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OPI Chapter 251: Esdeath’s Unease and Imu’s Call
🕑 Added 2024-10-22 15:16:50 +0000 UTC"Report to Admiral Kuzan!"
"The ship has arrived safely at the port of the Marley region."
Kuzan, standing on the deck of the flying warship, heard the voice of the Air Force officer.
Esdeath walked to the edge of the deck and her eyes fell on Kuzan as she asked: "Didn't you say that our destination is a place called Paradis Island?"
"We received a last-minute order. Now, someone else will take you to your final destination."
Kuzan explained briefly before heading towards the landing stairs.
"Come on, I'll accompany you."
Esdeath didn't seem to care and followed him silently, although deep down she was beginning to feel a sense of unease.
The soldiers waiting for them below were from the Holy Land Garrison, in charge of protecting the Celestial Dragons.
So the person she was going to meet next was likely a Celestial Dragon.
Kuzan and Esdeath walked down the stairs, but no one came up to greet them formally.
[Boom!]
Just as Kuzan was about to say something, a bright blue lightning bolt burst across the sky, followed by a deafening thunderclap that immediately alerted both of them.
The next moment a tall figure appeared in front of them. His body was glowing with small electric snakes that snaked around.
Esdeath looked at the other party in surprise.
'A user of a Logia-type Devil Fruit...' Kuzan thought, concentrating on the newcomer's abilities.
"Admiral Kuzan, I am the Thunder Dragon, the emissary under the command of Saint Nerona."
"I will be responsible for escorting Ms. Esdeath from now on, you can go back."
The person who came was Enel.
'An emissary of the Celestial Dragons...' Kuzan thought as he cast a quick glance at Esdeath.
He immediately felt a pity.
With Esdeath's potential and strength, she could very well have reached the level of an admiral in no time. But now, she seemed destined to become a mere plaything of the Celestial Dragons.
However, he and Esdeath have only known each other for a week, so naturally he would not do anything to disobey the Celestial Dragons.
"I'll leave it to you, then. Though I must admit that I didn't expect the World Government to have Devil Fruit users of your level. It's surprising."
Kuzan looked at Enel and sighed.
"Heh, this is nothing. If you're surprised, you haven't seen anything yet. Even if you're an admiral, you've only glimpsed a small part of the World Government's power."
"Besides, you're stronger than me now, but that's because I've only just turned eighteen. Give me a couple of years, and I'll catch up to you. Get ready for it."
Enel picked his ears lazily and teased back with a light tone. His attitude obviously didn't take Kuzan too seriously.
Kuzan was not bothered by such provocation.
And Esdeath suffered another psychological blow.
She seemed to have encountered another existence that she couldn't beat, and the other party said that he had just come of age.
As Kuzan left, Enel turned to Esdeath with a polite smile and said:
"Let me formally introduce myself. I am Enel, one of the Oka Shichibukai under Lord Imu. From now on, I hope I can count on you."
"All right." Esdeath nodded indifferently.
"This way, please." Enel continued unfazed, guiding her towards a limousine parked not far away, before opening the door for her himself.
"One question, are you also a user of a Logia-type Devil Fruit?" Esdeath asked.
"That's right. My ability is the strongest among the Logias: the Rumble-Rumble Fruit, which allows me to control lightning." Enel answered proudly, raising his chin.
After hearing Enel's words, Esdeath was lost in her own thoughts.
"Let's go!"
After Esdeath got into the car and Enel gently closed the door for her, he gave orders to the surrounding Holy Land garrison and Cipher Pol members.
...
When the limo finally arrived at the city center, Enel rushed to open the door for Esdeath.
In the plaza, Esdeath saw a giant warrior covered in golden armor with intricate red designs, as if they were blood veins.
"He is the Giant God Warrior, Oimo." Enel explained. "We need to pass through the space gate he will open to enter the alternate dimension where Noah's Ark is located. Once inside, you will be able to meet Lord Imu."
"..."
Esdeath was somewhat stunned.
After she started walking under Enel's guidance, she saw a blonde woman dressed in an elegant black suit approaching.
"Welcome, Queen Esdeath. I am Lord Imu's general secretary, Stussy. From now on, I hope to serve you well."
"Queen?"
Esdeath repeated, somewhat confused.
"Yes, Queen." Stussy said with a somewhat forced smile.
A few minutes later.
Esdeath was even more shocked.
When she entered the alternate space under the guidance of Stussy, Enel and Oimo, the first thing she saw as she passed was a huge floating wooden ship, of such enormous proportions that it seemed the size of a city.
As she was taken onto the gigantic deck of Noah's Ark, her attention was drawn to a golden tower in the center and a huge blue serpent coiled around it.
When Stussy noticed her gaze, she explained: "That's the Golden Clock Tower. And the giant snake is one of the guardians of this ship."
Esdeath continued walking with them, impressed by everything she saw, from the golden soldiers guarding each level of the ship to the impressive gardens containing carnivorous plants and exotic flowers.
There was no time to stop and admire everything, however. Stussy led her up to the fifth floor of the ship.
"This is the Sacred Palace of the Empty where Lord Imu lives. You can enter by yourself next."
"I understand." Esdeath replied before approaching the palace.
As she approached, she saw two Kuja warriors in silver armor and bows standing by the door.
