On the night of February 19th, Borudoana Island finally met its end.
As luxurious ships of the highest caliber sailed in from the distance, standing on their decks were Celestial Dragons wearing bubble helmets.
Each of their faces bore an indescribable excitement and joy.
This was their triennial grand event - a wonderful opportunity to hunt down lowly commoners like wild dogs.
No Celestial Dragon would pass up such thrilling entertainment.
Compared to their usual pampered lives in the Holy Land, hunting held far greater appeal.
While they did occasionally execute disobedient slaves themselves, truth be told, those slaves never showed any intention to resist, making the killings rather dull.
It was completely different from hunting villagers on the island who would fight back, flee, or beg for mercy.
Some Celestial Dragons had participated in this event multiple times.
Fully armed with weapons and loaded ammunition, they eagerly scanned their surroundings in excitement.
As for those attending for the first time, while they showed some nervousness, it wasn't concern for their safety - rather, anxiety about possibly not being able to kill enough people.
For the Celestial Dragons, this annual event represented a rare ranking opportunity.
Though all were Celestial Dragons, hierarchies existed among them.
Those who performed exceptionally well in the competition would earn greater favor from their elders and parents.
Saint Garling of the God Knights stood before Jake and Kizaru with an displeased expression, his tone was flat as he addressed Jake and Monet.
"Borsalino is an Admiral of the Marines. He doesn't need to kneel before me. Why haven't you two knelt?"
Jake looked at him with a smile and replied.
"Marines have no obligation to kneel before a Celestial Dragons."
"Oh~ Is that so?"
Without hesitation, Garling drew the rapier at his waist and pressed its gleaming blade against Jake's neck, his voice now laced with threat.
"I'm giving you one chance to kneel now. Otherwise, you'll soon lose even the privilege to kneel."
"Need I repeat myself? I have no reason to kneel, nor do any Marines need to kneel before Celestial Dragons!"
At these words, anger flashed across Garling's face.
Without another thought, he swung his blade toward Jake's neck—only for it to be blocked by twin swords of pure light.
Kizaru maintained his usual casual smile, yet his voice carried a seriousness Garling had never heard before.
"This kid Jake's a bit dense. He doesn't understand these things. Besides, Marines never had rules about kneeling to Celestial Dragons. So Saint Garling, why not let this minor matter slide?"
Though Kizaru's tone retained its characteristic playfulness, everyone could tell he was defending Jake with unyielding resolve, leaving Garling no opening to retaliate.
This behavior shocked all people present.
The notoriously lazy Kizaru displaying such firmness was utterly unexpected.
Were it not for that familiar lecherous face, they might have mistaken him for Sakazuki.
But as leader of the God Knights, Garling wasn't about to change his mind just because Kizaru spoke up.
To him, a Marine Admiral was replaceable—no better than a dog.
Then came another voice, cold and steady.
"Saint Garling, if you intend to force the future of our Marines to kneel to you, I'm afraid I cannot comply."
All eyes turned to Jake with looks of astonishment, as if seeing a monster.
The speaker was none other than Sakazuki, Another Admiral.
And his expression was far more terrifying than Kizaru's.
His face was stone-cold, molten rock dripping from his body.
Merely standing near him risked severe burns from the intense heat.
Unlike Kizaru's usual slacker persona, Sakazuki had always been seen by the Celestial Dragons as their most useful enforcer—especially by the God Knights who managed them.
They understood better than anyone the weight carried by the name "Akainu."
In suppressing the Great Pirate Era, Akainu had contributed more than any other.
Moreover, Akainu's temper was as explosive as his Devil Fruit.
If it really came to a fight with someone like him, even Garling couldn't be certain of victory.
Especially now, when it would be two against one.
Garling had also heard of Jake's abilities—his combat prowess was undoubtedly a factor that couldn't be ignored in battle.
But that wasn't all.
Just as Garling was about to continue arguing with Kizaru and the others, an extremely impatient voice cut in.
"You bastard, who told you that Marine Headquarters officers have to kneel before Celestial Dragons? I'm not even an admiral—should I kneel to you too?!
You pieces of trash, if you want to kill freely here, then go ahead and kill! Stop spouting all that nonsensical, long-winded crap! If Jake doesn't want to kneel, none of you will make him kneel today!"
The moment Garp appeared, the outcome was already decided.
Even if Garling was the leader of the God Knights, he couldn't withstand the simultaneous assault of three fighters of equal caliber.
And judging by their stance, they weren't done yet.
Just as Garling had anticipated, less than a second after Garp's voice faded, another man's voice rang out.
"I won't allow my beloved disciple to kneel before scum like you!"
As he spoke, Zephyr also strode forward.
By now, Zephyr's injuries had been completely healed by Jake, and the aura he radiated was no weaker than anyone present.
Faced with four opponents of equal strength and their predatory gazes, Garling fell silent.
He wasn't a fool—he'd only wanted to humble Jake a little, but...
What the hell is wrong with this people?!
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Please read my new fic : One piece : Scum of the Marine!