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Three days later.
A small island not far from Sabaody Archipelago.
A Marine warship docked here, and members of CP0 escorted Graeme and a group of colleagues ashore.
"Is this the new place that caters exclusively to VIP customers on Pleasure District?"
"It's definitely private enough, but..."
Graeme examined the facilities on the island and couldn't help but nod in approval.
Located in a remote area, it was quiet and undisturbed, an ideal spot for a VIP service catering to high-end clientele.
Before him stood an opulent building, radiating luxury and exclusivity, designed to provide a truly elite experience.
Yet, something bothered him. Would Pleasure District really set up in a place like this? Weren't they concerned about pirates causing trouble?
While Graeme's mind wrestled with doubt, his colleagues were much more eager.
"Captain, you can't deny it. As a regular, you must know something we don't."
"Yeah, there's probably some new attraction here. It's why they opened it in such a secluded spot. Don't worry, let's head in."
"With you and all of us here, we don't need to fear anything in the world."
His colleagues puffed out their chests, urging him confidently.
Listening to them, Graeme shook his head but allowed himself to relax.
True, there were dangerous places in this world, especially in the New World where he often encountered notorious pirates. But this part of the sea? In all his years, he had never faced any real threat here.
With that, Graeme lifted his head and said, "Alright, lead the way..."
"Follow me, everyone!"
The CP0 members grinned widely as they led the way forward.
Soon, the group arrived at the entrance of the luxurious building.
Without hesitation, the CP0 members opened the door and entered first.
Graeme's colleagues wasted no time and quickly followed.
But just as Graeme was about to step inside, his foot froze mid-air.
'Something's wrong.'
He frowned and instinctively took a small step back.
As someone who had clawed his way up to become a CP0 captain, Graeme wasn't just strong—he had honed an almost animalistic sense of danger over the years.
Though everything seemed fine, his sharp instincts were screaming at him that something was off.
Graeme had learned to trust those instincts, instincts that had saved him more times than he could count.
His gaze shifted toward the CP0 members, eyes narrowing with suspicion.
Ever since the Marines handed over control of certain operations, this particular officer had been unusually enthusiastic about gatherings...
He was the one who insisted on bringing us to this unfamiliar venue today, with guaranteed tickets.
That hadn't been the case before, and it didn't sit right with Graeme. Something was off.
Graeme mulled over this suspicion quietly.
"Captain, why aren't you coming in?" one of the CP0 members called out, standing inside and looking back with confusion.
"I just remembered there's some urgent business in Mariejois. You all go ahead without me. I need to head back immediately."
Graeme's voice was steady, but decisive. Without waiting for their response or further attempts to convince him, he turned on his heel and walked away.
Boom!
The next moment, an overwhelming burst of Conqueror's Haki exploded from the building, enveloping the entire island.
Graeme's CP0 colleagues instantly paled, feeling as if a massive weight had slammed onto their backs.
"It was a trap after all," Graeme realized, his heart racing. Relying on his extensive combat experience, he activated Moonwalk without a second thought, propelling himself toward the warship at the port.
Now that he knew an ambush had been set, staying here and fighting in enemy territory would be foolish.
As for how his men were turned against him or what their true goal was, Graeme figured those questions could be answered later—once he was safe.
Graeme had full faith in CP0's intelligence-gathering capabilities. If he made it out alive, they would undoubtedly uncover the truth and the culprits behind this betrayal.
As for the lives of his colleagues? He couldn't care less. There were always more people to replace those lost. His own survival was the priority.
Suddenly, the entire island began to tremble.
"Shihahaha! Trying to run, are we? Think you can escape so easily?"
"Float!"
Graeme's eyes widened in shock as the figure of Golden Lion Shiki materialized before him.
With one massive hand pressed to the ground, Shiki used the power of the Float-Float Fruit to lift the island, sending it soaring high into the sky at breakneck speed.
Bang!
Bang!
Bang!
Simultaneously, explosions and thick clouds of smoke erupted all around.
When the smoke cleared, Graeme found himself surrounded—by countless identical clones of kings, each encircling him with imposing force.
"So many clones? Who's behind this?" Graeme's face twisted in disbelief.
There were only a handful of people in the world capable of creating such a vast number of replicas.
"Is this the Marines' doing?" Graeme thought quickly. It made sense—the CP0 had recently seized control of several lucrative operations, which would be enough to provoke the Marines into action.
And who else in the world had the resources to produce so many clones?
"I have to contact the Five Elders and request reinforcements," Graeme muttered.
Without delay, he pulled a Den Den Mushi from his coat, his hands moving swiftly as the island continued to shake beneath him.