One piece: Establishing a Pirate Family

Chapter 131: Celestial Dragon Ceremony

May 4th.

The World Government fleet brought the Celestial Dragons to the Valley of the Gods, a place that opens only once every forty years.

As the ships approached the shore, everyone was captivated by the scene before them. Birds chirped melodiously, flowers bloomed vibrantly, and the valley radiated life and greenery.

The Five Elders wearing hats, known as Saint Satan, stepped off the ship and took a deep breath. "It's been forty years since I last came here. The scenery remains as enchanting as ever."

His words caught the attention of the three individuals behind him, especially Garp, who paused mid-bite into his donut, staring at the elder in shock.

"Let's move," Saint Satan commanded. "The ceremony will last ten days, and the valley will close again afterward. We must arrange everything properly. If we miss this opportunity, we'll have to wait another forty years."

He led the way off the ship, followed by the other vessels lowering their ramps for disembarkation.

Garp, accompanied by two CP0 agents, silently observed his surroundings, his eyes narrowing in suspicion.

"You've arrived."

An aged voice called out, drawing everyone's attention.

"Hmph, you're from the Donquixote family, aren't you? Is it your turn to guard the island this cycle?" Saint Satan asked the elderly man standing before him.

"Yes," the old man replied. "We're nearing the end of our days here. Most of the Celestial Dragons who have stayed on this island have passed away. Only us old relics remain. If you hadn't come, the Valley of the Gods might have to change its name."

The old man chuckled, though his humor was lost on the crowd.

Saint Satan nodded solemnly. "Do not worry. I've brought a new batch of Celestial Dragons to take over your duties and continue to guard our sacred relics."

He turned to the group of young Celestial Dragons disembarking from their ships, laughing and pointing at their surroundings, oblivious to the fate awaiting them. Some were already ordering their slaves to fight for their entertainment, eager to release the boredom of the journey.

The old Celestial Dragon sighed, watching them. "They have no idea what's in store for them. We were once like that."

Saint Satan placed a reassuring hand on the old man's shoulder. "Your sacrifices won't be forgotten. Lord Imu values your contributions, and your descendants will be duly rewarded."

"Good," the old man said softly before walking away with the support of a similarly aged servant.

This exchange left many baffled, particularly Garp. The cryptic talk of "guarding the sacred relics" and the Celestial Dragons' strange behavior gnawed at his curiosity. He had the unsettling feeling he was about to uncover something far bigger than he wanted to know.

"Quickly!" Saint Satan barked. "Move the slaves and treasures to that palace in the distance. All Celestial Dragons should also proceed there."

The dock erupted into activity as government officials, CP0 agents, navy personnel, and slaves began hauling the cargo from nearly a hundred ships. The immense scale of the operation was staggering.

Saint Satan led the group toward the island's center. As they approached, a grand palace came into view, its silhouette no longer obscured by the morning mist.

The palace was a testament to sacredness and grandeur, its presence silencing even the boisterous Celestial Dragons.

"Let's enter," Saint Satan said, stepping inside.

The interior of the hall was vast and imposing. Nineteen old men sat on thrones, arranged in two parallel rows. A twentieth throne sat elevated above the others, adorned with the flag of the World Government.

Garp's eyes widened when he recognized one of the old men as the same elder who had greeted them at the port.

Saint Satan bowed slightly toward the empty throne at the center before addressing the nineteen seated figures. "The ceremony can begin."

The nineteen men nodded in unison.

Suddenly, a dark passageway opened in the corridor between the two rows of thrones. Saint Satan gestured to the CP0 chief beside him, who promptly issued orders to the other agents.

The CP0 agents began ushering the Celestial Dragons forward, one by one.

"Proceed," Saint Satan said calmly.

The group of Celestial Dragons, about forty in total, hesitated, their confusion evident. Most of them were visibly dull-witted, their eyes betraying their lack of intelligence.

"Go!" Saint Satan commanded, his tone sharper.

Startled by the authority in his voice, the Celestial Dragons reluctantly entered the passageway. Some resisted, but the CP0 agents behind them ensured none were left behind, shoving the hesitant ones forward.

The remaining onlookers, including Garp, watched in confusion, unsure of what this ritual entailed.

Once the last Celestial Dragon entered, the passageway closed with a resounding boom, leaving no trace it had ever existed.

The hall fell into a tense silence, broken only by the shallow, uneven breathing of the remaining Celestial Dragons. Some appeared terrified, their faces pale as they stared at the sealed ground.

Then, a strange noise echoed from below.

The sound was faint at first but quickly grew louder, like the low growl of a feral beast. Everyone froze, their expressions a mix of shock and unease.

Saint Satan closed his eyes, his face impassive, though the slight furrow of his brow hinted at discomfort.

Garp's instincts screamed at him to investigate. His Observation Haki extended downward, but he was met with resistance, as though something was blocking him from seeing what lay beneath.

Saint Satan opened his eyes, glancing at Garp with a warning look. Garp immediately withdrew his Haki, forcing a nervous laugh to cover his mistake.

"What is this ceremony?" Garp muttered to himself, his unease growing with each passing moment.

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