Dom's appearance had changed completely. Now, naturally, he no longer had to worry about any wanted warrants issued by the World Government.
From now on… even people who had known him for years wouldn't be able to recognize him if they stood right in front of him.
Still, after everything he had been through, there were things that could never be undone.
He could never return to the Flame Dragon Pirates.
Nor could he ever again claim to be Dom.
"Aren't you going to change your appearance too?"
There were no Marines left on the streets. Little by little, pedestrians began to appear and move about freely again.
Everything indicated that the naval blockade had been lifted. They had seemingly concluded that Oboro must have already escaped Sabaody Archipelago.
Dom looked over at Oboro, who was standing in front of a mirror and slowly taking off his shirt. He asked in surprise.
"No need."
In Dom's mind, since Oboro possessed what seemed like a Devil Fruit power capable of changing his own appearance, he could just as easily use it on himself.
If he did, then the World Government's wanted posters… would become nothing more than a joke.
They could even walk down the main street openly and without fear.
Then Dom's pupils shook. His gaze fell upon Oboro's back, where a distinct and prominent mark was branded into the skin.
It was… the symbol exclusive to slaves of the Celestial Dragons.
The Hoof of the Flying Dragon.
And then there was the collar locked around Oboro's neck.
"It's… it's alright. Later, we can just cover this mark with a larger tattoo. Like a full‑back design or something…" Dom swallowed hard and offered kindly, trying to comfort him.
Looking at the dense pattern of scars covering Oboro's body, Dom didn't even need to ask to understand the kind of torture and abuse this man had suffered…
And being branded with the mark of the Celestial Dragons was surely no badge of honor. It was likely a shadow that would hang over him for a lifetime.
That was why he had spoken up.
"You don't think… this design is actually pretty good? To be honest… I've grown rather fond of it."
To Dom's shock, there was no trace of anger or complex emotions on the man's face. Instead, he was smiling, admiring his own reflection in the mirror with obvious pleasure.
"Uh…"
"Because this way… when I eventually slaughter those trashy bastards… it'll be all the more satisfying."
Oboro spoke in a tone that was frighteningly calm.
Dom couldn't help but shiver. He could tell Oboro meant every single word.
Kill Celestial Dragons?
Is he insane?!
That's suicide!
Such a thing had never happened in history. Forget Oboro… not even the Four Emperors themselves would ever dare.
Oboro had already made up his mind. Since the Will of this world had targeted him and wanted him dead… then he and this world were locked in a fight to the death.
Either the Will of the World killed him, or he would destroy this world.
There was no point in running or hiding…
Though, truth be told, the Will of the World wasn't as terrifying as people imagined. It could only subtly influence events and outcomes.
It could not directly intervene.
Oboro was actually quite glad now that before entering this high‑level world, he had passed through the world of Demon Slayer.
At least there, he had gained a certain level of understanding regarding how a world's will functioned.
What he did in Demon Slayer was to help that world grow and evolve within its existing framework and rules…
But to destroy a world, you had to break everything out of its established order, making the Will lose control over its own existence.
In that state, the "world tree" would lose its nourishment, gradually wither away, and eventually die.
To shatter this world's culture… to erode and dismantle its power system!
And to achieve that, the very first obstacle to overcome were the Celestial Dragons.
So, what Oboro intended to do now wasn't about fulfilling some higher destiny or divine will… it was simply about fighting against this world itself.
Of course, he might not succeed. After all, this was a high‑level world. Even in his prime, he hadn't managed to achieve something like this back in the world of Hunter x Hunter.
But he would give it everything he had.
If he failed… he would just gather enough resources and leave.
The next world he visited would surely be even more terrifying… But until he had accumulated enough strength and capital, he absolutely could not run away like a coward.
One thing was certain: he would never let the Will of the World push him around.
If it wanted him dead… it would find it wasn't going to be easy.
Besides… he had always loved a challenge.
Coming to One Piece had given him the exact same feeling he had back in Hunter x Hunter, when he was just a small rookie.
Every step had to be taken with caution, every advancement earned through struggle and hard work.
