King stood in the shadow of Onigashima’s walls, arms crossed as he watched the harbor below. The wind carried the scent of iron and sea brine, heavy with the promise of the shipment Kaido had demanded he oversee personally. He didn’t know who was coming, only that it was important—and important meant dangerous.

Footsteps echoed down the stone path. Not the heavy tread of a soldier, but sharper, deliberate. High heels.

King’s eyes narrowed as the figure emerged into view—a tall woman, black hair cascading over her shoulders, her eyes slitted and serpentine, gleaming like tempered steel. For a moment, his chest tightened. Her height, her presence… it felt almost familiar.

“Who the hell are you?” His voice was low, edged with quiet suspicion. “And why do you walk like you belong here?”