Just as the two were locked in their argument, the sound of orderly, heavy footsteps suddenly echoed from the distance. The sound grew closer, pounding like war drums against everyone's heartstrings. The clamor on the street instantly quieted; everyone held their breath and turned almost in unison toward the direction of the sound.
Looking out through the window, they saw a squad of fully armed soldiers swiftly moving through the street. They wore gleaming armor, held sharp spears, and marched in perfect unison. Sunlight reflected dazzlingly off their armor, and the tips of their spears glinted with a cold gleam. Wherever this well-trained troop passed, dust swirled, and the ground seemed to tremble faintly.
Leading them was King Riku, cloaked in a red cape. The king's expression was grave, his brow deeply furrowed. Gripping a gleaming longsword, he led the Royal Guard as they hastened toward the direction of the docks. His bright red cape flapped sharply in the wind, standing out vividly under the sunlight. The king's eyes were firm and sharp, his lips pressed into a tight line, revealing the resolute determination in his heart.
"Look! That's His Majesty the King!" Kyros widened his eyes in astonishment, his voice trembling with disbelief. He involuntarily took a step forward, his hands gripping the window frame so tightly his knuckles turned white. "He's actually leading the troops to the docks himself!" His voice held both shock and a measure of admiration.
Karuri curled his lip disdainfully, a mocking smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Hmph, what good will that do? That's a Great Pirate with an 800 million berry bounty..." He crossed his arms and leaned against the wall, his eyes full of scorn.
But upon closer observation, one could see his fingers unconsciously tapping against his arm, betraying his inner unease.
Yet Kyros's gaze remained fixed on the king's receding figure. A complex light flickered in his eyes—part surprise, part admiration. "No, Karuri. At least he dares to stand up and protect this country."
"Hmph!" Karuri, momentarily at a loss for words, could only snort coldly to express his displeasure. He turned his face away, but his eyes unconsciously drifted toward the window. His brow furrowed slightly, revealing the wavering within.
As the news of King Riku leading the Royal Guard toward the docks spread as if on wings, the previously chaotic streets gradually grew calm. Vendors stopped their hawking, pedestrians halted to watch, and even the arguing citizens fell silent. People ceased their activities one after another, beginning to observe the development of the situation. A peculiar tension filled the air, as if even breathing had become cautious.
The previously restless atmosphere was replaced by a strange sense of anticipation. The buzz of discussion on the streets gradually died down, replaced by a tense silence. Everyone wanted to see what outcome the king's personal intervention would bring.
King Riku's actions seemed to inject a dose of strong medicine into the turbulent kingdom, with the people holding their breath awaiting this confrontation that would determine the nation's fate. Children were clutched tightly in their mothers' arms, while the elderly pressed their palms together in silent prayer.
The air was thick with tension and anticipation, as if even time itself had slowed to a crawl at this moment.
In the distance, the cries of seagulls sounded unusually piercing, and even the rustling of leaves brushed by the gentle breeze could be heard with perfect clarity.
Meanwhile, the pirate ship had already docked. Its massive hull cast a shadow that enveloped the entire pier, while the pirate flag flapping on the mast snapped sharply in the wind.
With the sound of heavy footsteps, Kaidou's imposing figure appeared on the deck. Sunlight reflected off his bronze skin with a metallic sheen. His signature demon horns cast menacing shadows in the sunlight, causing the crowd on the pier to instinctively retreat several steps. Kaidou's gaze was as sharp as a wild beast's, and wherever it swept, people lowered their heads, not daring to meet his eyes.
Kaidou paid no attention to the surrounding commotion - such reactions had long become commonplace for him. He descended the gangway with steady steps, each footfall making the wooden pier groan under the strain. His footsteps rumbled like muffled thunder, each one striking directly at people's hearts. The crew members following behind him also maintained solemn expressions and absolute silence.
Soon, Kaidou led his subordinates onto the pier. After they came to a stop, the entire dock fell into dead silence, with only the sound of waves lapping against the shore continuing uninterrupted.
About ten meters in front of Kaidou stood King Riku and his Royal Guard. When Kaidou's gaze fell upon them, most of the guards instinctively stepped back. Only King Riku remained standing straight-backed, though fine beads of sweat had appeared on his forehead, his eyes still held firm determination.
"Lord Kaidou, you can have all this country's treasures. Please, please spare our citizens," King Riku said, summoning his courage to step forward and address Kaidou. Though his voice trembled slightly, each word was spoken clearly and forcefully. After speaking, he bowed deeply, his cloak sweeping the ground with the motion.
"So you're the king of this country?" Kaidou said, looking at the pale-faced man whose eyes held extraordinary resolve. His voice rumbled like thunder across the pier. As he spoke, he narrowed his eyes slightly, as if assessing the value of the man before him.
"Yes, I am Riku Doldo III, king of this nation," King Riku replied to Kaidou. He straightened up, his right hand unconsciously tightening on his sword hilt until his knuckles turned white. Despite facing the terrifying Great Pirate, he still maintained his royal dignity.
"Worororo, King Riku, you're not bad. In this world full of trash, you barely qualify as a man," Kaidou said, a faint, ambiguous smile playing on his lips. "Don't worry, I have no interest in this poor country." His laughter roared like thunder, causing the surrounding soldiers to instinctively step back.
"Th-thank you, Lord Kaidou." King Riku spoke with pleasant surprise upon hearing Kaidou's words, his tense shoulders visibly relaxing somewhat. He raised a hand to wipe the sweat from his forehead, his voice becoming much steadier: "Then, what brings you here?"
"My target is Green Bit next to Dressrosa." Kaidou stated directly without the slightest concealment. As he spoke these words, his eyes grew sharp, his right hand unconsciously moving toward the weapon at his waist.
"Green Bit? Y-you're targeting the Tontatta Tribe?" As the king of Dressrosa, King Riku naturally knew about the Tontatta Tribe. His expression suddenly became complicated, his brows furrowing tightly, revealing his inner struggle. The Tontatta Tribe had always been allies of Dressrosa, a fact that placed him in a dilemma.
"Correct. Since you know, then lead the way. Take me there." Kaidou said directly, his tone brooking no argument. He took a step forward, a step that seemed to freeze the surrounding air.
"This..." King Riku's expression twisted in conflict, then as if having reached a decision, he said: "Then please follow me." His voice was low and heavy, as if each word required all his strength. After making this decision, his eyes grew dim, but for the safety of his people, he had no other choice.
Clearly, between the Tontatta Tribe and Dressrosa, King Riku had chosen his own people. As he turned, his cloak traced a heavy arc in the air, his back appearing particularly lonely.
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