After transforming into Black Saber, Kaguya had lost her once-proficient Riding Skill. It was like she had gone from driving a BMW or Benz to clunking along on a hand-pulled tractor—and not even the kind with a trailer.
Thankfully, the mount card she drew came with a Riding Skill. The only downside was that it only worked with the Fenrir Wolf mount. Riding anything else was likely off the table.
So riding Sea Kings? Out of the question.
But then, an idea suddenly struck Kaguya—a bold one.
What if... this Riding Skill could work on Hancock?
A few days later, the lockdown on Sabaody Archipelago was lifted. Not because the Navy caught the culprit, but because Sabaody was too important as a hub and transit point. Keeping it sealed for too long blocked trade and disrupted shipments, causing huge losses for the World Government. Naval ships couldn't even dock. So lifting the lockdown was the natural outcome.
In the early morning, the sky was a deep blue, dotted with wispy clouds. Golden sunlight streamed down, dispelling the chill of night. A gentle breeze carried a touch of coolness.
"You're leaving?" Bonney asked as they reached a fork in the road.
"Yeah," Kaguya replied. "I have some things to take care of, so I can't stay here."
"Oh, that's fine," Bonney said with a smile. "I have things to do too. I guess... see you around."
"Yeah. See you around." Kaguya smiled lightly.
The two exchanged a look and smile, then turned and walked down separate paths.
Maybe they'd meet again.
Maybe.
Kaguya stepped into a deserted alley and pulled out the Fenrir Wolf card. With a flick of her hand, a burst of dazzling white light erupted, and a sleek, powerful-looking motorcycle materialized before her.
The motorcycle had a unique design: aerodynamic lines, low-slung frame, a rough yet high-tech look that embodied mechanical beauty. The moment she laid eyes on it, Kaguya was in love.
In the world of pirates, there were vehicles somewhat like motorcycles—like the Waver on Skypiea—but they operated on different principles. The Waver used Jet Dials, while Fenrir Wolf relied on gasoline.
But since this world had no motorcycles, it also had no gasoline.
Fortunately, the system had already accounted for this. Fenrir didn't use gasoline; instead, it ran on Kaguya's mana.
Compared to gasoline, mana was not only more convenient and efficient, but also packed more explosive power. Just think back to how Saber rode her bike in the original.
Kaguya swung onto the motorcycle and twisted the throttle. With a deafening roar, the bike blasted forward, tearing through the alley and speeding out of town like a lightning bolt.
...
In Shakky's Rip-Off Bar, a white-haired but still fit old man sat at the bar, sipping beer in silence, deep in thought.
"Did you hear about the incident at the auction house?" Shakky asked as she wiped down a glass.
"You mean the human trafficking auction house?" Rayleigh turned to her and replied.
"Yes. Where else could it be but that notorious place?" Shakky said leisurely. "Apparently someone destroyed it a few days ago. I really wonder what she was thinking. Doesn't she know Marine Headquarters is just around the corner?"
"To cause that kind of destruction isn't something just anyone could do," Rayleigh replied after a sip of his drink. "And if she dared act here, she must be confident that even if she does, she won't be caught."
"What confidence could she possibly have?" Shakky snorted. "No matter how strong she is, she's still just a pirate. On Navy turf, did she think she could just waltz away unharmed?"
"That's where you're wrong," Rayleigh said with a faint smile. "Wasn't there someone more than ten years ago who turned this whole place upside down?"
"That was different," Shakky said as she refilled his glass. "She wasn't an ordinary person. With that kind of power, she could have easily become the Pirate King."
"Ah, but that's just it," Rayleigh said with a chuckle. "The title of Pirate King isn't just a label. It's a spirit. Not everyone can carry it, and not everyone wants to. I think she understands that now. That's why she has no interest in becoming Pirate King."
"Then what does she want to do?" Shakky rested her chin on her hand, her expression thoughtful. "If she wanted to, she could probably have power at her fingertips."
"Who knows," Rayleigh joked. "Maybe she's just doing it for fun."
Just then, a deafening roar sounded outside the bar, so loud it made the glass windows tremble.
Moments later, a golden-haired girl stepped inside.
Rayleigh's eyes narrowed, and Shakky's widened slightly in recognition.
Kaguya ignored their stares and walked casually to the bar. "A glass of juice, with ice."
Shakky hesitated for a moment, then moved to prepare the drink.
"What are you doing in a place like this? Aren't you afraid of getting caught?" Rayleigh suddenly asked. "Your wanted posters are plastered everywhere."
"Oh? You know who I am?" Kaguya smiled slightly. "That makes things easier. I was looking for you."
"Me?" Rayleigh's eyes flashed briefly before returning to calm. "What could an old man like me possibly do for you?"
"If someone as famous as Rayleigh is just an old man, then I suppose the rest of the world must be trash," Kaguya said with mockery.
"Sorry, I think I've had a bit too much to drink," Rayleigh said, standing up. "If it's something important, maybe another time." He turned to leave.
"If I'm not mistaken," Kaguya suddenly said, "you know where Pirate King Roger's treasure is, don't you?"
Rayleigh turned back around, his eyes sharp. "What are you trying to say?"
"Nothing much," Kaguya said, tapping the table with her finger. "I just want you to tell me where the treasure is."
Rayleigh locked eyes with her, his voice low and firm. "And if I don't?"
Kaguya's smile turned radiant. "Then I'll just kill you."
Clang!
