Dressrosa.
Also known as the Island of Love and Passion.
A romantic land of vibrant colors and beautiful architecture, where the people are known for their boldness in both word and affection. Love is pursued openly here, fiercely and without restraint—so say the rumors.
But those were just the impressions of outsiders.
Beneath Dressrosa's bright charm lies something far darker.
---
That day, a modest three-masted sailing ship slipped quietly into the harbor town of Acacia.
Three figures disembarked: two men and one woman.
"You're really planning to kill Doflamingo?"
Walking on Kaelen's left, Kuzan yawned lazily, half-asleep as usual. Aside from meals, he'd spent most of the journey napping.
Not that Kaelen was much more active.
At the mention of Doflamingo, Kaelen nodded without hesitation. "Of course. It's a deal I've already made. Deposit's been collected."
"..."
Kuzan and Robin exchanged wordless looks. Someone out there must've been seriously swindled. Whoever hired Kaelen probably had no idea what kind of storm they'd just unleashed.
"Doflamingo's identity makes things... complicated," Kuzan said after a moment's pause, frowning. The former admiral knew full well who they were dealing with.
Publicly, Doflamingo was one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea. He ruled Dressrosa with the title of king.
But in the shadows, he was something else entirely—one of the major brokers in the dark underworld, codenamed [Joker]. Arms dealing, smuggling, black market trades—he was the biggest middleman on the Grand Line.
And that still wasn't the worst part.
What truly made Doflamingo dangerous... was his status as a Celestial Dragon.
"Yeah? And?" Kaelen said flatly. "He's a Celestial Dragon that even the other Celestial Dragons disavow. What's the problem?"
He spoke as if it were no big deal. As if the Celestial Dragons, the highest class in the world, meant nothing to him.
Maybe someday he'd walk right into Mary Geoise, ask the Five Elders to join him for tea, and have a chat with Im just to see what they're really like.
That thought took root in Kaelen's mind like a weed. One that refused to die.
"…"
Kuzan stared at Kaelen. There weren't many people who knew the truth about Doflamingo's heritage, and even fewer who dared challenge it.
If Kaelen really did kill him, it wouldn't just make waves—it'd be a tsunami.
Worse than killing Blackbeard.
For once, Kuzan fell silent, one eye half-lidded as he sank deep into thought.
Robin stood on Kaelen's right, equally shocked.
"Doflamingo… a Celestial Dragon, and Kaelen actually wants to kill him…" she murmured.
But the surprise passed quickly. Robin knew Kaelen too well. He never cared about titles, much less Celestial Dragons. To him, even the World Government was just another outdated institution waiting to fall.
Still, her expression tightened with worry.
"If you kill him, the World Government won't just sit still. We could be hunted down, imprisoned... or worse."
Her concern wasn't entirely for show. There was genuine fear in her eyes.
Kaelen glanced at her and smiled.
"If you're afraid, you're free to leave."
"…"
His words were calm. No sarcasm, no disdain. Just honesty.
And yet, they struck her like a dagger.
Robin's breath caught. His smile wasn't mocking or dismissive. It held no hidden meaning. But for some reason, it made her chest tighten.
This journey with Kaelen had been the most peaceful period of her life since childhood. Quieter than life with the Straw Hats, but comforting in a way she hadn't expected. She could read books, enjoy the breeze, live without fear.
And somewhere along the line… she'd developed a sense of belonging.
(I know she felt the same with the straw hats too, but shhhhhhh....)
Unspoken feelings took root. After all, she'd been cooking for him, tending to him, massaging his shoulders, washing his clothes...
Images rushed through her mind—Kaelen saving her, styling her hair, picking out outfits...
For a moment, Robin's thoughts drifted.
She hadn't felt like this since she was eight. Not just nostalgia, but something more confusing. Something fragile.
Kuzan noticed the silence and glanced over.
His expression shifted subtly. A faint frown. A spark of overprotectiveness.
Kaelen felt his stare like a blade.
A drop of sweat rolled down his temple.
In that moment, he wanted to dig a hole and vanish. He hadn't meant to trigger anything—his words had just slipped out. A stupid habit. His mouth had betrayed him.
If this had been Nami, she'd have just smacked him, called him an idiot, and moved on.
Brain whirring, Kaelen fumbled for a way out.
"Hey, did you hear that? Just now? Sounded like someone imitating my voice. Weird, right? People these days, honestly…"
He pointed ahead abruptly.
"Oh look! A bookstore! And a clothing shop! Robin, let's check it out. I bet they've got something you'll like!"
Before Robin could respond, Kaelen grabbed her wrist and led her off toward the stores.
She blinked, dumbfounded.
This man… really just said all that, then pretended it didn't happen?
He was utterly shameless.
But… she also realized something. He hadn't meant it. That slip of the tongue wasn't part of some plan.
It was just… him.
And now, she understood his awkwardness a little better.
"…"
Watching the two disappear down the street, Kuzan sighed and followed behind them.
Something told him he was going to regret coming along for this job.
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