East Blue.
Oboro had commandeered a random small boat, loaded his companions aboard, and set course for the Goa Kingdom.
The Celestial Dragons had already arrived there.
The Battle of Twin Capes had undoubtedly ignited global attention these past few days... With the overwhelming flood of articles and reports dominating the news, Oboro knew exactly what was happening without needing to read them. As survivors, including Rob Lucci, they were all now featured prominently on the government's wanted lists.
At the World News Agency, Morgans continued his enthusiastic promotion of the Hell Pirates while lavishing praise upon the God Slayer with characteristic fervor.
In short, he couldn't bear to see the World Government and Marine escape unscathed.
Meanwhile, media outlets aligned with the government constantly exaggerated the Marine's supposed victory, claiming the "annihilation" of the Hell Pirates, the successful repulsion of the Four Emperors, the imprisonment of countless pirates... and, to some extent, the cleansing of criminal elements from the seas.
In essence, observers from all walks of life offered their own conclusions and analyses of the Battle of Twin Capes.
To discerning individuals, it was clear that the Marine and government had suffered yet another humiliating defeat at the hands of the God Slayer. However, for those who remained landlocked or only paid attention to surface-level information, the Marine's resounding victory appeared to be an indisputable "fact."
This time, faced with the shift in public opinion, the World Government's swift response and countermeasures proved remarkably effective.
It was a desperate attempt to save face.
The small vessel's cramped quarters forced creative seating arrangements. Dolan and Yurivich occupied the bow and stern respectively, paddling with powerful strokes to maintain their swift pace.
Dolan wanted to ask their captain why he was no longer relying on the "power" of the Sea Kings, but since Oboro hadn't mentioned it and Dom had already stated his opinion on the matter, Dolan wisely kept his mouth shut.
Rob Lucci sat beside Dolan, his expression characteristically emotionless.
In reality, he was experiencing extreme anxiety... He desperately needed to warn someone that the God Slayer was targeting the Celestial Dragons, but the problem was that he had no opportunity to escape, and it was difficult to manufacture a convincing excuse. To ensure his safety, the compact, specialized Den Den Mushi he possessed could only communicate through a single encrypted channel.
"The East Blue truly is the safest of the four seas. The scenery... the climate is far superior to the North Blue," Kaka stretched his arms, took a deep breath, and exclaimed happily.
Most of the North Blue's waters were characterized by frigid temperatures... the sea was icy and biting, while frequent snow and rain often cast the sky in grayish, overcast hues. Even many islands had become unattractive due to the harsh environment, compounded by the ravages of war and artillery bombardment... The East Blue, with its pleasant scenery and temperate climate, provided a stark contrast.
It was as if even the air had become sweeter.
"Ah... but becoming so famous in just a few days has left me feeling somewhat uncomfortable, haha."
Kaka changed the subject, scratching his head with nervous laughter.
Indeed... now, the five of them had become the talk of the maritime world, at least among most of the major powers at sea.
While Oboro and Dom had already achieved global notoriety since the Sabaody Archipelago incident, they were now household names.
Oboro stretched out one leg and leaned against the deck with casual confidence.
Hearing this observation, he smiled with predatory satisfaction.
"Don't worry, this is just the beginning. Once we eliminate the Celestial Dragons, your fame will soar to even greater heights."
Dom, who had considerable personal investment in this particular topic, sneered with obvious anticipation.
"Senior Dom... tell me, how did you and the captain escape during the Sabaody Archipelago incident? It was just the two of you back then. I heard even Admiral Kizaru was dispatched..." Kaka glanced over with obvious curiosity written across his features.
The others' attention was also drawn to this compelling question.
The sudden mention of the Celestial Dragons made both Lucci and Dolan' hearts skip beats.
Dom didn't conceal anything, simply describing the incident in brief, matter-of-fact terms.
"Um... are we really going to kill the Celestial Dragons?"
