Dressrosa, port.
Rebecca, wearing the queen's dress, stood in front of everyone, looking at the sea in the distance nervously.
The nervous mood made Rebecca's pretty face pale. She kept adjusting her clothes and her breathing was a little disordered.
"Rebecca, don't be so nervous. Being so nervous will lower your impression of that adult."
Beside Rebecca, Riku, who was half a body behind Rebecca, whispered softly.
"I, I understand, but, but I can't control my emotions."
Rebecca bit her red lips, which turned pale because of excessive nervousness.
She also knew that the first meeting was very important and she needed to leave a good impression on that adult.
However, the emotions in her heart could not be controlled just because she knew.
The one who was about to come here was the super big man who really stood at the top of this sea!
---
"Take a deep breath and try to relax," Riku advised, noticing her tense expression.
He understood her feelings all too well—he was just as nervous.
King Riku, as a former ruler of a World Government-aligned nation, had a general understanding of the government's vast power.
---
Nearby, Kuzan and Issho waited patiently with their group.
Behind them stood Viola, nervously glancing at Kuzan.
"Captain Kuzan, what kind of person is the Admiral?" Viola finally asked, her voice wavering.
Though she had officially joined the 6th Division of the Entei Pirates, this was her first time meeting their leader in person.
Her only prior interaction with the admiral had been through a Den Den Mushi. While that conversation had left Viola with the impression that the admiral was approachable, the prospect of meeting him face-to-face filled her with anxiety.
The title of "Admiral," which Viola had confirmed during that earlier call, seemed to suit him perfectly. Since the admiral had not objected to it, the title stuck.
---
"What kind of person is the captain?" Kuzan repeated her question thoughtfully, scratching his head.
"Well, he's… a great man."
Issho chuckled softly, leaning on his cane. "Don't worry, Viola," he reassured her. "Ace-san is very kind to those who are loyal to him."
Issho himself often felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude when he reflected on Ace's actions toward him—a loyalty so deep that it stirred an impulse to fight and die for him without hesitation.
His words were partly intended to ease Viola's nerves, but also to subtly remind her of the gravity of her new allegiance.
Viola had only recently joined the Entei Pirates, motivated by her loyalty to Dressrosa, but she would soon come to understand the true depth of her captain's leadership.
She was unlike the others who followed Ace, captivated by his charisma and ideals.
Her loyalty, admittedly, could not match theirs. Proper preparation and strategy were also crucial.
The ability of the Staring Fruit remained valuable within the Entei Pirates' expansive fleet.
"Well, that's it. Don't be so nervous," Kuzan said with a smile.
He reflected on the captain's preferential treatment of his former mentor, Zephyr—a gesture that still moved him deeply.
Hearing this, Viola understood what Issho and Kuzan meant. She nodded solemnly.
"They're here," remarked Issho, detecting the incoming presence with a faint smile.
Moments later, three ships appeared on the horizon, swiftly approaching Dressrosa. The lead ship, blazing in fiery red, shone like a burning flame as it sailed. Its main sail bore the unmistakable flag of the Entei Pirates, surrounded by a motif of flames.
"It's the 'Going Merry'! The strongest fleet on the sea!" exclaimed Cyrus, Rebecca's father, swallowing nervously. Even hearing their name felt suffocating, as if an oppressive force bore down on him.
Soon, the 'Going Merry', along with the Zero Division and Sixth Division ships, docked at Dressrosa's port.
The sound of footsteps echoed as a figure stepped forward to the deck.
"Dressrosa," Ace murmured with a slight smirk as he surveyed the city before him.
"Admiral, welcome to Dressrosa," Rebecca greeted first, bowing respectfully.
As a vassal state under the Entei Pirate Fleet, addressing him as "Flame Emperor" was considered inappropriate. Referring to him as "Admiral" was deemed more fitting.
Rebecca had also learned from Viola that Ace found the title amusing rather than offensive, often laughing when he heard it. After consulting with her grandfather and the others, they all agreed to use this honorific.
"Admiral," King Riku and Cyrus said, bowing more deeply than Rebecca. Other palace officials quickly followed suit, their voices echoing reverence throughout the port. Viola also bowed, avoiding direct eye contact with Ace.
BABY-5, however, stared intently at Ace, muttering under her breath, "The Admiral needs me."
"There's no need to be so formal. Please, rise," Ace said, chuckling as he raised his right hand. With a precise use of Conqueror's Haki, he gently lifted everyone to their feet. The display of such incredible power only deepened the awe King Riku and the others felt.
"Admiral, the banquet is ready. We'd be honored if you'd attend," Rebecca said with a smile.
"A banquet? Hahaha! I'm looking forward to it," Ace replied with a hearty laugh, stepping off the 'Going Merry' with his crew to join Rebecca and the others.
"Well done, Issho, Kuzan." Ace said, patting Issho and Kuzan on the shoulders.
"We're just here to ease the captain's burdens," Issho and Kuzan replied with slight bows, smiling. While such formality was unnecessary in private, it was essential in front of the royal family and people of Dressrosa. As their leader, Ace understood the importance of projecting absolute authority while also showing care for his allies.
"Let's go experience Dressrosa's famed passion and love. I've heard this place is lively. I'm eager to see it for myself," Ace said, laughing.
"We'll do our best to impress you, Admiral," Rebecca replied with a smile.
The group headed toward the royal palace, passing through streets brimming with life. The citizens of Dressrosa greeted them warmly with vibrant dances and celebrations. It was a kingdom true to its reputation as a land of love and passion.
During the banquet, Viola performed a mesmerizing dance for Ace, her elegance captivating everyone in attendance. Amid the cheerful atmosphere, the feast concluded as night fell.
---
Later that evening, Rebecca and Viola hesitated outside Ace's quarters, nervous. After a moment, they took a deep breath and entered.
"Admiral," they greeted respectfully.
"You're here? Come closer," Ace said, gesturing with a smile.
"Admiral, why did you summon us?" Rebecca asked, her voice trembling slightly.
Arriving at the admiral's quarters late at night, Rebecca couldn't help but entertain certain thoughts.
Adding Viola, who was technically her aunt, added a layer of unease. Rebecca's expression betrayed her discomfort.
"Relax. I called you here for this, Rebecca," Ace said with a smirk, pulling out a glowing orb of light.
"What… is this?"