As promised, I have updated the book on Patreon up to the final chapter, and I will continue publishing it as new chapters are released. Thank you for supporting this book.
Patreon.com/laktozlu
Gringo and Shamrock were rebuffed in front of Ian and dared not make another sound.
The two honestly followed behind Ian, walking shoulder to shoulder with Sakazuki towards Pangu Square on the opposite side.
Walking in the middle, Sakazuki's burly figure was like a moving volcano, his peripheral vision subtly sweeping to his right.
Walking beside him, on his right, was the Supreme Commander of the God's Knights, Figarland Gringu-sei.
This important figure, whose power in the Holy Land was immense, and whom even the Gorosei had to treat with deference, did not feel anything amiss about walking shoulder to shoulder with him, a Marine Admiral; in fact, there was even a hint of flattery on his face.
Noticing Sakazuki's gaze, Gringo, understanding social etiquette, offered him a polite smile and a slight nod.
Sakazuki's expression remained unchanged as he gave a slight nod in response.
He then withdrew his gaze and looked at Shamrock Saint on his left.
Shamrock was clearly still bothered by what had just happened, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword at his waist, his eyes fixed forward, and his chin slightly raised, adopting an arrogant posture, pretending not to notice Sakazuki's gaze.
However, his taut profile and the slightly trembling scabbard betrayed his inner turmoil.
The father and son of the Figarland Family, core figures of the God's Knights, walking shoulder to shoulder with him?
Before today, Sakazuki wouldn't even have dared to imagine such a thing.
Leaving aside their identity as God's Knights, just the fact that they were Celestial Dragons was enough to make him, a Marine Headquarters Admiral, bow and scrape, not even having the right to look them directly in the eye.
Yet, at this moment, these exalted father and son were accompanying him, one on his left and one on his right, like two attendants.
This feeling...
Sakazuki couldn't describe how refreshing it was; he only felt that the taste of the cigar in his mouth had become extraordinarily mellow.
The moment Ian and his group stepped into Pangu Square, an even more shocking scene, without any warning, entered Sakazuki's sight.
In the square, those Celestial Dragons who usually walked with slaves, their demeanor lazy and cruel, upon seeing Ian's figure, scattered like mice seeing a cat.
"Saint Ian, damn it! Why is he here again!!!"
"Run!"
"Don't just stand there, hurry up and go!"
The world nobles, who had been so arrogant a second ago, now abandoned their armor and fled in all directions, scrambling and crawling, fearing that if they ran even half a step slower, they would be targeted by the devil slowly approaching.
The entire Pangu Square, in just over ten seconds, became completely empty, leaving behind only a mess and a few abandoned, trembling slaves.
Sakazuki's mouth, with the cigar in it, slightly opened.
Is this the 'crown prince, the most powerful in the Holy Land's' true worth?
From the Gorosei down to ordinary Celestial Dragons, in front of Ian, without exception, they either kowtowed or feared him like a tiger.
Ian ignored the chaos in the square, taking leisurely steps directly towards a castle on the opposite side of the square.
Sakazuki followed closely, and Gringo and Shamrock were not to be outdone.
The castle gate suddenly opened as they approached.
Immediately after, a group of stunning beauties, with various figures and charms, rushed out from inside, chattering excitedly.
Leading them was none other than the pirate empress, Boa Hancock, who captivated all with her world-renowned beauty!
Hot on her heels was the incredibly noble Celestial Dragon, Saint Shalria!
"Young Master!"
"Lord Saint Ian!"
The two women cried out almost simultaneously, like two young swallows returning to their nest, their eyes only seeing Ian's presence, pushing each other as they ran, both wanting to be the first to rush into Ian's arms.
Following behind them were Princess Anna, Princess Sally, and Nami.
Besides the five women who ran out the gate, three equally beautiful figures stood inside the door.
The gentle and graceful Makino, the youthful and beautiful Uta, and the delicate and pitiable Kaya.
Hancock was the first to pounce into Ian's arms, tightly wrapping her arms around his neck, and raising her chin, she said pitifully, "Young Master, this concubine waited for you all morning and didn't see you. I thought Young Master didn't want this concubine anymore."
Saint Shalria followed closely, squeezing in from the side, and said sweetly, "Young Master, this concubine also waited for you for a long time! Cuddle, I want to cuddle!"
Hancock's eyes turned cold, and the power of her Mero Mero no Mi subtly activated, as she said coldly, "Crazy woman, get out of my way!"
Saint Shalria did not back down, retorting, "The Young Master is mine!"
Ian ignored the two women's jealousy, embracing both of them, one on each arm, and said with a chuckle, "You two are doing great. As This Young Master's women, you should compete and fight for attention!"
As soon as he finished speaking, Princess Anna, Princess Sally, and Nami also rushed over, surrounding Ian.
Princess Anna elegantly took Ian's arm, smiling, "Young Master, you can't play favorites, you know."
Princess Sally stood obediently to the side, softly saying, "Young Master, you've worked hard."
Nami's eyes sparkled with gold, and she leaned into Ian's ear, whispering, "Young Master, I found a treasury with so much gold inside. Can Nami have some?"
Ian laughed heartily, reaching out to ruffle Nami's hair: "Money-grubber, just take as much as you want. This Young Master has no shortage of gold!"
Sakazuki, standing by, was completely dumbfounded.
The noble Celestial Dragon Saint Shalria was actually competing for affection with the pirate empress Boa Hancock on the same stage?
Had the world gone mad, or had he fallen behind the times?
Seeing Sakazuki's stunned reaction, Gringo chuckled, "You'll get used to it, Sakazuki!"
Then, he retracted his gaze and looked at Ian, who was surrounded by beauties, narrowing his eyes, a reminiscent expression on his face: "Back in the day, this old man was not much inferior to the Young Master. Many women said that when walking the Grand Line, this old man was the coolest lover. Living in Mary Geoise, this old man was the strongest God's Knights Commander!"
Upon hearing this, Ian tilted his head and mercilessly retorted, "The strongest God's Knights Commander? I think you're more like God Valley's speed bump!"
Gringo's smile instantly froze, and he let out two awkward dry laughs.
Shamrock remained expressionless, his eyes fixed on his nose, as if he hadn't heard his father being mocked.
Gringo quickly changed the subject, looking up at Uta, who was standing inside the gate, and anxiously said, "Uta, what are you still doing standing there? Hurry up and come compete for affection! As long as you gain the Young Master's favor, you'll be the most powerful woman in the world!"
"Eh???"
Uta's face was filled with question marks, and she said in disbelief, "What are you talking about? I don't want any favor!"
As soon as she finished speaking, what happened last night involuntarily flashed before her eyes, and her beautiful face instantly flushed crimson with shame and indignation.
—