A metallic black sheen glimmered across the skin of Fleet Admiral Kong, his explosive muscle contours radiating an unshakable hardness and defensive power.

Through the window's reflection, Daren could clearly see two ridges of latissimus dorsi muscles, like coiled dragons, tightly wrapping around his sharply defined spine. The nearly translucent flesh seemed to reveal each vertebra radiating a black sheen!

In an instant, a formidable and profound aura erupted from Kong's body.

A spine-chilling pressure washed over Daren, causing his pupils to involuntarily contract.

Was this... Armament Haki ingrained into his bones?

Decades of relentless training, an unprecedented level of strength, power achieved through the highest concentration of Haki!

Forged through unyielding tempering... "Steel Bones"!

"I absolutely will not let you run rampant here, Daren."

The muscles across Kong's body twitched relentlessly, steam rising from his skin. After a deep exhale, he lifted his head, his piercing gaze locked onto Daren.

"You disappointing brat! You've wasted all the effort I put into training you!"

As Kong finished speaking, his upper body lunged forward. His knees buckled as his form shot out like a caged tiger released, hurtling toward Daren with explosive speed.

His hands, cloaked in Haki, struggled to close in midair. It was as if he was crushing the lightning of Armament Haki itself before finally clenching them into fists. Dragging crimson flames, his fists sped toward Daren's face.

Boom!!

The impact of his punch thundered like a muffled explosion.

Kong's eyes widened in shock.

He remained in his lunge, fist poised to strike, but his expression was one of pure disbelief as he looked up.

White smoke swirled.

A pitch-black, three-fingered dragon claw had seized his fist— a punch strong enough to pierce a mountain—holding it completely still!

"This kind of strength..."

Kong's heart suddenly began to race, his pupils contracting to their absolute limit.

A strong gust of wind ruffled his short black hair as Daren slowly raised his head.

Within his deep, dark eyes, savage crimson began to spread, inch by inch, emanating a heart-stopping madness.

Blue-violet electrical currents coiled and surged within his pupils, gradually expanding to his face, neck, hands, body, feet... until they reached his heart!

Thump! Thump! Thump!

In that instant, Kong swore he distinctly heard Daren's heart pounding with overwhelming force—like a colossal dragon awakening from slumber!

"The one who truly disappoints is you... Fleet Admiral Kong."

A savage, maniacal grin spread across Daren's lips as the blood within his body began to roar like crashing waves.

"Your backbone is far too weak... It doesn't match your nickname at all!"

Kong froze.

Before he could react, Daren's demonic whisper echoed in his ear.

"Spin me round, baby..."

...

"He is the king among the Celestial Dragons! The greatest masterpiece of the Figarland family!"

"From birth, he has carried the highest glory, his strength unmatched by any. He is universally recognized as the 'Strongest Celestial Dragon'!"

"He will wield the sword that symbolizes power and punishment, repelling all external foes, as the new Commander of the God's Knights in our great Holy Land, Mary Geoise!"

On the vast plaza of the Celestial Stairway, the investiture ceremony, broadcasted live to the entire world, was still proceeding with great fanfare.

At the Five Elders' signal, a World Government official gripped the microphone, his voice filled with reverent excitement:

"He... is Saint Figarland Garling!"

As his words echoed, a tall figure wearing a crimson cloak adorned with golden epaulettes appeared at the entrance of the red-carpeted plaza. Escorted by dozens of Holy Land Guards, he stepped forward with measured, deliberate strides.

Under the gaze of the crowd, he appeared calm and composed. His blood-red crescent-shaped hairstyle remained perfectly intact, undisturbed by the wind. The World Noble combat uniform he wore was both lightweight and imposing. His long knight's boots firmly struck the ground, and a golden Western-style sword hung at his waist. His entire bearing exuded a quiet, elegant majesty.

Paired with the confident smile on his lips, bathed in sunlight, he appeared like a perfect deity descended from the heavens—radiating a regal presence that commanded involuntary submission.

As a fellow Celestial Dragon and leader of the God's Knights, if Doflamingo exuded madness, darkness, and a bloodthirsty obsession borne of a self-made rise from the depths, this man gave off the complete opposite aura. Every fiber of his being displayed the pampered grace of a noble gentleman, educated in the finest traditions!

"This is the 'Strongest Celestial Dragon'... truly a presence beyond compare..."

"Just his aura alone is something no ordinary person could rival."

"He's simply dazzling..."

"Looks like the God's Knights will only become stronger under his leadership..."

...

Watching Figarland Saint Garling's almost perfect figure, the representatives from the Member Nations couldn't help but nod in silent approval, murmuring their admiration.

Basking in the sea of gazes filled with awe, admiration, and reverence, Figarland Saint Garling's smile grew even brighter.

He strode forward, cutting through the crowd, ascended the steps, and approached the Five Elders.

"Congratulations, Garling."

A smile appeared on Saint Saturn's face as he, like Doflamingo, personally placed the insignia symbolizing the position of Commander of the God's Knights upon Garling.

"May you live up to our trust and expectations."

Amidst the thunderous applause, Figarland Saint Garling smiled.

"Leave it to me from here on."

After a brief pause, he suddenly turned, raised his right hand, and made a commanding gesture.

At that signal, everyone present stopped moving, quickly falling silent.

Standing at the top of the Celestial Stairway, he looked down upon everyone with a smile.

"I, Figarland Garling Saint, as the newly appointed Captain of the God's Knights, have an important announcement to make."

An announcement?

The words caused the entire assembly to freeze in surprise.

Behind Figarland Garling Saint, Doflamingo narrowed his eyes, a faint, amused smirk playing at the corners of his mouth.

Finally... it begins?

He watched Garling's confident figure, a cold laugh echoing in his mind as a thought crossed his mind.

So, my Godfather... where might you be right now?

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.