Using one hand, she opened the door that seemed to be prepared for giants.
The echo of her heels resonated in the wide hallway, and for the first time in a long time, Esdeath felt a slight uneasiness.
Esdeath actually understood her current situation. After all, she was not a fool.
To be honest, she was a little unwilling.
After all, she actually hopes to have a relationship with the person she likes, and then get married to him or her.
But Esdeath herself is not the kind of naive woman whose emotions outweigh her rationality.
If her current strength is strong enough, of course she will act as she pleases.
But the fact at the moment is that she is a weak person, and a defeated weak person.
So from this point of view, Esdeath is not particularly disgusted.
She just hopes that Imu won't stop her from participating in the World Government's wars, if so then she'll be able to accept it to a certain extent and won't find it too disgusting.
When she entered the main living room, she saw an attractive man with golden eyes sitting on a sofa, observing her carefully. Next to him was a blonde woman with blue eyes.
Beside him sat a blond and blue-eyed beauty in a gorgeous dress.
"Sit down and talk, Esdeath." The man said, his voice deep and authoritative, filled with a force that admitted no reply.
Esdeath felt a chill, aware that despite his relaxed appearance, the pressure emanating from him far exceeded that of anyone she had ever met.
"Yes." She replied, sitting down not daring to show the slightest resistance.
...
Her blurry vision gradually began to clear from the darkness, revealing a soft, warm light. Esdeath could feel the softness of the light as she finally managed to make out the white of the ceiling and the glowing crystal chandelier above it.
Esdeath looked at the luxurious blanket covering her, with a complicated expression.
She could clearly feel the pain in her body, especially in her lower part, as memories of what happened yesterday began to fill her mind.
She had finally agreed to become Imu's woman.
She knew very well: she had no other choice. After thinking about it carefully, Imu was not only powerful, but also had a status, appearance, and presence that were worthy of her.
Or maybe she should have wondered if she was up to him.
Since she was easily defeated by Kuzan, she has been in a state of constant shock and numbness. Her so-called self-confidence and pride have been hit hard.
If it weren't for the fact that years of training and combat had forged a firm will in her, it is very likely that her personality would have already changed radically.
Despite everything, Esdeath was satisfied with the conversation she had with Imu the night before.
Imu did not oppose her desire to participate in the war but gave her a considerable challenge: she could only join the battle if she defeated one of the general-level fighters.
Fortunately, Imu also promised to help her improve in all aspects: Haki, fencing, physical skills...
In addition, as queen, she would have priority access to various high-value resources.
So Esdeath agreed to give herself completely to him and receive everything Imu offered her. Although, truth be told, the exchange the night before had been more exhausting than she expected.
She would never have imagined that Imu's strength and speed would be so overwhelming. Even with all her skill and endurance, she had ended up fainting without realizing it. Even now, her throat felt rough.
Esdeath sighed as she slipped out of the sheets, her naked body glistening under the rays of light streaming in through the windows. Her blue hair cascaded down her back to her thighs.
Ten minutes later, after exiting the bathroom, Esdeath was greeted by four maids carrying trays in their hands.
"Good morning, Her Majesty."
“This is the Phoenix Queen’s Celestial Raiment, a gift from Lord Imu to you.” One of the maids explained in a soft voice. “Not only does it possess great defensive capabilities, but it also symbolizes the Queen’s status.”
The maid stepped forward, holding a pure white dress on a tray, adorned with platinum details that shone with their own light.
Esdeath immediately recognized that it was similar to the dress Historia had worn the day before, so without much thought, she took it and began to put it on.
"It's quite comfortable, it doesn't restrict my movements... It's not bad." She muttered as she examined the dress.
"This is the Supreme Grade Nichirin Sword, a sword specially forged for you." Another maid continued to explain. "Its blade radiates the power of the sun, countering any being of darkness. Furthermore, it increases in temperature as your strength increases, until it unleashes flames as hot as the sun itself."
Then the maid came forward with a tray containing a long, shining sword.
“What a magnificent sword!” Esdeath exclaimed and quickly grabbed the hilt of the sword. The moment she grabbed the hilt, blue ice crack patterns gradually began to appear on the blade.
"Hmm?"
"The blade adapts to the abilities of the wielder." The maid continued. "The blue hue on the blade suggests that its affinity is with Water Breathing."
"I see…" Esdeath replied, fascinated by the sword.
"What is this?" Esdeath asked curiously, pointing at a small white case.
The maid gently opened it, revealing a syringe containing a blue liquid.
"This is the latest Perfect Type II Cell Enhancement Serum."
"Unlike Type I, which only increases cellular capacity to the average level of Starfish World humans, this serum will bring your body to an elite level." The maid explained. "It won't bring you to the highest level, but it will be enough to surpass any limits until you reach general-level combat power."
"Then apply it to me immediately!" Esdeath ordered excitedly.
"Wait a moment, Her Majesty. A professional medical staff will perform a complete examination of your body and then inject you with this serum."
Finally, the last maid stepped forward to present the last object.
"This is Lord Imu's final gift: the Mythical Zoan type Devil Fruit, the Kirin Fruit."
"Devil fruit?" Esdeath's eyes narrowed as she looked at the fruit.
