One Piece: Holy Light Swordmaster

Below the Red Line, near the base of Mariejois—

"Look! It's the Alabasta delegation!"

"And their escort ship is… Oh, that's Vice Admiral Wright's Lightbringer!

"So Vice Admiral Wright is escorting Alabasta? I thought Vice Admiral Garp would be assigned to it!"

"Haha! Shows what you know! This year's World Conference is packed with big news!"

In the crowd, a plump bird-like figure snapped photo after photo with a Den Den Mushi camera. This was none other than Big News Morgans, president of the World Economy News Paper.

Morgans, a Zoan-type Devil Fruit user, possessed the abilities of the Bird-Bird Fruit, Model: Albatross. Despite his true form remaining a mystery, he always appeared as his birdman persona. In fact, his portly frame prevented him from flying at all, making his rare flight-based Devil Fruit ability more of a tool for maintaining his disguise.

"The Ryugu Kingdom, which hasn't attended the World Conference in 200 years! And Vice Admiral Garp himself is escorting them!"

Morgans muttered excitedly, his gaze fixed on the sea. The Ryugu Kingdom's escort ship was now visible.

Compared to Alabasta, the Ryugu Kingdom was undoubtedly the main attraction of this year's conference.

However…

Morgans discreetly glanced toward the port, where Vice Admiral Wright stood. "Last time the Ryugu Kingdom's queen visited Mariejois, it was Vice Admiral Wright who acted as her escort.

"And afterward, several significant changes occurred within the Ryugu Kingdom. There might be a connection here!

"Hehehe… Vice Admiral Wright—his abilities are terrifying, and his reputation is even more intimidating. I'll have to find a chance to interview him, hehehe…"

After escorting the Alabasta delegation to the port, Wright handed over the group to the World Government's official escort team, who would accompany them via bubble cable car up the Red Line to Mariejois.

Unlike his previous mission escorting Queen Otohime, where Donquixote Mjosgard had personally intervened to request Wright's company, this time Wright's duty ended at the port.

During the World Conference, Marine Vice Admirals typically only guided delegations to the port, with Admirals stationed at Mariejois handling further security.

This year, the Admiral stationed at Mariejois was none other than the "exemplary employee," Kizaru (Borsalino).

Ever since Borsalino assumed the Admiral position, most assignments involving the protection of Celestial Dragons or the World Government fell to him.

Firstly, his Glint-Glint Fruit ability allowed for unmatched speed and mobility. Secondly, the other Admirals, Akainu and Aokiji, were less… palatable to the Celestial Dragons. Akainu's perpetually angry demeanor and Aokiji's detached, lethargic air were intimidating in their own ways.

In contrast, the dependable "model employee" Borsalino had earned their trust—despite his habit of clocking in and out precisely on time.

The arrival times for the various delegations were meticulously coordinated.

After watching the Alabasta delegation board the bubble cable car, Wright heard a wave of cheers erupt from the crowd.

"It's… it's the Ryugu Kingdom!"

"That's Vice Admiral Garp's battleship! He's escorting the Ryugu Kingdom!"

"The Ryugu Kingdom hasn't attended the World Conference in two centuries! No wonder Vice Admiral Garp was assigned to escort them!"

"Hahaha! Big news! Big news! The Ryugu Kingdom sent…"

"Look! That's 'Sea God' Neptune! He's enormous!"

"And that's Queen Otohime! She looks so delicate!"

"Is that… a seahorse? A seahorse mermaid?"

"Ah… why didn't the Mermaid Princess come?"

"…You idiot! The Mermaid Princess is still a child!"

"But Princess Vivi of Alabasta is also a child, and she's here!"

"…Then go ask King Neptune yourself."

"…"

Wright glanced at the plump birdman frantically snapping pictures in the crowd before turning and heading toward Garp. Beside him, Marine Instructor Ain seemed to be chatting familiarly with Queen Otohime.

"Hahaha! Wright, you're already here?"

Garp greeted him with a hearty laugh. "What about the Alabasta delegation?"

"They've already ascended to Mariejois—just a moment ago," Wright replied, nodding toward Ain, who stood beside Garp. "If you'd arrived just a few minutes earlier, you would've crossed paths with them."

"Vice Admiral Wright!"

King Neptune, Queen Otohime, and Minister of the Right greeted Wright cordially, as prearranged.

For appearances, Fish-Man Island's relations with Wright had to remain distant. Officially, Wright's medical visits to Fish-Man Island were personal endeavors, unrelated to his role in the Marines.

"King Neptune, Queen Otohime, Minister of the Right—welcome to the surface world!"

Wright's meaningful gaze met Neptune's, and Otohime subtly nodded, signaling that Fish-Man Island was fully prepared.

"If you encounter any challenges, consider seeking assistance from King Cobra of Alabasta," Wright advised silently.

Queen Otohime's eyes sharpened as she responded aloud, "Thank you for your support. I shall not forget your kindness."

"You're too kind," Wright replied.

Recalling his prior escort of Queen Otohime and his medical aid on Fish-Man Island, such words of gratitude were natural.

"Hahaha! King Neptune, Queen Otohime—don't spoil this brat too much!"

Garp's boisterous laughter cut through the moment. "This kid can be a handful—don't hesitate to discipline him when necessary!"

"Vice Admiral Garp, you jest," Neptune replied with a hearty laugh. "Vice Admiral Wright's medical efforts on Fish-Man Island have transformed our people's perception of humanity!"

"As king, if I dared speak ill of him, I might face backlash from my own subjects! Hahaha!"

"Hahaha! Wright is my finest disciple! His excellence is no accident!"

Garp shamelessly praised himself, grinning broadly. "My ability to train youngsters is top-notch! If I hadn't kept an eye on Wright all these years, do you think he'd be this impressive? Hahaha!"

Wright sighed, his face darkening as he endured Garp's self-aggrandizement. "Garp, shouldn't you be guiding King Neptune and Queen Otohime to the bubble cable car by now?"

"Ah! Right!"

Garp, snapping out of his boasting, shot Wright a disgruntled look but quickly got back on track. "Let's go! Queen Otohime has already experienced it, but this should be King Neptune's first time seeing the bubble cable car!"

"Indeed… Queen Otohime's description intrigued me greatly. I've been eager to see it for myself," Neptune said.

"Right this way! You won't be disappointed!"

As Garp led Neptune's group onward, Wright whispered to the Minister of the Right, "Jinbe didn't come?"

"No, Jinbe stayed behind to guard Fish-Man Island in their absence—pirates continue to pass through regularly."

"Understandable. Without him, make sure to prioritize Queen Otohime's safety, no matter what."

"Understood. Diplomacy is not His Majesty's strongest suit…"

"Good luck."

"Thank you."

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