After confirming there were no surveillance Den Den Mushi nearby, the ground expanded silently.
A hole opened.
Sabo carefully pushed his head out first, scanning the surroundings. Once he confirmed it was clear, he climbed out.
Moments later, several pitch-black crows flew out of the opening. They circled briefly before merging together, forming Karasu's figure.
"Sabo, Karasu, the rest is up to you," Morley said before sinking back into the ground without hesitation.
Sabo raised his head.
The sight of Mary Geoise unfolded before him.
Even after witnessing the prosperity of Rolan's territory, this place still managed to leave an impression.
Towering palaces stretched across the horizon, their structures grand and imposing. Every building radiated authority. The streets were lined with pristine white stone, polished to perfection, reflecting wealth at an absurd level.
Even this remote part of Mary Geoise felt excessive.
Everything here carried the weight of power.
Footsteps echoed.
A patrol of armored guards marched in formation along the street ahead.
Karasu raised his hand. Several crows formed instantly and flew toward the patrol.
"What is that?"
"Crows? Why are there crows here?"
"They're coming straight at us!"
Gunfire rang out.
Bullets tore through the flock, yet each shattered crow split into more, multiplying rapidly.
"What is this?"
"They won't die!"
The guards panicked.
The swarm expanded, surrounding them completely.
Screams echoed briefly.
Then silence.
When the crows dispersed, nothing remained.
Sabo and Karasu stepped out from the alley, now dressed in the guards' uniforms.
They moved onto the main road.
Walking through Mary Geoise gave them a clearer understanding of its true nature.
It was even more extravagant than Rolan's domain.
But the difference was obvious.
Rolan's territory felt alive. There was prosperity, but no suffocating pressure.
Here, every structure felt oppressive, constantly reminding others of their insignificance.
And beneath that polished surface lay something far worse.
Every inch of this place was built on suffering.
The Celestial Dragons lived above all, treating others as tools or livestock. Behind luxurious walls, countless slaves were likely imprisoned.
The streets themselves were strangely empty.
No crowds. No chaos.
Only guards patrolling in silence.
"This is Mary Geoise," Sabo said quietly, his fist tightening.
Karasu glanced at him. "Focus. Kuma comes first."
Sabo nodded and moved forward.
…
They had not gone far before a group appeared ahead.
The moment Sabo saw them, his body stiffened.
Three Celestial Dragons.
One of them was seated on a massive figure.
"Haha! A Shichibukai makes a perfect mount. Durable, strong, and impossible to break. Even dragging me down the Red Line wouldn't be a problem."
The Celestial Dragon laughed loudly, swinging a hammer and striking the figure beneath him.
As they approached, everyone nearby dropped to their knees.
Sabo remained standing, his gaze locked forward, unmoving.
Karasu reacted instantly, grabbing him and forcing him down.
Both of them trembled with restrained anger.
Because beneath that Celestial Dragon…
Was Bartholomew Kuma.
Below the surface, Morley held Ivankov firmly in place.
"Let go! Kuma is right above us. We can take him now!" Ivankov struggled.
Morley shook her head. "Not yet. You're here to support, not rush in."
Ivankov clenched his teeth but stopped resisting.
He understood the risk.
This was the heart of the World Government. Any mistake meant facing overwhelming force from every direction.
Above them, Sabo and Karasu knelt in silence.
The Celestial Dragon stopped directly in front of them.
Two younger Celestial Dragons stood nearby, their expressions lazy and arrogant.
One sniffed loudly. "Father, taking that mount from that old man was a great move."
The one sitting on Kuma laughed. "Of course. Competing with me? Ridiculous. People like him should know their place."
The other stared at Kuma with envy. "A mount like this… even giants might not compare."
"Only Father deserves something like this."
The praise continued, feeding his ego.
The Celestial Dragon waved casually. "Come up. There's plenty of space."
The two younger ones eagerly climbed onto Kuma's back with the help of guards.
"It's so firm."
"Much better than those weak humans."
Sabo's hands tightened, his nails digging into his palms.
Another strike landed on Kuma's head.
"Hurry up. Since we can't go to the lower world, we'll head to the Spring Blossom House. I wonder if there's something new. That mermaid last time was worth it."
The two younger Celestial Dragons immediately became excited.
"This is amazing."
"Fast and strong."
"Of course," the one in front said proudly. "He's a former Warlord, known as Tyrant Kuma."
He paused, then added with a grin, "He had a woman once, Ginny. Small, but entertaining enough."
That was the breaking point.
Sabo's restraint snapped.
Flames erupted instantly as his body transformed.
A Three-Legged Golden Crow appeared in his place.
===
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