Chapter 70: The Vinsmoke Family

The effects of the Judgment Strike's paralysis wore off as Vinsmoke Judge slowly rose to his feet. He didn't scream for help, nor did he panic—a display of composure befitting the ruler of a kingdom.

"Who are you?! My soldiers would never betray me! Besides…" Judge's gaze swept over the shimmering golden, translucent barrier surrounding them. Its defensive capabilities were evident. "I don't recall any of my soldiers being Devil Fruit users!"

"Hmm, since you're willing to talk, things will go more smoothly. King Judge—or rather... the fugitive scientist from an illegal research team, Vinsmoke Judge," Wright said calmly.

"..." Judge was silent for a moment. His past was no secret to those who sought the information. But why had this intruder emphasized it?

"Are you after my research? If you know about me, then you should be aware—I'm far from being a defenseless scientist."

Clang!

From nowhere, Judge produced a long spear crackling with electricity. His tone turned stern. "I'll ask again—who are you?"

"Tsk tsk..." Wright shrugged, glancing at the Germa soldier's uniform he wore. "Your Majesty Judge, you even keep your battle suit on at all times? How cautious… or should I say, guilty conscience?

"Though I dislike solving things physically, it seems we'll have to fight it out before we can talk. Lucky for me, I was prepared for this." Wright gestured to the barrier. "This 'arena'? Even I can't break it."

"You think you've already won?!" Judge shouted as he planted his spear into the ground, golden electricity surging to its tip before he lunged forward.

"Electromagnetic Thrust!"

A surge of violent golden lightning shot toward Wright with Judge's thrust. However, by the time it landed, Wright was already gone.

"Light Speed!"

Reappearing beside Judge, Wright swung the standard-issue longsword from a Germa soldier with both hands. The blade cut horizontally, slashing at Judge's arm.

Clang!

Ineffective! The regular-grade Armament Haki couldn't pierce through Germa's specialized combat suit.

"Armament Enhancement!" Judge's eyes narrowed as he identified Wright's Armament Haki. In the East Blue? This man was no ordinary foe.

Judge used the spear to vault himself into the air, his boots emitting high-pressure energy blasts.

"Explosive Flying Kick!"

A swift kick, nearly imperceptible to the naked eye, aimed straight for Wright. But Wright smirked—he liked this style of attack too. Armament Haki enveloped his leg as he turned the blade for leverage and countered with a sweeping kick.

"Judgment Strike!"

Boom!

The force exploded outward like a bomb. Yet the golden barrier held firm, without even a flicker.

Judge frowned. Earlier, when that kick had sent him flying, he'd noticed something unusual about the opponent's technique. Despite his precautions, this kick's impact was far less powerful than anticipated.

"Holding back, are you?" Wright's mocking voice reached Judge's ears, further darkening his expression.

"Enough talk!" Judge roared, brandishing his spear with ferocious speed. Lightning-infused stabs and electrically charged kicks lit up the arena as he clashed with Wright.

After dozens of exchanges, Judge was visibly winded. Wright, unfazed, observed him. "Had enough? Your repertoire isn't very impressive—just a few tricks relying on your battle suit. Without it, your strength is no better than an elite soldier's."

Judge's lack of physical modification left his base combat abilities far below his genetically enhanced sons.

"Since you know you can't beat me, shall we sit down and have a proper talk?" Wright glanced around, noting the destruction left in their wake. The furniture was in ruins. "Er… we can stand and talk if you prefer."

"..." Judge's brow furrowed as he assessed the bizarre man before him. Was he an enemy of the World Government? A pirate? Or perhaps a Marine?

"What do you want to know?" Judge leaned on his spear, stealing another glance at the golden barrier. His lips twitched—it was flawless. The intruder had maintained this level of confinement while only using a basic Germa longsword. Clearly, he had been toying with Judge.

"Why did you come to the East Blue when you were doing fine in the North Blue?" Wright asked casually, leaning against the barrier. "What did the Kingdom of Cozia do to provoke you?"

"You plan to defend this kingdom? A royal remnant, perhaps?"

"Think what you want. Just answer the question."

"Hmph!" Judge slammed his spear to the ground, producing a sharp clang. "Isn't it obvious? Germa 66 is a kingdom of war, a mercenary nation! As long as the price is right, coming to the East Blue to destroy a kingdom is nothing unusual."

"Do you think I'm an idiot?" Wright's voice turned sharp. "Since that incident over a decade ago, the East Blue has been regarded as a 'symbol of peace' by the Marines. It's under tighter surveillance than any other sea. The Marine forces here may not be the strongest, but their monitoring is unparalleled. Any large-scale movement by Germa would be noticed immediately.

"Destroying a kingdom? Even just showing up in the East Blue with your army should've had the Marines on high alert. But here you are, after wiping out an entire nation, and they haven't reacted at all. Your employer must have considerable influence."

Judge squinted. "You seem well-informed. I'm growing increasingly curious about your identity…"

"Germa, a war kingdom and mercenary army, is branded by the world as an 'evil army.' And yet, you're a member nation of the World Government and attend the Reverie. Why?"

"Because we don't just engage in regular wars." Judge's grin turned sinister. "We also take jobs from the World Government—subjugating non-affiliated nations, rebellious members, or Government enemies.

"This time, we came to the East Blue on the direct orders of the Celestial Dragons. Completing this mission will bring Germa immense rewards, pushing me closer to reclaiming my glory.

"Understand now? No matter who you are, stop meddling, and I'll forget this ever happened. Otherwise, the wrath of the Celestial Dragons is beyond your comprehension!"

"Ah, I see…" Wright fell silent, his tone turning cold. "So the Marines ignore you, and the World Government turns a blind eye…"

"Vinsmoke Judge… I know more about you than you think.

"War, vengeance, genetic engineering, clones—you've plunged deeper into madness with every step. Modifying even your own children… you are unworthy of being a king or a father!

"Your sins…" Wright's voice grew icy as he saw Judge's stunned, incredulous expression. "The one who left you is the sole reason you'll keep your life today."

"Impossible! How do you know that?!" Judge roared, his face drenched in cold sweat.

"You don't need to know," Wright replied coldly. "There's a technique I thought I'd never use. But seeing you and your deeds, past and future…"

"Repent. And embrace the Holy Light!"

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