With a soft hum, a deep, shimmering black-red longsword was drawn and pointed directly at Rayleigh's neck.
"What now, old man?" Kaguya gripped her sword, golden eyes flashing with danger. "Want to see how fast my sword is?"
Rayleigh remained expressionless, calmly setting his glass down on the table. He smiled faintly and said, "Young people these days, always so hot-tempered."
"So are you going to tell me, or not?" Kaguya asked, clearly amused.
"Do I really have a choice in the matter?" Rayleigh asked meaningfully.
"Of course you do. If you agree, you all get to live. If you don't..." Kaguya said coldly, "you all die. That includes the bar owner over there."
She glanced at Shakky meaningfully.
With just one look, cold and piercing, Shakky's pupils shrank. A wave of fear surged from within, as if a giant hand had clenched her heart. She struggled to breathe, and cold sweat trickled down her forehead.
Rayleigh's eyes narrowed. In a deep, resonant voice, he said, "Hot-headed youth rarely end well."
His voice rang like a great bell through the bar. At the sound, Shakky trembled slightly, breaking free from the overwhelming fear. Her back was drenched in cold sweat. When she looked at Kaguya again, her eyes were full of dread.
Just one look could be so terrifying?
"As expected of the Dark King Rayleigh. Even in retirement, your power is admirable," Kaguya said playfully. "But since you're retired, why not stay home and enjoy it? Be sensible and tell me where the Pirate King's treasure is. Otherwise..."
Wait a second, doesn't this sound like something a villain in a drama would say?
Kaguya cleared her throat and muttered, "Anyway, just hand over the treasure."
Rayleigh laughed and asked in return, "Are you sure you really want to know?"
Kaguya raised a brow. "What do you mean?"
"The Pirate King's treasure isn't what you think it is," Rayleigh said with a mysterious smile. "And if you're hoping to gain something from it, you may be disappointed."
"Don't tell me there's nothing there," Kaguya frowned. "I'm not that gullible."
"You'll know when the time comes," Rayleigh replied meaningfully. He glanced out the window and added, "But first, you might want to deal with the people outside."
A fat, shirtless man with a bowl-cut and a giant axe on his shoulder approached, shouting loudly, "People inside, listen up! You're surrounded! Come out quietly and surrender, or we'll level the bar!"
This was Sentomaru, captain of the Marine Science Division and Vegapunk's personal bodyguard.
Outside the bar, rows of heavily armed Marines formed a perimeter. Beside them stood six giant humanoid figures, identical in appearance: towering, muscular builds, curly black hair, and headbands. They were unmistakably Pacifistas.
Sentomaru marched up and said bluntly, "Are you sure the intel is accurate? That person's really in there?"
"Yes, sir!" the Marine soldier saluted.
"Why is there no one here?" Sentomaru said impatiently. "Don't tell me we got the wrong place. I've got plenty of other things to do."
"So early in the morning and you already came knocking. You're really diligent," came a sweet and pleasant voice.
A slender figure stepped out from the bar and stood facing them, eyeing the group with amusement.
"Are you guys part bloodhound or something? That nose of yours is quite sharp. But since you interrupted my morning, I can't let you off so easily," Kaguya said with a dangerous glint in her eye.
"Uh..." Sentomaru scratched his head and hesitated. "Who are you, anyway?"
Kaguya was momentarily stunned. "Weren't you looking for me?"
"Why would we be looking for you? Don't flatter yourself," Sentomaru snorted. "We're here for the Dark King Rayleigh. Got that? Dark King Rayleigh."
Kaguya blinked. Not looking for her?
Then...
A vein bulged on her forehead. She clenched her teeth. That old bastard!
"Since you're not here for me, then go ahead with your business. I'll be on my way," Kaguya said, turning and waving her hand dismissively.
If this had nothing to do with her, she wasn't going to stick her neck out for that old man. And now she suspected this whole thing was orchestrated by Rayleigh. She'd definitely settle accounts with him later.
Just then, one of the Pacifistas suddenly spoke. "Target identified: Artoria. Bounty: 500 million. Primary suspect in the destruction of Impel Down and grievous injury to Warden Magellan. Also possibly involved in the auction house incident. Recommended action: Terminate on sight."
Sentomaru's eyes narrowed. He barked, "Stop right there! Looks like we hit the jackpot. Perfect timing for the Pacifistas to get some target practice."
"Wait a minute," Kaguya suddenly said.
"If you're hoping for me to let you off, don't bother," Sentomaru said coldly. "I don't let any criminal off the hook."
"That's not it," Kaguya shook her head. "I just want to ask—since you're Vegapunk's bodyguard, you should know where he is, right? Can you tell me his location?"
"Are you kidding me?!" Sentomaru yelled. "I'm the tightest-lipped man in the world! There's no way I'd ever tell you that Vegapunk is in the underground lab on Street No. 3 of Mariejois—"
"So, the underground lab on Street No. 3 of Mariejois," Kaguya repeated with a smirk. "Thanks for that."
Sentomaru's eyes widened. He suddenly realized what just happened and shouted furiously, "You damn trickster! You tricked me into telling you!"
"You said it yourself," Kaguya shrugged. "I never asked you to give it away."
"You damn scum!" Sentomaru roared, lifting his axe and pointing it at her. "Pacifistas, attack! Eliminate that target!"
"Yes."
The eyes of the Pacifistas suddenly glowed red. With heavy, thunderous steps, they began charging straight toward Kaguya.
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