"Celestial Dragons, huh... Haha."
Aranea Highwind, clad in her dark red flight armor, strolled through the Soap Bubble Park on the Sabaody Archipelago. Her presence drew the gaze of nearly everyone she passed. She let out a couple of awkward chuckles, unable to help but smile wryly as she recalled the mission she'd been given.
For the past two years, for reasons unknown, the World Government had stepped into the shoes of the Navy, prowling the waters around the Immortal Pirates' territory. They had even managed to heavily injure the Human Weapon, Bartholomew Kuma. When Aranea first received this assignment, she thought Alucard was simply annoyed by the Government's posturing and wanted to teach them a lesson.
But on second thought, that didn't seem likely. Given her Captain's personality, he wasn't the type to act out of spite; if he wanted to do something, he just did it.
The eyes fixed on Aranea belonged to local residents, tourists, pirates, and pirate hunters alike.
"That's... the Female Dragon Knight, Aranea Highwind."
"Isn't she the one who betrayed the Government to join the Immortal Pirates?"
"I heard that in just three short years, her bounty skyrocketed past 300 million Berries."
The pirates and hunters who recognized her whispered among themselves, utterly bewildered as to why a crew member of a Yonko would show up here.
"If I told them I was here to scout for a chance to experiment on a Celestial Dragon, they'd probably drop dead from shock..." Aranea muttered under her breath.
Clatter, clatter, clatter!
The sound of frantic running echoed through the park. Everyone turned to see a squad of Marines approaching.
Unlike local branches, the Marines stationed at the Sabaody Archipelago were veterans of constant skirmishes with pirates entering the Grand Line, they were the elite among sailors. However, they were still nothing compared to Aranea.
A Marine officer with the rank of Captain stepped forward and demanded loudly, "Aranea Highwind! What is your business here?"
"Ah..." Aranea fanned her face with her palm, looking exasperated. "I was given a real pain of a mission, but it looks like I won't be able to pull it off today. I'm taking off. See ya!"
With that, steam erupted from the surface of her armor, and she shot into the sky with an agility that far surpassed any bird of prey.
"She's flying!"
"How is that possible?!"
"Quiet down!" The Marine Captain barked. "Aranea is a Logia-type user. Combined with her specialized gear, flight is well within her capabilities. All units, withdraw! Report this to Fleet Admiral Sengoku immediately!"
…
No matter how fast a ship was, navigating the treacherous environment of the New World from Sabaody to Arderay would take at least twenty days. However, by air, Aranea made the trip in just five.
By the time she arrived, Alucard had already set sail again. Though he favored the shadows, he loathed staying in one place for too long; deep down, he was still a man who detested boredom.
"How was the investigation?" Dr. Vegapunk asked. Since Alucard was away, Aranea naturally reported to him.
"I accidentally alerted the Navy. I hope it won't be a problem. I heard the Celestial Dragons haven't been visiting Sabaody much lately; perhaps something is happening on their end."
"There's no need to rush," Dr. Vegapunk said, tapping the lab table with a cold, mocking smile. "Are there ever a shortage of rookie pirates trying to jump the queue to the top by challenging a Yonko? We'll have opportunities for experiments soon enough. Besides, Kuma being repelled by the Knights of Saint Stefano confirms my suspicion: the Government is already researching flying warships. You and Kuma need to help me collect materials; I cannot afford to fall behind."
"Have you finally made up your mind to stand in direct opposition to the Government?" Aranea asked, resting her chin on her hand with a playful smile.
"Because I have a feeling the Government is finished."
…
Alucard had been sailing from Arderay for about half a day when he chanced upon a combined fleet of the Iron Arm Pirates and the Heart Pirates. Upon spotting Alucard's small, drifting boat, the warships and submarines immediately ground to a halt to welcome him.
"Captain Alucard, this year's tribute of 20 billion Berries from the Donquixote Alliance has arrived," Urdaha said, bowing his head.
The "Donquixote Alliance" referred to the tripartite union of Doflamingo, Tesoro, and Mad Treasure. Nowadays, the world collectively referred to their group by that name.
The red light reflected off Alucard's small, circular sunglasses as he bared his teeth in a grin. "It seems it's been 20 billion since two years ago."
Law's gaze was evasive and filled with complexity. It was true; after Law's first crushing defeat while challenging the Donquixote Alliance, Doflamingo had proactively raised the tribute from 10 billion to 20 billion.
Law understood Doflamingo's intent perfectly: he wanted Alucard to realize his worth, and to ensure Alucard would have no qualms about letting Law be killed. Law knew that his second challenge would be his last chance. If he couldn't kill Doflamingo, Doflamingo would kill him.
Furthermore, Alucard would not interfere, and he certainly wouldn't avenge Law. If he died, he could only blame his own weakness.
Noticing Law's hesitation, Urdaha, who was on relatively good terms with Law, summoned his courage to ask, "Alucard-sama, Law has still not given up on his revenge against Doflamingo. If..."
"Then let him die."
Alucard took a portion of the massive funds brought by his subordinates and, leaving only that single sentence, boarded his small boat and departed.
"Hey..."
"There's no need for comfort. I knew that's what he'd say." Law interrupted Urdaha, his expression solemn. "But I will take Doflamingo's head, no matter what."
"No one in the Immortal Pirates will help you," Urdaha said, crossing his arms. "Doflamingo pays a fortune every year. To be honest, if the crew had to choose between you and him right now, most would choose Doflamingo without hesitation."
In response, Law uttered a line that mirrored the resolve of a certain future swordsman: "If I die here, it just proves I was only a man of this caliber."