Cradling the unconscious Nami in her arms, Kaguya turned around. Her eyes, cold as water, glanced at Fujitora. "Since when did a Navy admiral start colluding with pirates?"
"Admiral?" Fujitora was momentarily stunned. He said solemnly, "I don't know anything about being an admiral."
"Ah, I remember now," Kaguya tapped her tilted head, raised it, and smirked. "You're not an admiral yet."
Fujitora's brows furrowed. In a heavy tone, he asked, "Are you mocking me?"
"Being mocked by me is an honor in itself. Not everyone gets that privilege," Kaguya replied. "So, did you come here to fight me? Or are you here to avenge these people?"
"I'm a marine. It's only natural for me to eradicate evil," Fujitora said, gripping the sword at his waist. "I won't let you continue your wicked ways."
"It seems you still don't understand your current situation," Kaguya looked down at him from above and said, "Do you think you alone can stop me?"
"It is my duty, and my responsibility, to ensure innocent people are not caught in the flames of war," Fujitora said gravely. "Even when facing a powerful enemy, I will never take a step back."
"So, you're not acting to save the Straw Hats?" Kaguya asked playfully.
"As a marine, I cannot agree with the actions of the Straw Hat crew. However," Fujitora shifted his tone, "as an individual, I don't think what they did was wrong."
This guy's words were watertight. But being able to speak so cleverly was already impressive.
"This world is dark, but perhaps not as broken as I imagined," Kaguya said, turning her back to him, still holding Nami, and began walking away. "I hope you remember what you said today, Admiral Fujitora."
Fujitora's gaze remained on her receding figure. The grip on his sword slowly loosened.
"Vice Admiral Issho, should we pursue her?" a nearby marine asked urgently.
"No need," Fujitora waved his hand and said, "Pass the order—deploy all marines. For now, set aside prejudices and help the civilians in the city who need assistance."
"Yes, sir!" the marine saluted and hurried off.
When Fujitora turned to look again, Kaguya's figure had already disappeared into the swirling dust. His heart grew heavy.
What was her true purpose in appearing?
If it was only for Dressrosa's artificial Devil Fruit factory, there was no need to go to such extremes. Nor would things have escalated this far.
But if it was revenge, why didn't she go all out against the Straw Hats? If she truly cared about the artificial fruits, why treat Doflamingo like discarded trash?
Everything was shrouded in layers of mist, like viewing flowers through fog or the moon reflected on water. It was impossible to discern her true intentions.
Yet, Fujitora had a vague feeling—a storm was on the horizon, and the winds were rising.
In the early morning, the sky was azure and dotted with drifting clouds. Refreshing morning light filtered in through the half-open window. The curtains swayed gently in the breeze, casting rippling patterns.
On a soft bed covered with a goose-down quilt lay a beautiful girl with fair skin and delicate features. Suddenly, her long eyelashes fluttered, and she opened her amber-colored eyes.
Still drowsy, she suddenly became alert. Her eyes snapped open as she flipped upright on the bed, warily scanning her surroundings.
"You're awake. How are you feeling? Did you sleep well?" Monet walked in from outside, carrying a tray, and smiled. "You must be hungry. Why not eat something first?"
"Who are you?" Nami instinctively reached for her Clima-Tact, only to find her hands empty. She quickly realized she had lost it during the earlier events.
"My name is Monet. If I'm not mistaken, you must be the infamous Cat Burglar Nami," Monet said with a gentle smile. "Don't worry, I don't mean any harm. If you need anything, just let me know."
Seeing Monet's warm and friendly demeanor, Nami subconsciously let her guard down and asked, "Where am I?"
"This is Albion Island, an artificial island not far from Dressrosa," Monet replied. "It's where Lady Kaguya comes to rest."
"An artificial island... right!" Nami suddenly remembered something and asked urgently, "What happened to Dressrosa? And my companions—how are they?"
"Oh, them?" Monet said with a faint smile. "They're all dead."
Dead? They're dead?
The words hit Nami like a bolt from the blue. Her mind went blank, her eyes lifeless, and her body stiffened as though frozen.
Memories of sailing together, fighting side by side, and even the silly quarrels from daily life flashed through her mind. Could those precious comrades, who had been with her every day, really be gone just like that?
"Monet, since when did you become so dark?"
At that moment, a graceful figure stepped into the room.
Nami looked up and froze in place.
Standing before her was an unbelievably beautiful woman. She had silver hair as smooth as silk, gracefully arched brows, clear and luminous eyes, soft and fair skin, and a slender, flawless figure—an artwork crafted by heaven itself.
"Ah, sorry," Monet giggled, covering her mouth. "That was just a little joke. I didn't mean to trouble you. I apologize."
Monet's words brought Nami back to her senses. She quickly grabbed Monet's hand and asked, "Then what happened to them? Are they okay?"
"They're badly injured and will need time to recover," Monet said with a smile, glancing at Kaguya. "But don't worry, there won't be any lasting damage. If you want to express gratitude, you should thank the master."
Nami finally turned and looked seriously at Kaguya. Her eyes gradually filled with disbelief as she stammered, "You… you're…"
"Nami, it's been so long. Have you forgotten me already?" Kaguya said with a gentle smile. "If that's the case, I'll be very sad."
...
"How is she now?" Kaguya set down the book in her hand onto the table and turned her head as she asked.
Standing nearby, Monet respectfully replied, "She seemed quite frightened, but after taking some medicine, she calmed down significantly. She's already asleep now."
