Chapter 739 The Arrival

Dressrosa, the Royal Palace.

After a massive explosion, the central area of the King's Plateau lay in ruins, shattered into four pieces, and the once-proud royal palace was left in a dire state.

The current royal palace, where King Riku and his family resided, had been rebuilt later. Despite his protests, the citizens of Dressrosa had willingly sacrificed their own comforts to ensure their king had a proper home once more.

At this moment, Princess Rebecca, having shed her disguise, was trimming flower branches in the palace garden when she caught sight of a graceful figure clad in purple.

"Aunt Violet?"

Hearing the familiar voice, Violet paused and turned around.

"Oh, Rebecca! I thought you'd be at the flower fields today."

"No way! I can't stand being there any longer."

Rebecca pouted, her tone filled with frustration. "That foolish father of mine had a banquet with Leo and the others yesterday. The whole house reeked of alcohol— it was unbearable!"

"Haha, I see."

Violet chuckled and waved her hand. "Then stay here for a few days and rest. I was just about to send someone to inform Kyros to return to the palace as well."

"Huh? Did something happen?"

Rebecca asked, her grip on the shears tightening as a sharp aura, one unbefitting of a typical princess, emanated from her.

After everything she had been through, Rebecca was anything but an ordinary royal.

"No need to worry. A Marine Admiral is coming to Dressrosa to capture a few criminals… Father thinks it would be best to gather everyone and extend a proper welcome."

"A Marine… Admiral?"

Rebecca frowned, deep in thought.

The relationship between Dressrosa and the Marines wasn't exactly warm, but as a member of the World Government's allied kingdoms, hosting a Marine wasn't unusual.

Still, who could warrant such a formal reception from King Riku III himself?

Then, a sudden realization struck her.

"Could it be…!!"

Before she could finish her sentence, the once-clear sky darkened ominously.

Boom… rumble…

Bang… crack!!

Dark clouds churned, and massive serpents of lightning coiled within them. A suffocating pressure descended upon the land, sending shivers through the people.

Blinding flashes illuminated the city, and deafening thunderclaps rolled across the sky. The winds howled, and for a moment, it felt as though the heavens themselves had descended upon Dressrosa.

Watching the thick storm clouds swirl above, Violet's lips curled into a smile.

"As expected of the man pirates call the Thunder God… What an entrance!"

Thunder God…?

It really is 'him'!

Rebecca dropped the shears, exhaling deeply.

"The Soryu (Azure Dragon)!"

---

''Region 2, Business Street.''

"You want to go to Region 4? That's unfortunate."

At a small oden stand, the shop owner— sporting a fresh bandage on his head— handed a plate to his three customers and sighed.

"Why's that?" Kin'emon tilted his head curiously.

"Region 4 is where the royal palace is, and normally, the Riku family keeps the gates open for two days a week so citizens and travelers alike can visit. They're close to the people like that."

"But just yesterday, they posted a notice— Region 4 is temporarily closed. King Riku himself is personally receiving some guests, and that means no outsiders can enter. Can't risk someone offending them, you know?"

The shop owner clicked his tongue. "Our king is a rare kind one, but not everyone who comes here shares his values."

There were too many nobles in the world who saw common folk as nothing more than insects.

So whenever important visitors arrived, King Riku would close off Region 4—not to show off, but to 'protect' his people.

Boom… rumble!

A sudden clap of thunder made the shop owner flinch.

"Ah, hell, a storm's coming… Hey, you lot, come help pack up!"

"On it, boss!"

As the waiters rushed to secure the stalls, Kin'emon turned to the trembling figure peeking out from his backpack.

"What's wrong, Pink Feather?"

"Are you afraid of thunder?"

"Call me 'Lord' Pink Feather!"

Flamingo hissed before lowering his voice. "Afraid? Hah! What nonsense. It just… reminds me of someone I'd rather forget."

"Someone who brings thunderstorms wherever they go."

"Oh! You mean the Thunder God, right?" (ω)

Momonosuke suddenly clapped his hands. "In the legends of Wano, thunder means the Thunder God is angry."

"Thunder God…? What a joke." (-_-)-_-)-_-)

Kin'emon and Kanjuro shared a look of exasperation.

Then, suddenly—

"Wait… Wano Country? Are you two samurai from Wano?!"

Flamingo's eyes widened in shock.

Kin'emon tensed but sighed, exchanging a glance with Kanjuro before nodding. "Forgive us. We had our reasons for keeping it secret."

"Wano's borders are shut tight— how'd you even get out?" Flamingo muttered, deep in thought. "No… wait. You're 'fugitives', aren't you? Ran away because you couldn't survive there?"

Kin'emon: "..."

"Forgive me, but I can't say more."

"Tch!"

Flamingo clicked his tongue, clearly displeased, but he let it go.

Still…

"They're from Wano? I should've figured it out sooner. That was careless of me."

Deep in thought, Flamingo brooded in silence.

Then an idea struck him.

"Kaido is in Wano… If I play my cards right, maybe… Looks like I'll need to take a little trip there after all."

---

''Region 4, the Royal Palace.''

Not long after, as the thunder rumbled and the very ground seemed to shake, a lone figure materialized in the empty square before the palace gates.

One moment, the space was barren; the next, 'he' was there. Not a ripple of wind disturbed his coat as if even the storm bent to his will.

The Riku family had been expecting him, so there was no panic— only awe.

"Quite the reception, King Riku III."

Rowen removed the cigar from his lips, his sharp gaze sweeping over the gathered nobles. "I'm here in a personal capacity, not as a Marine representative."

"The Admiral Soryu (Azure Dragon) is too humble! Whether or not you wear the Marines' banner, your presence is a great honor to Dressrosa."

King Riku's eyes softened. "If not for you back then, our country would not be what it is today."

"Haha! Formal as ever, old man! When did you start talking like that?" Rowen took in the well-prepared welcoming party and smirked. "Alright, let's skip the small talk. You know I prefer efficiency."

"Naturally." King Riku, far older now, stepped aside and gestured forward.

"Admiral Soryu (Azure Dragon)… this way, please."

(End of Chapter)

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