In the following days, Sanders remained on Amazon Lily.
After removing the marks on Sandasonia and Marigold's backs, he spent his time indulging in Hancock's embrace, lost in pleasure, reluctant to leave.
Of course, he didn't just focus on his own enjoyment.
During this period, he also guided Hancock in mastering the technique of Conqueror's Haki Infusion.
As the Empress of Amazon Lily, Hancock naturally possessed Conqueror's Haki.
However, to fully grasp this advanced skill, she still had a long way to go.
— Meanwhile, in Dressrosa…
At the highest building in the kingdom—
Inside a lavish bedroom, Viola lay on a soft, luxurious bed.
The first morning light seeped through the curtains, casting a gentle glow in the room.
Viola slowly opened her eyes, still drowsy, and sat up on the bed.
Draped in a deep red nightgown, she resembled a blooming rose, stunningly radiant in the morning light.
She rubbed her eyes gently, freshened up, and called for her maids to prepare a cup of coffee.
The rich aroma filled the air, invigorating her senses.
With the coffee in hand, she moved to the balcony and sat down, keeping her daily watch over the kingdom.
Ever since Sanders' warning, she had remained extremely vigilant.
She frequently scanned every new arrival in the kingdom, only shifting her focus once she confirmed they weren't a threat.
— Morning in Dressrosa.
The city slowly came to life under the golden glow of dawn.
People were already out and about, their faces filled with hope for the future.
Children played joyfully in the streets, laughter echoing throughout the kingdom.
A sight never seen under Doflamingo's reign.
Even when there was joy, it had been shrouded in deceit and darkness.
Viola couldn't help but smile as she took a sip of coffee, savoring the perfect blend of bitterness and richness.
Taking a deep breath, she composed herself and began her work.
— Using the Glare-Glare Fruit, her vision extended beyond Dressrosa.
Starting with a sweep of the city, she found nothing unusual.
Then, she expanded her sight outward—
Scanning the sea.
Scattered pirate ships sailed along the waves.
Viola checked their Jolly Rogers, comparing them against her vast knowledge of bounties and intelligence.
After a brief assessment, she dismissed them.
None of them were major threats.
The kingdom's guardian, Kyros, was more than enough to handle them.
As the strongest gladiator in the Corrida Colosseum, Kyros had once built an unbroken winning streak of 3,000 victories.
Even with only one leg, he had fought evenly against Doflamingo's top executives.
But thanks to Sanders' Awakened Healing Fruit, Kyros' leg was restored.
Through this treatment, Sanders also gained deeper insight into the side effects of regrowing lost limbs.
With both legs restored, Kyros had further refined his Armament Haki and Observation Haki.
Now, his strength far surpassed the level of a pirate with a 200-million-berry bounty.
Just as Viola was about to shift her vision again—
Her expression suddenly changed.
Far beyond Dressrosa—
A massive, ominous shadow loomed over the sea.
A ship was approaching.
One bearing the mark of the Beast Pirates.
And standing at the bow—
A tall, fearsome figure with black wings and burning embers swirling around him.
"Wildfire… King."
The Calamity of Kaido.
He was coming.
Sanders had once invited Kyros to join the Raijin Pirates.
Kyros declined.
His reason?
He wished to protect Dressrosa.
Since Dressrosa was essentially Sanders' territory, Kyros' efforts were indirectly benefiting him.
So, Sanders didn't insist.
Many pirates who arrived on the island seeking to challenge Sanders were swiftly defeated by Kyros.
The name "Gladiator Kyros" became renowned across the New World.
If Kyros had been a pirate, his bounty might have exceeded 200 million berries.
— At the Royal Palace.
Viola picked up the Den Den Mushi, calling Kyros and the Kingdom Guard.
Several pirate crews were about to land at the port, and they needed to be prepared.
After setting down the Den Den Mushi, Viola expanded her Glare-Glare Fruit vision even further.
Suddenly—
A massive pirate ship entered her sight.
At first, she didn't pay much attention.
Just another pirate crew, she thought.
But then—
She saw the Jolly Roger.
Her pupils dilated violently.
"T-That's… the Beasts Pirates?!"
A black flag fluttered in the wind—
A white skull with Kaido-like horns, pierced by four crossbones.
Viola's forehead dripped cold sweat.
— The Beasts Pirates had arrived.
As a former subordinate of Doflamingo, Viola knew exactly how terrifying Kaido was.
Just hearing his name was enough to make Doflamingo himself tremble.
Instinctively, fear crept into her heart.
But then—
She remembered.
She was no longer Doflamingo's pawn.
She was a Raijin Pirate.
A crew member under the world's strongest man—the one who dethroned Whitebeard.
There was no need to fear.
Taking a deep breath, Viola steadied herself.
Why was the Beasts Pirates' ship here?
Were they here to declare war?
She studied the crew on board.
They didn't look tense.
If this were an invasion, their atmosphere would be completely different.
Then—
A tall figure stepped onto the deck.
A black coat with silver buttons.
Black wings.
A long sword at his waist.
A black mask and visor.
"WILDFIRE KING?!!"
Viola gasped.
She never expected the Beasts Pirates' second-in-command—King the Wildfire—to be on that ship!
This was a true big shot.
Viola immediately grabbed the Den Den Mushi, calling Robin.
— In the Sky City.
Robin had just woken up when the Den Den Mushi rang.
Her expression shifted slightly, and she quickly answered.
"Viola, what's wrong?"
Ever since Sanders dropped an island on Mariejois, Robin had been on edge—constantly on alert for Marine retaliation.
"The Beasts Pirates' top commander, King, is approaching Dressrosa."
"They're about 100 miles away."
Robin exhaled.
Not the Marines.
That was a relief.
"Any sign of Kaido?"
"None. And no other major officers either."
Robin's tone softened.
"Then there's no problem. They're probably not here for war."
"I'll inform Fujitora."
If Kaido wanted to fight, he wouldn't just send King alone.
This was likely a negotiation… or a mere passage.
Robin ended the call and sent word to Fujitora about King's impending arrival.
— Sky City, Somewhere Else.
Issho, dressed in a purple kimono, was gambling with a few birdlike creatures.
Since Sanders was away, he stayed behind in Sky City, refraining from traveling to other casinos.
But now—
"The Wildfire is coming."
It was time to meet him.
Thanks to his usual gentle attitude towards the natives, they were not afraid of Issho and even enjoyed playing with this big figure of Sky Island.
Issho listened to the Den Den Mushi for a moment, then chuckled and explained to his card-playing companions.
With a smile, he picked up his bamboo sword and got up to leave.
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T/N:
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