"A lowly woman?"
Maria Palace sipped her black tea, frowning slightly: "I don't remember."
Too many lowly people have been killed, and quite a few heads have been kicked like balls, hard to recall clearly.
"I had almost forgotten too."
Diana Palace chuckled, "But that woman's son, last year he dared to disguise himself and come to the Holy Land for revenge, only to remind me. However, he was too weak and couldn't even get close to my body before being disposed of like trash by the guards."
She elegantly stroked her hair, eyes full of disdain, "Truly foolish, mere lowly people, daring to think they can harm gods?"
A burst of derisive laughter erupted on the deck.
A young Heavenly Celestial Dragon girl couldn't help but remind: "Actually, there are some. Don't forget, two months ago, there was a bold fellow in Shampodi."
That man named Shano...
The surrounding Heavenly Celestial Dragons fell silent for a moment, recalling the fear from two months ago.
The impact of the Shampodi incident was most deeply felt by these Heavenly Celestial Dragons.
The elders of the family forbade them to leave the Holy Land because of this matter, but this ban was unnecessary, as during that time, they themselves dared not step out of Mary Geoise.
"What's there to fear? It's been so long, why still care? Besides, that madman is in the New World, far from the North Sea!"
Saint Charlos scoffed disdainfully and patted the gold-encrusted pistol at his waist:
"Besides, wasn't it said that the protection provided by the Navy this time is the largest, with more than one Grand Admiral here? If he dares to try, this Saint will blow him away with one shot!"
Diana Palace and Maria Palace covered their mouths and giggled.
They were relatively experienced and naturally wouldn't boast shamelessly like Charlos, but there was some truth in the first half of his words.
This time is different from the sudden terror attack in Shampodi.
There are over ten thousand Marines stationed around for protection, and a Grand Admiral is in charge. Is there anyone in this world who could break in?
…
The sun gradually hung high, blowing away the morning mist over the sea.
It also made the enormous Navy Fleet surrounding the Lubunier Kingdom become gradually clear in view.
Over twenty ships!
Sixteen thousand elite Marines!
With the lessons of Divine Valley and Shampodi, this is the meticulously arranged military defense by the World Government for the North Sea hunting game!
Forget pirates, even birds wouldn't want to disturb the Heavenly Celestial Dragons' outing!
One steel giant ship after another surrounded the kingdom like a fortress wall, cannon mouths grim, Marines on the watchtower vigilantly observing the surrounding sea.
A young Marine sergeant, newly transferred to headquarters, had been on guard duty on the watchtower since midnight yesterday.
Finally enduring until shift change, he couldn't help but complain to his predecessor:
"Mr. Sorren, what's our mission this time? Such a big show, even a Grand Admiral is here..."
The veteran was smoking, casting a complex glance at the distant luxury yacht, lowering his voice:
"Kid, don't ask what you shouldn't. Just remember, during these few days, no matter what you see, keep your mouth shut and just follow orders."
Almost simultaneously.
On the central flagship, Akainu came to the railing, lit a cigar, and with a blank expression, took a deep draw.
Such cigars, normal people shouldn't inhale, but for someone of his strength, they're no different from regular cigarettes.
"You didn't used to smoke much, Sakazuki."
A somewhat lazy voice sounded beside him, "But recently, you've been doing it more frequently. This change seems to have started about a year ago. What, something bothering you?"
Have I been smoking cigars for a year already...
Akainu was slightly taken aback.
Then his face darkened, "Don't play dumb, Borsalino! Of all of us feeling uneasy about the threat that man poses, shouldn't it be you? After all, you were the one truly heavily wounded by that kid!"
"Hey, hey, hey, no need to exaggerate like that."
Kizaru stood aside, one hand in his pocket, still in his casual demeanor:
"I just lost an arm, that's all. War years will inevitably lead to a day like this. Wasn't Zephyr-sensei the same? I've long accepted it, don't act like I almost died at that kid's hands."
"In comparison, I'm more concerned about this matter before us..."
Kizaru's gaze turned to the distant luxury yacht, and after a long silence, he looked up at the sky, mumbling:
"The price of justice is truly heavy, Sakazuki."
The sea breeze of the North Sea seemed even colder, blowing across the deck, and the "Justice" cloak on his back flapped loudly.
"I dragged it out for several days, thinking it would just be brushed off, but unexpectedly, I was still forced to come over, really, they couldn't pretend I don't exist..."
Akainu didn't respond to that, also coldly staring at the distant sea.
Clearly separated by several nautical miles.
But for some reason, the laughter, clinking of glasses, and self-congratulatory boasting of their achievements from the Heavenly Celestial Dragons... all flooded over, lingering in his mind, refusing to disperse.
He turned away, full of disgust.
After taking a deep breath, he adjusted his expression and spoke with indifference: "A soldier's duty is to follow orders; there's no point complaining now."