"Well now, this is a brand-new service technique I've been diligently training lately, exclusively for my lord,"
Maria Fang said with a calm, composed smile.
"What kind of 'proper' technique is that supposed to be?!"
Perona puffed up angrily, floating in midair as she circled the ceiling a few times. Feeling that, as a minor, she was seriously out of place here, she decided to retreat.
"Tch, how boring! I'm going to find Nami and Law to play with instead."
Hearing Law's name, Tenma asked casually,
"Has Law finished the current phase of his training at the military base?"
"How could he possibly have?" Perona replied.
"He's still stuck in the elementary swordsmanship class. And recently, after losing to Kuina again, he's been hiding in a corner crying his eyes out… horohorohoro."
Talking about Law's embarrassment, Perona covered her mouth and laughed with undisguised schadenfreude.
"That child really is adorable,"
Maria Fang chuckled as well, then seemed to recall something.
"Come to think of it, isn't it about time for him and his sister to go back to Doctor Hogback for another checkup?"
Even with the Heal-Heal Fruit suppressing the illness, until the Op-Op Fruit was truly secured, Law and Lami still had to undergo thorough examinations with Hogback every month—this was the key to keeping them alive.
"Even though he's at the bottom of the class in swordsmanship, Doctor Hogback often praises Law's medical talent,"
Hiyori added with a smile.
"Perhaps when he grows up, he'll become a renowned physician of our country."
"Well… I guess that's true,"
Perona reluctantly admitted, at least acknowledging Law's strengths.
"Once he gets the Devil Fruit that truly matches him, Law will undergo a complete transformation,"
Tenma said meaningfully.
Recently, the Shadow Guard's infiltration efforts in the North Blue had been progressing quite well. Perhaps they wouldn't need to wait until the original timeline—the Op-Op Fruit might fall into their hands much earlier.
Tenma glanced at Perona, who was about to float away, and instructed,
"Oh right. While you're going to play with them, help me call Robin over."
"Honestly, Lord Tenma! Not only are you not playing with me, you're even using me as an errand runner!"
"All right, all right. Go on—next time, I'll definitely play with you."
Perona puffed her cheeks into a bun of indignation, but still obediently turned and passed through the wall, leaving.
Before long, Robin—who had been studying her Hana-Hana Fruit abilities—arrived before Tenma.
Tenma didn't waste words. He directly tossed a Den Den Mushi to her.
"This is the personal contact line of Dragon, leader of the Revolutionary Army."
"The leader of the Revolutionary Army?"
Robin accepted the Den Den Mushi, curiosity flashing in her eyes.
As the chief steward of the Shogun's residence, she handled an immense volume of intelligence and naturally knew of such a figure.
"That's right,"
Tenma nodded, explaining.
"Go and make good contact with him. Since the Revolutionary Army is determined to expand across the four seas, the regions they're involved in will be extremely wide. And he's definitely very interested in the Void Century."
"So he'll surely be willing to help you search for the Road Poneglyphs scattered across the world."
This was Tenma giving Robin a special gift—permission to pursue her historical dream, so long as it didn't interfere with her duties as steward.
Robin carefully tucked the Den Den Mushi into her clothes, treating it as a priceless treasure.
Though her heart was surging with excitement, she merely showed a graceful smile on the surface.
The current Robin was increasingly carrying the aura of the intellectual, elegant woman remembered from the future.
Tenma suddenly thought of something else and continued,
"There's one more thing. Pass this message to Shinobu—have the Shadow Guard focus closely on a fish-man named Fisher Tiger."
His tone grew notably serious.
"If he's spotted near Mary Geoise, report it to me immediately."
Though she didn't understand the reason, Tenma's orders were absolute truth.
Robin immediately acknowledged the command and used her Hana-Hana Fruit to swiftly relay the instruction.
The coming Sea Circle Calendar year 1507 was destined to be a year of madness.
That fish-man named Fisher Tiger would go on to perform a world-shaking feat—climbing the Red Line with his bare hands and wreaking havoc in the Holy Land, Mary Geoise.
Though Tenma didn't know what loophole Tiger would exploit to break into the Holy Land and escape alive, to him this was nothing less than a heaven-sent opportunity.
If he could insert himself into this incident, then not only Fish-Man Island's Sea King Princess Shirahoshi—even the lofty Mary Geoise itself—could be woven into his plans.
A few days later—perhaps because Robin had served as an intermediary, or perhaps because he had been utterly convinced by Wano's prosperity—
Dragon made up his mind and began his journey back to the Revolutionary Army's secret base.
Though he still held reservations about Tenma's ambition to replace the World Government, his most pressing task remained the same: to eradicate the rotten, oppressive root of the world.
Thus, under Robin's coordination, the secret trade route between the Revolutionary Army and Wano officially began operating.
Using the Revolutionary Army's footholds across the four seas, the Shadow Guard's reach also began to quietly extend from the North Blue into the other three oceans.
Everything proceeded in orderly fashion, waiting only for time's seeds to sprout.