"Good," Kaguya nodded. Then she asked, "Did I go too far this time?"
"Not at all," Monet shook her head. "There must be a reason behind everything you do."
Kaguya reached out and gently lifted Monet's pale chin with a finger, smiling. "Your mouth is getting sweeter."
"That's just how I truly feel," Monet replied softly.
Kaguya lightly stroked her cheek, smiling as she said, "But just now, were you jealous?"
"Yes," Monet answered frankly. "She's just a stray woman picked up from nowhere, yet you're treating her so well. As your subordinate, it's natural to feel jealous."
Though her teasing of Nami earlier had the flavor of mischief, it was also a way of venting her dissatisfaction.
After all, no woman is truly foolish—only playing the part. Especially not someone as sharp as Monet.
But this gentle side of Monet, displaying the emotions of a jealous woman, was a first.
"Jealous, huh?" Kaguya leaned closer, whispering into her ear. "Then I'll have to punish you properly."
As she spoke, her white hand slipped beneath Monet's camisole, gliding across her silky-smooth stomach and upward, brushing the curve of her chest. Her fingers closed, and the soft, supple texture filled her palm.
Monet's beautiful eyes were misted over, hazy and glistening as though about to overflow.
"Please punish me properly, my lady."
...
After learning that Luffy and the others were not seriously harmed, Nami finally felt at ease. The past few days had left her emotionally drained, but now she slept deeply, and when she awoke, the exhaustion was completely gone—she'd never felt more refreshed.
"Where is everyone?"
Nami looked around in confusion. Climbing down from the bed barefoot, she quietly opened the door and stepped out. The polished marble floor was spotless, though a faint chill lingered beneath her feet.
The place was grand and luxuriously built: dazzling crystal chandeliers, elegant murals, finely crafted furnishings, and fresh floral arrangements—all exuded a tranquil and refined atmosphere. It felt like a palace, and truly worthy of such a person's residence.
The only flaw was that there weren't many people around, making it feel a bit empty. Even when she called out a few times, no one responded.
"Master, I think she's coming," Monet, who lay beneath Kaguya, gently pushed her away and said quietly.
Her body was drenched in sweat, her skin blushed as if dusted with rouge, and a few strands of hair clung to her smooth forehead, enhancing her allure.
"Ignore her," Kaguya said nonchalantly, patting Monet's smooth shoulder. "This place is so complex—she won't find us so easily."
"Are you sure, Master?"
"Of course. When have I ever lied to you?"
Nami wandered aimlessly through the empty corridor. For some reason, she suddenly felt a chill down her spine. Turning around, she saw the hallway stretching long and deep. Though sunlight streamed in, it still felt shadowy and dim.
Maybe she was just imagining things.
Nami tried to comfort herself, but her pace quickened, and her face turned slightly pale. Why did everything seem so different after just one nap?
Just then, a strange sound suddenly echoed, and Nami's face turned pale, her hairs standing on end.
The sound was faint and intermittent, like the wailing of wind, echoing endlessly in the empty rooms.
This place… isn't haunted, is it?
Nami swallowed hard and mustered her courage to continue walking forward. The closer she got, the clearer the sound became. It seemed to be coming from a room ahead. She hesitated but eventually walked toward it.
At the door, she leaned in, pressing her ear against it. Sure enough, strange noises came from inside. Her heart pounded wildly as she quietly peeked through the gap in the door.
But when she saw what was happening inside, Nami froze—her face instantly flushed bright red.
"Master... I think she's right outside," Monet whispered into Kaguya's ear.
Kaguya nibbled lightly at her ear. "It's fine. If she wants to watch, let her."
"But... but if this continues..." Monet's words became disjointed.
"Relax, it's no big deal. Besides," Kaguya smirked with a wicked smile, "don't you think this makes it more fun?"
Back in her room, Nami couldn't calm down. That scene still lingered in her mind, stirring her thoughts and leaving her body slightly flushed.
She couldn't believe what she had seen.
She never imagined that two women could do something like that.
What was even stranger—she didn't feel disgusted. On the contrary, there was a strange stirring in her heart.
Huddled in bed, Nami's cheeks were bright red as she gripped her goose-down blanket tightly.
When Kaguya saw Nami again, Nami looked uneasy, her gaze flitting.
Kaguya walked over and asked curiously, "What's wrong? Your face is so red. Are you feeling sick?" As she spoke, she reached out a hand toward Nami's forehead.
Nami flinched and instinctively stepped back, forcing a smile. "N-No, I'm fine. Maybe it's just a bit hot."
"If you feel unwell, let Monet know," Kaguya said. "She's the best doctor here."
"Okay, I understand."
Noticing Nami's distracted demeanor, Kaguya smiled faintly. "Who would've thought we'd meet again after so many years. You were just a little girl back then."
"Yeah..."
Nami looked at Kaguya, who hadn't changed a bit from her memories. It was as if time had no effect on her—still as beautiful and radiant as ever.
"By the way, about Dressrosa," Nami seemed to recall something. After a pause, she asked, "Was it you who sent Artoria there?"
"That's right. I ordered her to go."
"Then..." Nami quickly followed up, "everything Doflamingo did too—?"
"Correct. I sent him as well. Even the order to completely destroy the Straw Hat crew," Kaguya said with a dazzling smile, "was given by me."
Nami froze at her words, her pupils shrinking sharply.
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