Philseque Island.

The vast, snow-capped mountain range stretched like the spine of a colossal white dragon, disappearing into the horizon with an awe-inspiring majesty.

At the base of the mountains, a tall platform had been hastily constructed.

Though temporary, it still appeared grand and imposing, with gilded drapes hanging from both sides.

The "cross" flag representing the authority of the World Government flapped proudly in the wind, rustling crisply in the icy air.

The elite Celestial Dragons who had come to participate in the hunt had already assembled here, each holding exquisitely crafted weapons that gleamed with a cold luster beneath the reflection of the snow.

Standing off to one side, Daren watched the scene quietly, his eyes growing colder by the second.

As if reminded of something, he took out a pocket watch and checked the time.

Soon, the distant rumble of wheels crushing snow drew his attention.

Emerging slowly from the snow-laden forest were muscular slaves, bare-chested and shackled at the wrists, struggling to drag a series of heavy carts across the frozen ground.

Blood dripped from their bodies, and their bare feet had turned a deep purple-black from frostbite. Even if they survived, their feet would likely be beyond saving.

On top of those heavy carts sat massive black iron cages. Inside, trembling young faces peeked out, staring in terror at the hundreds of Celestial Dragons brimming with excitement. Their entire bodies trembled uncontrollably.

Slave traders and World Government officials sat atop the carts, cracking iron whips in hand and grinning cruelly as they drove the slaves forward.

"Hahaha, not bad, not bad!"

"Looks like we've got a bonus round!"

"These must be the precious little 'rabbits.'"

"At least now the game will be much more interesting."

...

The Celestial Dragons dressed in hunting gear cackled maliciously as they examined the figures inside the cages, as if picking out their favorite prey.

"Barbo-sama!"

A slave trader wearing a top hat and jeweled rings on both hands scurried over in fear, kneeling on the ground with an obsequious smile as he saluted the red-haired Celestial Dragon.

"I've gathered a few interesting specimens just for you, milord. They're all from the Amazon Lily Empire."

At those words, Daren frowned slightly.

Barbo had little interest in speaking to filthy trash like this, but he'd been keeping a close eye on the Vice Admiral—and had keenly noticed the subtle change in Daren's demeanor.

Amused, he chuckled lowly.

"Bring them over. Let me have a look."

The slave trader flushed with excitement and quickly called out.

Soon, a guard dragged over three girls, all with shackled wrists.

The moment the three appeared, everyone present seemed to stop breathing, their mouths inexplicably dry.

Some of the more impulsive Celestial Dragons even felt their trousers stir with arousal.

The two girls trailing behind looked utterly terrified, but the black-haired girl at the front possessed a face and bearing that radiated breathtaking beauty.

Though she appeared only seven or eight years old, she already had the features of a budding beauty—bright eyes, perfect teeth, porcelain skin. Her uniquely styled princess-cut hair added to the captivating image, leaving everyone stunned in the midst of the swirling snow.

"Damn!!"

"I want her!"

"Barbo! Give her to me! I'll trade anything!"

"Back off, all of you! She's mine!"

...

The Celestial Dragons flushed red as they fought to claim her, eyes filled with unrestrained greed and lust. Even their breathing had become ragged.

As so-called "gods" with the right to everything, their lives revolved around surpassing boundaries, chasing ever more intense pleasures and desires.

And yet—what kind of beauty, what kind of plaything hadn't they already seen?

But this black-haired girl... she was different.

Even those Celestial Dragons who had long since grown bored of such amusements felt their hearts race the moment they saw her.

A girl like this, if properly trained and molded, would become the most exquisite toy in the world.

Daren, too, was momentarily stunned.

But not because of her looks.

It was because he recognized who she was.

Six months ago, he had used Stussy's intelligence network to search for this girl.

The future captain of the Kuja Pirates. The Empress of Amazon Lily. One of the Shichibukai... the "Pirate Empress" Boa Hancock.

She had ended up here?

No... Even though her mature appearance made her look eight or nine years old, Daren knew that at this moment, Hancock should be only five or six.

"Shut up, all of you."

Barbo sneered as he silenced the others.

"This one's mine. What, do you want to make enemies of the Figarland family?"

As he spoke, he cast a sidelong glance at Daren, the corners of his lips curling into a cold smirk.

He stepped forward and gently lifted the black-haired girl's chin with the tip of his rapier. She met his gaze defiantly.

The moment Barbo saw her face clearly, his eyes flickered and his expression shifted.

Such beauty...

He swallowed hard, then turned to the slave trader and nodded in satisfaction.

"Very good. I like this gift a lot."

"Go see my personal administrator to collect your reward."

The slave trader beamed with joy, taking one last reluctant glance at Hancock before quickly withdrawing.

"As for the three of them..."

Barbo glanced playfully at Daren, then suddenly said,

"Let's make them one of the prizes for the winner of this competition. How about it?"

The moment those words fell, the Celestial Dragons all held their breath. Then their eyes flared red as they tightened their grip on their weapons.

"Of course! No problem!"

The Celestial Dragon officiator, flushed with excitement, grabbed the microphone and shouted,

"Now then—let me explain the rules!"

"Eight rare-class prey! Each is worth 10,000 points!"

"Three hundred excellent-class prey! Each is worth 2,000 points!"

"As for the rest of the island's common prey—every confirmed kill will earn 500 points!"

"This tournament has some truly luxurious rewards. Besides a Devil Fruit, the overall winner will be offered an apprenticeship with the God's Knights, with full training to become a reserve officer!"

"In one hour... the hunt will officially begin!!"

He raised the microphone high and laughed loudly.

"Did you hear that?"

"To the 50,000 civilians of Philseque Island—miserable ants that you are... you're all prey in this grand hunting tournament!"

"Run! This game will last one full week!"

"And if you manage to survive until the end... the great Celestial Dragons will grant you freedom and a new life!"

The officiator's voice echoed across the island through surveillance Den Den Mushi installed at every corner, reverberating through the frozen air.

...

(100 Chapters Ahead)

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