One month later, the first batch of mature artificial Devil Fruits—SMILEs—was loaded onto ships under Doflamingo's astonished gaze, bound for Kaido's territory.
With prior arrangements made, the ships flew the Beasts Pirates' flag. No one on the seas dared provoke that madman.
And with Doflamingo personally escorting the shipment, the cargo arrived smoothly near the Vodka Kingdom.
Unbeknownst to them, World Government spies—who had already deduced the transport timing—were deeply embedded within Kaido's camp, watching everything closely.
Under countless eyes, the first generation of Gifters and SMILE users was born.
Out of eighteen fruits, five users failed due to rejection, losing all expressions except "smiling" and becoming tragic failures.
The remaining twelve underwent astonishing physical mutations, gaining Zoan traits—cats, tigers, bulls, sheep, and more.
Though the failure rate was close to one-third, seeing this first organized Zoan-powered unit still left Kaido grinning from ear to ear, making him even more invested in the deal.
Just months ago, he'd been cursing Tenma for "stealing his son."
Now, seeing the effectiveness of SMILE, he tossed that old grudge straight out of his mind.
Doflamingo and the government spy, who witnessed this change firsthand, felt completely different emotions.
Doflamingo's fingers trembled with excitement. In the ever-expanding scale of this trade, he saw mountains of gold and seas of silver surging toward him.
The intoxicating thrill of impending wealth made him itch to celebrate on the spot.
The government spy, though less exuberant, was deeply shaken.
He frantically recorded mutation data, side effects, and physical parameters, all to be reported later.
One week later, Marine Headquarters and the World Government received detailed intelligence on the SMILE fruits.
Without a doubt, this era-defining product—capable of mass-producing ability users—forced the five elders at the pinnacle of power to convene yet another emergency meeting.
"What do you all think of this artificial fruit intelligence?"
"To think that the research team Tenma took away back then was capable of something like this. They hid it well."
"Clearly possessing a strategic resource that allows rapid troop expansion—yet Tenma is willing to sell it?"
"He's probably disgusted by the side effects. In his own country, he's built the image of a perfect enlightened ruler—no way he'd accept subordinates reduced to mindless smiling monsters."
"That side effect is nothing. As long as it succeeds, you get a real Zoan ability. This deal is absolutely worth our involvement."
The Five Elders argued intensely as they reviewed the reports.
For a behemoth like the World Government, there was no shortage of people willing to be test subjects. Such minor side effects were simply ignored.
Moreover, a success rate exceeding fifty percent was already mouthwatering.
"So how do we cut into this artificial fruit industry chain?"
They were all old foxes. Rather than fight tooth and nail to seize it, it would be better to join in and take a share—especially knowing production would only increase.
"Should we have Vegapunk research artificial fruits as well?" someone suggested.
If ordinary scientists could manage this, the man whose intellect surpassed humanity by five hundred years surely could.
"No! Absolutely not!"
Someone objected immediately.
"His core mission right now is the Seraphim Project. He cannot be distracted."
"Don't forget why we established the Seven Warlords system in the first place. Tenma's technology has been mature for years—trying to catch up now would be a waste."
"Exactly. The Seraphim—biological weapons with mechanical consciousness—are the future. They're far superior to these uncontrollable artificial fruits."
The elders argued back and forth.
Finally, the blond Five Elder made the decision.
"The Seraphim Project is urgent. Our goal is to complete it before that prophesied moment arrives. We only have a little over ten years left."
"As for artificial fruits—if money can solve it, then we can save immense time, cost, and manpower."
The bald elder holding the Shodai Kitetsu frowned.
"Money isn't the problem. The problem is how to get involved. Tenma is cautious like a rat."
"Then let's talk to Tenma directly,"
the blond elder said, stunning the others.
The remaining four froze. They had assumed it would be easier to approach Doflamingo or Kaido—after all, Doflamingo was once a Celestial Dragon.
"Since Tenma is willing to sell artificial fruits, it means he's driven by profit,"
the blond elder said, eyes gleaming.
"We might as well use this chance to probe him. At the very least, we'll get a clear stance."
Money? That was the one thing the World Government never lacked.
As for doing business with pirates—they felt no psychological burden at all. After all, even Kaido secretly traded weapons and seastone with them.
After a moment of silence, the other four nodded. It was feasible.
Thus, after the meeting, a top-secret mission was issued to CP intelligence agencies.
Time rolled forward, crossing Sea Circle Calendar 1506 and arriving at the year destined to deal a devastating blow to Mary Geoise—1507.
Other than Tenma, no one in the world knew that a fish-man slave who had escaped the Celestial Dragons was about to unleash the greatest storm of this era.
Shadow Guard agents lurking in Fish-Man Island soon sent word:
the former Fish-Man District leader, Tiger, had suddenly returned to the island.
The moment Tenma read the report, a cold smile curved his lips.
His scheme was finally about to begin.
This time, he would use Tiger's hand to create an incident far greater than mere "slave liberation."
He would drive the conflict between Fish-Man Island and the World Government to an irreconcilable extreme.
New World—ten thousand meters beneath the sea.
