NOVEL NEXT Chapter 44: Killed Celestial Dragon
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Drip. Drip.
The sound of blood dripping onto the floor echoed eerily, painting a grim picture of the events that had unfolded.
Steel Bone Kong, one of the three Admirals of the Navy Headquarters, stood frozen. His arms trembled slightly as he surveyed the scene before him.
The Celestial Dragon was dead.
This wasn't just a crime; it was a world-shaking incident. Regardless of the era, the Celestial Dragons, as the self-proclaimed nobility of the world, wielded unimaginable privilege and authority. And yet, here lay one of them—lifeless.
Taking a deep breath to calm himself, Kong's expression grew dark. "Seal off the entire estate! Investigate every inch, take stock of all assets, and find survivors—if there are any! Move quickly!" he commanded sharply.
"Yes, sir!" The soldiers sprang into action, scouring the castle for clues.
Kong muttered to himself, "Who could have done this? To dare lay a hand on a Celestial Dragon…?"
A soldier soon returned with a report, his expression grave. "Admiral Kong, we've completed the sweep. There are no survivors in the entire castle."
"From the top staff to the CP agents, everyone has been eliminated. Each was killed with a single, precise strike. The weapon used appears to be a blade. None of the valuables in the castle were taken."
"The assailant's sole objective was clearly to kill the Celestial Dragon."
"...!!" Kong gritted his teeth, his mind racing.
"And what about surveillance footage or recordings from the Den Den Mushi network?" he asked.
"All destroyed," the soldier admitted grimly. "There's no evidence left behind. It's as if the perpetrator vanished into thin air. Apart from the bodies, there's no trace of them anywhere in the castle."
Another soldier added, "Sir, based on the thoroughness of the act, the attack was clearly premeditated. The perpetrators planned everything to ensure there were no loose ends."
Kong nodded slowly, his expression turning even darker. His initial assumption had been a robbery—
After all, the wealth of the Celestial Dragons could tempt even the most cautious criminals. But this… this wasn't about greed. This was a targeted assassination.
As the reality of the situation set in, Kong barked, "Round up everyone! Detain every suspicious individual or group on the Sabaody Archipelago! Anyone acting out of line, I want them in custody!"
"Yes, sir!" The soldiers mobilized, beginning their sweep under the cover of the starry night.
Kong retreated to his office, poring over the reports in frustration. His thoughts churned until a name came to mind.
Charlotte Joey.
He narrowed his eyes. The head of the Charlotte Family had arrived at the Sabaody Archipelago earlier that day. And by nightfall, the Celestial Dragon had been killed. It was no coincidence.
Still, this was no ordinary man. Joey's position wasn't one that even the Navy could challenge lightly. Kong realized he had no choice but to confront the man himself.
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Late Evening, Sabaody Archipelago
In a traditional room illuminated by warm lamplight, a woman silently poured tea for a calm, composed Joey. He sipped the steaming beverage leisurely, savoring its bitter aroma. Unlike alcohol, which dulled the senses, tea sharpened the mind—something he greatly preferred.
The rhythmic sound of hurried footsteps shattered the tranquil atmosphere. The door slid open abruptly, and Steel Bone Kong strode in, his gaze sharp and piercing.
"Charlotte Joey," Kong began coldly, "the Navy suspects you—"
"Admiral Kong," Joey interrupted with a calm smile, "choose your words carefully. Are you implying that an Admiral can accuse anyone without the need of evidence?"
Kong's words froze in his throat. His expression darkened as he observed the man before him. Joey's unflappable demeanor only deepened his suspicions.
Zwart, the slain Celestial Dragon, had almost certainly died by Joey's hand. Kong had no doubt about that. Yet, as Joey had pointed out, there wasn't a shred of evidence to support the claim.
If it had been anyone else, Kong would have arrested them on the spot, evidence be damned. After all, Joey's mother and siblings were pirates. But Joey himself was no ordinary pirate.
Through the Genetic (Gene) Fruit, Joey's influence reached far beyond his title as head of the Charlotte Family. Should anything happen to him, Kong's own position as Admiral would be at risk.
The Navy's funding could be slashed, and they would face backlash from numerous nations that relied on the Charlotte Family's contributions to peacekeeping and trade.
Inhaling deeply, Kong's voice was icy but restrained. "Mr. Joey, you seem rather uninterested in the events that transpired tonight."
Joey chuckled, setting his teacup down. "Admiral Kong, I've already said—I know nothing about what happened. But if you wish to arrest me, you'd better bring evidence. Otherwise, I doubt you'll hold on to your position much longer."
The casual way Joey delivered the veiled threat sent a chill through the room. His smile remained, unperturbed by the fact that he was speaking to an Admiral.
Behind Kong, the Navy soldiers burned with rage, itching to speak out. But the Rear Admiral accompanying Kong silenced them with a gesture. They couldn't afford to provoke this man.
Kong, suppressing his frustration, forced a smile. "Very well, Mr. Joey. But I'd advise you to be careful. The Sabaody Archipelago isn't safe."
Joey's smile widened slightly. "I appreciate your concern, Admiral. But I have capable brothers who can ensure the safety of someone as 'fragile' as myself."
The unspoken dismissal hung heavy in the air. Recognizing the futility of further conversation, Kong turned on his heel and left. His soldiers followed, their anger barely contained.
As the door slid shut, Joey's serene expression remained unchanged. He poured himself another cup of tea and took a slow, deliberate sip.
In his mind, his plan had only just begun.
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