"Where are we…?" one of the slaves whispered to the man beside him as they were herded toward the underground prisons of Mary Geoise. His voice trembled with exhaustion and fear. None of them knew what great catastrophe they had narrowly escaped. Among this group were Kuma, Ginny, and Ivankov all dragged forward in chains, unaware of the fate that had nearly claimed them.
"Stay in line, you imbeciles!" a guard barked harshly, shoving the end of his spear forward to scare them into order.
He was a tall, broad-shouldered man with a square jaw and a short, neatly trimmed with beard. His eyes were sharp and cold, and he wore the standard red and white uniform of the Holy Land's guards a long coat, polished boots, and a metal breastplate shining under the sun.
"Easy," his partner muttered. "Don't rough them up too much. If anything happens to these ones, we're dead men."
This second guard had a leaner build, softer facial features, and long black hair tied neatly behind his head. His expression was calm.
The slaves continued marching, chains rattling with each unsteady step.
---
West blue, God valley.
"Garling, you're here! I knew it — I knew you would come back!"
A woman rushed forward with excitement bright in her eyes. Her name was Ruby, the wife of Garling Figarland — Mrs. Figarland. She had long, flowing crimson hair, a slender build, and wore simple but clean clothing that matched the quiet life she lived on the island.
"Shanks, Shamrock, look — it's your father," Ruby said with a joyful smile. She pointed toward Garling while looking down at the baby carriage beside her, where the infants rested peacefully.
Garling stared at Shanks and Shamrock for a long moment. He couldn't help but wonder: What exactly did the Great One see in these two children? His expression remained unreadable.
"Ruby. Let's go," Garling said. "You don't need to stay in this lowly place anymore. I'll take you to Mary Geoise." His tone was firm as he lifted Shamrock carefully into his arms, examining the baby's face with an intense gaze.
"What? Why?" Ruby's eyes widened. "I thought you were going to live here with me. And besides… I'm not a Celestial Dragon. Am I even allowed in the land where 'Gods' reside?" she asked, genuinely shocked.
"You don't need to worry about that," Garling replied calmly. "Just be grateful you're still alive. As for living on this island—" he scoffed softly, "—that's impossible. I would never live in such a lowly place. Not to mention… this island will soon be obliterated." His voice remained indifferent as he placed Shamrock back in the baby carriage.
"What?!" Ruby's face turned pale instantly. "What do you mean the island will be obliterated?"
She grabbed Garling's arm in fear. "Tell me! Tell me what the World Government is planning to do! There are so many people here — what will happen to them?!" Her voice shook violently as the truth dawned on her.
Garling looked at her with cool detachment. "You're a smart woman, Ruby. I don't think I need to explain anything more. And I am not obliged to answer your stupid questions." His tone held a faint warning. "As I said — just be grateful you're still breathing."
"No… no, you don't mean… the Wo–World Government is…?"
Her breathing became rapid and uneven as terror consumed her.
Garling's expression shifted irritation flickered across his face.
"That's enough nonsense. I have more important matters to attend to."
In an instant, he disappeared from his spot and reappeared behind her. With a swift strike to the back of her neck, he knocked her unconscious. Ruby collapsed gently.
---
Somewhere on God Valley, a woman walked along a shaded forest path with a slight smile on her face. She was human, of average height and build. Her eyes were round, faintly greenish, with a gentle glow when the light hit them. Her hair was light in color, soft and loose, with long bangs falling over her face. She wore a simple shirt and shorts — casual, comfortable clothes suited for a warm day.
Eris.
Wife of Rocks D. Xebec, and future mother of Emperor Marshall D. Teach.
"Teach! Where are you, son?" Eris called out playfully, cupping her hands around her mouth. "Stop hiding and come out, or Momma's going to get angry~!" she added with a mischievous grin.
But she suddenly froze.
A small, trembling sound came from behind her.
Sob… sob… sob…
Hic… hic…
"M-Mom…"
Eris's eyes widened.
"Teach!!!"
Her heart dropped as she spun around and saw her young son being held tightly by several unfamiliar men. She didn't know any of them — except one.
Her expression hardened instantly, filling with hatred, but she hid it instantly.
The man holding Teach was elderly, with a thick white mustache and beard, and a deep scar that ran diagonally across his face, cutting over one eye.
Saint Jaygarcia Saturn.
Saturn gripped Teach firmly and spoke in a cold, authoritative voice.
"Eris. Do not do anything foolish — no shouting, no calling for help, no running. If you do… this lowly thing dies on the spot."
"Wh–Who are you?" Eris stammered, voice trembling. "Please… please leave Teach out of this. If you have any grudge, take it out on me. I'll do anything — just let him go."
"You don't need to worry about the reason," Saturn replied calmly. "Just listen carefully — come with us quietly. That is the only way your child lives."
As he spoke, his nails extended, turning long and razor-sharp. He lifted one gleaming claw and pointed it toward Teach's head.
Teach's small body trembled violently.
"M-Momma… p-please… save me… I—I promise I'll never go outside alone again… p-please…"
Saturn ignored the boy's desperate crying.
"Eris," he said with a cruel smile, "don't test me. If you try anything — I'll put a hole straight through this brat's skull. Would you like to see that? do you not care about your precious son?"
"I'M READY!!!" Eris screamed, teeth clenched. "I'm ready, just don't hurt my child!"
That was easier than expected, Saturn thought. Maybe I should take advantage of this… perhaps I can force more information out of her. Something about Rocks… or maybe even the Davy Clan…
But suddenly—
A sharp, crushing sensation gripped his heart.
Ugh…!
His entire body went cold.
A voice echoed in his mind — calm, quiet, absolute.
"Saturn. Do not do anything foolish. Follow my orders. Remember your boundaries.
If you attempt anything else… I will kill you.
This is your last warning."
Imu's voice.
The memory struck him like lightning.
Cold sweat slid down his spine. His hands began to tremble.
He snapped back to reality instantly.
"What are you idiots staring at?!" he barked at the God Knights. "Arrest her — now!"
The God Knights obeyed without hesitation, moving swiftly to restrain Eris.
As expected, she didn't resist. Or perhaps… she couldn't. Her love for her son outweighed every instinct she had.
They cuffed her hands tightly, using seastone-reinforced restraints to ensure she couldn't attempt anything.
"Move," one of them shouted, yanking her forward.
They pulled her without care, dragging her across the ground. Eris followed silently, stumbling with each step.
A single tear rolled down her cheek.
Ro… Rocks… where are you? she thought desperately.
Poor Eris didn't know.
She would never see her husband again.