North Blue.

A massive slave ship cruised steadily across the sea.

The expansive deck was packed tight with black iron cages, each imprisoning one or more slaves. After a long voyage and without any sanitation, the slaves' bodies were smeared with blood and filth. The entire deck reeked—a rancid mix of excrement, sweat, and the stench of blood. Even the icy winds of the North Blue couldn't drive it away.

But unlike many slaves across the world, these weren't emaciated or withered. On the contrary, they were healthy and strong. The men had thick, knotted muscles, and the women possessed striking beauty.

Even shackled in cages with their wrists bound in iron, they bared their teeth in fury, hurling curses as they violently struggled. The sound of chains clanged sharply in the air.

"Bastards!"

"Let us out!!"

"When I get out of here, I'll slaughter every one of you!!"

"I'll rip your heads clean off!!"

...

The deck echoed with angry, hoarse, even venom-laced howls.

If looks could kill, those bloodshot eyes filled with pure hatred and bloodlust would have torn the slave trader standing at the bow into pieces a hundred times over.

"Tsk, tsk... They're in perfect shape... Yes, yes, that vicious glare—that's exactly what the nobles enjoy the most."

The slave trader was a middle-aged man with thinning gray hair and gray eyes.

He wore extravagant robes of silk, a purple formal hat perched on his head, and both hands weighed down with rings set with flashy gemstones.

Flanked by a dozen guards, he looked on with satisfaction at the slaves caged before him, lips curled in smug delight.

He strolled slowly toward the towering wall of cages, carefully avoiding the dirt and blood on the floor to keep his boots clean. His nose twitched slightly as the cold North Blue wind tugged at his robe, making it ripple. He chuckled.

"Wash them all down. We can't have their stench offending the noble noses of our masters."

"And keep the food rations steady. Every meal should include plenty of meat and fruit. We're almost at the destination, and I don't want them looking weak or sick."

"Did you hear me?"

He barked commands with a smug air of authority.

"Yes, sir!"

The guards surrounding him bowed respectfully and rushed to carry out his orders.

Only then did the slave trader turn back to the caged slaves, grinning wide.

"See how well I treat you?"

"Meat and fruit—better meals than what peasants in most countries ever get to eat on this sea... Hahahaha!!"

His laugh once again sparked a flood of fury and hate-filled curses.

Surrounded by a wave of murderous threats, the slave trader strolled leisurely into the interior of the ship.

In stark contrast to the squalid, foul-smelling deck outside, the ship's hold was like a completely different world.

Inside, it was as warm as spring. Premium wood crackled and burned in the fireplace.

Soft brown carpets lined the floor, ornate reliefs and murals decorated the walls, and fine oil lamps flickered with golden light. Even the air was perfumed, sweet and intoxicating.

At the far end of the carpet, near the fireplace, sat a spacious cage lined with animal fur rugs.

Inside it, three slender figures huddled close, eyes alert and wary as they watched the slave trader enter.

"Good afternoon, my beautiful girls."

The man stepped in front of the cage, bowed with an exaggerated and mocking noble flourish, and smiled.

"Do you like the private suite I've prepared just for you?"

He gazed at the three young girls—each breathtaking in appearance, eyes full of fear—and in them, he saw his grand future. A future of riches, status, and indulgence.

"We are all crew members of the Kuja Pirates… How dare you capture us? The Kujas will never let you get away with this!"

Unlike her younger sisters, who trembled in fear, the black-haired girl with a princess-cut hairstyle clenched her teeth and stepped protectively in front of them. Her eyes burned with defiance as she glared at the man reeking of greed and gold.

"Let you go?"

The slave trader laughed as if he'd just heard the most absurd joke, clutching his belly in mirth.

"You think that worthless Kuja Pirates dare to come after me?"

His eyes gleamed with mockery as he pointed toward the flag hanging above the fireplace.

"See that flag?"

"That's the World Government's banner!"

"I'm an officially sanctioned slave trader, authorized by the World Government itself. Don't talk to me about some trashy Kuja Pirates… even that underworld puppet Doflamingo of the Shichibukai wouldn't dare threaten me!"

"Doflamingo is nothing but garbage!"

The moment he uttered that fearsome name, a twitch crossed his face. Clearly, he had suffered under that man's hand before. His expression twisted between fear and fury as he muttered darkly,

"He's just like me, a vulture scavenging in the underworld… but he parades around banning slave trading? He's nothing but a loyal mutt of the World Government, acting all righteous!"

"Just wait till I secure ties with the Nobles. I'll deal with him then."

His fists clenched tight, his eyes cold.

Then, his gaze drifted back to the black-haired girl—and the smile returned.

What luck.

No—what divine luck. It was as if fate itself had chosen to favor him.

Women from Amazon Lily were worth fortunes on the slave market.

That nation was fiercely isolationist, its location nearly impenetrable, defended by a warrior society. Even powerful slave-hunting groups from the New World didn't dare encroach upon its shores.

Their rarity alone made them priceless.

And on top of that, the Empire of Amazon Lily was a land of women—making its people even more exotic and coveted.

Now, before him stood three young girls, all under ten years old. Naturally beautiful, graceful in build.

Especially the older sister with the black hair—her face was twisted with fury and hatred, yet her beauty was breathtaking, almost ethereal. It left him speechless, his vision momentarily hazy.

He pinched himself hard and snapped out of it, scolding his own wandering thoughts.

She's not even ten…

And yet already such a stunning beauty.

What would she become once she grew up? The kind of woman who could topple kingdoms.

A gift like this—surely the nobles would be thrilled.

His mind spun with fantasies. He could already see wealth and power stretching out before him, beckoning. His grin widened, his face flushed with excitement.

Though part of him hated the idea of giving her up—he'd even considered keeping her as his personal plaything—he forced himself to let go.

With enough money and power, he could have any woman he desired.

If the Celestial Dragons were pleased enough to grant him a noble title, then one day, he too could become like the so-called "King of the North Blue"… and claim his own territory.