The North Blue.
A massive slave ship cut through the cold sea, its hull rising and falling with the rolling waves.
The vast deck was crowded with black iron cages—each cramd with n, won, and children. Weeks of confinent and salt air had left the captives sared with blood and filth. The planks beneath them were slick with gri, the stench of excrent and decay so thick that even the icy northern wind couldn’t sweep it away.
But unlike the starved slaves trafficked across other seas, these prisoners were strong and defiant. The n were broad-shouldered, their muscles taut beneath bruised skin. The won were strikingly beautiful, their eyes fierce even in exhaustion.
Though bound by chains, they still struggled, snarling their hatred through clenched teeth.
"Damn you!"
"Release us!"
"When I’m free, I’ll gut every last one of you!"
"I’ll tear your heads off!"
Their voices rasped from dry throats, the sound like grinding steel. The air itself seed to hum with murderous intent. If hatred could kill, the man at the prow of the ship—the slave trader in the purple top hat—would have long since been torn apart.
"Tsk, tsk, tsk," he clicked his tongue, surveying the cages with thinly veiled delight. "Such fine specins. The nobles will find that fire in their eyes... most entertaining."
The middle-aged trader was draped in gaudy finery, his silken robe fluttering in the sea wind, jeweled rings flashing on every finger. Flanked by ard guards, he strode between the cages, stepping daintily to avoid the puddles of filth that might soil his polished boots.
"Give them all a good wash," he said, inhaling deeply as though the freezing air were fine perfu. "Can’t have their Excellencies offended by the sll."
"And make sure they’re well-fed. at and fruit every day. I don’t want them looking half-dead when we arrive."
"Yes, Excellency!" the guards barked in unison before hurrying off.
The trader turned to the slaves and spread his arms theatrically. "See? I treat you better than most peasants eat in a lifeti! at and fruit! Hahaha!"
His booming laughter drew another chorus of curses and clattering chains. Smirking, he left the deck and entered the ship’s cabin.
Inside, the contrast was obscene. Warm air filled the space, perfud and bright. A fireplace crackled with imported wood, soft carpets swallowed his footsteps, and ornate carvings glowed in the lamplight.
At the far end, near the fire, stood a single larger cage lined with furs. Three young girls huddled together inside, pale faces turned toward the intruder.
"Good afternoon, my lovely flowers," he crooned with a mock bow. "Do you like your special suite?"
The oldest girl—no more than ten—stepped forward, shielding the other two with her arms. Her black hair frad sharp, furious eyes, and her voice trembled with fury rather than fear.
"We’re mbers of the Kuja Pirates!" she spat. "You’ll pay for this! The Kuja Pirates will never forgive you!"
Unlike her terrified sisters, she stood her ground.
The trader threw back his head and laughed until tears welled in his eyes. "You think your little band of won can touch ?"
He gestured proudly toward the banner above the fireplace—a flag emblazoned with the symbol of the World Governnt. "See that? I’m a licensed slave trader, sanctioned by the World Governnt itself. Even Doflamingo, that underworld king, wouldn’t dare cross !"
The na ca out like poison. His grin faltered, and for a heartbeat, fear flashed behind his eyes. "That bastard Doflamingo..." he muttered under his breath, rembering sothing he’d rather not.
He quickly forced the thought away and turned back to the girl.
Her glare burned with fury, her delicate features twisted in rage—but her beauty was disarming, almost ethereal. For a mont, he forgot to breathe.
He pinched his thigh sharply, dragging himself back to his senses. She’s barely ten... and already this beautiful.
What would she look like in a few years?
His pulse quickened. A treasure like this could earn everything—fortune, nobility, power.
For a fleeting instant, he imagined keeping her for himself, hidden from the world. But greed won out. No... when I have wealth and status, I can have anyone I want.
He smoothed his silk sleeve, his grin returning, hungry and triumphant.
Maybe the Celestial Dragons will even make a noble.
Then I’ll be like the King of the North Blue... ruling my own sea.
To be continued...
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