Looking for someone

Early the next morning, while Nicholas and Shakky were having breakfast prepared by Rayleigh, a group of men in black suits entered the bar.

These men had cold, well-trained eyes, and it was evident from the bulges under their suits that they were armed, clearly professionals.

However, neither Nicholas, Shakky or Rayleigh paid much attention to these men.

"Sir."

One of the men, obviously the leader, approached Nicholas obsequiously.

"Sir, Mr. Bedeck would like you to come over. The matter you instructed has encountered some trouble."

Approaching Nicholas, the man in black whispered.

"Oh? Trouble?"

Nicholas calmly asked as he picked up a piece of fried egg with his chopsticks.

"Yes, trouble. Mr. Bedeck had almost finished negotiating, but suddenly the other party requested to see you. Mr. Bedeck is now being detained by them."

The man seemed to ponder for a moment before speaking earnestly.

Nicholas raised an eyebrow, a hint of a mysterious smile playing on his lips.

In the Sabaody Archipelago, given Bedeck's status, whoever managed to detain him must be quite formidable.

"Alright, lead the way! I want to see who dares to detain my subordinate!"

Without much hesitation, Nicholas declared.

He exchanged a few words with Shakky before heading out.

Shakky simply glanced up before returning to her breakfast. Rayleigh's cooking skills had noticeably improved, especially his egg frying technique.

As for Nicholas's safety, Shakky wasn't worried. In the Sabaody Archipelago, there was no one who could be his match.

As one of the top forces on the sea, he was basically fearless!

Silently, the men led Nicholas to a bustling area of Sabaody, where they stopped in front of a magnificent clubhouse.

It was a five-story lavish building exuding the scent of money from inside out. Even the line of elegantly dressed hostesses at the entrance was enough to deter those with less than ample pockets.

Next to the clubhouse flew a flag bearing a family crest, further dispelling any inappropriate thoughts.

"Sir, Mr. Bedeck is inside. Please come in!"

Led by the lead man in black, Nicholas soon arrived at the end of a corridor. The man in black pushed open the door and gestured for Nicholas to enter.

Stepping inside, Nicholas couldn't help but marvel at the dazzling lights that greeted him. The brightness was comparable to daylight outside.

Soon, Nicholas took in his surroundings.

The space was vast, with an indoor swimming pool resembling a small beach. A dozen or so women frolicked in swimsuits.

On the beach, two men sat on chairs. One of them was Bedeck, while the other surprised Nicholas.

Sitting on a high-end custom-made beach chair was a man with an air of arrogance, disdain, and condescension in his eyes.

With a bubble on his head and wearing a protective suit resembling a spacesuit, his identity was clear.

A Celestial Dragon!

"Hello, the boss behind Mr. Bedeck, welcome."

A mild but prideful voice emanated from the Celestial Dragon.

Nicholas remained silent, squinting his eyes, clearly curious about why the Celestial Dragon wanted to see him.

"As a favor, I allow you to sit in front of me."

The Celestial Dragon's attitude was lofty, as if allowing someone to sit in front of him was a great favor.

As soon as he finished speaking, a man in black suits approached, leading a beautiful woman with golden hair. At the end of the iron chain was a key to control an explosive collar around her neck.

Once brought to Nicholas's side, the woman kneeled on the ground, hands supporting her, becoming a makeshift chair.

Nicholas didn't hesitate to sit down.

To Celestial Dragons, many people were not considered individuals but tools. Once they lost their usefulness, they were not far from being scrapped.

"Speak up, why did you summon me?"

Nicholas glanced at Bedeck before turning to the Celestial Dragon, asking directly.

Despite mentioning Nicholas's name, the Celestial Dragon's face lit up with a smile, as if everything was within his grasp.

Although Nicholas's name was mentioned, he remained silent, waiting patiently.

"I am here to propose a cooperation with you."

Despite his inner displeasure, the Celestial Dragon suppressed it for the sake of the goal.

However, his impression of Nicholas was quite negative.

"Cooperation?"

"Yes, I am interested in your weapons business. As far as I know, Sea Prism Stone, which seems to be produced only in Wano, is involved in large-scale arms trading between Kaido and the World Government. And according to my investigation, you are not Kaido's partner. So it seems that only another powerful pirate occupying the seas of Wano has such strength. Am I right, Mr. Nicholas?"

After mentioning Nicholas's name, the Celestial Dragon smiled, as if everything was under his control.

Although Nicholas's name was mentioned, he remained silent, waiting patiently.

"I have no interest."

Nicholas replied directly, not interested in being like Doflamingo, who wanted to become the king of the underworld.

"Do you know what you're refusing, Nicholas?"

The Celestial Dragon's anger flared. Nicholas's refusal angered him greatly.

"I've said it before, I'm not interested!"

"Say one more word of nonsense, and I'll kill you on the spot! And make sure the person I want is sent to me. Understand?"

Nicholas's tone became icy.

A chilling aura swept through the room, causing everyone to freeze. The men in black surrounding the Celestial Dragon immediately tensed up, quickly standing in front of him.

Facing Nicholas's unabashed killing intent, the Celestial Dragon's teeth chattered, clearly frightened.

But soon, realizing what was happening, the Celestial Dragon's eyes turned red with anger. He abruptly stood up, about to explode in rage, but seeing Nicholas's cold gaze, he sat back down dejectedly.

"Understood, I can have the person you want sent to you now."

Then, the Celestial Dragon instructed his men, and soon a beautiful woman with flowing golden hair, along with the key to control the explosive collar, was handed over to Bedeck.

Once Nicholas and his group left, and the guards were dismissed, the Celestial Dragon could no longer suppress his anger. He violently smashed the glass headgear representing his Celestial Dragon status onto the ground.

The force was so great that it even cracked the specially made headgear.

"Despite our noble lineage, we're still treated like caged pigs!"

"Claiming to be descendants of the creators, yet unable to wield power!"

"Wait and see, you, whoever you are, I will one day pull you down from your throne and make you kneel beneath me!"

After venting his frustration, the Celestial Dragon picked up the headgear from the ground and put it back on. Then, he glanced in the direction of Mary Geoise and left silently.