The North Blue.
A massive slave ship cut through the cold sea, its hull rising and falling with the rolling waves.
The vast deck was crowded with black iron cages—each crammed with men, women, and children. Weeks of confinement and salt air had left the captives smeared with blood and filth. The planks beneath them were slick with grime, the stench of excrement and decay so thick that even the icy northern wind couldn't sweep it away.
But unlike the starved slaves trafficked across other seas, these prisoners were strong and defiant. The men were broad-shouldered, their muscles taut beneath bruised skin. The women were strikingly beautiful, their eyes fierce even in exhaustion.
Though bound by chains, they still struggled, snarling their hatred through clenched teeth.
"Damn you!"
"Release us!"
"When I'm free, I'll gut every last one of you!"
"I'll tear your heads off!"
Their voices rasped from dry throats, the sound like grinding steel. The air itself seemed to hum with murderous intent. If hatred could kill, the man at the prow of the ship—the slave trader in the purple top hat—would have long since been torn apart.
"Tsk, tsk, tsk," he clicked his tongue, surveying the cages with thinly veiled delight. "Such fine specimens. The nobles will find that fire in their eyes… most entertaining."
The middle-aged trader was draped in gaudy finery, his silken robe fluttering in the sea wind, jeweled rings flashing on every finger. Flanked by armed guards, he strode between the cages, stepping daintily to avoid the puddles of filth that might soil his polished boots.
"Give them all a good wash," he said, inhaling deeply as though the freezing air were fine perfume. "Can't have their Excellencies offended by the smell."
"And make sure they're well-fed. Meat and fruit every day. I don't want them looking half-dead when we arrive."
"Yes, Excellency!" the guards barked in unison before hurrying off.
The trader turned to the slaves and spread his arms theatrically. "See? I treat you better than most peasants eat in a lifetime! Meat and fruit! Hahaha!"
His booming laughter drew another chorus of curses and clattering chains. Smirking, he left the deck and entered the ship's cabin.
Inside, the contrast was obscene. Warm air filled the space, perfumed and bright. A fireplace crackled with imported wood, soft carpets swallowed his footsteps, and ornate carvings glowed in the lamplight.
At the far end, near the fire, stood a single larger cage lined with furs. Three young girls huddled together inside, pale faces turned toward the intruder.
"Good afternoon, my lovely flowers," he crooned with a mock bow. "Do you like your special suite?"
The oldest girl—no more than ten—stepped forward, shielding the other two with her arms. Her black hair framed sharp, furious eyes, and her voice trembled with fury rather than fear.
"We're members of the Kuja Pirates!" she spat. "You'll pay for this! The Kuja Pirates will never forgive you!"
Unlike her terrified sisters, she stood her ground.
The trader threw back his head and laughed until tears welled in his eyes. "You think your little band of women can touch me?"
He gestured proudly toward the banner above the fireplace—a flag emblazoned with the symbol of the World Government. "See that? I'm a licensed slave trader, sanctioned by the World Government itself. Even Doflamingo, that underworld king, wouldn't dare cross me!"
The name came out like poison. His grin faltered, and for a heartbeat, fear flashed behind his eyes. "That bastard Doflamingo…" he muttered under his breath, remembering something he'd rather not.
He quickly forced the thought away and turned back to the girl.
Her glare burned with fury, her delicate features twisted in rage—but her beauty was disarming, almost ethereal. For a moment, he forgot to breathe.
He pinched his thigh sharply, dragging himself back to his senses. She's barely ten… and already this beautiful.
What would she look like in a few years?
His pulse quickened. A treasure like this could earn me everything—fortune, nobility, power.
For a fleeting instant, he imagined keeping her for himself, hidden from the world. But greed won out. No… when I have wealth and status, I can have anyone I want.
He smoothed his silk sleeve, his grin returning, hungry and triumphant.
Maybe the Celestial Dragons will even make me a noble.
Then I'll be like the King of the North Blue… ruling my own sea.
To be continued...