"What happened to that Fish-Man we brought in earlier?" Kaguya sat on the sofa, sipping her tea, and asked casually.
She was referring to the red-faced Fish-Man she had encountered on Sabaody Archipelago—the one who had been enslaved by the Celestial Dragons.
Standing respectfully at her side, Shirley answered, "After a thorough examination by the doctors, they reported that his injuries have nearly healed. His body is steadily recovering, and if nothing unexpected happens, he should fully recover in a few days."
"Oh?" Kaguya raised her eyebrows in mild surprise. "That fast?"
After all, when she had first seen the Fish-Man, he had been brutally tortured by the Celestial Dragons and was covered in wounds.
"The doctor mentioned that it might be related to his Fish-Man physiology," Shirley explained. "However, ever since he regained consciousness, he has been requesting to see you. Should we—"
"That won't be necessary. I have no time to waste on irrelevant people," Kaguya waved her hand dismissively. "Tell him that once he has fully recovered, he is free to leave. Also, give him my identification token—I'd rather not have him get caught by the Celestial Dragons again before he even leaves Mary Geoise. That would be an embarrassment to me."
"Understood," Shirley bowed slightly. "I will arrange for it immediately."
"Oh, and one more thing," Kaguya suddenly recalled, "What about that little girl who was shot by the Celestial Dragon? Is she dead?"
"No," Shirley replied. "She was not hit in a fatal area, but due to excessive blood loss and prolonged malnutrition, her body is still weak. She remains unconscious, but the doctor has assured us that she is no longer in critical condition."
"I see." Kaguya thought for a moment before saying, "Keep her here. You're still short on staff, aren't you? Have her assist you."
"Understood," Shirley acknowledged. "However, we also found a small wooden tag on her neck." She reached into her pocket and produced a tiny wooden plaque.
Kaguya took it and examined the inscription on it.
"Baby 5."
She froze for a moment, the name stirring a vague familiarity.
Wait.
Kaguya's eyes widened slightly as realization struck her.
Wasn't this the name of the female weapons specialist under Doflamingo in the original story?
Could it be that this little girl, who barely escaped death at the hands of the Celestial Dragons, was actually her?
Seeing Kaguya lost in thought, Shirley asked cautiously, "Master, is something wrong?"
"Nothing." Kaguya snapped out of her thoughts and smiled slightly, waving her hand. "You may go now. Take good care of that child."
"Yes, Master."
As Shirley's figure disappeared down the corridor, Kaguya fell into deep contemplation. She was struggling to understand what exactly the Five Elders were planning. Was their offer to recruit her truly just a gesture of goodwill?
Even in the original story, the Five Elders' actions had always been strange.
While little was known about their backgrounds, one thing was certain—they possessed formidable power. The sword-wielding Elder was a clear indication of that; the blade he carried, "Shodai Kitetsu," was definitely not just for show.
Yet, despite their strength, they had never personally intervened against Roger, Whitebeard, or other top-tier pirates. Even in the defense of Mary Geoise, they seemed unusually passive.
What exactly were their true intentions?
As Kaguya was lost in thought, a commotion suddenly erupted outside the door, causing her to frown in irritation.
She had already told them not to disturb her, so why was there such a commotion outside?
Just then, the door suddenly burst open. Shirley rushed in, panic written all over her face. "Master, something terrible has happened! Shina has been kidnapped!"
Shina has been kidnapped?
Kaguya froze, an image of the cute little maid with small tiger-like teeth flashing in her mind.
How could she have been kidnapped?
Before Kaguya could ask further, two figures barged in from the doorway. One was a tall, burly Fish-Man with a red face and thick lips—the very same Fish-Man Kaguya had saved before.
And the one he had taken hostage was none other than Shina.
The poor little girl, held by the throat, looked absolutely terrified. Her face was pale, her eyes welled with tears, and she was trembling in fear.
Kaguya placed her teacup on the table, her gaze calm as she looked at the Fish-Man, whose body was still wrapped in bandages. "What is the meaning of this?"
