Chapter 58: CP0

(T/N: Please consider reviewing this Fanfic, Thanks and appreciate all who support me)

(T/N: Enjoy!!)

<><><><><><>

Byakuya took the control devices from Saint Estercock, leaving behind only the one for the giant. He tossed the rest to the slaves below. 

"Take your control devices and go to the branch base to wait for questioning. The entire island is under lockdown, and every exit is guarded by the Marine."

"Don't think about escaping because it's impossible. If you get caught trying to leave the island, you will be charged with attempting to harm a Celestial Dragon."

The dozen or so slaves picked up their respective control devices. Whether from kneeling for too long or from sheer excitement, their hands trembled uncontrollably. 

They glanced at Byakuya, standing atop the giant, with complex expressions, filled with unspoken gratitude. 

They had thought their fate was sealed when bought by a Celestial Dragon, expecting only death in their future.

But now, unexpectedly, they had a chance to escape from the clutches of the Celestial Dragons. 

Byakuya had only mentioned taking them to the base for questioning, without promising freedom, but that still seemed far better than returning to Mary Geoise to face certain death. 

Byakuya's last statement, which seemed like a warning against escape, was a hint: 'Now was not the time to flee as the docks were heavily guarded'. 

Everyone grasped this subtle message, except for Saint Estercock, who, as a Celestial Dragon, considered himself a 'god,' not a mere human.

The fourteen slaves, holding their control devices, quietly walked towards the branch base without supervision. 

They could have taken the chance to remove their collars and escape, but they chose to trust Byakuya's words, foregoing what might have been their only opportunity to flee. 

Byakuya's act of drawing his sword against a Celestial Dragon had convinced them that he might be their savior, leading them to this choice.

Aokiji watched, surprised, as the slaves headed toward the base without attempting to escape. 

They chose to believe Byakuya over seizing their chance for freedom. Aokiji realized Byakuya's intention when he demanded the control devices from Saint Estercock. 

Byakuya wanted to save these slaves, even at the risk of severe punishment for drawing a sword against a Celestial Dragon. 

This was something Aokiji had once considered but never dared to do, choosing instead to avoid dealing with the Celestial Dragons entirely.

Byakuya's actions were a revelation for Aokiji. He squinted slightly, looking at Byakuya with newfound respect. His junior was not a simple character.

CP0 arrived only ten minutes after Aokiji. They wore the standard white suits and various masks of the CP organization. 

There were seven of them, led by a man wearing a sun god mask, standing nearly three meters tall, exuding an intimidating presence.

Upon arrival, they ignored Aokiji and Byakuya, surrounding Saint Estercock instead. The man in the sun mask asked respectfully, "Saint Estercock, are you alright?"

"I'm fine," Saint Estercock replied. Seeing the CP organization arrive, he felt a sense of relief.

 Unlike the Marine, CP's primary role, aside from executing special government tasks, was to protect the 'World Nobles,' the Celestial Dragons. 

Therefore, Celestial Dragons trusted CP agents more than the Marines.

Despite wanting to report Byakuya's threat, Saint Estercock remembered Byakuya's fierce gaze and the slash that split the clouds, making him shudder involuntarily.

Forget it. It's better to avoid trouble. I'll just stay in Mary Geoise from now on. Saint Estercock had chickened out. 

After confirming Saint Estercock's safety, the man in the sun god mask approached Byakuya and Aokiji. 

"Admiral Aokiji, I am a special agent from CP0. You can call me Reikyu." 

CP0 agents? They are the superiors of CP1-CP9, known as the "strongest shield of the Celestial Dragons," and are among the world's top fighters, mainly responsible for protecting the Celestial Dragons.

The CP agents Byakuya encountered before, who were protecting Harris, were likely from CP1-CP9. 

They could handle regular pirates but were no match for Byakuya. However, this Reikyu seemed much stronger. 

Although they hadn't fought, Byakuya guessed his strength was around that of a Marine Vice Admiral and there were eight people stronger than him in CP0. 

It seemed the Celestial Dragons' strongest shield was indeed formidable. But this made sense. 

The Celestial Dragons possessed the world's greatest wealth and power. 

Over the years, they had collected countless Devil Fruits, selecting the most powerful ones for their loyal subordinates to consume, ensuring their protection. 

It was normal for them to cultivate extremely strong followers over generations. 

Even if Reikyu's strength was at the level of a Marine Admiral, Byakuya could understand. 

After all, the Admiral level was their peak, while his peak was as vast as the stars, making any comparison pointless.

After understanding the situation, Reikyu asked Byakuya in a displeased tone, "Why didn't you pursue the attacker and try to rescue Palace Mapelseciel?" 

To Reikyu, Palace Mapelseciel had a higher status among the Celestial Dragons than Saint Estercock. 

He would have preferred Saint Estercock to be kidnapped rather than the current situation.

Hearing Reikyu's questioning tone, Byakuya replied irritably, 

"Are you out of your mind? If I had gone after the attacker and Saint Estercock was attacked again, would you take responsibility for that?" 

"You!" Reikyu's years of cultivated composure nearly shattered. He hadn't expected a mere Marine Rear Admiral to speak to him in such a tone.

However, he couldn't openly state that Palace Mapelseciel was more important than Saint Estercock. 

Hearing this, Saint Estercock felt a rush of warmth, like he had been drenched in honey. 

Despite the Marine Rear Admiral's rudeness, he still cared about his safety. His resentment towards Byakuya eased significantly. 

On the other hand, Reikyu, who was supposed to protect him, seemed more concerned about the higher-ranking Palace Mapelseciel. 

This logic was lost on the Marines, who didn't understand the hierarchy among the Celestial Dragons. 

But Saint Estercock understood it well, and his resentment towards Reikyu grew.

<End Chapter>

If you want to support me, join my patr**on. Have 10 advanced Chapters for you guys.

patr**n.com/saitamablast > OP:OPM NOVEL TIER