"Happy Holidays to you!"
A neutral island in the New World.
The nighttime streets were filled with noise and excitement, illuminated by colorful lights and festive decorations. People in all kinds of cheerful clothing filled the marketplace, exchanging joyful greetings.
In the bathroom of a modest hotel, Dragon turned on the shower and tilted his head back, letting the scalding water wash away the exhaustion built up over the past few days.
Streaks of blood ran down with the stream. After a while, he reached out and shut off the water, then stepped out of the shower and approached the mirror.
He raised a hand to wipe the fog from the glass, revealing his scarred body and a face that felt somewhat unfamiliar.
The wound on his cheek had begun to scab over, and the web-like scars etched into the left side of his face looked almost like tattoos—deep, unyielding. They erased the softness that once defined his features, replacing it with something wild, sharp, and commanding.
Staring at the gaunt, unfamiliar face in the mirror, Dragon let out a long breath and forced a slight smile at his reflection.
He could tell he had grown up—quite a lot.
"From here on out... it's a path only you can walk, kid."
Afterward, Dragon pulled on a loose-fitting robe and stepped out of the bathroom.
In the hotel's private suite, a man dressed in a cheap black suit stood quietly like a shadow, waiting.
As Dragon exited the bathroom, the man gave a slight bow.
"Sir, you're safe now."
"This island lies within the New World. I've prepared a full sea chart and Eternal Pose for the nearby islands. They're on the desk."
Dragon looked at the man—so ordinary that you could lose him in a crowd—and asked suddenly,
"Do you know who I really am?"
The man answered respectfully,
"That's not important. My task was to get you to the New World. Now, my job is done."
"But if you really want an answer, I can give you the truth..."
He spoke in a low, steady voice.
"I know that you're Monkey D. Dragon. The biological son of Marine hero Monkey D. Garp. Once a 'monster' within the Navy—now a world-class criminal with a 2 billion Belly bounty issued by the World Government and the Marines."
Dragon fell silent for a moment, then asked,
"You know what I did?"
"I do. You killed a Celestial Dragon."
"Then you must also know your so-called mission could very well cost you your life."
"And what if I decide to kill you to silence you?"
The man shook his head.
"To serve that man is the greatest honor of my life."
"As long as I carry out the task he entrusted me with, I'd give up my life without regret."
Dragon gave him a long look.
"You're one of Daren's men?"
The man didn't deny it. He simply bowed deeply.
"Three years ago, Daren-sama saved my entire family. He gave us enough wealth to last several lifetimes... This is the least I can do."
"And, Dragon-san, Daren-sama asked me to pass along a message."
Dragon blinked in surprise, responding instinctively,
The man raised his head and smiled.
"He said... 'Actually, I understand your feelings better than anyone else. After all, the Celestial Dragon who died in the North Blue... wasn't the only one.'"
More than one Celestial Dragon... died in the North Blue?
Dragon stood frozen as if struck by lightning.
Then, suddenly, his eyes flew wide open—realization dawning like a thunderclap.
"No... it can't be..."
Dragon's expression twisted, a storm of emotions flickering across his face—shock, confusion, realization, embarrassment—each flashing vividly in a tangled mix.
Everything suddenly became clear.
Why the truth behind Saint Xildes' "attack" could never be uncovered.
Why Daren had told him, "I understand how you felt when you killed a Celestial Dragon."
Why he had said, "You shouldn't have been so impulsive."
Why that look in his eyes always carried a helpless, disappointed weight.
...If that was the case, then it all made sense!
Recalling how proudly he had boasted to Daren about killing a Celestial Dragon, Dragon suddenly felt a cramp in his toes—curling instinctively from sheer awkwardness. For more chapters visit NoveIꜰire.net
Another realization struck him.
If Saint Xildes had really been killed by Daren, then with Admiral Sengoku's level of intelligence and insight, there was no way he wouldn't have noticed something.
After all, Sengoku had been in charge of that case from the very beginning.
And yet, Daren had walked away completely unscathed—rising steadily through the ranks.
There was only one explanation.
Daren hadn't left a single trace.
He had done it too cleanly.
Dragon's thoughts quickly fell into place.
"So that's how it is..."
A faint, helpless smile tugged at the corners of his lips.
"In Admiral Sengoku's eyes, I must seem like a reckless fool compared to Daren's precision..."
He murmured to himself.
Now, Dragon finally understood why Sengoku had sent Daren to "hunt him down" immediately.
No. Dragon felt no regret.
Even if time could be turned back, he would still kill that Celestial Dragon without hesitation.
That was just who he was.
He was nothing like Daren—unable to calculate every step ahead.
Still, after hearing the words from the man before him, the weight in Dragon's chest—his loneliness, frustration—seemed to vanish all at once.
So there really was someone else in this world...
Someone else who dared to draw their blade against the "noble and mighty gods."
It was like stumbling through a cold and endless night, clutching a dim lantern in solitude...
Only to discover that somewhere out there, someone else was walking forward too, their candle burning just as bright.
A warmth—intense and overwhelming—rose in his heart.
Dragon whispered, his eyes tinged with red, fists clenched tightly.
"I thought we'd drift apart... even become strangers walking different paths."
"I didn't expect we'd still be walking together."
He shook his head. Thoughts of the legendary North Blue fleet and Daren's unshakable, calculating confidence flooded his mind.
In a voice only he could hear, Dragon murmured,
"Maybe... you've already walked farther than I ever have."
"Then, Dragon-san, I'll take my leave."
The man's voice was soft.
He gestured toward the cake sitting on the table and smiled.
"This is my gift to you."
"I couldn't understand the lyrics of that song, but I could feel an incredible power in it."
"I imagine the path ahead of you will be difficult, even sacred. I hope this small gesture can add a touch of sweetness to your great and arduous journey."
He bowed deeply, his expression sincere and heartfelt.
Fireworks burst across the night sky outside the hotel, brilliant and breathtaking in the dark.
Dragon stared in a daze for a moment before remembering—it was already a new year.
"You too. Happy holidays."
"Go home. Be with your family."
"That's what matters most, isn't it?"