"You heard correctly. I am a Celestial Dragon."
"Saint Roselith Seraphina."
"That is my name."
Seraphina spoke calmly, her expression solemn and unwavering.
"It's actually true…"
King Cobra stared at the young Marine woman in disbelief.
She was so young that calling her a girl would not have been inaccurate.
As the ruler of Alabasta, Cobra naturally knew the names of the Twenty Founding Families that had established the World Government eight hundred years ago. Records of that era were preserved within the royal archives of the Nefertari Family.
And among those records was the name of the Roselith Family.
One of the original Twenty.
One of the families that had ascended to the summit of the world.
"I have also read about the history of the Nefertari Family."
"You were among the Twenty Kings who founded the World Government, yet your ancestors chose not to move to Mary Geoise."
"They rejected the title of Creator and remained with their people."
"I have always admired that decision."
Seraphina paused briefly before continuing.
"But that admiration belongs to your ancestors."
"The reason I care about Vivi is much simpler."
"I genuinely like her."
"I like her kindness, her courage, and her heart."
"She reminds me of myself in certain ways."
"Having a younger sister like Vivi would make me very happy."
The sincerity in her voice left no room for doubt.
"Thank you."
Cobra's eyes softened.
As a father, there was no praise more precious than hearing someone acknowledge his daughter.
Especially someone as extraordinary as Seraphina.
At that moment, he felt an overwhelming sense of pride.
His daughter truly was wonderful.
"King Cobra, I accept Vivi as my sworn younger sister."
"If Alabasta ever faces difficulties in the future, you may contact me directly."
"However, I ask one thing."
"Keep my identity as a Celestial Dragon confidential."
"I do not wish for many people to know."
Seraphina deliberately emphasized the final sentence.
"I understand."
Cobra nodded seriously.
The implications of revealing a Celestial Dragon's identity were far-reaching. He understood the necessity of discretion.
"Then I shall take my leave."
"We will meet again at tonight's banquet."
Seraphina glanced at the mountain of documents on Cobra's desk.
The king was clearly busy, and she had already accomplished what she came here to do.
"Guards! Guards!"
"Escort Rear Admiral Seraphina out!"
Cobra immediately called for assistance.
Regardless of her rank in the Marines, she was still a member of one of the founding families of the World Government.
Basic courtesy was the least he could offer.
"Your Majesty!"
"Rear Admiral Seraphina, this way, please."
Bell quickly entered the office and respectfully bowed.
Cobra watched as the silver-haired Marine departed.
Only after she disappeared from sight did he finally release a long breath.
His heart was still unsettled.
The reason he had initially wanted to befriend Seraphina was because of her potential.
Anyone with eyes could see that someone so young reaching the rank of Rear Admiral was extraordinary.
Her future was practically limitless.
Before meeting her, Cobra had already investigated her record.
He had heard from neighboring kings how she had effortlessly defeated King Wapol and his guards.
As a neighboring monarch, Cobra knew exactly how troublesome Wapol could be.
The king of Drum Kingdom was arrogant and reckless, but he was not weak.
Yet he had been completely overwhelmed.
Cobra had even gone through stacks of old newspapers.
Eventually, he discovered reports from the East Blue.
There, hidden among local headlines, he found records of Seraphina's exploits.
The silver-haired Marine had swept through pirate-infested waters across the East Blue.
She had crossed paths with the pirate known as "Red-Haired" Shanks.
She had even challenged Dracule Mihawk, the man recognized throughout the world as the greatest swordsman.
By all logic, someone with such accomplishments should have been famous throughout the world.
Yet surprisingly few people knew her name.
The information Cobra managed to gather suggested that certain individuals within the Marines had deliberately limited publicity regarding her achievements.
Initially, Cobra believed the Navy was simply protecting a promising rookie officer.
Now, however, everything finally made sense.
She was not merely a rising Marine.
She was a member of the Roselith Family.
A Celestial Dragon who had deliberately chosen to remain in the shadows.
"A Celestial Dragon…"
Cobra muttered quietly.
The realization still felt unreal.
Meanwhile, in the streets of Alubarna.
"Princess Vivi! Would you like some oranges? They're sweet and refreshing!"
"Of course, Auntie!"
"Please give me two pounds!"
"Coming right up!"
The middle-aged fruit vendor happily packed several fresh oranges into a bag.
"Here you are, Princess Vivi."
"Thank you!"
Vivi took out her small purse and carefully paid the woman.
Almost everyone in Alubarna recognized the young princess with her beautiful light-blue hair.
She was beloved throughout the kingdom.
"Sister Kuina, would you like one?"
Vivi immediately pulled an orange from the bag and handed it to Kuina.
"Thank you!"
Kuina accepted it with a smile and began peeling it while walking.
Beside them, Riva quietly recorded observations in a notebook.
"A strong commercial atmosphere."
"The royal family enjoys immense public support."
"Citizens appear genuinely loyal."
He wrote down each detail carefully.
"Sister Kuina, if we had more time, I'd love to take you farther away!"
"There are lots of adorable animals near the coast."
"We call them Kung-Fu Dugongs!"
Vivi's eyes sparkled with excitement.
"They challenge anyone they meet to a duel."
"And if they lose, they often insist on becoming the winner's disciple!"
"Really?!"
Kuina nearly choked on her orange.
"That sounds amazing!"
"Hehe!"
"They wanted to become my disciples too!"
Vivi proudly puffed out her chest.
The memory clearly made her happy.
"Vivi, you know so much."
"If I get the chance, I definitely want to see them."
Kuina was genuinely impressed.
Despite only being ten years old, Vivi had already visited many places across the kingdom alongside Cobra.
Compared to herself at that age, Vivi possessed a surprising amount of knowledge and experience.
Just then, a sudden commotion erupted ahead.
"It's Lord Crocodile!"
"The Hero of Alabasta!"
"One of the Seven Warlords of the Sea!"
"I heard he defeated another pirate crew!"
"He's incredible!"
The crowd surged forward.
Kuina quickly stuffed the remaining orange into her mouth before swallowing.
"A Warlord?"
Her eyes narrowed immediately.
The title reminded her of Boa Hancock, whom she had encountered before.
"Vivi!"
"Let's go take a look!"
Without waiting for an answer, Kuina grabbed Vivi's hand and squeezed through the crowd.
Standing at the center of the gathering was a tall man with slicked-back black hair.
A large golden hook gleamed where his left hand should have been.
A cigar rested between his lips.
Sir Crocodile.
One of the Seven Warlords of the Sea.
"Everyone, calm down."
"I merely dealt with a few pirates."
Crocodile waved dismissively, maintaining a composed expression.
Inwardly, however, he was quite pleased.
Even he had not expected his reputation to spread so quickly throughout Alubarna.
"He's so humble!"
"He's protecting us!"
"Lord Crocodile truly cares about Alabasta!"
"He's amazing!"
The admiration of the crowd only grew stronger.
Crocodile continued to play the role of Alabasta's heroic guardian flawlessly.
Watching from the crowd, Vivi smiled politely.
Kuina, however, narrowed her eyes.
For some reason, she felt there was something strange about the man standing before them.
Something she couldn't quite explain.
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