Chapter 145: Triumphant Return
"What is it, Leader?" Belo Betty looked at Dragon in confusion. She wondered why she didn't feel anything about the light emanating from Emperor Kael's Haoshoku and longsword, which Dragon seemed to find problematic. Her Observation Haki and Armament Haki hadn't sensed any danger from an attack. She felt that Emperor Kael was incredibly handsome, sacred, and full of charm at that moment. He was simply the perfect god in her heart.
Betty looked at the bright red "slipper print" on Dragon's bronze face and muttered to herself. Could Leader Dragon be jealous of Emperor Kael's handsome face?
"Emperor Kael's Haoshoku might be a bit special, and his sword also has a problem. Don't look at his sword." Dragon immediately unleashed a sliver of his Haoshoku to block Emperor Kael's Haoshoku for Betty. Dragon's expression grew increasingly serious. He had once heard that Fish-Man Island Queen Otohime's Observation Haki was quite special, capable of influencing others' emotions and thoughts. Could Emperor Kael's Haoshoku also possess such an effect? Or was it that the demonic sword and Emperor Kael's Haoshoku had merged and stimulated each other, gaining the effect of influencing people's minds? What terrifying power. The future Emperor Kael would have countless loyal subordinates and fanatical citizens.
"Is that so?" Betty still didn't feel anything, but seeing Dragon's serious expression, she began to observe the others. It seemed there was nothing unusual, just that they were more excited and fanatical. If such a great emperor had appeared in her hometown, she would certainly revere Emperor Kael in the same way. Such a good emperor was truly one in 800 years.
Dragon observed Betty, his heart growing darker. Had Emperor Kael's influence already permeated so deeply?
"Let's go!" Without another word, Dragon immediately led Betty away. A good reputation and image, combined with the influence of the demonic sword and Haoshoku, were truly terrifying. If they stayed any longer, their Eastern Army commander might even become a fan of Emperor Kael. Betty did not disobey her leader's command and immediately followed him. However, Emperor Kael's sacred image, with his platinum cape fluttering, riding a Kirin Lion, and pointing his sword to the sky, had been completely etched into the depths of her mind.
Meanwhile, on another towering building, Tyrant Kuma looked at Emperor Kael. A hint of admiration and longing flashed in his eyes. How wonderful it would be if their family's hometown was in the Goa Empire, how wonderful it would be if he and Ginny lived happily in the Goa Empire. If it weren't for King Beckley's tyranny back then, as long as they could have continued to live peacefully and happily, he and Ginny might not have joined the Revolutionary Army. He truly disliked fighting; he just wanted to be an honest pastor, treating people's illnesses.
"This mission won't be easy to complete." Kuma sighed. Saint Saturn wanted him to ascertain the strength of the "One Emperor, Three Marquises," and he might end up like Crocodile, killed by Emperor Kael.
...
On the Exile Emperor.
"Your Majesty~" Baby5 was completely infatuated, lost in Emperor Kael's divine posture, her face flushed, leaning against the railing. Reiju, Nojiko, Maya, and the others were not much better. Nami and Kaya were trembling all over, eager to offer themselves to Emperor Kael immediately; they couldn't wait any longer. Nico Robin, wearing a mask, looked at that sacred figure, and infinite warmth appeared in her cold heart. The shackles on her body were removed, and her shoulders felt much lighter. Emperor Kael knew more about the Poneglyph than her, hid it so well, and could even 'talk eloquently' with the Five Elders. What did she, the last survivor of Ohara, have to fear?
"Overwhelming Haki!" Burgess's eyes were filled with reverence. He deeply remembered Emperor Kael's words. One day, when he returned to his hometown, Stoa Island, he would also shout: 'Stoa, your champion is back!'
Coincidentally, Ryokugyu was thinking the same thing at this moment. He was already thinking about what kind of entrance he would make when he returned to the Taya Kingdom in the South Blue, appearing before those bastards—King Keiji VI, Prince Taya, Duke Harada, and Shinagawa. Then he would say: 'Taya, your Ryokugyu Duke is back!' Burgess and Ryokugyu's faces were full of smiles, lost in fantasy, excitedly licking their lips. The other Hereditary Titles and soldiers also had eyes full of excitement and fantasy. So it felt so good to return home in glory!
...
Led by Emperor Kael, 3 warships entered the Royal Port. Countless people cheered to welcome their expeditionary heroes. Even the newly joined Hereditary Titles and soldiers were heroes of the Goa Empire.
"I love this feeling!" "Wahahaha, me too!"
Ryokugyu and Burgess thoroughly enjoyed such a grand spectacle, being the center of attention. Even the reserved, stoic men like Zoro and Van Augur showed smiles. Who said they didn't like excitement? They absolutely loved such a warm welcome. Let the flowers and cheers from the beautiful women be even more enthusiastic.
And Sanji, the pervert, refused to leave behind any flowers or dolls thrown by the beautiful women. His hands were already full of flowers, and he even had several bouquets tucked between his thighs, falling behind the group. His eyes were full of hearts. He had to take all these flowers and gifts back to Baratie to show off to old man Zeff, Patty, and Carne. This was a treasure no less valuable than the All Blue.
As the Kirin Lion landed, Queen Sally was the first to rush to Emperor Kael, hugging her man tightly.
"I missed you, Kael." Queen Sally kissed Emperor Kael passionately without any restraint, her whole body trembling. She missed this man too much. If he sailed out again next time, she would also go with him. It really benefited Reiju and Baby5, the 2 imperial consorts.
One by one, the noble consorts behind them also came up to salute Emperor Kael. However, they were not as favored as Queen Sally and could not brazenly demand kisses and hugs. Emperor Kael held Queen Sally's hand, greeting these allied noble consorts, as they had all shared intimate moments with him.
Next came the welcoming ceremony for the kings, queens, and princes of these Allied Nations, the great nobles of Goa, and the great nobles of various countries. Emperor Kael kept everything simple, quickly completing these noble courtesies, and then gave a half-hour speech, responding to the people's enthusiasm. Finally, amidst the cheers of the populace, he led everyone back to the Goa Imperial Palace.
And in the Imperial Palace, a grand banquet had already been prepared, with Zeff as the head chef. This was another busy introduction and exchange event. Whether it was introducing these new Hereditary Titles or dealing with the flattery of these kings and nobles, it took a lot of time. Especially the Three Marquises, who were highly revered by countless people.
However, Fujitora and Spartan were not accustomed to these social interactions, but Ryokugyu alone bore all the praise for them, looking incredibly happy and satisfied. This grand feast did not end until late at night. And Emperor Kael, along with these empresses and noble consorts, still had a grand cream puff party to continue, to ease the pain of separation.
The next day, Emperor Kael's grand triumphal event, as expected, appeared in the major news. This once again allowed the world to understand the power of the Goa Empire. The East Blue Overlord's prestige, with a hundred nations coming to pay tribute this time, was unparalleled. Exiled Emperor Kael had truly ushered in his era in the East Blue.