{Flashback - The Execution of Ryuta Konan}
Heavy footsteps echo up the stone stairs. A man in a torn red cloak, wrists bound in seastone cuffs, is led forward. His boots drag slightly, yet his posture is proud. A mustache rests over a faint smile.
The giant iron gates open.
Sunlight pours in.
Outside, thousands have gathered. Citizens. Soldiers. Pirates in disguise. Admirals on high seats. The entire world is watching.
The man steps into the light.
Ryuta Konan.
The Devil King.
He laughs, calm and almost relieved.
Ryuta: "It's better to die like this."
The crowd erupts.
Crowd: "DIE, DEVIL! DIE!"
High on a tower, young prodigies of the new generation stare silently. Eyes full of fear. Awe. Hunger.
Ryuta raises his head, smiling wider.
Ryuta: "To the navy... and to those who fear me. Just wait. Someone will come who will carry my will."
A guard, angered by his words, slams a rifle butt into Ryuta's head.
Ryuta's eyes open again.
They are red.
Ryuta: "Now you've done it."
King's Mantra.
The air thickens. The sky darkens. Pressure drops like a storm front.
Every weak-hearted soldier collapses to the ground, choking for breath.
Even seasoned warriors feel their knees bend.
People tremble.
Ryuta lowers his voice.
Ryuta: "Treat me well."
Suddenly, a shadow drops from the sky.
A navy executioner descends, wielding a massive axe. His boots crush the execution platform as he lands.
Executioner: "Count your last seconds."
Ryuta meets his eyes. There is no fear.
Ryuta: "Prepare for your last war. It may bring destruction. Or your fall."
The axe swings.
A clean, brutal arc.
A spray of red.
A head hitting stone.
Silence.
The executioner wipes the blade.
Executioner: "You got it."
The world holds its breath.