A massive snail warship eased up to the docks. Soldiers formed an escort line as the royal family disembarked.
King Vinsmoke Judge swept his gaze over everything. It was not exactly impressive in his eyes.
He wore his battle suit, face set in that permanent, unreadable sternness, several colorfully dressed little monsters trailing behind him.
Sora's health had been poor for years, so she had not come. Sanji had already run away, and Judge did not take him seriously anyway.
Which meant that these monster children plus himself made up the entirety of the Germa royal family present.
"If not for Black Gun's protection, Germa could take a weak little country like this in a single day."
He said it, but Duramos really was that lucky, so all Judge could do was vent with his mouth.
In truth, he could only hope that one of his children might one day become a monster like Ozz and truly lead Germa to glory.
His sons looked around with little reaction.
Only Reiju, the one who had perfectly retained her emotions, stared at everything with bright curiosity.
She had heard Sanji talk about this place, heard him say his foster father's name was Ozz.
And this was Black Gun Ozz's domain.
Not long after, Alabasta's ship arrived as well.
Accompanied by Princess Vivi, King Cobra set foot on Duramos soil.
The soldiers soon found themselves driven back onto the ship. The king and princess would be attending the banquet alone.
Vivi, in this unfamiliar place, was a little stiff and nervous. She clutched her father's hand and watched the soldiers leave, heart tight with confusion and unease.
Especially in recent years. Alabasta's internal problems had grown worse and worse. Under the influence of some mysterious force, the country had become unstable, rebellions breaking out everywhere.
She was still young, but even Vivi had heard plenty of grim stories.
"They are not protecting us?"
She gripped Cobra's hand and asked.
"There is no need. On this island, there is absolutely no danger for us."
Cobra patted his daughter's head and smiled as he answered. He gestured for her to look around.
Many powers, many nations had arrived, yet almost none of them entered with an escort.
That was reputation. That was status.
Even when going to Mariejois for the Reverie, allied kings would usually bring guards with them. But here in Duramos, it was unnecessary.
"All of this is thanks to Mr. Ozz's name. Even just that name alone is enough to intimidate every pirate in the world."
"Mr… Ozz…"
Vivi blinked her big eyes, thinking hard about those words.
A name that could scare all pirates?
Under that same black moon flag, Fishman Island had sent people as well.
Sea beasts pulled their ship up from the depths. A grand vessel sailed forth from Fishman Island and finally reached New World Duramos.
The giant mermaid girl peeked out nervously, curious yet scared.
Princess Otohime comforted her gently.
"Do not worry. Mr. Ozz is very fond of you. He will make sure nothing happens to any of us."
"Mr. Ozz…"
Ever since she was a child, she had heard that name.
They said Ozz was the great hero who saved Fishman Island.
Some people had bad things to say about him too, claimed Ozz had dragged Fishman Island into trouble when dealing with the Sun Pirates. But after that, Shirahoshi never saw that person again.
So in her mind, Ozz was like a hero from a picture book.
Someone who protected merfolk from harm.
Her first-time-on-land fear and nervousness evaporated the moment Otohime mentioned his name.
Eyes sparkling, Shirahoshi stared up at her mother, cheeks flushing.
"Really? I can really meet Lord Ozz?"
"Of course."
Neptune laughed as he answered. Clearly he cared deeply about using this chance to get closer to Ozz, especially since Ozz was so fond of Shirahoshi.
Even though Ozz had once dragged Fishman Island into the mess with the Sun Pirates, who on the island would dare hold a grudge?
No one.
Whitebeard was getting old. If they wanted to keep that black moon flag flying, they had to at least pretend to be Ozz's most loyal little brothers.
Bubbles wrapped around their waists allowed them to move freely on land, while the group made their way toward the heart of Duramos.
The royal palace there was the true center of this country.
It was also where the king, one of the most honored men on the sea and a great pirate in his own right, Dotor Gick, waited to receive everyone.
Once most of the guests had arrived, the World Government contingent showed up.
Part of the group was CP. Part was government officials.
And part of it…
Was Celestial Dragons.
"I knew it. With that many ships heading out from Sabaody, there had to be something going on."
Saint Rosward looked at the crowd converging here and did not spare them a second glance.
The CP0 at his side was nearly dying of fright, face pale as he pleaded.
"You must not cause trouble here, absolutely not, Lord Rosward. This is Lord Ozz's territory."
"Lord Ozz?"
Rosward, who often visited Sabaody, remembered that name. If he recalled correctly, Ozz was a Celestial Dragon in the God's Knights, was he not?
"It is fine. I will not lay a hand on another Celestial Dragon. Everyone else is just trash."
He thought with casual arrogance.
Celestial Dragons generally would not attack one another.
If one of them struck another for the sake of commoners, the God's Knights usually punished the one who sided with the trash.
Just like how Saint Garling would one day execute Saint Mjosgard.
"This…"
CP0, however, knew far more than he did.
Lord Ozz simply could not be compared to an ordinary Celestial Dragon. Even if the captain of the God's Knights came in person, they could not execute him.
Executing a normal Celestial Dragon, though…
That was absolutely something Ozz might do.
But Saint Rosward clearly had no intention of listening. He strolled inward on his own. As he passed, World Government officials bowed low.
Even the kings of allied nations dipped their heads when they saw the bubble-helmeted figure.
"The Celestial Dragons actually came too?"
"It is not that strange. Mr. Ozz himself is a Celestial Dragon."
Even the Marines who had come "to maintain order and security" were shaken when they saw a Celestial Dragon swagger past.
Sengoku had assigned Kizaru to lead the detail. When Borsalino saw the Celestial Dragons passing by, his gaze flickered uneasily.
"So scary. Even the Celestial Dragons are here. Let us hope nothing troublesome happens."
"Vice Admiral Doll, I will be counting on you to keep an eye on things."
Vice Admiral Doll snapped to attention with a salute.
She wanted to see Ozz herself, but at the same time she prayed nothing would happen to disturb the banquet.
Of course, reality rarely cared about prayers.
"Oh oh oh. Look at that… what a large mermaid girl. CP0, I want her. Bring her back for my fish tank!"
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