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Upon learning about Sabo''s whereabouts, Ace decided to join Noir in searching for him.
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Cretin, after careful consideration, chose to first consult the Revolutionary Army''s leader, Monkey D. Dragon.
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Noir was unaware of the details of their conversation, but ultimately, they agreed to Noir''s request, granting them a meeting.
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However, only Noir and Ace were allowed to approach the Revolutionary Army''s base. The others had to remain behind.
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Using a coated ship to evade the Marines'' search, Noir and Ace were eventually brought aboard a large vessel by Cretin.
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The ship was filled with Revolutionary Army soldiers. A few days later, they arrived at an island.
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The island was bathed in the warm glow of spring sunshine. Its architecture had a distinct Gothic charm.
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On the surface, everything seemed normal. But Cretin revealed that everyone on this island nation, even the king, was a member of the Revolutionary Army.
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Noir was impressed. Dragon''s audacity and methods were remarkable. Many people in the world opposed the Government, but few managed to actively rebel.
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With his ideals and charisma, Dragon had transformed the Revolutionary Army into a formidable organization, a thorn in the side of the World Government.
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Ace leaned against the mast, gazing at the island in the distance. Impatience etched on his face, he asked Cretin, "Is Sabo really coming here?"
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Cretin gave him a weary look. He''d asked that question countless times over the past few days.
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"The leader said Sabo is on his way back from a mission. He''ll stop by on his return journey."
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Seeing Ace''s mixture of anticipation and anxiety, Noir offered words of comfort. "Don''t worry, Sabo will definitely remember you."
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Ace gave him a grateful look and nodded.
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Soon, the Revolutionary Army ship docked. Cretin led them ashore.
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They traveled by sea to the kingdom''s capital, stepping into a bustling town where the citizens greeted them with reverence.
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Ace, puzzled by the respectful behavior, asked, "Why do they treat you with such respect?"
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Cretin smiled at the crowd, then lowered her voice. "Secretly, I''m a Revolutionary Army soldier. Publicly, I''m the kingdom''s eldest princess."
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What?
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A trust fund kid in the Revolutionary Army?
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Noir also lowered his voice. "So, you''ll be the queen someday?"
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Cretin sighed, a hint of exasperation in her voice. "Because of that, I''m secretly the heir apparent, and publicly, I''m the commander of the kingdom''s Knight Order."
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What kind of twisted logic is that?
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Noir and Ace exchanged bewildered looks. "Huh?"
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Cretin explained that although she was destined to inherit the throne, she had no desire to do so.Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.
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Cretin had her own beliefs. She didn''t want to rule the kingdom, so she kept her dual identity as a princess and a Revolutionary hidden from her people.
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Her subjects believed that the eldest princess had died years ago, unaware that she had become the commander of the Knight Order.
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This young woman didn''t want to be confined to a single nation. She yearned for a life of adventure, fighting for justice.
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But in Noir''s opinion, this was a classic case of "first-world problems."
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Why did these rich kids always refuse their inheritances and insist on starting their own businesses?
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If it were Noir, he''d be living a life of luxury.
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Now he understood why the Revolutionary Army could use an entire kingdom as a base. They had a princess who was itching to escape!
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Cretin led Noir and Ace to the royal palace, where they met the current king.
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He was a sturdy man with a head of white hair. He looked healthy but had dark circles under his eyes, suggesting a lack of sleep.
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The king greeted his daughter and, upon learning that they were allies, smiled and explained to his guests, "Cretin doesn''t want to be queen, so I had to make another one."
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"As a fellow man, Mr. Noir, you understand that making babies is hard work..."
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Noir and Ace nodded understandingly.
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It could be worse. If Cretin had been a boy, her father probably would have resorted to corporal punishment.
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After bidding farewell to her father, Cretin led them through the palace gardens. She pressed a hidden switch near a wall, revealing a staircase leading down.
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"Let''s go. Mr. Dragon is waiting for you."
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Ace eagerly descended the stairs, followed by Noir and Cretin. They walked through a narrow passage, and suddenly, their surroundings opened up.
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There, underground, was a spacious hall. Several muscular men were carrying heavy crates.
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Ace sniffed the air. "Smells like gunpowder."
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Noir realized, "So, this is one of the Revolutionary Army''s arms procurement sites."
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Cretin didn''t deny it. "Our country is rich in mineral resources. It''s ideal for weapons development and is a world-renowned exporter of ore."
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As they walked, Ace asked curiously, "I haven''t asked yet, what''s the name of your kingdom?"
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Cretin smiled apologetically. "I''m sorry, our kingdom is called the West Wind Kingdom."
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"..."
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That name sounds a bit… odd.
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Noir felt his perception of the world shifting. He twitched his lips. "You said you were in the Knight Order. What''s its name?"
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Cretin looked at him strangely. "What? The Knight Order? It''s named after the kingdom, of course."
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Alright, there''s a first time for everything.
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As long as the vice-captain wasn''t named Viola, he wouldn''t truly believe he''d time-traveled…
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The Revolutionary soldiers, upon seeing Cretin, stopped their work and saluted, clearing a path for them.
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They reached a room in the center of the hall without any obstacles. Cretin knocked gently and led them inside.
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A mysterious figure in a black coat stood waiting for them. Cretin announced, "Leader, Mr. Noir and Fire Fist Ace are here."
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Dragon, his face obscured by his hood, revealed a fierce expression as he grinned. "Welcome, gentlemen."
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Ace scanned the room, disappointment evident in his voice. "You said Sabo was here. Where is he?"
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Noir, on the other hand, was intrigued by Dragon''s face, half of which was covered in a strange tattoo.
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Such a cool tattoo. Could it really be the result of Garp''s slipper?
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Unfazed by their lack of response, Dragon turned to Ace. "Sabo is returning from a mission. He should arrive shortly."
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"What mission?" Ace asked, his curiosity piqued.
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Dragon glanced at Noir. "It''s a major operation we''re undertaking with Mr. Noir. I can''t reveal the details yet."
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Ace''s eyes widened. He looked at Noir. "So, you''re going on a mission with Sabo?"
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Noir corrected him, a hint of exasperation in his voice. "It''s not a fight, it''s official business."
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"That doesn''t matter." Ace sat down on the floor, crossing his arms. "I''m going too. I want to see how much Sabo has improved over the years!"
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Noir and Cretin exchanged glances, a knowing smile spreading across their faces.
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With just a few words, they''d gained another ally...
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Dragon nodded. "Very well, you can join Mr. Noir."
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Noir gave Dragon a subtle look. He''d agreed so easily again.
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Stealing the Heavenly Tribute was likely a diversion. The Revolutionary Army must have another objective in mind.
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But that wasn''t Noir''s concern. He was only interested in the money!