As the inhabitants of this island ran, shouts like this were heard all around the area.
"The island's surrounded! I've never seen this many ships before!"
"Of course, there's no escape! The reality of this atrocity itself... will be erased from history!"
"They've concocted this sick Murder Game to get rid of us, the natives of this island, so that they can get their hands on the resources here!"
Somewhere on God Valley, a young slave named Ivankov shouted at the people who were running, regardless of slaves or Rabbits.
"Would you believe that the 100 thousand rabbits who live on this island... will all be dead to the last man in just three weeks?!"
"Is this real life, or is this Hell?!"
A desperate slave who clung onto hope tried to retort, "But if we survive the next three weeks, we'll be free..."
Only to get interrupted by a furious Ivankov, who had long seen through the deceptions of the Celestial Dragons, "Stop dreaming, fool!!"
"The number of survivors in all these games combined is ZERO!!"
Wails of shock and disbelief shot through the slaves who were listening to this exchange; another man asked why they would give them this false hope if they'd get killed anyway.
Ivankov told them that this very hope was what was spurring them on to run, to hope to survive, all for their fucking enjoyment, because where's the fun in killing slaves who fall to their knees in abject despair?
Ivankov continued his rallying call, "Don't waste your time dreaming of salvation from this sick game!!"
"We have to escape the game itself!!"
Somewhere else, the game announcer announced something shocking amidst the cries of the dying or injured and dying: "Unbelievable, Saint Figarland Garling has already obtained 100 thousand points!! Is he going after the high-value Rabbits?!"
Back with Ivankov, Ginny, and the other slaves that are trying to escape this cruel fate, A shark-fish fishman helped them remove the shackles, and Ginny revealed the existence of two very powerful devil fruits' presence on this island, potential 'keys' for their escape.
"The prizes for this event are the key to our escape! They've got one of the most powerful Devil Fruits in existence! It allows whoever eats it to transform into a mythical azure dragon!!"
"And also the Paw-Paw Fruit, which allows the user to send others and themselves to distant islands!! They're both here on God Valley!!"
Ivankov butted in with his large head practically glowing with excitement and a desire to escape from this hellhole.
"If any one of us can eat that fruit...the dozens of us here can get past the navy blockade and escape this hell!!"
A shaky voice tried to discourage them with a troubling fact: "B-but the treasures, t-they are in the center of the island!"
Ginny destroys this argument with one of her own, a bright smile spreading along her childish features.
"But I'm a pro at thieving, taping, and transformations!! Two weeks ago, I managed to send a message about the island to the outside!! Maybe someone heard it!!"
"Anyway, we'll need a decoy for our plan."
The hopeful slaves deflated for a moment, but then a young buccaneer raised his hand and confidently proclaimed, "I'll do it!!"
Ivankov was shocked. "Kuma..."
Kuma reasoned, "I'm big and hardy, so I can survive longer than others!! And I don't want to see anyone die anyway."
Ginny was in awe, her face lighting up with a kind and radiant expression as Ivankov grinned widely and said, "Yeehaw, Well said, Kuma!! I won't let them kill ya, let's get off God Valley together!!"
Meanwhile, around God Valley, a few ships of the Marine Blockade got blown up as a huge ship made its way through the gap; it was none other than Rocks D. Xebec and his infamous crew, the Rocks Pirates.
AN: This chapter is a bit shorter than usual, but as you can probably tell, it sets up the perfect cliffhanger. I've got a test tomorrow—wish me luck! See you soon!