Dressrosa, in the Royal Palace Garden, Roya relaxed on a soft sofa, the latest newspaper spread wide in his hands. He scanned the political updates, focusing on the Celestial Dragon's envoy's visit.
But the real story, the one everyone would be talking about, was him and Shalria.
The paper splashed their images across a whole page. There were over a dozen photos of them, captured in intimate moments. Some showed them strolling through the vibrant streets, others eating together, and a few even caught Shalria tenderly holding his arm.
Interestingly, the newspaper didn't explicitly mention any romantic relationship between them. Yet, these photos spoke volumes.
It was practically an official announcement of their bond.
Roya could already imagine the chaos this would unleash. The kings and nobles, those who desperately craved a life in the Holy Land, would be especially affected by this news.
----
Meanwhile, on Onigashima, in the heart of Wano Country, a raucous banquet was underway.
"Clang!"
The sound echoed as a newspaper slammed onto the wooden floor.
Kaido, the mighty beast pirate, grabbed his gourd and took huge, desperate gulps of wine. His face flushed, and after a long pause, he let out a sorrowful howl.
"My daughter's been stolen away, and my future son-in-law is about to betray me! Why does everything always go wrong for me?"
His original plan was simple: let Roya grow stronger, bring him back to Onigashima, and have him marry Yamato. In his mind, Roya would be his man.
But how long had it even been? That kid was already cozying up to a Celestial Dragon!
He hated to admit it, but the appeal of becoming a Celestial Dragon far outweighed being his son-in-law. It was an unfair comparison.
If that Black Hair kid becomes a Celestial Dragon, he'll become my enemy. There won't be any going back.
His sadness morphed into a burning rage!
"You little bastard!"
Kaido roared, flames erupting from his mouth.
No, he had to bring Roya and Yamato back to Onigashima before Roya married that Celestial Dragon! Even if he had to break their legs, he would force them into marriage!
"Find out everything about Black Hair's movements!"
"Yes, Governor!"
Chaos erupted in the banquet hall.
The Executives, Kaido's trusted officers, eyed the newspaper with envy. Not only was Roya going to marry a beautiful woman, but he was also becoming a noble Celestial Dragon.
Wasn't he living the dream?
"Damn it, why him!"
Queen, one of the Executives, stared at Roya's photo, grinding his teeth in jealousy. He's not even as handsome as me, so why does _he get to win the favor of a Celestial Dragon?_
It just wasn't fair.
Queen shook his head, remembering that there was important business to discuss. "Brother Kaido, it seems we're having some trouble in Kuri. Jack's already gone to take care of it, but it seems he's struggling a bit."
"Worororo, who's causing the trouble?" Kaido asked.
"Crocodile, one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea!"
"So, it's that Desert Boy."
Kaido grinned, his eyes filled with menace.
He was not happy!
"Worororo!!!"
With a mighty flap of his wings, the Azure Dragon soared into the sky, flames trailing behind him.
----
Three days later, at the Marine G-5 Branch.
"Base Chief Roya is back!"
A few days ago, the G-5 Branch received a message from Headquarters announcing Roya's return.
The Marines gathered at the port, a buzz of excitement and unease rippling through them.
"Goodness gracious, is Roya Boss about to become a Celestial Dragon?" one Marine whispered.
"Should we kneel to greet him?" another wondered.
"The Boss will beat you to death if you do that!" a third exclaimed.
Soon, a Warship came into view.
Roya stood tall on the forecastle gun platform.
After his visit to Dressrosa and successfully escorting Shalria back to the Holy Land, he departed the Holy Land and returned to the G-5 Branch.
The matchmaking had gone smoother than he expected, and the wedding date was set. Once he became an Admiral, he could marry Shalria and become a Celestial Dragon.
"Zzzzt."
With a flash of lightning, Roya landed on the shore.
"Prepare the Warship; set sail immediately," he commanded.
"Yes, sir!"
Without hesitation, the G-5 Branch Warship swiftly left the port.
Its destination: Totto Land.
