Chapter 125: Catch Me If You Can

Chapter 125: Catch Me If You Can

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...

On the visual screens across Sabaody Archipelago, the image of Noir slashing a Celestial Dragon's head froze, burned into the minds of the onlookers.

Shock filled every face. A Celestial Dragon, a being considered above all others, had been brutally murdered. And now someone was demanding a ransom for the rest.

The initial shock gave way to unbridled joy. This act of defiance was met with cheers!

No one in the world held any affection for the Celestial Dragons.

Or rather, everyone hated them.

But their absolute authority kept people in check. No one challenged them. Now, witnessing Noir's audacious actions, many couldn't help but admire him.

Noir couldn't see the reactions on the visual screens, but he could imagine the Marines' response.

He removed his blood-soaked gloves, glancing at the corpse on the ground. "Hang the body. We're leaving."

The crew, seeing Noir's ruthless efficiency in executing the Celestial Dragon and hearing his bold declaration, felt their respect for him deepen.

His loyal followers obeyed without question, rolling up their sleeves and getting to work.

Shalria, pinned to the ground by Noir, watched as her father's headless body was strung up on a tree. Tears welled up in her eyes.

She thrashed wildly, trying to break free from the ropes, but Noir slapped her back down.

As she tried to rise again, he plopped down on her arched back, nearly sending her face-first into the dirt.

Noir looked at her coldly, a cruel smile twisting his lips. "Do you want to end up like your father?"

Shalria met his icy gaze, then glanced at the mangled corpse, a shiver running down her spine.

The simple act of killing her father right before her eyes had silenced her completely.

Noir's voice dripped with mockery. "A pampered Celestial Dragon, used as a chair, her father murdered... don't you want revenge?"

Shalria, struggling to breathe under Noir's weight, could only manage a hateful glare.

He shrugged off her look. He'd faced down far more terrifying, hateful glares from far more dangerous enemies. What was a spoiled Celestial Dragon to him?

Ignoring her glare, he patted her back condescendingly, making her tremble.

"Until the ransom arrives, you'll be my temporary chair," he said with a satisfied smirk. "I don't mind getting a little dirty."

Sengoku, his round glasses nearly falling off his face, seethed with barely suppressed rage. "The Marines will never negotiate with you, greedy pirate!"

Noir, nonchalantly crossing his legs, responded to Sengoku's outburst. "I don't care whether the Marines agree or not."

Sengoku was momentarily speechless, then he understood.

Under normal circumstances, the Marines and the Government wouldn't tolerate any pirate's demands, resorting to brute force instead.

But there was one exception: anything involving the Government's dignity and the Celestial Dragons!

Years ago, Doflamingo had hijacked the Heavenly Tribute, threatening the interests of the Celestial Dragons. He'd negotiated with the Government and secured his position as a Warlord.

In other words, the Marines might be stubborn, refusing to compromise with pirates at any cost, but the World Government was different.

With the World Government as their superiors, Sengoku and the Marines could never disregard the safety of the Celestial Dragons.

Therefore, Sengoku had to capture Noir quickly. Otherwise, the World Government might decide to negotiate with him directly.

Though Sengoku doubted that even the often-compromising Government would tolerate the brutal murder of a Celestial Dragon, he couldn't take any chances.

The weight on Sengoku's shoulders grew heavier, but his voice remained firm as he addressed Noir. "I will find you, Devil Noir!"

Noir picked at his ear. "That title is so boring. Can't you come up with something more interesting Like Devil King?"

Sengoku's anger turned into a humorless laugh. "You won't have any more titles soon enough!"

Unfazed, Noir tapped his head. "I almost forgot! Make sure you keep that Den Den Mushi safe."

"When you're ready to make a deal, contact me. I'll give you the location for the exchange."

Before Sengoku could respond, Noir continued, "Don't even think about trying to track the signal. I've already blocked it."

Without giving Sengoku a chance to speak, Noir abruptly hung up.

Sengoku closed his eyes, the weight of the situation pressing down on him like a mountain.

One Celestial Dragon dead for each day that passed... if Noir was serious...

Sengoku dreaded the thought of the Five Elders berating the Marines over the phone.

...

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