Chapter One: The Path of Shadows(rewritten-version )

Ethan's Introspection

Almost 3 years had passed since that fateful visit to the auction house. Now ten years old, Ethan Mars had grown both in stature and wisdom. Standing at 5'1", with striking blue eyes and black hair, he was a serene and somewhat mysterious presence despite his young age; maybe this was because of the way his childhood developed.. His mind was a whirlwind of thoughts as he reflected on what he has done these last 2 and a half years so far..

In the first two years, Ethan's grandfather and tutors had focused on teaching him the recent history and politics of the Grand Line. He learned about the various factions, the power struggles, and the significant events that had shaped their world. The lessons were intense and thorough, ensuring that Ethan was well-prepared for the responsibilities that lay ahead.

Ethan's hatred for pirates remained a driving force in his life. He blamed them for his parents' deaths and saw them as a scourge that needed to be eradicated. However, his understanding of the world had deepened, and he knew that simply hating them wasn't enough. He needed to be strategic, to learn and grow stronger.

Marcus's perspective 

Marcus Mars watched his grandson's progress with a mixture of pride and satisfaction. Ethan was shaping up to be everything he had hoped for—a strong, intelligent, and capable successor. Marcus had personally overseen Ethan's training, ensuring that the boy was well-versed in both the intellectual and physical aspects of their legacy.

"Ethan," Marcus said one day as they trained together, "You have shown great promise. But remember, our enemies are cunning. You must always be vigilant, always prepared to safeguard your safety and future."

"Yes, Grandfather," Ethan replied, his voice steady and confident. He had grown accustomed to the rigorous training regime, which now included basic exercises five days a week for two hours each day. pirates, bounty hunters, and slave traders. Ethan Mars, a ten-year-old Celestial Dragon, stepped off the ship with an air of indifference. His eyes took in the chaotic beauty of the place – an exotic, dangerous playground for the elite.

His interest in swordsmanship had also blossomed from a simple hobby that he practiced from time to time to an activity that he carried out every weekday and sometimes even on Saturdays when he felt he was about to make progress in swordsmanship. his training, leading Marcus to extend his contract with Vice Admiral Kael, an expert in the art of the sword, to continue training Ethan in the way of the sword.

Ethan's lack of empathy for common people was well-known among the Celestial Dragons; actually it was growing with his age though the other Celestials Dragons about Ethan´ lack of empathy . He viewed the world through a lens of superiority, seeing the "untouchables" as mere tools for amusement. Despite his young age, he was already entrenched in the toxic culture of his lineage.

As he wandered through the crowded streets of Sabaody, his mind was preoccupied with thoughts of the upcoming auction. He had visited this place three years ago, and it left a lasting impression on him, not because of the people but because of the power dynamics at play.

The Auction House

Ethan entered the grand auction house, its opulence contrasting sharply with the misery of those about to be sold. He refused to wear the bubble mask that most Celestial Dragons donned, much to the chagrin of his peers.

"Why aren't you wearing a bubble mask again, Ethan Mars?" one of the older Celestial Dragons sneered.

"Yes, as noble Celestial Dragons, we should not breathe the same air as the untouchables," another added.

"They've all polluted the air!" someone else chimed in.

"Hmph, I really want to kill all these untouchables!" a particularly vicious voice declared.

Ethan shrugged off their comments. He found the bubble masks ridiculous and didn't care about the supposed contamination of the air. To him, the masks were just another symbol of their absurd arrogance.

"Tsk!" Ethan dismissed the remarks, focusing on the auction list instead.

The other Celestial Dragons, sensing his indifference, eventually dropped the subject. They knew better than to press Ethan on matters he found trivial.

As Ethan scanned the auction roster, his eyes widened slightly when he saw the names Boa Hancock, Boa Sandersonia, and Boa Marigold. These were the same sisters he had seen three years ago, captured from the Nine Snake Island ship. He felt a strange mixture of curiosity and indifference about those sister –curiosity about why they were at the auction again and indifference to their plight, but there was also that strange feeling for Boa Hancock perhaps due to the first impression she left on him more than 2 years ago when he saw her for the first time..

The starting price for the trio was 5 million Beli. The Celestial Dragons around him scoffed at the figure.

"The starting bid is 5 million? That's too expensive for those girls," one said.

"Five bundles, this is a crazy attempt to make money!" another added.

"This sister is more refined in appearance, but that's it. I don't know how many slaves I can buy with 5 million Baileys who have good looks and good figures," someone commented.

Ethan, however, was intrigued. He remembered the challenge in Hancock's eyes from three years ago. It was a stark contrast to the broken spirits of the other slaves, and that defiance was still present in those blue eyes, but this time they were not so blue and he could detect a trace of fear in them.