On the deck, everyone subtly glanced at Roya. No one could believe that in just half a month, Roya had become practically a Celestial Dragon.
Uta pulled Yamato aside, stealing glances at Roya, her eyes filled with contempt, as if she were looking at a scoundrel.
"Yamato, aren't you angry?" she asked.
"Angry? Why?" Yamato tilted her head.
Uta looked frustrated and anxious, even more so than Yamato. "Aren't you and Roya… together?"
"Oh, I guess so!"
Yamato scratched her head, unsure. There was something there, but not quite … She couldn't quite grasp it.
"You idiot!" Uta stomped her foot in frustration, sighing in disbelief.
"Do you like Roya?" Uta asked.
"I do!" Yamato nodded instantly.
Uta's expression turned serious. "Then do you know that another woman is about to snatch Roya away from you!"
"Eh?!" Yamato's eyes widened in horror. "Then, won't I be able to be with Roya anymore in the future?"
"Um, you can still be together," Uta said.
"That's good; you scared me," Yamato replied, relieved.
"…"
Uta's head throbbed. Why couldn't that idiot understand?
Your position as _the wife is gone!_
Not far away, Roya lay on a beach chair, soaking up the sun.
Lu Yun approached, carrying juice and snacks.
"Senior, juice," he offered.
"Thanks," Roya replied.
He accepted the juice, glancing at Uta and Yamato, who were whispering to each other, shaking his head with a smile.
He'd heard everything.
He knew that getting engaged to Shalria would lead to some emotional complications, but a Great Man's ambition lies in the world, why worry about not having a wife?
Besides, these two girls wouldn't be able to escape his grasp. He never let go of anything he had in his sights.
"Are you two my wings?"
Roya suddenly thought of a famous quote and chuckled. Just a man giving in to lust and possessiveness.
----
Two days later, cotton candy rain suddenly started to fall from the sky, signaling that the Warship had successfully arrived in the Totto Land Sea Area.
"Brrrrt, brrrrt…"
The Den Den Mushi rang urgently.
"This is the G-5 Branch Warship, understood," Lu Yun said into the device.
Lu Yun hung up the Den Den Mushi and hurried to Roya to report. "Senior, the people of Totto Land want us to wait here. They've sent a boat to pick us up."
"Good!" Roya nodded slightly.
Soon, Totto Land's flagship, the St. Anthem Mama, came into view, eerie songs echoing as it approached.
On the deck stood two important Executives of Totto Land: Baron Tamago and Pekoms.
Baron Tamago bowed slightly, greeting him with courtesy. "Nice to meet you, Vice Admiral Black Hair. I am Baron Tamago of the Big Mom Pirates. Please follow us!"
"Okay," Roya replied with a nod.
----
Totto Land, Cake Island.
Inside a temporary conference room, Perospero, Katakuri, Smoothie, Cracker, and most of Totto Land's Ministers were present.
The atmosphere was heavy.
"Black Hair is here!"
Black Hair was the biggest threat at this Tea Party. Not only had he stolen Caesar, but he had also publicly taken responsibility for it, showing no respect for Totto Land.
If they didn't get rid of Black Hair, Totto Land's reputation would be ruined.
They were prepared for battle. Without Mama even lifting a finger, the Totto Land Army could crush Black Hair.
That's how it should have been.
But the recent newspaper had thrown a wrench in their plans.
Black Hair was going to marry a Celestial Dragon!
If they killed Black Hair now, the world would see it as an act of aggression against the Celestial Dragons. Even if the Celestial Dragons didn't care about Black Hair, they would have to send an army to punish Totto Land.
That would mean all-out war!
They couldn't afford that.
So, how to treat Black Hair had become their top priority. The hardest part would be convincing Mama to let Black Hair go.
No one wanted to anger Mama!
The Ministers looked grim.
The official announcement had been made right before the Tea Party. If it was a coincidence, it was a huge one. This was significant news.
"No wonder he dared to come to Totto Land," one minister whispered.
"Black Hair!" another exclaimed.
"Was this your plan all along!" a third wondered.
*
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[T/N:
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]