Clang!
The short blade was blocked precisely.
The attacker was a female ANBU member with long purple hair flowing behind her mask.
"So you caught up already?" Milan's heart sank.
The purple-haired ANBU gave her no chance to breathe. The moment her first strike was blocked, her dagger launched into a storm of relentless attacks.
Clang! Clang! Clang! Clang!
Long sword and short blade clashed beneath the moonlight, leaving streaks of afterimages in the air.
Blade light flashed. Killing intent filled the forest.
Sharp sword energy tore through the surroundings, carving deep cracks into the ground and tree trunks. The violent shockwaves sent leaves and debris flying everywhere.
"Hah!"
Milan shouted as she deftly twisted her blade, slipping past the ANBU's strike. She wiped the faint cut on her cheek and smiled dangerously.
"I thought all of you were Devil Fruit users," she said with a seductive smirk. "But it seems some of you are skilled with blades too."
"A dagger, hm? Let me see what you people are truly capable of!"
"Mirror Blossom!"
Her sword whirled.
Countless arcs of sword energy rained down like a storm toward the purple-haired ANBU.
BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!
The barrage swallowed the ANBU completely.
Earth and stone exploded outward, and thick smoke billowed into the air.
"Hmph. Pathetic."
Milan smiled in disdain.
Then—
"Crescent Moon Dance."
A calm voice echoed from within the smoke.
Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!
Three identical purple-haired ANBU figures shot out of the smoke like phantoms.
Their movements were lightning fast.
In a single instant they crossed past Milan.
Two of the figures dissolved into white smoke.
The real ANBU sheathed her dagger and calmly walked away without looking back.
Slash!
"How… how is this possible…"
Milan's eyes widened in disbelief.
Blood erupted from her body.
She stared blankly at the retreating figure before collapsing lifelessly to the ground.
With her death—
Every high-ranking member of the Gambino Family was wiped out.
Not one survived.
This night…
Was destined to be soaked in blood.
A voyage across the sea was always long and filled with danger.
From the Kingdom of Zephir to the waters near the Gambino headquarters, even at full speed it would take nearly a full day.
Moonlight shimmered across the restless ocean.
Three warships sailed in a triangular formation.
Their sails snapped loudly in the howling wind.
The blue-and-white flag of Zephir fluttered proudly above them.
Inside the main flagship's cabin was a comfortable and luxurious room.
Arthur sat casually on a soft sofa, flipping through a book titled "History of the Sea Circle."
Behind him, Elia gently massaged his shoulders.
From time to time, the little maid stole glances at his profile, a silly smile appearing on her face.
"Year 1510 of the Sea Circle Calendar…"
"So there are still ten years before the story officially begins," Arthur muttered as he read. "Interesting timing."
"I wonder if Boa Hancock has already become the Pirate Empress by now…"
Elia tilted her head in confusion.
She had absolutely no idea what he was talking about.
Knock knock.
Suddenly, a knock broke the quiet atmosphere.
Arthur closed the book and rubbed his eyes.
"Come in."
"Your Highness…"
Stanley—the former captain of the guards, now the legion commander—entered cautiously and knelt before him.
Even though he saw no black-clad ANBU in the room, he dared not show the slightest disrespect.
He knew those terrifying warriors were hidden somewhere unseen.
The moment Arthur faced danger—
They would appear like ghosts and slaughter any enemy.
More importantly…
Standing before Arthur now gave Stanley an inexplicable pressure.
As if he were facing a supreme monarch.
"What is it?" Arthur asked calmly while enjoying Elia's massage.
"Well…"
Stanley swallowed nervously.
"Your Highness… although you have issued the order, forgive my bluntness. With only two thousand soldiers, confronting the Gambino Family is like throwing eggs at a stone."
"Morale in the army is extremely low. The soldiers are uneasy. If we arrive at Muir Island like this, the army might collapse before the battle even begins."
"I understand," Arthur replied calmly with a nod.
Relief appeared on Stanley's face.
But before he could continue—
"That's why I never planned to have you fight the Gambino Family directly."
Arthur waved his hand dismissively.
"Return to the troops. Let them rest. When we reach Muir Island tomorrow morning… there will be plenty of work waiting."
"Your Highness…"
Stanley forced a bitter smile.
Looking at Arthur's calm expression, he could only sigh and withdraw quietly.
He still didn't understand what "work" the prince meant.
After the door closed—
Arthur stroked his chin thoughtfully.
"The system's legions are powerful… but their numbers are limited. In large-scale wars, they can't handle everything alone."
"I'll need to improve the strength of the kingdom's army."
Then he suddenly turned.
His eyes fell on Elia, who had been smiling foolishly the whole time.
"So," he said with a grin, "you've been smiling the entire time. Is massaging me really that fun?"
"Ah—Your Highness! I—I…"
Elia's face turned bright red.
She tried to explain but couldn't form the words, her eyes almost filling with tears.
"Heh, I'm just teasing."
Arthur stood up and gently patted her head.
"That's enough for tonight. Go get some rest. Tomorrow will be busy."
"Yes… Your Highness…"
Blushing fiercely, Elia nodded.
She hurried out the door in embarrassment.
Watching her flee, Arthur chuckled softly.
Stretching lazily, he headed toward the resting quarters himself.
◇ I'll be dropping one bonus chapters for every 10 reviews. comment
◇ One bonus chapter will be released for every 100 Power Stones.