Thud.

Gilman collapsed onto the rocky ground once more—not from fear this time, but sheer awe. The bald bandit’s words had shattered his worldview like a hammer to glass.

To challenge the Celestial Dragons themselves… To claim Mary Geoise as his throne…

Memories of his own "ambition"—to dominate East Blue’s bandit circles—now tasted like ash.

"Sige-sama…" Gilman rasped, bowing his head. "To serve under one who dares scale heaven… It’s an honor."

The bald zealot nodded sagely. "Next mountain. Now."

——

Over weeks, their ranks swelled. Deserted camps became bustling strongholds. Rumors spread faster than wildfire:

The Bandit King cometh.

——

Goa Kingdom Palace

"...this 'Bandit King' rallies the scum of the Gray Terminal!" A minister spat, adjusting his powdered wig. "He plans to storm our glorious capital!"

The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

Laughter rippled through the marble hall.

"Ridiculous!" scoffed Duke Vercheres, swirling wine in a golden goblet. "Rats from the trash heaps? Let them gnaw on scraps!"

"Yet…" The reporting minister hesitated. "His forces grow. If left unchecked during the Celestial Dragons’ visit…"

Silence fell.

King Sterry IV’s jeweled scepter struck marble. "Summon the Marines. Cleanse this filth before our divine guests arrive."

Murmurs of assent followed. None dared mention their "army"—a glorified police force that hadn’t drawn blood in decades.

——

Revolutionary Safehouse, Goa Kingdom Outskirts

Emporio Ivankov’s colossal face loomed over the strategy table, lavender curls trembling with indignation. "Dragon, darling! Why waste resources tracking a bandit clown?"

Dragon’s tattooed fingers tapped the latest report: Bandit King Sige – Forces: 500+. Target: Royal Capital?

"Clowns don’t terrify World Nobles," he rumbled.

Ivankov’s mascaraed lashes fluttered. "Oh honey, you think this gutter king can—"

SLAM.

The door burst open. A breathless revolutionary saluted. "Urgent intel! Goa Kingdom petitioned Marine HQ! They’re mobilizing a Vice Admiral!"

Dragon’s hood shifted fractionally. "Garp?"

"No. Code name: Momousagi."

——

Gray Terminal Mountains

Unaware of the storm brewing, Sige lounged in his "throne room"—a salvaged bathtub filled with stolen silk cushions.

"Boss! New recruits from South Ridge!"

"Boss! We raided a smuggler’s ale cache!"

"Boss! The men want to practice scaling cliffs for the 'Great Ascent'!"

Sige groaned, burying his face in a pillow. When did I order cliff training?!

Outside, Gilman drilled newcomers using stolen Marine manuals. The bald zealot painted Mary Geoise’s silhouette on every boulder.

Somewhere over the horizon, Vice Admiral Momousagi’s fleet cut through East Blue’s waves—their prow aimed at the Bandit King’s dream.