"No, I want them!" Ethan declared flatly in front of all the other Celestial Dragrons.

The surrounding Celestial Dragons exchanged looks of surprise.

"Hahaha, Ethan is too young, and his aesthetics are not yet mature," one of them laughed.

"That's right, ten years old really doesn't have much knowledge," another agreed.

Ignoring their jibes, Ethan raised his hand and called the auction manager. "I want these three people,!Ten million Beli!" Ethan shouted.

The manager's eyes lit up with greed. "They are yours!" he announced gleefully.

Before the auction could officially start, Ethan secured his purchase. He knew he had privileges that allowed him to bypass the regular bidding process. His offer of five million Baileys was more than the manager had hoped for.

"Ethan Mars, do you need to inspect the goods now?" the manager asked.

Ethan nodded. He wasn't interested in anything else on the roster. He was curious about the sisters, especially Hancock.

The Celestial Dragons behind him smirked knowingly as Ethan followed the manager to the inspection room.

Inspection Room

In this auction, cages contained slaves - men women and child from all corners of the world. Fill the air was electric with anticipation, weighty fear hanging over everyone.The three Boa sisters were huddled in a corner of the pen. Marigold and Sandersonia clung around their older sister, their red eyes discolored with tears."Sister," said Sandersonia in a voice no louder than a whisper, "Are we going to die?""I don't wanna be a slave, Sister, "Marigold wailed.Hancock, determined to hold on for their sakes, put a smile on her face. "We will be fine," she said, somehow.

She held her tightly and searched for words of comfort. "Think about it, who among us three girls would dare to be interested in this? These Celestial Dragons prefer powerful pirates or women with good looks and appearances. We do not meet these two criteria!"

The tears of her sisters subsided a little. Hancock's logic seemed sound to them. Suddenly, the door to the backstage area opened. The auction manager walked in and walked straight towards her cage. "Congratulations, children. Our esteemed Celestial Dragon has taken a liking to you especially and purchased for the 3 oof you, he has especial interest for you Hancock but your sisters do not meet the usual criteria of heavenly dragons so their life probably depends on your behavior Hancock, I'm telling you this as a counsel, Hancock don't reveal yourself against the heavenly dragons no one ever achieved it. 

The sisters' eyes widened in horror.

"Well let's take them to these adults so they can take a look!" ordered their leader.

Several female staff members opened the cage and dragged the sisters out. Hancock's heart pounded as he tried to remain calm for his sisters.

As they were led to the inspection room, the manager leaned in close to Hancock. "I know I told you before, but you really have to remember that for the sake of the lives of you three sisters, you'd better cooperate when the goods are inspected later," he whispered in her ears.

Hancock glared at him, her hands clenched into fists. But she knew she had to remain calm for her sisters.

Inside the inspection room, Ethan stood waiting. He observed the room's layout and realized why the other Celestial Dragons had smirked. It was a room designed for "inspection" with the most perverse connotations.

When Ethan saw Hancock, his eyes locked onto her. She stood defiantly, her gaze never wavering.

The manager invited Ethan into the room. "All of them are in good condition. No disease or damage. Now you can inspect the goods."

Ethan nodded and went in. The Boa sisters shivered slightly as she was pushed forward. Hancock stepped forward to defend his sisters.

Ethan watched her closely. She was now 14 and her beauty was beginning to blossom. Despite her fear, there was a glint of defiance in her eyes that captivated him.

"I'm Ethan Mars, grandson of Marcus Mars," he introduced himself. "From now on, you are my property. Understood?"

Hancock's jaw tightened, but she nodded. She had no choice.

"Now we are going to my family property in Mary Geoise follow me," Ethan announced.

Time Skip: The Next Day in the morning

Back in Mary Geoise, Ethan was in his grandfather's grand office, recounting his purchase.

"Why did you buy those girls?" Marcus Mars asked, his piercing gaze fixed on his grandson.

Ethan shrugged. "The pretty girl with blue eyes caught my attention, I remember seeing her about 3 or so years ago. I was curious to know why she was there again, in fact I intend to ask her later."

Marcus nodded thoughtfully. "Curiosity can be dangerous. There are times when you'd rather never have discovered things you discovered because of that curiosity of yours, Ethan. Remember that."

Ethan didn't respond. He was not interested in his grandfather's wisdom. 

His attention was focused on the peculiar feeling Hancock had awakened in him.

Later, Ethan sent Sandersonia and Marigold to clean up the backyard. I didn't know what to do with them, I only bought them because they came in a package with Hancock. His real interest was in Hancock.