"Damn Celestial Dragons!" the Fish-Man roared, gritting his teeth. "You killed my companions! I will have my revenge!"
"Killed your companions?" Kaguya frowned slightly, displeased. "I think you have the wrong person."
"All Celestial Dragons are the same!" the Fish-Man bellowed, his voice filled with hatred. "You monsters commit countless atrocities! In your eyes, are Fish-Men not people? Are we just livestock to be slaughtered at your whim?!"
Kaguya observed his rage-filled expression. She wanted to tell him that, in the eyes of the Celestial Dragons, not just Fish-Men—every other race was seen as mere disposable creatures.
However, she held her tongue, knowing it would only provoke him further.
"If I remember correctly," Kaguya said slowly, "I was the one who saved you. Is this how you repay your savior?"
"Saved me?" The Fish-Man's fury only grew. "That was nothing but your false sense of mercy!"
"So," Kaguya continued, "you came all this way to exact your revenge, and in doing so, you dragged an innocent child into this? Do you even realize that the girl you kidnapped is just a helpless human?"
The Fish-Man stiffened at her words, his momentum faltering. "No... I just—"
Before he could finish his sentence, Kaguya's eyes sharpened. She lifted her hand and swung it lightly.
Vacuum Fist.
An invisible force shot through the air, striking the Fish-Man before he could react. His massive body was instantly sent flying backward, slamming into the wall with a thunderous crash.
The sudden impact startled Shalria, who had just entered the room. She immediately grew angry—how dare this lowly Fish-Man startle her? How infuriating!
Normally, she would have kicked him a few times to teach him a lesson. But after sneaking a glance at Kaguya's cold expression, she decided to remain still.
It's not like I'm scared of you or anything! Shalria assured herself inwardly.
Kaguya slowly approached the heavily injured Fish-Man, looking down at him from above. Her voice was calm yet disdainful.
"Don't overestimate yourself. To me, you are nothing more than a worthless being."
The Fish-Man's bulging eyes were filled with fury as he glared at Kaguya, his rage so intense it seemed as if fire might burst forth. Clenching his teeth, he struggled to get up and fight Kaguya with everything he had. But before he could rise, a foot pressed firmly against his chest, pinning him down with an unmovable force.
"What? Are you not convinced?" Kaguya sneered down at him with disdain. "You're nothing more than a mere small fry, yet you dare to act recklessly in my presence?"
"Just kill me! I will never yield!" the Fish-Man roared, his neck stiff with defiance.
"Do you think I wouldn't?" Kaguya mocked. "Killing you would be no different from crushing a rat or a sparrow. Besides, if I were truly as ruthless as you claim, do you think kidnapping a maid would have been enough to bring you before me?"
The Fish-Man flinched, momentarily at a loss for words.
Kaguya withdrew her foot and turned toward the sofa, speaking coldly as she walked away. "Leave. I'm sparing you now, but that doesn't mean I have endless patience. If you dare to cause trouble again, I won't be so forgiving."
The Fish-Man hesitated, his gaze locked onto Kaguya's retreating figure. Then, gritting his teeth, he suddenly fell to his knees with a loud thud.
Kaguya stopped mid-step and turned slightly, raising an eyebrow. "What are you doing?"
With his head bowed to the ground, the Fish-Man shouted, "Please, spare my comrades! I beg you, let them go!"
Kaguya's expression darkened as she turned fully to face him. "You're pushing your luck. I spared you because I was in a good mood. Don't overstep your bounds."
The Fish-Man clenched his teeth harder, his voice unwavering. "Please, I'll do anything if you let them go. Even my life—I'll give it to you."
"Get out!" Kaguya snapped, her voice laced with ice. "Is this how you plead? Kneeling before your enemy and begging for mercy? It's pathetic."
The Fish-Man's fists trembled as he remained kneeling. "I don't care. I'll do whatever you ask. Just spare them!"
