Conqueror’s Desire

The ocean wind howled as the mysterious ship finally emerged fully from the thick mist.

The sight of its flag sent a jolt of shock through Nami.

"That… that's the Navy's flag?!"

MC narrowed his eyes at the approaching warship. "What are they doing here?"

The massive vessel stopped just a few meters away. From its deck, a woman leaped down gracefully—landing on the surface of the water as if it were solid ground.

A Navy Admiral.

She had long, silver hair that shimmered under the moonlight. Her uniform fit snugly, radiating both authority and power. Her gaze was piercing, yet her lips curled into a small, knowing smile.

"So, this is the boy who's been stirring up the seas," she said, her eyes studying MC with interest.

MC remained silent, keeping his guard up. "Who are you?"

The woman took another step closer.

"My name is Admiral Seraphina. And I've come to make you an offer."

MC raised an eyebrow. "An offer?"

Seraphina crossed her arms. "The Navy has been watching you. The power you displayed tonight… it isn't something we can ignore. And I believe you've already realized it yourself."

MC clenched his jaw. "So, you're here to arrest me?"

Seraphina let out a soft chuckle. "Quite the opposite. I'm here to recruit you."

Nami gasped. "What?!"

Seraphina's gaze remained steady. "I want you to join the Navy. With your power, you could become one of the strongest warriors on the seas. You could bring change… instead of being just another victim of the power you carry."

MC fell silent.

For so long, he had been drifting through chaos with no clear direction. This strange power he inherited, the creatures that pursued him, and now… an invitation to join the very force that opposed many pirates.

Nami bit her lip. "You don't have to listen to her, MC! The Navy isn't any better than the pirates! They only serve those in power!"

Seraphina turned her sharp gaze toward Nami. "And you, Nami… former member of the Arlong Pirates, have your own reasons to hate us, don't you?"

Nami clenched her fists but couldn't find the words to argue.

MC stared at the sea, his mind racing.

"If I join the Navy… I might gain more information about who I really am."

But before he could answer—

"Don't listen to them, MC."

A soft yet chilling voice echoed from behind.

MC turned—

Standing on the water was another figure.

A woman with long, jet-black hair and piercing violet eyes that radiated an eerie calmness. Her attire was dark, with a long coat billowing in the ocean breeze.

MC felt something familiar about her presence.

"Who… are you?"

The woman gave a small smile.

"My name is Ishtar. I am not here to recruit you… but to warn you."

Seraphina tensed upon seeing the newcomer. "You… one of the remnants of the Ancient Kingdom, aren't you?"

Ishtar didn't acknowledge her words. Instead, her gaze locked onto MC's.

"You have two choices, MC. Join them… or seek the truth."

MC's fingers curled into fists. "What truth?"

Ishtar's eyes sharpened.

"The truth about your origins. About Poseidon's legacy. About why this world does not want you to exist."

MC froze.

Two powerful women stood before him, each offering a different path.

On one side, Seraphina and the Navy, promising power and protection.

On the other, Ishtar, offering answers to the mystery that had surrounded his entire life.

And now… he had to choose.