Sea Era 1498.
A major event shook the world this year.
The Pirate King, Gol D. Roger, surrendered to the Marines.
Under the orders of the World Government, Roger was escorted to Loguetown for a public execution—a warning to restless pirates across the seas.
Of course, none of this concerned Hilbert Black.
He was a noble, great and untouchable, a descendant of the gods themselves.
In short: a Celestial Dragon.
At sixteen years old in this world, Black had almost fully absorbed the unbridled lifestyle of the Celestial Dragons.
Waking leisurely from sleep, before he could even speak, a fair-skinned, long-legged maid knelt and saluted.
"Saint Black, please allow me to cleanse your face."
"Hmm..."
Black hummed softly, still drowsy.
The maid saluted again and picked up a disposable silk cloth inlaid with gold thread to clean his face.
Her movements were careful and gentle, mindful of Black's morning temper.
Though not particularly brutal for a Celestial Dragon, Black followed all the expected habits of his kind—except cruelty.
The maids of Mary Geoise had seen many colleagues executed for minor mistakes and naturally adopted extreme caution.
After washing his face, Black felt refreshed. Three more maids appeared to help him dress.
Despite over ten years of indulgence, he still felt the sting of being raised uselessly.
"Being raised useless is fine," he muttered. "So many on the seas would kill for the chance."
Satisfied with his self-persuasion, Black accepted the maids' assistance without complaint.
Once dressed, he stretched and addressed the maid nearby:
"The weather is pleasant. I'll descend to the world for a stroll. Go summon a few CP agents to accompany me."
"Yes, Saint Black!"
The maid saluted and hurried off.
Although CP were meant as Celestial Dragons' protectors, in Mary Geoise, their presence was largely ceremonial.
The Holy Land was secure, and there were too few CP to assign one per Dragon.
Typically, they only accompanied Celestial Dragons when venturing into the world, particularly by ship.
Sometimes, even a trip to Sabaody Archipelago didn't warrant CP escort—such arrogance was common.
These fools believed no one on the seas dared oppose them.
Black was headed to Sabaody Archipelago today, but he wouldn't travel with only maids and Slaves.
Even Klahadore's absurd inheritance scheme—evaluated by Oda as second only to Benn Beckman in cleverness—was safer than a lone venture.
Sengoku, the mind behind "besiege the point to lure reinforcements" tactics, nearly failed yet was still a genius strategist.
In a world where prenatal education molded intelligence, many were stupider than Celestial Dragons.
Who knew when a blockhead like Luffy might appear? A minor beating was tolerable, but if he gained the God's Knights' selection, it could spell disaster.
Since the God Valley Incident, the Celestial Dragons' "hunting competition" hadn't been held for years.
Now, God's Knights could only recruit Celestial Dragons showing real combat talent.
Black intended to become the ultimate BOSS—he'd have to lead if he joined the God's Knights.
...Breakfast was a lavish spread of a hundred dishes. Black sampled each lightly, letting a maid wipe the soup from his mouth.
He changed into a space suit, donned a bubble-like helmet, and stepped outside.
Two masked CP agents awaited him. Beside them, an eight-meter giant lay prone, bearing a golden seat on his back—Black's exclusive vehicle.
"Let's go."
Seated atop the golden throne, Black gave the command. The Slave beneath crawled cautiously toward Red Port.
As a transmigrator from modern society, Black had struggled to adjust to Celestial Dragon life.
Even now, he hadn't fully adapted to slaughtering Slaves without hesitation.
But he knew discretion was key. Integration was safer than rebellion.
Whether Hogback or Saint Mjosgard in the original work, or prior transmigrators, many preferred to stand out.
Some exercised obsessively, some betrayed fellow Dragons for Slaves, some desperately sought God's Knights, some refused helmets, and some were so cruel even the Celestial Dragons recoiled.
These individuals were noticed by the Gorosei—or even Imu—before adulthood and then suffered consequences.
What was the point?
Why not remain low-key?
Black doubted whether they were mature before transmigration.
Since arriving, he had been pragmatic. If he held a grudge, he'd find a quiet, effective way to act. "Slapping faces" served no purpose.
Mary Geoise was vast. It took over an hour for the Slave underfoot to reach Red Port.
Black yawned.
"No wonder they seek amusement. I'm nearly bored to sleep."
No one answered—and none were expected to.
At the World Government's private pier, armored guards knelt in two rows, faces concealed. Black passed between them and entered the bubble cable car.
Descending ten thousand meters to the sea, a giant cruise ship awaited—his sanctuary.
It wasn't Thanos's spaceship, but it was his personal vessel, custom-built for sea journeys.
Hours later, the ship docked at Sabaody Archipelago, Area 16—the Slave auction house.
"Two hundred million Berries."
The voice silenced the hall.
The auctioneer bowed exaggeratedly.
"Congratulations to the Celestial Dragons on acquiring this mermaid Slave."
Black ignored him and prepared to leave.
The auction house offered no Devil Fruits or powerful pirate Slaves today, a minor disappointment.
Buying a mermaid as an ornament was nonetheless worthwhile.
Ignoring the maid haggling behind him, Black exited, guarded by two CP, ready to wander.
Every corner of Area 16 revolved around Slaves. Behind glass, they displayed beauty and strength alike.
The first time Black had walked these streets, his values had been profoundly shaken.
Now, his expression remained neutral—almost enthusiastic—but the experience had changed him.
Suddenly, a blonde woman, smiling through a floor-to-ceiling window, caught his attention.
"Huh? Why does she seem familiar…?"