Chapter 215: Heavenly Tribute

Extra Chapter~

Enies Lobby, also known as the Judicial Island, is established by the World Government. It is home to a famous but largely symbolic court; anyone sent to Enies Lobby is already considered a criminal.

After returning to Enies Lobby, the members of CP9 wore expressions of extreme displeasure. 

This was their first major defeat in their careers, and even Lucci had been taken away by the Whitebeard Pirates.

A man with short purple hair, a dark nose bridge, and conspicuous dark circles under his eyes, with a face partially covered by a mask, frowned at the six CP9 members.

Spandam, the head of the World Government's secret intelligence agency CP9, was their superior.

"Where's Lucci?"

"Have the blueprints been brought back?"

The six remained silent, their sharp gazes fixed on Spandam.

Spandam was taken aback by their intense stares, his heart pounding.

"Lucci was taken away by the White Demon Pirates. The blueprints couldn't be acquired."

Blueno's deep voice spoke up.

"What?!"

"Lucci was taken away?"

"Then what are you doing here? Go rescue Lucci!"

At this moment, the CP9 members struggled to suppress their urge to attack Spandam, questioning why the World Government had appointed such a fool as their superior.

The White Demon Pirates, a powerful crew that had severely injured an admiral and slaughtered the Seven Warlords of the Sea, saw them as insignificant.

"Sir, the White Demon Pirates are not ordinary pirates. Even if we deployed everyone, we wouldn't be a match for them."

"We were knocked out the moment White Demon struck us."

"I suggest you inform the Navy instead."

Spandam was enraged, his finger trembling as he pointed at them.

"You idiots!"

When Lucci was around, Spandam dared not say much to CP9. Lucci was known for his volatile temper and was called a 'Massacre Weapon' making Spandam fear for his life due to his inherent dread of Lucci.

But what kind of worthless scum were these people, daring to defy his orders!

"Prepare to face the government's punishment!"

Spandam roared angrily before storming into an office to contact the figures at Mary Geoise via a Den Den Mushi.

Upon waking, Lucci wore a sullen expression.

"Don't waste your effort; you won't be able to escape this."

Ryujiro, reclining in a chair, spoke lazily. The rope was made of his spiritual energy, making it nearly impossible for Lucci to escape.

"What do you intend to do with me?"

After several failed attempts, Lucci asked darkly.

Ryujiro did not respond immediately. Instead, he stood up and looked at Lucci with a smile.

"Don't worry, I won't harm you. I'm just a bit interested in you."

"What's so good about following the World Government and becoming their tool?"

"Why not join me and turn this world upside down?"

Lucci faced Ryujiro without any fear, sneering coldly.

"Heh, join you pirates?"

"Dream on!"

"Unless I'm dead, you'll never get me to follow you!"

Ryujiro sighed regretfully, a cold glint in his eyes. "It's a pity; you never had a choice from the beginning."

Buzz—

At that moment, Lucci's body trembled involuntarily. As he gazed into Ryujiro's eyes, which were as brilliant as the cosmos, his focus gradually wavered.

His steadfast will grew increasingly feeble.

Ryujiro appreciated Lucci but did not bother to persuade him to join. Instead, he opted for a simpler method, finding it surprisingly easy to alter will and spirit.

Once the mental modification was successful, Lucci's eyes regained their shine, but his previous disdain for Ryujiro had transformed into awe. 

He respectfully spoke, "Captain."

Snap—

With a snap of his fingers, the rope made of spiritual energy vanished.

Perona, floating in the air, was struck with fear.

What had Ryujiro just done?

In such a short time, the man who had previously looked at Ryujiro with disdain now regarded him with reverence and called him "Captain"?

It was terrifying.

What a fearsome method.

If Ryujiro were to use it on me...

Perona felt a chill run down her spine.

"Captain."

Kun emerged from the cabin, walking slowly over.

"We'll reach the Sabaody Archipelago in three days."

"But I'm worried."

Ryujiro looked up at Kun.

"Worried about what?"

"That place is the closest to Mary Geoise. I'm concerned that the World Government and the Navy might be waiting for us there."

Kun said gravely.

An ambush by the Navy and the World Government?

Ryujiro pondered for a moment before asking Kun, "Are you afraid?"

"If the Navy and the World Government ambush us, what will you do?"

Kun's eyes flashed with determination. "I'm not afraid! I'll fight alongside the Captain!"

Hearing this, Ryujiro couldn't help but laugh lightly. He stood up and patted Kun on the shoulder. "That's enough."

"It's just the Marines and the World Government. Hopefully, they'll send someone who can provide me with a bit of entertainment."

Ryujiro gazed into the distance.

Suddenly, a luxurious ship appeared on their side, its surface gilded and studded with gems of various colors.

On either side of this ship were naval warships.

Ryujiro squinted. A ship escorted by naval warships and this lavish—could it be transporting Heavenly Tribute?

Heavenly Tribute is a tribute that allied nations of the World Government must offer to the Celestial Dragons each year. 

It is delivered to Mary Geoise under the protection of government naval ships.

The Celestial Dragons are the most esteemed nobles in the pirate world, descendants of the 20 kings who established the World Government 800 years ago. 

They consider themselves "descendants of Gods" and disdain sharing the same air as commoners, wearing bubble helmets.

They can make anyone their slave. If someone offends a Celestial Dragon or attacks one, the Navy Headquarters will dispatch admirals.

On the Heavenly Tribute ship, a Celestial Dragon with thick lips, a fat build, and a hideously ugly bubble helmet was whipping a nearly dead slave on the deck.

"Trash! It's an honor for you to be my slave!"

"How dare you, a lowly commoner, defy me!"

Wham—! Wham—!

Another whip struck the slave. The slave, already bloodied and unmoving, had actually just died moments before.

"Damn slave, you've soiled my hands!"

"Throw him overboard!"

"Yes, Saint Charlos!"

The Celestial Dragon's attendants threw the corpse into the sea, and one of them spoke quietly to Saint Charlos. 

"Saint Charlos, there is a pirate ship ahead. Should we navigate around it?"

"Huh?!"

"What are you saying!"

"It's just a pirate ship, and you want me to change course!"

Bang—!

Saint Charlos fired a shot from his golden pistol at the attendant's head, blood splattering on the deck.

The Celestial Dragons' style of doing things is always like this; the lives of ordinary people are even less valuable than their pets in their eyes.

Saint Charlos's eyes lit up upon seeing the imposing Golden Ark ship ahead!

"That ship! That ship!"

"I want that ship! You! Go have the Navy approach and eliminate the pirates on board!"

"That ship belongs to me. These lowly pirates don't deserve to have it!"

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