CHAPTER 30
"Took you long enough."
A voice drifted from the forest as a tall man in a black suit stepped out from the trees.
"What…?" Keptyn's mind buzzed as he recognized his father's right-hand man walking toward them. But before he could react, his vision faded and everything went black.
"What did you mean by 'took you long enough'? I just had to destroy the pest in my way," Brick said, stretching his arms casually.
"Hmph. So what is your next plan?" Domino— the king's right-hand man—asked as he approached Brick." Humph you are just a tool, everything will be used for the government" domino thought as he stared at the smiling brick.
Brick grinned. "Hehehe… you know the deal. You just need to finish this mission and make this island a government-affiliated island. Once that happens, I get the kingship title. You handle the government side, I enjoy the throne. Perfect partnership, isn't it?"
Domino smirked cruelly. "Hmph. As long as I get what the government wants, I don't care. The next step : use this idiot, trick him, if not use him as a hostage… or maybe some Doflamingo-style tactics. One way or another, the king has fallen ."
"Dreeeeeee—!"
Cold water splashed down as a tied-up Keptyn jolted awake.
"Hehehehe, wake up to the sunshine, sleeping beauty," Brick teased as Keptyn opened his eye.
"Huh… Domino. So it was true. You sided with a pirate. You sly betrayer! Eat my spit!" Keptyn roared, spitting at Domino's face.
Domino wiped his cheek calmly. "Cool down. If this small thing already makes you angry, then the days ahead will crush you."
The captain mocked from behind, "Hehehehehe! Little boy, wake up to reality. The world is black and white—no, it's pure black! HAHAHAHA!"
Keptyn gave no reply. His face remained emotionless as he silently analyzed everything around him.
Domino crouched slightly. "Good. Since you're calm, let me explain the plan. I already spoke to your father. I gave him… two options."
---
{3 Hours Ago}
Domino entered the king's study quietly.
"Hello, King," he said.
"Oh, Domino. I thought you followed Keptyn," King James replied, lifting his eyes from his book.
"I'm on my way. But first, I must deliver critical information," Domino said, taking a seat as if the office belonged to him.
"Huh? By the way, thank you for always protecting Keptyn behind the scenes," the king said, ignoring Domino's strange attitude.
Domino bit into an apple, lifting his leg onto the table. "Cut the crap. Let's get straight to the truth."
The king's face hardened. "Domino,even if you are my trusted aide. I will not allow you to disrespect me."
Domino smirked. "Looks like you still don't understand what's happening."
"Huh?"
"Heheheh. I am a government agent."
"WHAT?!" The king stood up sharply. "Is this a joke?"
Domino laughed lightly. "I love that shocked look. Don't bother calling for help. Everyone here is an agent. Your loyal soldiers are stationed outside the island guarding useless tasks. No one will save you."
The king swallowed. "What do you want?"
"Now we're talking." Domino placed a gold-colored Den Den Mushi on the table. "The World Government has urged you for years to become affiliated, but you ignored us. Now they sent me to end this matter. So here are your two choices:
"One—pack your family and flee the town, making it look like you are escaping. Leave Keptyn behind. I have use for him.
"Or two—stay here and watch as a Buster Call wipes this island off the map."
The king stared at the golden Den Den Mushi. "wait what oKeptyn....how do I know this isn't fake?"
Domino shrugged. "Press it. If you dare. I'll escape using Moonwalk before the shells drop. Your choice."
"Boom!"
The king flipped the table and attacked Domino with a hidden knife—
—like a phantom- domino appeared instantly beside him, a sword at the king's neck.
"So you've been hiding strength all along…" the king whispered, eyes wide.
Domino laughed coldly. "Now the price has changed. I'll kill you right here, threaten your family next, and then add Keptyn's life on top of it."
The king trembled. "We… we will escape with our loyal soldiers and make it a little obvious." He paused. "But what about Keptyn?"
"That is none of your business."
The king fell to his knees, bowing so low his crown rolled across the floor. "Please… show mercy. You watched over him since he was a little boy. And treat the citizens kindly… I beg you."
Domino smirked. "All you wish.
Domino snapped his fingers. A government agent stepped forward.
"He'll tell you what to do. Don't disappoint me."