Luo Xing did not kill Judge.
Instead, he stepped forward and personally helped Judge up after the old man had been kicked aside by his three sons.
He patted Judge on the shoulder and said calmly,
"The law of this world is survival of the fittest. That has always been the principle you believed in."
"Whether in science or strength, you are far inferior to me. From now on, just follow me."
The last person Luo Xing had spoken to like this was Enel.
After enduring relentless punishment in Udon Prison, Enel had finally accepted reality. He was no god—just a lucky man who had eaten the Rumble-Rumble Fruit, a frog at the bottom of a well.
According to the prison warden's reports, Enel had already expressed willingness to submit and become Luo Xing's subordinate.
Luo Xing was satisfied. Once he returned to Wano, he planned to meet Enel again.
Ah, and Trafalgar Law as well.
But those were matters for later.
Right now, Judge—who had just been helped up—was already in tears.
For the first time in his life, he felt overwhelming regret.
Why had he erased his sons' emotions?
Why had he raised three beings who were no better than beasts—creatures who could strike their own father without hesitation?
"You animals! You heartless animals!" Judge roared, glaring at Ichiji, Niji, and Yonji.
Yonji scoffed indifferently, clenching his fist.
"Father, if we're animals… then you're just an old one."
Judge's eyes widened. A surge of blood rushed up his throat, and he spat out a mouthful of red before collapsing unconscious.
This time, Luo Xing did not help him up.
He frowned and said sternly to Yonji,
"Judge is still your father. Watch your words. Carry him away and let him rest."
"Yes, Young Master!" Yonji answered respectfully.
After the re-modification, Luo Xing was their one and only master.
The three brothers dragged Judge away.
Reiju watched the scene with deep sorrow in her eyes.
This is all your own doing, Father.
She felt no sympathy for Judge—and no hatred toward Luo Xing.
Only emptiness.
Germa was still Germa.
It simply had a new master now.
"Germa may not have changed," a voice suddenly said near her ear,
"but you can finally live as yourself."
Reiju froze and looked up.
Luo Xing had already passed her, walking toward the throne that once belonged to Judge. He hadn't even turned his head.
Yet she knew—those words were meant only for her.
Confusion flickered through her eyes.
Why would this terrifying, mysterious man say such a thing to her?
Concern?
She didn't dare believe it.
She had already assumed Luo Xing was no different from Judge—a ruthless man who would do anything to achieve his goals.
Then she remembered something.
He had altered her brothers—but not her.
Reiju could still be modified further. With Luo Xing's unmatched technology, turning her into a cold, obedient tool would have been effortless.
Yet he chose not to.
For the first time, she sensed that he treated her differently.
Even if he had spoken only a single sentence to her.
She couldn't understand why.
Of course, she couldn't know the truth—
Luo Xing simply admired her long legs.
After the banquet ended, night had fallen.
Everyone planned to rest in Germa for the night and return to Totto Land the next day.
By then, Kaido and Big Mom's "sparring match" should be over.
Reiju returned alone to her old room.
No one restricted her.
No one watched her.
She lay on her bed, her thoughts tangled.
What would her future be like?
Without realizing it, she fell asleep.
When she woke again, the wall clock showed just past midnight.
Looks like I won't be sleeping again tonight…
Then she noticed something.
A shadow—on the clock.
Her heart skipped.
Someone else is here.
Years of training kicked in instantly.
She rolled off the bed, drew her weapon mid-motion, and aimed toward the shadow.
A figure sat calmly at the table—leisurely drinking tea.
Her tea cup.
Her pupils shrank.
"Y-You?!"
"Shh."
The man raised a finger gently. "Lower your voice. It's late."
Her heart raced.
Shock, confusion, disbelief—all flashed through her eyes.
She slowly lowered her weapon and steadied herself before speaking,
"Lord Luo Xing… may I ask why someone of your stature would enter a lady's room at night?"
Luo Xing studied her quietly.
Even in the dim light, her figure stood out vividly.
He appreciated it—but kept his expression composed.
"I heard you're very skilled at… extracting toxins."
"…What?"
He cleared his throat. "I mean—removing poison from the body."
She nodded. "Yes. Are you poisoned?"
He looked perfectly healthy.
"Not now," Luo Xing replied calmly. "But someday, perhaps. I may need your help then."
Reiju's expression turned strange.
That's it?
For such a trivial matter, he came all this way?
Luo Xing coughed again, then said,
"Actually, I wanted to speak to you about your younger brother—Vinsmoke Sanji."
Her body stiffened.
"You… you've met Sanji?"
"Not yet. But I know where he is."
"Are you planning to use him against me?"
She shook her head immediately. "No… with your power, that would be unnecessary."
Luo Xing smiled.
"You're very perceptive. I don't threaten people unnecessarily."
"I only wanted you to know—though your brother and I haven't met, we share the same passions."
Reiju finally understood.
Why he spoke to her earlier.
Why he treated her differently.
It was because of Sanji.
Luo Xing stood and took one last glance at her before turning away.
"It's late. I should go."
"You'll reunite with Sanji someday."
"Germa now serves the Beast Pirates—but you are free."
"I hope you live happier than before."
He left.
In truth, Luo Xing didn't want to leave.
But Yamato was waiting.
Reiju watched his retreating figure.
Her earlier emptiness faded—replaced by warmth.
She bowed deeply toward the door.
"Thank you… mysterious, strange, and interesting man."
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