Whoosh!!
A sudden, violent gust of wind swept through the palace. The intense air pressure struck like blades across every face, forcing everyone to shut their eyes against its fury.
Even the mighty Guardian of the Goa Kingdom had to shut his massive, lantern-sized eyes. His thick, dark eyelids barely shielded him from the sharp sting of the wind.
When the storm finally passed and people dared to open their eyes again, they saw something, or rather, someone, new.
Standing beside Sabo's father was a graceful, striking figure.
It was Nami.
She wore a sleek black evening gown, just long enough to reveal her ankles and part of her calves. A black rose tucked elegantly into her hair added a touch of maturity and mystery.
Her figure was shapely and well-proportioned, her long orange hair cascading down her shoulders. Her large, enchanting eyes sparkled as she yawned and stretched adorably.
If she had a red rose in hand, she could've passed for a noble princess arriving at a royal ball.
But she wasn't.
And that meant bad news for every noble in the room.
"Haah…"
"I thought I wouldn't need to make an appearance today"
Nami stood lazily at the center of the palace, looking half-asleep. But her presence instantly drew every eye in the room.
After two years of rigorous training and proper nutrition, Nami had grown into the best version of herself. Though still just out of her girlhood, her body had already begun to blossom, showing the early signs of her future beauty.
"Nami-san, that man is, "
"No need to explain. I saw everything~"
She waved Sabo's father off casually, already fully aware of the situation. She had been watching and listening from outside the palace the entire time.
But Sabo's father wasn't done. Ignoring her dismissal, he raised his voice urgently:
"No, Nami-san! You don't understand!"
"I've long suspected the royal family was secretly cultivating terrifying powers, but this is my first time seeing it for myself."
"That monster is the nobles' shield, the reason why no one has dared speak out."
"Over the years, many brave souls have tried to assassinate the royal family, disgusted by their cruelty…"
"But all of them… fell to him."
"He is the final wall standing in the way of Goa Kingdom's freedom!"
"Kill him, and the people will truly be free!"
As he spoke, Sabo's father suddenly raised his gleaming sword high into the sky and roared:
"People of the revolution! This is our final battle, the hardest fight of all!!"
"Raise high the banner of the New Era!"
"Fear no blood! Fear no sacrifice!"
"This is the moment of our victory!!"
"CHARGE!!!"
"CHAAAARGE!!!"
His rallying cry reignited the People's Army, whose Mental Powers had faltered at the terrifying appearance of the gorilla-like Guardian. But now, emboldened by his words, they surged forward once more, fearless.
They charged head-on into death.
One by one, brave citizens threw themselves at the beast.
Some were crushed with a single punch. Others were torn in half. A few were grabbed and hurled like weapons, alive but broken, neither dead nor able to escape.
Nami stared at Sabo's father in mild disbelief.
What was the point of all that shouting?
To her, this would take only a few minutes. Why stir up a whole crowd just to throw themselves at a monster?
Has he been brainwashed by Luffy's talk about systems and ideologies or whatever...?
No… That can't be. Anyone influenced by Luffy is supposed to get smarter, not more dramatic.
"Nami-san~"
While the People's Army clashed bloodily with the Guardian, Sabo's father quietly sidled up next to Nami. In a whisper so faint it would've gone unheard if not for her sharp Observation Haki, he said:
"Please, Nami-san… hold back just a little longer."
"Some of these men are very popular among the people… I'm afraid that if they don't get their moment, "
He threw her a subtle, pleading glance, as if worried she hadn't heard him clearly.
Nami rolled her eyes and waved her hand dismissively. She got the message.
Typical. A dog never changes its spots…
Still, it was impressive what Luffy had done. In just a few days of guidance, he had turned a once-despised noble into a beloved leader of the people.
People's hearts really are strange things…
Nearly an adult herself now, Nami found herself pondering some unusually deep thoughts.
─────────🏴☠️─────────
"RAAAHH!!"
The giant gorilla Guardian roared again, grabbing a militiaman by the leg and hurling him into the crowd. He was breathing heavily now.
Though he had already slain over a hundred people, he was starting to wear down. While his injuries weren't yet critical, he wasn't sure how long he could last.
"Fall back! Everyone, scatter!!"
Seeing that the most capable fighters had already been decimated, Sabo's father stepped forward and shouted.
His authority among the People's Army was absolute.
Though confused, the fighters obeyed and retreated.
Sabo's father raised his knight's sword again, pointing the tip directly at the hulking black gorilla, Naruto. His expression was solemn, almost saintly. His voice was cold, yet full of dignity:
"Those who can still move, take the wounded and leave immediately."
"This foe… isn't one you can handle."
"Help others. Fight the nobles' private troops inside the city."
"Leave this place to me."
Though he had volunteered to stay behind, he made it sound like he alone bore the burden of protecting them.
"Leader Sasuke, no!!"
"Yeah! We still need you, leader!!"
Tears filled the eyes of those watching their leader step forward alone.
"This is an order!"
He snapped. But then, his tone softened, gentle, even wistful:
"Besides… this is the first command I've ever given in two years."
"Leader Sasuke…"
The people cried out in sorrow again.
"Don't worry. I never take a fight unless I know I'll win."
"I still have a promise to keep… to lead you all into a new era of prosperity, democracy, and harmony!"
"I will NOT die here!!!"
Though he declared it with conviction, his voice carried the melancholy of a man prepared for sacrifice.
"We understand, Leader Sasuke!"
"Once we've saved the others, we'll come back for you!"
"Be safe, everyone."
"Yes, sir!!"
─────────🏴☠️─────────
Clatter,
The long sword in Sabo's father's hand suddenly slipped and clanged loudly against the marble floor.
Everyone in the palace turned toward him.
He gave a sheepish smile and leaned toward Nami, whispering:
"Sorry about that, Nami-san…"
"I'd been holding the pose for so long… my arm went numb…"
=============
150+ Advance Chapters Available on Patreon! Patreon.com/Veltoria