Everyone froze for a moment, then instinctively looked toward the Clone Soldiers and the warships of Germa 66. Only now did they finally notice—many of the soldiers still had traces of blood on their bodies and hands, and even the hull of the warship bore signs of recent battle.
A terrifying thought began to creep into their minds.
"Buru buru... Buru buru..."
The sound of Den Den Mushi calls echoed one after another throughout the venue.
The royals and dignitaries from various Member Nations quickly pulled out their Den Den Mushi. As they answered, their expressions changed dramatically—shock, then horror.
The message was clear:
"The Sicilian Empire in the West Blue, with a standing army of over fifty thousand... has been completely wiped out!"
They exchanged alarmed glances, the fear in their eyes unmistakable.
Although the Sicilian Empire wasn't a member of the World Government and was only a small-to-medium-sized nation, it was a nation of warriors. Even compared to Member Nations, its military power ranked comfortably in the upper-middle tier.
Yet such a militarily capable empire—with fifty thousand elite troops—had been annihilated in a single night!?
Many of the royals and representatives nervously swallowed, their throats bone-dry. Their eyes slowly shifted toward Vinsmoke Judge, as if looking at a walking nightmare. Instinctively, they stepped back.
Noticing their reaction, Vinsmoke Judge let out a scornful sneer.
This pathetic bunch of so-called Member Nation delegates—at the end of the day, they were nothing but cowards who bullied the weak and feared the strong. They were incapable of posing any real threat.
If not for the political complications of defying the World Government, he'd have already led the unstoppable Germa 66 to crush all their worthless kingdoms.
"Hehehe... Judge-san, it's been a while."
Just then, a casual voice with a hint of amusement rang out from the crowd. ʀᴇᴀᴅ ʟᴀᴛᴇsᴛ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀᴛ NoveI-Fire.ɴet
Vinsmoke Judge frowned and followed the voice.
Out stepped a figure wearing a brown round hat, making his way forward at a leisurely pace.
"Sure, Germa 66 is famous and all, but showing up on Fish-Man Island still soaked in blood and acting all provocative at a wedding—don't you think that's a bit disrespectful to the Marines?"
Garp's eyes widened. His face twitched violently.
The man had both hands in his pockets, a toothpick in his mouth, and wore a pair of worn flip-flops on his hairy legs. He swaggered forward, raising a single finger to tilt up the brim of his hat—revealing a face he clearly thought was charming.
It was unmistakably... Tokikake!
The sudden move drew everyone's attention.
Many of the Member Nation representatives turned to look, surprised, and began whispering among themselves.
"Looks like a Rear Admiral from Marine Headquarters..."
"He seems pretty strong..."
"Just kind of rough-looking."
"Still, judging by his tone, he might have history with Vinsmoke Judge?"
Curious gazes locked on Tokikake, speculation spreading through the crowd.
Could it be that, aside from Garp and Daren, the Marines had sent another secret weapon?
With all eyes now on him, Tokikake could feel the cold sweat soaking his hands inside his pockets.
But his heart was pounding wildly. His body was trembling with excitement.
Finally, this was his moment!
Everyone was watching him—Tokikake, the genius and heartthrob of Marine Headquarters!
If he could take down Vinsmoke Judge here and suppress that overwhelming presence...
He'd steal the spotlight from Daren!
That queen who could tie a cherry stem with her tongue,
That supple queen who could do full splits,
All those noble ladies and girls with all sorts of special talents and tongue tricks...
They would come running with stars in their eyes, begging for a chance to touch his glorious biceps!
Vinsmoke Judge narrowed his eyes, a dangerous glint flickering in them.
Just then, the pink-haired little girl behind him suddenly pointed at Tokikake and exclaimed in surprise,
"Father, this old man is so ugly!"
He stared blankly at the innocent little girl, feeling as if the world around him had lost all color.
Everything turned black and white… then shattered like glass.
Garp couldn't help but laugh, but the moment he saw Tokikake's devastated face, he quickly slapped a hand over his mouth.
"So, who are you supposed to be?" Judge asked coldly.
His voice snapped Tokikake out of his soul-crushed stupor.
A wave of rage surged in his chest. Gritting his teeth, he growled,
"Don't tell me you've forgotten!?"
"Back in the North Blue, it was me who crushed your army and sent them running for their lives!"
Judge frowned again, examining the sleazy-looking man in front of him. After a moment, realization seemed to dawn.
"Oh, I remember now. You're that guy."
Tokikake grinned with satisfaction.
"Hahaha, I knew you'd—"
"You're the one I knocked out with a single shot."
Judge's cold smirk cut him off.
Tokikake froze mid-sentence.
His face slowly turned crimson.
Especially when he noticed the strange, almost pitying looks people were giving him—like he was a complete idiot—he wanted to dig a hole and vanish. His toes curled hard enough to crush the ground.
A helpless sigh came from behind.
Tokikake felt a hand gently pat his shoulder. He turned around with a mournful look.
"It's fine. You'll get used to it."
Daren shook his head with a soft chuckle.
Tokikake felt his heart ache even more.
Daren stepped forward with a calm smile and extended a hand.
"It's been a while, Judge-san."
Judge stared at the young Marine in front of him. It had indeed been a long time—he looked different now. His eyes flickered briefly with recognition.
After a moment, he took a deep breath and gave a stiff nod, shaking Daren's hand.
"Long time no see, Vice Admiral Daren."
He gestured toward the little girl beside him.
"This is my daughter, Reiju… I believe you've met her before."
Daren looked down at the pink-haired girl, crouched down, gently ruffled her hair, and smiled.
"Reiju-chan, do you remember me?"
"I held you once, right after you were born."
Reiju blinked at the young Marine before her, stunned for a moment. Then she suddenly turned and shouted,
"Father, this onii-san is so handsome!"
She rushed forward, throwing her arms around Daren's neck and planting a big kiss on his cheek. Her eyes sparkled as she asked sweetly,
"Daren-onii-san, can I marry you when I grow up?"
Vinsmoke Judge's face darkened instantly.
Tokikake's vision went black, and he collapsed onto the ground with a loud thud.
p@treon com / PinkSnake