The Germa Kingdom was one of the largest nations in the North Blue, once ruling over the entire sea.
But over time, its national power declined, and its former glory faded.
That changed with the ambitions of Vinsmoke Judge.
Through his cloning technology, Germa gradually regained its strength.
What made Judge's clones truly terrifying was their complete lack of human emotion.
No fear.
No pain.
They followed orders without hesitation, charging into battle without a second thought.
Even in the face of death, they wouldn't blink.
But Judge's ambition didn't stop there.
He had gone so far as to turn his own children into emotionless monsters.
Ichiji, Niji, and Yonji had completely lost their feelings, no different from machines.
Only Reiju retained a trace of humanity.
As for the youngest, Sanji—
The experiment had failed, and he had been cast out of the Vinsmoke family, his fate unknown.
With four powerful children and an army of fearless clone soldiers, Judge believed his dream of once again ruling the North Blue might finally be within reach.
But he couldn't wait.
Impatient and driven by greed, he sought an alliance through marriage with the Big Mom Pirates, hoping to secure their backing.
With their support, his dream would become reality far more quickly.
However—
An unexpected disaster struck.
Just as negotiations with Big Mom had begun—
The Beasts Pirates, now hailed as the strongest force on the seas, suddenly descended upon Germa through a mysterious door.
Before Judge could even react—
He was effortlessly captured by the Fifth Emperor, Luo Xing.
His children.
His clone army.
All of them were reprogrammed by that man—
A man whose technology surpassed even Vegapunk's.
From that moment on, they no longer obeyed Judge—
But the Beasts Pirates.
Judge was furious, his eyes bloodshot as he tried to confront Luo Xing—
Only to be kicked away and brutally beaten by his own sons.
Those ungrateful wretches—
He was their father!
But what did that matter?
Ichiji, Niji, and Yonji had long since lost any concept of familial bonds.
A father?
Why shouldn't they beat him?
Judge collapsed, overwhelmed, and passed out.
If not for Luo Xing showing a hint of consideration for Reiju—
Judge might have been killed on the spot.
Instead, Luo Xing spared him.
And told him to think carefully—
Whether he was willing to truly submit.
When Judge woke, he was hollow.
Germa was still Germa—
But it no longer belonged to him.
Tears streamed down his face.
At first, he was unwilling to accept it.
He wanted to reclaim everything that was his.
He worked day and night, desperately trying to reverse Luo Xing's programming—
To regain control over his clone army.
But after ten days and nights without rest—
He made no progress.
He couldn't even begin to understand the system Luo Xing had used.
Judge was completely broken.
In both strength and technology—
The gap between him and that man was like heaven and earth.
Utter despair consumed him.
He had nearly given up on life itself.
But then—
He saw the news.
Luo Xing destroying Impel Down.
Seizing Sabaody.
Defeating the combined forces of the Marines and World Government.
At that moment—
A strange light ignited in Judge's eyes.
"The Beasts Pirates… hahaha! Fifth Emperor Luo Xing… hahaha! Good! Good!!!"
Clutching the newspaper, he burst into manic laughter.
His sons watched him, convinced their father had finally lost his mind.
"Old man's gone crazy," Yonji said dismissively. "Let's just toss him into the sea and feed the fish."
"Not a bad idea," Niji agreed. "Keeping him around is just a waste of food."
Ichiji frowned slightly.
"How can you say that? He is still our father."
Judge's eyes welled with tears.
Ichiji… my good son…
At least you still have some conscience.
But in the very next moment, his hope shattered.
"Whether we throw him to the fish or boil him alive," Ichiji continued calmly, "we should ask Lord Luo Xing first. We're not qualified to decide on our own."
Niji and Yonji nodded in agreement.
Reiju watched the scene with undisguised mockery in her eyes.
She felt no sympathy for Judge.
This was his own doing.
Wasn't it the same despair that had driven their mother to her death?
Turning away, Reiju prepared to leave.
She had no interest in watching this pathetic farce any longer.
But suddenly—
Judge rushed in front of her.
"Reiju! You're the only one left with any conscience. Help your father just this once!"
Reiju's expression remained indifferent.
"If you're asking me to avenge you against Luo Xing, then no. I won't."
"No! Not revenge!" Judge said quickly, almost desperately.
"I've already given up on that!"
Reiju raised an eyebrow, glancing at the newspaper in his hands.
So…
After seeing Luo Xing's overwhelming feats—
Had this once-ambitious man finally chosen submission?
She wasn't wrong.
Judge had indeed made his decision.
On one hand, he understood he had no way to resist.
On the other—
The Beasts Pirates' actions made one thing clear.
They weren't just opposing the World Government—
They aimed to overthrow it.
To conquer the entire world.
And if they were to conquer the world—
The North Blue would inevitably fall under their control.
As a kingdom located within the North Blue—
Germa would become a key force in that conquest.
Which meant—
Under the Beasts Pirates, he could still achieve his dream of ruling the North Blue.
It was the only consolation left to him.
So—
Judge chose submission.
And he wanted Luo Xing to entrust him with the task of conquering the North Blue.
But simply asking wouldn't be enough.
That was why he turned to Reiju.
After hearing everything, Reiju let out a soft sigh.
"I'll speak for you. But whether it works or not—I can't promise anything."
"No," Judge said, his eyes burning with certainty.
"You will succeed, Reiju."
"Because I plan to offer you to Luo Xing… as his woman."
"If you become his, then Germa's relationship with the Beasts Pirates won't just be that of subordinates."
"I'll regain my standing… and they'll never doubt my loyalty again."
Reiju froze.
She hadn't expected this.
To Judge, it was the most advantageous move he could make.
But—
This selfish man had never once considered her happiness.
He hadn't even asked if she was willing.
For a moment—
Reiju almost laughed.
The faint sympathy she had just felt… vanished completely.
Without a word, she walked past him.
Neither agreeing—
Nor refusing.
Behind her—
Judge suddenly dropped to his knees.
"Reiju! Please! This is my only chance to rise again—to fulfill my dream!"
Reiju felt something tighten in her chest.
Kneeling before her…
This pitiful, tragic, despicable man—
He truly could do anything.
She returned to her room.
Closed the door.
Leaning against the wall, she shut her eyes.
Her heart felt unbearably heavy.
Then—
A voice spoke softly by her ear.
"…I think Judge has a point. You should consider agreeing to the request of this desperate father of yours."
Reiju's eyes snapped open.
Standing beside her—
Was none other than Luo Xing.
◇ I'll be dropping one bonus chapters for every 10 reviews. comment
◇ One bonus chapter will be released for every 100 Power Stones.
◇ You can read the ahead chapter on P@treon if you're interested:
patreon.com/ZoroTL442