Pitts' headless corpse collapsed face down onto the ground with a heavy thud, blood splattering across the pristine streets of Mary Geoise.
Just like that, he became the first Celestial Dragon to be publicly executed in the Holy Land.
The Demon Blade Muramasa in Lloyd's hand emitted a faint, ominous black gleam. He did not spare the corpse even a passing glance. Turning away, his voice was indifferent.
"Clean it up."
The moment his words fell, two figures flashed out from the crowd and landed silently behind Lloyd.
"Understood, Captain."
Their voices were perfectly synchronized.
One lifted Pitts' body, while the other picked up the severed head. Drawing their blades, they slashed once, flames igniting instantly along the edges. The fire consumed every trace of blood on the ground, leaving nothing behind. In the next instant, both figures vanished as abruptly as they had appeared.
Nearby, the two suited attendants who had collapsed earlier slowly regained consciousness. Their eyes were dazed at first, but clarity returned quickly. Panic seized them as they scrambled to locate their master.
Yet Pitts was nowhere to be found.
By the time they staggered back to the Topman Family residence, they finally saw him, or rather, what remained of him, neatly placed inside a small box.
The surrounding Celestial Dragons were utterly speechless, their faces pale with fear as they watched Lloyd lead his group away with unhurried steps.
On the way, Aramaki hesitated before speaking.
"Saint Lloyd, was that really acceptable? Won't it bring you trouble?"
Aramaki had always supported the Celestial Dragons, but now his loyalty was directed solely toward Lloyd. Compared to the formal title of Marshal, he clearly preferred addressing him as Saint Lloyd.
Wanda and Carrot immediately grew anxious upon hearing this, their gazes fixed on Lloyd.
Akainu and Aokiji both let out cold snorts. This time, Aokiji spoke first, exhaling a faint chill into the air.
"I'd like to see who dares cause trouble for the Marshal."
Akainu adjusted the brim of his cap, his voice deep and resolute.
"During wartime, all actions must obey the orders of the Navy's supreme commander. That Celestial Dragon challenged that authority. His crime surpasses that of any ordinary man. The Marshal's decision is entirely justified. If there is any fault, it's that I should have carried it out myself."
Kizaru clicked his tongue softly, pushing up his glasses with a casual gesture.
"Let's not get worked up, Sakazuki. This place wouldn't survive your methods. Why not leave it to me? Quick and precise, you know."
Lloyd chuckled lightly, clearly amused.
"Borsalino, have you forgotten that the Navy's retirement funds are still handled by the Celestial Dragons?"
Kizaru shrugged with a relaxed smile.
"Well, with the Marshal here, does it matter? Besides, I only recognize that the Navy's funding comes from you. Anyone else doesn't concern me."
Aramaki inhaled sharply, inwardly stunned. Kizaru's usual laziness masked a sharp tongue when it mattered most.
Lloyd's smile deepened. He gave Kizaru's shoulder a firm pat, his tone suddenly solemn.
"Borsalino, your words truly moved me. I've decided, I'll support you for the rest of your life."
Even Kizaru's composure faltered. A bead of cold sweat slid down his temple as he subtly edged closer to Akainu.
Laughter broke out among the group. Even Akainu's lips curled slightly before he spoke again.
"Borsalino, after the war, how about asking Ivankov for another treatment?"
That single remark struck with precision. Kizaru's eyes widened in shock.
"Sakazuki, how could you…?"
Akainu continued forward without turning.
"I've seen the photos."
Kizaru froze completely. By the time he snapped out of it, the others had already moved ahead. He hurried after them, raising his voice.
"Wait, Sakazuki! That's actually my cousin!"
"A cousin named Huang Yuan?"
Silence followed.
When they arrived at the Figarland Family territory, Akainu and the others were already familiar with the place. During Lloyd's coma, they had visited several times.
Wanda and Carrot, however, were seeing it for the first time. Their eyes darted around curiously, taking in the elegant surroundings, the disciplined guards, and the orderly movement of servants. Occasionally, they let out soft exclamations of amazement.
It wasn't until they reached the inner courtyard garden that they encountered Garling, seated within a pavilion, resting with his eyes closed.
Sensing their approach, Garling opened his eyes and gave a slight wave in greeting.
Akainu and the others immediately showed respect, bowing slightly.
Garling chuckled.
"You are Lloyd's companions. There is no need for formality here. Besides, the master of this residence is now Lloyd."
Lloyd stepped forward, casually picking up Garling's teacup and taking a sip.
"Uncle Garling, this is our family. No need to stir division within it."
Garling's demeanor had become noticeably more relaxed since handing over authority. He smiled faintly.
"Then that would be my mistake. Let me think… Lucia, Ginny, can your rooms accommodate them?"
Lucia remained composed, while Ginny's face flushed red as she lowered her head shyly.
Lloyd laughed.
"Uncle Garling, aside from Shirahoshi, I could fit a hundred more people into my chambers without issue."
Garling raised a brow slightly.
"Ah, I nearly forgot about that mermaid. It seems you have no intention of releasing her."
"Not for now," Lloyd replied evenly. "The Sea Kings are tied closely to Joy Boy. If she's released, there's a chance she could be influenced by him."
Garling shook his head with a faint smile before addressing the others.
"Enough standing around. Dinner is prepared. Let's head to the main hall."
Lloyd paused briefly before speaking.
"Lucia, go inform Monet and the others."
Before Lucia could move, Garling stopped her.
"No need. I've already sent word. With you here, how could they be absent?"
Lloyd laughed again, though his thoughts drifted elsewhere.
Shirahoshi.
Her body now exceeded twelve meters in length, making it impossible for her to attend such gatherings. Though meals were always sent to her, the isolation weighed on her.
Perhaps a solution was needed.
Lloyd recalled a certain Devil Fruit, the Mini Mini Fruit, once possessed by a female giant.
His gaze sharpened slightly as the idea took root.