Dolan' throat constricted as he swallowed hard.
From Dom's casual tone, it seemed as if... they were all going to participate in the action.
"Hmm?"
The moment those words left his lips, Dom's cold eyes fixed on Dolan with laser focus.
Even Yurivich, who had been steadily rowing at the bow, paused in his rhythmic strokes.
Yurivich didn't care about political implications... he was simply a battle-obsessed madman. In his worldview, there were no rules or constraints; he only craved the intoxication of combat.
Besides, killing Celestial Dragons sounded... appealing.
"No... no... I mean, that kind of worthless trash... is there any need for us to take action against them?" Dolan quickly corrected himself, his explanation tumbling out in desperate clarification.
"This... is a test for all of you, including you."
"It's also the final assessment... I won't interfere. Only by killing a Celestial Dragon can you truly become members of the Hell Pirates, genuine partners."
Suddenly, Oboro spoke with quiet authority.
He smiled at the crew assembled on the small vessel. "This will be... the only bond that unites us."
"In other words, from now on, anyone aboard this ship... who wishes to become a full-fledged crew member must personally kill a Celestial Dragon."
"..."
Oboro delivered this declaration with a serene smile.
But everyone's expressions shifted dramatically upon hearing these words.
Dolan swallowed hard, his eyelids twitching involuntarily.
He hadn't expected that even he would face this test. He'd assumed he was already a full-fledged crew member... After all, killing a Celestial Dragon and being a member of the Hell Pirates represented two completely different levels of commitment. This meant that regardless of where they traveled in the future, they would be pursued by the World Government with absolute determination, with no possibility of survival! Other vicious pirates might survive capture and imprisonment in Impel Down... but for them, death would be inevitable.
"That kind of trash... isn't even worthy of our combined efforts. I can handle this alone."
Suddenly, Lucci, who had remained silent throughout the journey, looked up at Oboro and spoke with arctic coldness.
His eyes displayed no trace of hesitation or uncertainty.
"As expected of Hadori... He doesn't even blink at the prospect of killing Celestial Dragons. To be honest, I was slightly concerned," Kaka laughed, patting Lucci on the shoulder with obvious admiration.
"We don't have the luxury of refusal..."
Yingge stroked the longsword resting across her lap. "Having gained power and fame, we owe everything to the captain. Besides... since we chose to board this ship, we should have been prepared to stand by him regardless of circumstances. Anyone who lacks that level of conviction, I'll kill them myself without the captain needing to intervene."
"Traitors are despised wherever they're found!"
At this point, Yingge's gaze shifted meaningfully toward Dolan.
"Ha... ha... ha... of course! When I see a Celestial Dragon, I'll be the first to eliminate him!"
Dolan laughed awkwardly, his lips twitching as he quickly made his allegiance clear.
"The Celestial Dragon visiting the Goa Kingdom this time is named Saint Pluming... They claim it's an inspection, but that's merely an excuse. Their real purpose is to plunder the kingdom's wealth. The Goa Kingdom is one of the more prosperous nations in the East Blue... and for the Celestial Dragons, simple 'Heavenly Tribute' isn't sufficient to satisfy their appetite."
Dom explained with clinical precision.
"Since the Captain won't intervene, why don't we handle this assessment individually? Whoever reaches the target first claims the prize... it depends on our individual performance."
Rob Lucci suggested with calculated enthusiasm.
"Ah... Hadori, you're so cunning!"
Kaka responded with mock complaint and playful protest.
"No need for competition. This is simply a ritual... Once we arrive, I'll bring you directly to the Celestial Dragon's location... and then, I'll observe as you execute him! This mission in the East Blue, killing the Celestial Dragon is merely a side objective... we have far more important plans."
Oboro pointed out with deliberate emphasis.
The moment these words left his mouth, Lucci felt as if he were suffocating.
No hope... no opportunity whatsoever.
What could he possibly do?