Kaguya's patience snapped. "I saved you, and yet you repaid me by taking my maid hostage. I should have killed you already!" She delivered a sharp kick to his side, sending him sprawling. "And now you dare beg shamelessly?"
The Fish-Man suddenly lifted his head, his eyes burning with desperation. "I know I was wrong! But if you spare them, I will do anything to atone."
"Anything?" Kaguya's lips curled into a mocking smile. "What if I told you to die?"
The Fish-Man's jaw tightened. Then, with unwavering resolve, he replied, "If that's the price to save them, then I will gladly die."
Without hesitation, he pulled out a small dagger, ready to drive it into his own heart.
Gasps filled the room as the maids screamed in horror. Just as the blade was about to pierce his chest, a pale hand shot out and caught his wrist, halting the motion instantly.
"I must say, you do have some backbone." Kaguya looked at him with mild interest. "But aren't you afraid that I'll go back on my word once you're dead?"
The Fish-Man met her gaze, his eyes filled with certainty. "Someone who values their servants' lives wouldn't commit such a vile act. Besides, if you truly intended to kill me, you would have done so already."
Hearing this, Shirley looked deeply moved, while Shina, the rescued maid, had tears welling in her eyes.
Kaguya released her grip, turning away toward the sofa. "You're not foolish, but don't try any tricks. Not everyone is as simple-minded as you think. If you act out of line again, I will show no mercy."
The Fish-Man's face turned slightly red—his little tricks had clearly been seen through.
Kaguya sat back on the sofa and said, "You've got guts barging in here. Speak, what do you want from me?"
"I came here to ask you to release my friends," the Fish-Man said.
As it turned out, he was a resident of Fish-Man Island who had set sail a few years ago, recruiting a crew for adventure. However, due to their inexperience, they were soon targeted by a slave-hunting group. Caught off guard, they were captured and sold to the Celestial Dragons, where they suffered greatly.
His crewmates had faced the same tragic fate. It was said that they were still imprisoned by the Celestial Dragons.
"Your crewmates, huh?" Kaguya sipped her tea. "Which Celestial Dragon purchased you?"
"Uh..." The Fish-Man scratched his head. "I don't remember too clearly... I think it was the Rosward family."
"The Rosward family?" Kaguya raised an eyebrow.
Wasn't that Shalria's family?
Hearing this, Shalria immediately sensed danger and tried to sneak away. However, just as she was tiptoeing toward the door, a voice behind her made her freeze in place.
"Miss Shalria, where do you think you're going?"
Shalria turned around stiffly, her expression more pitiful than if she had been crying.
With Kaguya's intervention, the Fish-Man's friends were rescued. Though they were covered in wounds, they were alive. After all, with Shalria around, issuing such a command was a simple matter.
Upon returning home, Shalria found herself greeted by the respectful servants, which made her feel reinvigorated, even regaining a bit of her former arrogance. Even the lingering sting on her rear seemed to fade slightly.
However, the moment she noticed Kaguya's amused expression, she immediately quieted down, behaving more obediently than a kitten.
Tears welled up in Shalria's heart. The boring life she once despised now seemed so precious. She desperately wished she could return to her old way of living.
Suddenly, an idea flashed in her mind, and her eyes lit up.
If she could take advantage of Kaguya's distraction and quietly—
Kaguya smirked. She was well aware of Shalria's little schemes but didn't care. A little bird like her could never escape her grasp.
At that moment, the Fish-Man strode forward, dropping to one knee with respect. "Thank you for rescuing my crewmates and freeing us from our prison. To repay your kindness, I, Fisher Tiger, am willing to serve you."
"That won't be necessary. Just remember our agreement," Kaguya replied. Then, as if recalling something, she suddenly asked, "Wait, what did you say your name was?"
"Fisher Tiger," the Fish-Man replied, slightly puzzled. "Is something wrong?"
Looking at the towering, red-faced warrior, Kaguya suddenly felt a pang of regret.
She had unknowingly saved him.
Would he one day set fire to her house?
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