The Thousand Sunny glided across gentle waters beneath a clear New World sky. As the silhouette of Dressrosa rose on the horizon—an island brimming with color, music, and secrets—the Straw Hat Pirates gathered on deck to take in the view.
"Woaaah! Look at that castle!" Luffy shouted, pointing excitedly toward the towering plateau at the island's center.
"Colorful town, loud streets... yep, this is Dressrosa alright," Franky said, adjusting his star-shaped shades. "Place looks like a festival exploded."
"Too festive," Robin noted with a mild smile. "It feels... unnatural."
Zoro crossed his arms. "Don't let your guard down. Doflamingo runs this place."
"We came here to make a trade, not start a war," Law reminded them from the quarterdeck. He stood beside Kael, both of them silent observers.
Kael's blue eyes scanned the island. He didn't speak. He didn't need to. Doflamingo's presence was like a stain across the skyline. The man had ties to Kael's past, even if distantly—through the marines, the Warlords, and now Caesar.
"We stick to the plan," Law said. "Caesar gets traded. You all keep a low profile."
"Right! Low profile!" Luffy grinned, already thinking about food.
They docked at a busy harbor packed with merchant ships and travelers. The Straw Hats disguised themselves to avoid attention. Luffy wore a beard and a helmet. Usopp called himself "Usoland." Robin wore a flowing dress. Sanji immediately vanished into the crowd, chasing after the first dancer he saw.
Kael reluctantly pulled a tattered cloak over his shoulders. He kept his head low.
"You gonna be okay in a crowd like this?" Zoro asked.
Kael grunted. "Let's just get this over with."
Law took Caesar's containment chamber. "Luffy, Franky, Zoro—you're with me. The rest of you split into teams and observe the island. If anything goes wrong, regroup at the ship."
Meanwhile, Kin'emon and Momonosuke remained hidden aboard the Sunny. The samurai father polished his swords while his son peeked at Robin from a porthole.
"That woman is the pinnacle of elegance," Momonosuke muttered dreamily.
Chopper scowled. "You're like eight years old!"
"Age is but a number for the heart!" Momonosuke declared, puffing his chest.
Brook chuckled. "What a lively young master. Yohohoho!"
On the streets, Dressrosa's facade shimmered with life. Dancers spun in circles, musicians played jubilant melodies, and colorful confetti rained from above. Smiling citizens waved and welcomed tourists like long-lost family.
But beneath the cheer, there were shadows. Toys walked freely among humans, treated as equals but often looked upon with pity or fear. Children whispered about friends who vanished overnight. The locals never seemed to question these strange happenings.
Robin narrowed her eyes. "Something's deeply wrong here."
Usopp trembled. "W-we're not getting involved in another island-wide rebellion, right?"
"Too late," said a small voice. A wooden soldier tugged at their sleeve. "If you want to know the truth of Dressrosa, follow me."
Back in the port, Law, Zoro, Luffy, and Kael made their way through a less crowded district. Alleyways twisted like veins through the city. Law had chosen a quiet place for the handoff, Caesar groaning from within his sealed containment chamber.
Kael's gaze flicked to every rooftop, every shadow.
"You seem tense," Law said without turning.
"Places like this always hide knives in smiles."
Zoro grunted. "Heh. You sound like Robin."
Luffy yawned loudly. "I'm bored. Can we eat soon?"
Suddenly, a group of townsfolk passed by chattering excitedly.
"The Flame-Flame Fruit! Can you believe it? In the coliseum!"
Luffy's head whipped around. "WHAT?!"
Law raised a brow. "That got your attention."
"Ace's fruit... I'm going!"
"Wait—!" Law tried to stop him, but Luffy had already dashed off.
Franky bolted after him. "LUFFY, YOU IDIOT! THAT'S NOT LOW PROFILE!"
Kael, hearing the name of the fruit, clenched his fists. Ace's power… traded like a prize? No... this might be my chance. I don't know who Ace was—but a Logia like that could protect me from what's coming.
Without a word, he vanished into the crowd, tailing Luffy at a distance.
That night, Dressrosa's streets glowed with warm lanterns and music echoed through the avenues. Crowds gathered around the coliseum, where banners flew high above.
Inside the coliseum's registration office, a masked figure stood silently. He wore plain armor, a tattered cloak, and bore no name.
"Name?" the official asked.
"Ironshade," Kael replied coldly.
The official narrowed his eyes, then stamped a ticket. "Group C. Don't die too soon."
Kael took the ticket and disappeared into the shadows.
Nearby, Luffy cheerfully scribbled his alias. "Lucy! Sounds cool, right?"
Two paths had entered the coliseum: one full of joy, the other haunted by ghosts.
The tournament of Dressrosa had begun.