Inside the pirate ship's cabin, the light was dim and humid. Water droplets condensed on the wooden walls dripped occasionally, producing crisp sounds in the silent space.
Kuzan slowly opened his eyes, his eyelids feeling as heavy as lead. He blinked, trying to clear the blurriness from his vision as his consciousness gradually flooded back into his mind like a tide.
The dull sound of waves hitting the ship's hull came from outside the window, and the creaking of the wooden structure echoed in his ears, as if reminding him that he was currently aboard a moving pirate ship. Kuzan propped up his upper body against the headboard, the icy cold of the iron bed frame piercing through his thin clothing. He instinctively tried to activate his abilities, only to find nothing within him—this feeling was utterly unfamiliar.
Fragments of memory slowly pieced together in his mind—the final image remained frozen at the last moment of his battle with Kaidou, the black spiked club coming straight down toward his head. Kuzan raised his hand to touch the back of his head, where a dull pain still lingered. He looked around and realized this was a crude cabin, with several wooden boxes piled in the corner, the air filled with the salty smell of seawater.
"Oh, you're awake."
A voice suddenly rang out. Kuzan looked up to see a boy dressed in a flashy suit with a red cape leaning against the doorframe, a rapier hanging at his waist. The boy appeared to be about fifteen or sixteen years old, with a cynical smile on his face—it was Diamante.
Diamante grinned, revealing white teeth: "Since you're awake, come with me to see the captain." His voice carried a hint of mockery, though his eyes remained vigilant.
"The captain? Kaidou?" Kuzan's voice was somewhat hoarse. He instinctively touched his throat, his fingers brushing against a cold metal ring. This discovery made him frown slightly.
"That's right, Lord Kaidou." Diamante looked at Kuzan with amusement, his fingers lightly tapping the doorframe. "I suggest you show some respect to the captain, otherwise..." He deliberately dragged out the last word, a threatening glint flashing in his eyes.
Kuzan tried to stand but found his entire body weak. He looked down at his neck, where an exquisitely crafted sea-stone shackle was firmly locked. The shackle was engraved with intricate patterns, gleaming coldly in the dim light.
"Don't worry," Diamante seemed to notice his confusion, "this is just low-purity sea stone. Although it will restrict most of your abilities and physical strength, you can still walk normally." He made a gesture of invitation, "Let's go, don't keep the captain waiting."
Kuzan remained silent for a moment before slowly rising to his feet. His movements were slow, as if adjusting to this weakened body. When he stood upright, his gaze calmly swept over the pirate before him, his eyes still as unfathomable as the deep sea. Though his body was restrained, his eyes remained resolute.
"Lead the way." His voice was soft, yet carried undeniable determination.
Diamante shrugged and turned to walk ahead. Kuzan followed behind him, his steps somewhat unsteady. Passing through the narrow corridor, they arrived on the deck. The glaring sunlight made Kuzan instinctively squint.
On the deck, dozens of pirates were training with fervent intensity. Some were lifting heavy barbells, others were practicing combat drills, their sweat glistening under the sun. At the center of the deck, Kaidou sat on a custom-made seat, holding a massive liquor gourd, his gaze sharp as he watched the crew members training.
"Wororororo, awake at last. Youth is a blessing—fall asleep and you're out for three days and nights." Kaidou looked at Kuzan behind Diamante, his voice rumbling like thunder across the deck. Then his eyes shifted to Diamante, who immediately understood the cue, hoisted the nearby weights onto his back, and joined the training ranks.
Though only fifteen and appearing nonchalant, Diamante trained with exceptional seriousness. He lifted a barbell taller than himself and began performing squats in a steady rhythm. Despite having joined the Beasts Pirates not long ago, the crew's meritocratic culture had already deeply ingrained itself in him. To enjoy life fully in the future, he knew he must train diligently now.
"Kaidou, why did you capture me and bring me onto this pirate ship?" Kuzan stared directly into Kaidou's eyes as he asked. The sea breeze ruffled his short hair, and the sunlight cast dappled shadows across his resolute face.
"Why? Haven't I made it clear already?" Kaidou tilted his head back and took a swig of liquor, droplets trickling down his beard. "Kuzan, our meeting was fate. You're destined to become my subordinate." His voice brimmed with unwavering confidence.
"Don't even think about it. I could never become a pirate," Kuzan retorted immediately. Though his voice was weakened by the Sea Stone restraints, the firmness in his tone remained undiminished.
"Oh? Then what do you want to be? A marine?" Kaidou remarked playfully, a meaningful smirk curling at the corner of his mouth.
"Exactly. My dream is to become a marine who upholds justice, and then throw scoundrels like you into Impel Down," Kuzan declared fearlessly to Kaidou, as if he weren't the one currently imprisoned.
Kaidou stood on the deck, the sea wind causing his black coat to flap vigorously. He fixed his gaze on Kuzan opposite him and suddenly spoke, "Pirates are evil? Marines are justice?" His voice was low and oppressive. "Brats who know nothing of peace and brats who know nothing of war have different values."
A cold smile tugged at his lips as he continued, "Those who stand at the top can redefine good and evil! Will justice prevail? Of course it will! Because only the victors get to decide what justice is!" The words echoed across the deck, carrying an undeniable aura of dominance.
On the deck, Doflamingo, who had been lifting dumbbells, abruptly halted his movements. He slowly adjusted the sunglasses on his nose, his gaze piercing through the lenses straight at Kaidou. These words acted like a key, unlocking a long-sealed box of memories deep within him, plunging him into contemplation.
Kuzan responded without backing down, "Hmph, sophistry." His voice was calm yet resolute. "Kaidou, no matter what you say, the fact remains that pirates instill fear in countless civilians. All pirates ever bring is slaughter and destruction." A gleam of justice shone in his eyes, forming a stark contrast with Kaidou.
"Oh, is that so? Then do you know why, no matter how hard the Navy tries to capture pirates, they keep emerging endlessly in this world?"
Kaidou posed the question to Kuzan.
Hearing this, Kuzan looked at Kaidou, waiting for what he would say next.