Aboard the Ark Maxim, the flagship of the Sky Fleet—
"The sheer pressure radiating from the Sky Fleet really does make our Dragon Pirates' power known to the world," Souta Kiryuu said with a faint smile, leaning lazily on the command chair. "But… it does kill any hope of a quiet approach."
His tone was calm, but his eyes gleamed with satisfaction. Souta didn't really dislike this kind of boldness — on the contrary, he was savoring it.
The Dragon Pirates had long since outgrown the days of stealth and shadows. They now commanded a massive fleet, manned by an army of powerful fighters. To keep using hit-and-run tactics would've been far too small-minded for their status.
To be rich and stay unseen is like wearing silk in the dark.
To be strong and not show it—how would the world ever fear you?
"Captain, this was our oversight," Lafitte said, licking his lips in mild regret. "We should've sent Enel ahead to block the transponder snail signals across the island. Now, our position has likely spread to every corner of the world. If that's the case, our plan to attack the Kingdom of Adams might already be compromised."
Souta waved a hand dismissively. "No matter. Even if Enel had blocked the snails in time, word still would've gotten out. The spies hidden across Mars Kingdom would have sent reports the moment we left the island."
He chuckled lowly, voice dripping with casual dominance. "The only way to prevent that would've been to destroy Mars entirely—to wipe out every living thing. Then Enel could've sealed the island. But otherwise?"
He shrugged. "It's impossible."
Mars Kingdom was vast — much larger than Dressrosa. Even if Enel unleashed his full power, the thunder god's electric grid could barely cover a tenth of the island. And beyond the main island, there were five or six smaller satellite isles, any of which could relay messages to the World Government.
Blocking communications there was simply unrealistic.
"Let's move on to the operation," Souta said, tapping the armrest of his chair. "The three major ports of Mars Kingdom, the CP3 branch, and the G-T3 Marine base — assign a commander to each."
At his command, Robin and Lafitte immediately began issuing orders.
This raid on Mars Kingdom wasn't expected to be dangerous — in fact, Souta himself didn't even need to lift a hand.
Soon after, the grand Sky Fleet divided into six squadrons, each setting out toward their respective targets across the kingdom.
"Keep eyes on every major port. Don't let any royals or nobles escape!"
"Loot everything down to the last coin!"
Under Souta's calm gaze, the various divisions scattered, radiating murderous intent as they soared toward their objectives. The Ark Maxim, meanwhile, sailed straight toward the royal capital — Bari City.
"Captain," Lafitte began again, an amused smirk on his lips. "I heard that King Mars Louis XVII was blessed by the Celestial Dragons — gifted with a Mythical Zoan-type Devil Fruit."
"Oh?" Souta arched a brow.
"Yes," Lafitte said, suppressing a laugh. "Though it seems either the fruit is weak, or the king himself is hopeless. The fruit's called the Mythical Zoan: Flying Head Spirit. Its ability allows him to remove his head and let it fly freely."
He paused, clearly enjoying the absurdity. "During the day, the king likes to spy on officials and citizens; at night, he… indulges in peeping on private affairs. Anyone caught misbehaving is executed. Any woman he fancies — he drags to the palace for pleasure. Even ministers' wives and daughters aren't spared."
Souta let out a low chuckle. "A head-detaching ability? Like the Chop-Chop Fruit, but worse."
He leaned back, unimpressed. "A so-called Mythical Zoan, but barely stronger than a wild beast. That kind of fruit's for petty demons, not warriors. I doubt he could even defeat a small-time pirate from the New World."
Lafitte's grin widened. "Then perhaps the king doesn't interest you… but the item being guarded by the CP0 squad might."
"Oh?" Souta's eyes glimmered with curiosity. "And what would that be?"
Lafitte produced a file. "According to Morgans' intel, the CP0 three-man unit stationed here is transporting a Devil Fruit — an unknown Mythical Zoan."
At that, Souta's interest sharpened immediately. "An unidentified Devil Fruit, huh? Now that's exciting. Like opening a mystery box."
"The fruit supposedly has black markings — CP0 seized it from a raid," Lafitte continued. "But the operation was loud. Half the underworld already knows about it."
"Then before we visit this so-called king," Souta said with a slow grin, "we'll drop by CP3's base. I'd like to take a look at that fruit."
He chuckled under his breath. "Though I have a feeling Enel might be after it too."
Because Barrett had insisted on single-handedly destroying the G-T3 Marine branch, Enel had taken charge of dealing with the CP0 squad, assisted by Law and Bartolomeo.
Souta, meanwhile, was headed for Bari City alongside the Pirate Empress — both targeting the king and CP3's defenses in the same place.
Kuma, Moria, and several powerful ex-Impel Down warriors were assigned to storm the three main ports, while Capone Bege led a special plundering squad alongside the Seraphim unit.
The Royal Capital — Bari City
Inside the palace, King Mars Louis XVII trembled pale-faced as reports of the Dragon Pirates' invasion flooded in.
"Quickly! Gather all treasures!" he shouted frantically. "We're going to the CP3 branch — we'll escape with their protection!"
He clutched a golden staff, his voice cracking with desperation.
"Captain Bonaba!" he barked the moment he reached the CP3 base. "You must take me with you! Our royal family has served Saint Mars faithfully for generations! You have to protect me!"
The CP0 leader, Bonaba, frowned, his sharp eyes narrowing dangerously. "King Louis, taking you alone is one thing — but dragging your entire royal army and concubines with you? You'll only make us a bigger target."
His voice was cold, edged with disdain.
Bonaba and his team were currently transporting a Devil Fruit of immense value. Escorting the king alone was manageable — but the man had brought dozens of concubines and nearly a thousand royal guards.
That was practically a beacon for Souta's forces to locate them.
Even if they weren't slaughtered, the mission would fail.
King Louis swallowed hard under Bonaba's glare. "T-then… I'll only bring seven concubines. My favorites."
He pointed them out quickly — one for each day of the week.
Bonaba's expression didn't change. "We'll only take you."
His tone was glacial. If not for Louis' connection to Saint Mars, he would've left this pathetic king behind long ago.
The CP0 trio had already resigned themselves to sacrifice the entire CP3 branch if needed, just to ensure the fruit's safe transport.
To them, CP1 through CP9 were nothing but expendable tools.