The dizziness gradually faded.
When Yato opened his eyes again, he had already returned to Amazon Lily.
Having succeeded twice in a row, he couldn't help the excitement stirring in his chest.
"This ability is insane... Without even stepping outside, I can instantly traverse the entire world."
The distance between Amazon Lily and the Sabaody Archipelago was at least a four or five day voyage.
But the Shadow Wraith form? It covered that journey in a single breath.
"That old man in the tavern… looked really familiar. Must be a canon character."
Yato thought for a moment, then confidently muttered:
"Silvers Rayleigh."
A deep scar ran vertically through his right eye, round spectacles perched on his nose, most of his hair white…
He had been sitting quietly in the corner of the tavern, unmoved by all the chaos around him.
"Interesting. To think I ran into the 'Dark King' Rayleigh.
Vice-captain of the Pirate King himself… Even in retirement, he's likely at Admiral level strength."
Twelve years ago, Gol D. Roger had led the Roger Pirates to complete the Grand Line's journey.
When the Pirate King was executed by the Navy, his final words ignited the Great Pirate Era.
And now, the Four Emperors who dominate the New World?
Back in Roger's time, they were nothing more than defeated challengers.
It was clear how terrifyingly high a status the Pirate King's vice-captain held.
But no matter how legendary Rayleigh might be, he meant little to Yato.
After all, Yato wasn't from this world.
"Seems like once I leave Amazon Lily, my first stop should be Sabaody."
Just as he was thinking this, footsteps approached from outside.
Yato's expression shifted.
He instantly melted into the shadows.
He was still in his forced transformation phase, revealing himself now wouldn't be wise.
Knock knock.
A voice came from the door.
"Lord Guardian Deity, it's dinner time. Her Majesty asked me to bring you your meal."
"Understood. Leave it at the door," Yato replied calmly after a pause.
Once the footsteps faded, he quietly opened the door, extending a tendril of black mist to bring the food inside.
Three days passed in the blink of an eye.
During those three days, Yato stayed in the palace.
By day, he wandered the courtyard.
By night, he locked himself in and avoided all contact.
Luckily, his title was high enough that no one dared to disturb him.
Thanks to this peace, Yato had finally gotten a solid grasp of the Shadow Wraith's powers.
Compared to the Sea Dragon form, Shadow Wraith was definitely weaker in raw combat.
But in terms of stealth and utility? It was nearly untouchable.
He could cross the world in an instant, was immune to physical attacks, and absurdly safe overall.
Its role was more like: intelligence specialist, elite scout, or master courier.
But that leisure ended on the fourth day.
The Empress had summoned him.
Escorted by Amanda, Yato once again entered the Empress's private chambers.
Compared to last time, there were more people present.
Besides the three Boa sisters, there were also several officials, unsurprisingly, all women.
One figure stood out more than the others: a particularly short old lady.
She looked to be in her sixties, with a red flower on her head and a serpent cane in her hand.
When she saw Yato walk in, her eyes widened in alarm.
"That's a man, isn't it?!"
She gave him a quick once-over before turning sharply toward the Empress.
"Snake Princess, have you forgotten the most sacred law of Amazon Lily?!"
"Elder Nyon…" Amanda chuckled awkwardly.
"This is our Guardian Deity, Lord Yato."
"Guardian Deity? Since when did our country have one of those?"
"Enough nonsense," the Empress snorted.
"Guards! Remove her."
Immediately, two female warriors entered with helpless expressions.
They gently but firmly escorted the tiny old lady out of the room.
Yato watched the whole scene with amusement.
He could still hear the old lady shouting as she was dragged off:
"Snake Princess! You ungrateful little wretch!"
Eventually, the room quieted down.
"So, Empress," Yato said calmly, "you called for me. What does the Dragon you summoned require of me?"
"Hmph."
The Empress huffed disdainfully before speaking coolly:
"You've been freeloading in my palace for days now…"
"Freeloading?" Yato interrupted before she could finish.
"I'm your Guardian Deity. That's not freeloading, it's called tribute."
"Hmph. I have no interest in raising a useless dragon," she replied, her lips curling into a smirk.
"If you truly are a Guardian Deity, then fulfill your duty,
Starting today, you will train the Kingdom's national defense warriors."
"…Huh?"
Yato froze, then saw her expression.
"So that's your game," he thought.
"Trying to trick me into exposing myself."
If he got too familiar with the soldiers, the 'mystique' of being a deity would fade.
Eventually, his secrets would come to light.
"Clever little trap."
He smirked internally.
"So, what do you say?" the Empress asked, voice calm and composed.
"Sure, no problem."
"Training soldiers? Piece of cake for this dragon."
Yato waved it off casually.
That afternoon, Yato was introduced to a group of "national defense warriors."
Well, not actual warriors, these were the reserves.
A dozen or so girls, ages six to nine, all lined up with curious, innocent eyes.
Yato stared at the adorable faces and sighed.
"I should've known. I mean, with how huge the Empress's chest is. If she were also highly intelligent, that'd just be unfair. Looks like she just wanted to keep me busy."
As he thought this, one of the little girls tilted her head and asked sweetly:
"Lord Guardian Deity, did Her Majesty send you to teach us?
What will you be teaching us today?"
"How to memorize Mao's Little Red Book.
Step one in leading a revolution against the Empress."
The girls blinked in confusion.
"Fine, fine. Today we'll learn Advanced Physical Combat Techniques."
Yato straightened up and clapped his hands.
"You must understand,
only by strengthening your body can you protect your homeland.
And physical combat… is essential."
"Yaaay! What kind of advanced technique, Guardian Deity?" a girl cheered.
"It's called… Set Three of the Broadcast Gymnastics Routine.
Now, follow my lead."
Not far away, the Empress's face turned from red to white.
She gripped the tree next to her, and in a fit of rage, snapped it clean in half.
"L-Lady Empress…?"
Amanda nervously called out from beside her, a wave of unease washing over her.
Lord Guardian Deity… may the gods protect you.
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200 P.S = 1 Extra Chapters