Saji studied the system's map with furrowed brows, the glowing interface highlighting two targets: the kidnapped princess of the Beltrum Kingdom and a mysterious boy named Rio. The route wasn't far—he could make it there quickly if he enhanced his speed with the Goro Goro no Mi's lightning power. But first, there was something he had to do.
He approached a nearby ice shard and shaped it into a reflective surface. Gazing into the mirror-like ice, he began altering his appearance. His facial structure morphed subtly, taking on the strong, defined features of the Stark family from Game of Thrones. His hair turned silver-white, and his eyes shifted into a deep, regal purple like those of the Targaryen lineage.
Satisfied with his new appearance, Saji dashed off using lightning-speed travel, the map acting as his guide. He moved silently through the outskirts of the Beltrum Kingdom, weaving through forests, rooftops, and shadows. As he neared the city, he noticed an abnormal presence of guards and patrols. The tension in the air confirmed his suspicion: the princess's disappearance had thrown the kingdom into turmoil.
Eventually, he arrived at a small, unassuming house where the princess was supposedly held. Laughter echoed from inside, voices blending with the creaking of old wood. Rather than charge in blindly, Saji decided to investigate his second target—Rio.
He followed the boy from a distance as Rio walked to a secluded water hole. The boy appeared to be around seven years old, with black hair, caramel eyes, and an androgynous face that was distinctly Asian. Despite his tattered clothing, he had a quiet strength in his demeanor. Saji observed as two girls his age, a slightly older girl, and a woman in her twenties approached.
The girls dressed in identical white cloaks. Two of the younger ones sounded like spoiled nobles, while the woman seemed no more mature. They interrogated Rio with patronizing tones. Unbothered, Rio ignored them and prepared to leave.
Then the older girl, perhaps twelve, stepped forward. She treated Rio with kindness and respect. Removing her hood, she revealed a striking appearance—long silver hair tied into twin ponytails and ocean-blue eyes. She introduced herself as Celia Claire.
Before Saji could listen further, a red marker flared on the map. It identified a hostile presence near the princess's location: an assassin. Without hesitation, Saji vanished in a flash of lightning.
He arrived just in time to hear pained screams from the house. Peering through the window, he spotted a masked man slaughtering the occupants. From inside, a boy's voice rang out.
"Hey, who are you?"
Saji appeared beside the boy and covered his mouth. "Please be quiet," he whispered. "My name is Jon Snow, and I'm here to save the princess. The people in this house are her kidnappers."
Rio's eyes widened in realization, and he slowly nodded.
"Listen," Saji continued, "I'm going inside. Stay here and keep watch. If someone comes, knock on the door. And whatever you do, don't run."
Another nod from Rio. With a look of trust exchanged, Saji crept toward the door.
Just as his hand touched the handle, a shadow reached out and yanked him inside. The masked man lunged with a dagger aimed for Saji's chest. His body reacted instinctively—bone erupted from beneath his skin, forming a shield around his torso and deflecting the blade.
Seizing the attacker's arm, Saji flipped the man through the air and slammed him into the floor with a heavy thud. As the assassin groaned and tried to rise, two bone blades emerged from Saji's wrists.
"You're going to pay for trying to kill me."
The masked man hissed and activated a spell. "Enhance physical ability!"
A glowing geometric circle engulfed his body. But before he could strike, Saji moved at blinding speed, slamming a fist into the man's stomach. A sickening crunch echoed as ribs shattered.
Saji followed up with three rapid punches, each causing the assassin to gasp in agony. He ended it with a devastating kick to the face, sending the masked man flying backward into a wall.
The attacker collapsed, unmoving, blood trickling from beneath his mask. Saji stood over him, panting softly as his bone blades slowly retracted back into his wrists without leaving a scar.
Outside, Rio knocked once—someone was coming.
Saji wiped his hands, turned toward the door, and whispered to himself, "Time to finish this mission."