Inside the dreamlike Ryugu Palace of Fish-Man Island.
"Are you serious, Tiger?"
King Neptune's expression was graver than ever as he looked at the weathered yet resolute elder brother of Fish-Man District.
Tiger said nothing. He silently tore open his shirt, revealing the mark branded deep into his flesh.
The instant they saw it, both King Neptune and Queen Otohime covered their mouths in horror, pupils shrinking violently.
That dragon-hoof–like brand was unmistakable—the most cruel mark placed on slaves by the Celestial Dragons:
the Hoof of the Soaring Dragon.
In that moment, Queen Otohime finally touched the truth—
the brutal truth that drove Fisher Tiger to climb the Red Line at all costs and liberate the slaves.
What she heard was no longer mere words, but molten fury erupting from the soul, and a heart-rending wail of agony.
"Your Majesty… you cannot imagine it,"
Tiger said, eyes bloodshot from countless nightmares.
"In that place they call the Holy Land, the air reeks not only of blood, but of the rot of despair."
"Every day is dancing on a blade. Every second is survival on the brink of death. I lived there for three full years—witnessing firsthand just how insane and nauseating those so-called 'gods' truly are!"
He took a deep breath, as if his chest might explode.
"So, noble King Neptune, benevolent Queen Otohime—please exile me from these deep seas."
Tiger raised his head. His face held not only resolve, but a calm acceptance of death.
"This sin and fury must be vented by me alone. The flames of war must never reach the Fish-Man Island I love!"
Looking at Tiger's trembling yet unwavering shoulders, Queen Otohime nodded through tears.
King Neptune, with a heavy sigh, silently gave his consent.
A few days later, news of Fish-Man District's elder brother Tiger being exiled spread like wildfire through the depths of the sea.
By then, the protagonist had already left the deep sea's shelter, swimming alone toward the colossal Red Line that towered at the world's center.
At the same time, Shadow Guard agents hidden in Fish-Man Island's shadows swiftly relayed this explosive intelligence to Robin in the Flower Capital.
"Lord Tenma—the fish-man has moved."
Hearing the low report, Tenma merely nodded slightly, his fingers tapping the table rhythmically.
Before he could issue an order, Robin—keen and perceptive—had already handed him another dedicated Den Den Mushi.
This woman was becoming more and more adept at pleasing her lord.
A playful curve formed at Tenma's lips as he looked at Robin with a hint of approval.
Encouraged, Robin's eyes shimmered as she respectfully stepped aside.
Tenma pressed the connection button. After a brief burst of static, the call was answered.
"Good day, my most exalted Admiral Tenma."
Though the Den Den Mushi mimicked a rugged male face, the voice that emerged was alluring and wickedly feminine.
Tenma's expression was calm, like a chess player in full control.
"The show is about to begin, Catarina Devon. Is your stage ready?"
"Hehehe… naturally."
The face on the Den Den Mushi twisted into an eerie, utterly malicious smile.
"For this moment, I've been lying low like a tame little dog for over half a year. Every nerve in my body is itching with excitement—just waiting for that fish-man hero to light the fuse."
"Very good. Don't disappoint me. This will be your pledge for promotion to Shadow Guard captain."
Feeling the bloodthirsty excitement radiating even through the receiver, Tenma ended the call with satisfaction.
All that remained was to wait quietly for the world-shocking news to erupt.
He had absolute confidence in Catarina Devon.
After all, she was an elite who had survived the brutal Shadow Guard training camps—and a master of disguise who had pushed the Mythical Zoan Dog-Dog Fruit, Model: Nine-Tailed Fox to its limits.
Time dragged on in tense anticipation.
Two nights later.
Howling winds battered the sheer cliffs of the Red Line, carved like blades by axe and chisel.
Fisher Tiger's hands were slick with blood, his fingernails cracked and broken—but the fire in his eyes burned ever brighter.
At last, he reached the top of the world, standing before the gates of the so-called Holy Land, Mary Geoise.
Gazing at the opulent, gold-laden palace complex gleaming even in the night, Tiger's rage threatened to burn away his sanity.
Like a ghost, he silently approached the two guards at the gate, who were yawning in boredom.
As a former slave, he knew this place too well.
Years of peace and privilege had turned these guards into toothless tigers at night—their vigilance pitifully low.
And with the intelligence he had gathered before leaving—most CP agents and elite ground forces had been dispatched to suppress unrest at the massive bridge—
Tonight was the Celestial Dragons' weakest moment, and heaven itself had granted him this chance for revenge.
Fish-Man Karate · Water Shot!
Tiger thrust his palm forward. The air compressed instantly, condensing into a few droplets of water—clear, yet deadly.
Pfft! Pfft!
Soft, muffled sounds cut through the night.
Those droplets, like heavy sniper rounds, pierced straight through the guards' skulls.
Blood sprayed. They didn't even have time to scream before collapsing limply to the ground. The alarm system remained silent.
With the obstacles cleared, Tiger advanced step by step, hatred boiling in his chest, toward the slave arena that had imprisoned him for three years and buried countless dignities.
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