Queen's signature maniacal laughter echoed across the battlefield, his distinctive "Muhahaha" mingling with the sharp sound of his blade cutting through the air.
The massive man displayed agility that defied his size, his long sword dancing in his hands like a living thing. Sunlight danced along the sharp edge of the blade, reflecting a chilling cold light.
Nix's pupils suddenly contracted, fear frozen on his distorted face. He didn't even have time to utter his final plea for mercy before his head separated from his body. Blood traced a perfect parabola through the air as Queen casually flicked the blood from his blade, looking with satisfaction at his fallen enemy. His small eyes sparkled with the joy of victory, his obese body rising and falling slightly with each breath.
As the smoke of battle gradually cleared, Queen scanned his surroundings, confirming that his side had completely taken control of the situation. He leisurely pulled a premium cigar from his suit pocket, lit it with a gold-plated lighter, and took a deep drag. Thick smoke slowly exhaled from his fleshy lips, forming perfect smoke rings in the air.
Not far away, Urouge's battle was also nearing its conclusion. The burly warrior swung his massive battle-axe, roaring with deafening laughter. "Hahaha, you're quite the fighter!"
His voice thundered across the battlefield, "But you're still no match for me!" The battle-axe descended with a whooshing sound toward the already battered CP organization leader.
The opponent tried to resist, but was sent flying by the tremendous force, crashing heavily to the ground. Urouge pressed his advantage, cleaving the enemy's chest with his axe and ending this one-sided confrontation.
With the main battles concluded, the other pirates gradually finished off their respective opponents.
The battlefield was littered with fallen enemies and scattered weapons, the air thick with the smell of blood and gunpowder. The pirates began systematically clearing the battlefield and looting the spoils.
With his cigar clamped between his teeth, Queen strolled leisurely toward Carel, who was trembling in a corner. The once arrogant Celestial Dragon steward now looked ashen-faced, backing away continuously, his voice trembling with threats: "D-do you know who I am? I'm a descendant of the creators, the great Celestial Dragon's steward!"
Queen burst into laughter at this, the fat on his face jiggling. "Muhahaha! I don't give a damn who you are!" Before the words had fully left his mouth, he delivered a resounding slap that sent Carel sprawling to the ground.
The once imperious man now lay on the ground like a beaten dog, blood trickling from the corner of his mouth. Carel watched in terror as Queen drew his long sword, immediately kneeling and begging repeatedly: "Please, please, spare me."
But the only response he received was Queen's merciless blade. A flash of steel, and Carel's life came to an end.
Queen shook the blood from his blade and turned to shout at the surrounding pirates: "Men! Now that the battle's over, make sure you thoroughly loot everything! Especially those fruits - carry them all onto the ship! Kaidou is waiting!"
"Yes, Lord Queen!" the pirates chorused in response, immediately springing into action.
They moved like a well-trained colony of ants, systematically dividing tasks to plunder the spoils. Some were responsible for carrying wooden crates filled with fruit, others tallied the loot, while a few remained vigilant, guarding against any potential ambushes.
Though the scene was one of plunder, it proceeded in an orderly fashion, showcasing the strict discipline of the Beasts Pirates.
Soon, Queen and the others returned to the pirate ship with their spoils.
A sea breeze swept gently across the deck, carrying the salty scent of the ocean.
Enel sat idly on the gunwale, swinging his legs. When he spotted the returning figures, his eyes immediately lit up.
"You're finally back!" He flipped down from the gunwale and hurried forward to meet them.
"Muhahaha, kid, get out of the way." Queen rudely shoved aside Enel, who was blocking the path, his bulky frame surprisingly nimble as he crossed the deck. In his hand, he carried a sandalwood box.
Kaidou's towering figure stood at the ship's prow, his shadow enveloping most of the deck. He turned around, his deep voice echoing across the planks: "Is this the Hundred Pistil Fruit? The fruit that even the Celestial Dragons can't get enough of?"
Queen respectfully opened the wooden box, revealing neatly arranged fruits inside. Several translucent pink fruits lay quietly on velvet lining, shimmering like gemstones in the sunset's glow.
Kaidou casually picked one up and tossed it into his mouth without hesitation, chewing heartily.
Queen rubbed his hands together, his small eyes darting around: "How does it taste, Kaidou boss?"
Kaidou narrowed his eyes, a meaningful smile curling at the corner of his mouth: "Queen, you're not going to tell me you resisted trying one first, are you?"
"I'm innocent, boss!" Queen waved his hands exaggeratedly, the fat on his face jiggling. "I was just worried the fruit might be poisoned, so I tested it for you first!"
"Urorororo..." Kaidou let out his signature laugh, vibrating the deck slightly. "Queen, distribute some of these fruits to everyone. Let them all taste the delicacy the Celestial Dragons enjoy. Preserve the rest for when King and Bullet return, so they can try it too."
"Understood!" Queen immediately responded, turning to the gathered crew and shouting: "Did you all hear that? Kaidou boss is rewarding us!"
"Long live Kaidou boss!"
"Long live the captain!"
Cheers erupted one after another as the crew excitedly crowded around.
Queen continuously handed out the fruits, each person accepting them with a flattered expression. Enel squeezed to the front, eagerly grabbing a fruit and stuffing it into his mouth.
"Mmm... so sweet!" he mumbled indistinctly, juice trickling from the corner of his mouth.
Just then, a commotion suddenly arose from the shoreline. The pirate on guard duty shouted sternly: "Halt! Who are you people?"
Everyone's attention shifted. They saw a group of well-dressed individuals approaching the ship, led by a middle-aged man in a crisp suit. He bowed politely and said: "Greetings. We are envoys from the Kingdom of Rexter, sent by the king to meet with Mr. Kaidou."
"Who cares what kingdom you're from? Get lost, or I'll..." the pirate waved impatiently, preparing to drive them away.
"Let them come aboard!" Kaidou's voice thundered from the ship like rolling thunder.
The pirate immediately changed his expression and said respectfully to the envoys, "Please board the ship."
The middle-aged envoy turned and instructed his attendants, "Wait here. You two, come with me." He boarded the pirate ship with two attendants carrying exquisite boxes. The boxes in their hands appeared even more luxurious than the one Queen had brought back, adorned with gemstones that glittered under the setting sun.
The crew members on the deck whispered among themselves, curiously eyeing these unexpected guests.