"Actually…"
Dom hesitated, unsure whether to speak.
He wanted to persuade Oboro to give up on the idea of targeting the Celestial Dragons. It was pure fantasy.
It was no different from walking straight into one's own grave.
Compared to that, Oboro could achieve so many great things… as long as he didn't waste his energy focusing on them.
Some things… you just had to endure. There was no other way.
"There is a price for what I gave you… you understand, right?"
But before Dom could say it, he caught Oboro's gaze reflected in the mirror. His heart tightened, and he felt almost suffocated.
"I can grant you power… but I can also take it back just as easily."
"Y‑yes, Sir."
Dom replied dryly, his voice trembling.
Oboro put his shirt back on, walked over, patted Dom on the shoulder, and smiled.
"Relax… When you set sail and become a pirate, how can you be afraid of death? Stick with me… and you'll soon discover that life can actually be absolutely magnificent."
"Let's go."
With that, Oboro opened the door and stepped out first.
...
Although the heavy naval deployment had vanished, patrol squads still roamed every district.
But only in the peaceful, regulated areas.
Inside the lawless zones, Marines couldn't enter in small numbers — it was simply too dangerous.
During these past two days, the situation within the lawless zones had seemed tense and chaotic…
But the moment the main Marine forces withdrew, large groups of pirates and underworld figures immediately reappeared on the streets.
Just as Oboro had predicted.
Even with the largest operation in history, the Marines were still unable to completely suppress the pirate factions scattered across the island.
As the saying goes: "There is always a solution to every measure taken from above."
If the Marines could truly control Sabaody Archipelago, then the entire Grand Line would effectively be under their sole command.
It would be impossible for new generations of pirates to resupply or travel to the New World…
They wouldn't need the Seven Warlords to balance the power of the seas, nor would they fear the influence and arrogance of pirate forces.
Controlling this place could cut off at least half — if not seventy or eighty percent — of the rising stars trying to enter the New World…
But because they couldn't fully control it, the Marines were forced into a passive position.
Nevertheless, this massive operation had dealt a heavy blow to the pirates on the island.
The impact was real and lasting.
"Donquixote Doflamingo's power… is actually this enormous."
As they walked down the street, Dom couldn't help but gasp in awe.
"Without customers, his auction house would be out of business. Besides… it's not his influence that matters. It's theirs — the Celestial Dragons. At most, he's just the messenger."
Oboro replied, his face covered by a half‑mask.
"Boss… you… how do you know so much about the Joker? Don't tell me you used to…?"
Dom asked curiously.
As they talked, people occasionally glanced their way.
Mainly because Dom's current appearance was quite striking… It was obvious he belonged to some rare or unknown race.
He was wearing a hat pulled low to cover the lumpy protrusions growing on his forehead.
If people realized he was a member of a species never seen before, he might attract the interest of powerful figures or organizations who would try to capture him.
Especially slave traders… and if the Celestial Dragons took notice, that would be the absolute end for him.
"Boss" was the common way to address a superior among pirates.
Dom had already accepted his new reality, and naturally changed how he addressed Oboro.
He knew he had no choice but to follow him from now on.
"I don't know him well at all. I told you before… I wasn't a pirate."
Oboro waved his hand, knowing exactly what Dom was thinking.
"Oh… alright."
A short while later, they finally arrived outside the auction house.
They saw the huge banner hanging high above the building.
On it… was the image of a Devil Fruit.
This was clearly the main attraction Doflamingo had prepared.
A spectacle designed to grab everyone's attention.
"Hah… it really suits his style. He loves playing these kinds of games."
Oboro commented mockingly.
It was a Zoan‑type Devil Fruit.
Even though it wasn't as valuable as a Paramecia or Logia type… for the vast majority of pirates, just owning a Devil Fruit was temptation enough to make them kill for it!
Inside and outside the auction house, crowds of people were constantly coming and going.
But the main event hadn't started yet…
"Come on. Let's go inside first. Take a look around and get familiar with the place."
Oboro gestured for him to follow.
____________________
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