cool~!"
Leno also looked at the three brothers' luxurious gear with a bit of envy, sizing them up a few times before commenting: "Looks impressive enough... though I wonder if it's actually useful."
He was already thinking about how to acquire that advanced technology for Skypiea's warriors.
But as he looked closer, his brow furrowed. Why on earth would anyone pair sleek power armor with flashy capes? It looked ridiculous.
Then, with a mischievous grin, Leno turned back to Reiju.
"Juju~ You should transform for me sometime too, just for fun."
"..."