Deep in the jungle.
Ryan leaned against a thick tree trunk, a lit cigar between his fingers, his eyes slightly narrowed as he watched with interest a group of massive dinosaurs lumbering by in the distance. Their heavy footsteps caused the ground to tremble faintly.
Little Garden was truly an interesting place—even prehistoric creatures like these could be found here.
"D-done yet?" Miss Valentine took several deep breaths, her cheeks flushed an unnatural shade of red, beads of sweat covering her forehead and trickling down her face. Her short golden hair clung messily to her temples and neck. After steadying herself, she cautiously looked up at Ryan, her voice carrying a barely perceptible tremor.
"Not bad." Ryan glanced down at her, the corners of his lips curling into a faint smirk as he exhaled a ring of smoke. "Clean yourself up. Your life's spared."
Hearing this, Miss Valentine finally relaxed as if granted amnesty, her tense body slumping instantly.
She wiped her lips with her sleeve, then haphazardly tried to tidy her disheveled hair, pushing the strands away from her face. Next, she bent down to fasten the laces of her boots and tugged at the hem of her dress, trying to make herself appear less disheveled.
Miss Valentine hesitated for a moment as she watched Ryan puffing on his cigar, her mind racing.
The mission had failed, and there was no going back to Baroque Works now. Staying in this dangerous Little Garden would only mean certain death. Though this man was cold, his strength was undeniable. Perhaps following him was her best option.
"Um…" Biting her lower lip, she mustered her courage and took a small step forward, asking softly, "C-can I come with you?"
Ryan's gaze shifted from the distant dinosaurs to Miss Valentine, sizing her up. He hadn't expected this woman, who had been trembling in fear just moments ago, to voluntarily ask to follow him.
But upon second thought, it made sense.
Attaching oneself to the strong was human instinct, especially for someone like Miss Valentine, who came from an assassin organization like Baroque Works. Her reverence for power and her desperation to survive were far stronger than that of ordinary people. Staying here would either mean facing retaliation from the Straw Hat Pirates or braving the dangers of Little Garden alone. Following him was the safest choice.
Ryan chuckled inwardly, recalling the women he'd interacted with—Nojiko's resilience and independence, Nami's shrewd pragmatism, Kaya's gentle timidity, and Miya, with whom he'd shared a fleeting romance. Each had their own schemes and convictions.
But this bold and fiery Miss Valentine was the first to outright ask to follow him.
"I-I can be useful!" Miss Valentine, seeing Ryan remain silent for so long, grew increasingly anxious. Afraid he might refuse, she hurriedly added, "I'll do anything you want, just let me stay with you!"
Ryan withdrew his gaze, flicking the ash from his cigar. "Fine."
Miss Valentine's personality wasn't exactly likable—she was even somewhat opportunistic—but there was no denying she was attractive. That bold, fiery energy of hers might make for decent entertainment during the journey.
Besides, she had already "demonstrated" her value earlier. Letting her tag along wasn't a bad idea.
In short, he was interested in her so-called "usefulness."
Miss Valentine's face instantly brightened, her tension and unease vanishing, replaced by barely contained excitement.
Ryan stubbed out his cigar and tossed it aside, then strode deeper into the jungle. Miss Valentine quickly followed, hesitating for a moment before tentatively reaching out to loop her arm through his.
When Ryan didn't pull away or show any displeasure, her heart finally settled, and she grew bolder, leaning slightly against him, a relaxed smile spreading across her face.
Miss Valentine stole a glance at the man beside her, thinking to herself that following someone this powerful might not be so bad after all.
At the very least, she wouldn't have to live in fear anymore.
The two walked side by side out of the jungle, returning to the clearing where everything had already been packed up.
When the others saw Ryan and Miss Valentine emerge, all eyes turned toward them. The lingering flush on Miss Valentine's cheeks and their linked arms made the situation immediately clear.
Nami's lips twisted slightly as she muttered under her breath, "Some things never change, no matter where he goes."
Usopp, thinking of Kaya and seeing this scene, felt a surge of anger but didn't dare say anything, settling for rolling his eyes instead.
Sanji, spotting Ryan and the woman beside him, was instantly reminded of Miya from Baratie. Seeing how intimate the two were, jealousy flared up in him like a wildfire. He grumbled under his breath, "Damn bastard… how does he always get so lucky?"
"Hey, Big Red Dragon!" Luffy's eyes sparkled like stars as he jumped up from the ground, grinning widely. "I'm Monkey D. Luffy, the man who's gonna be King of the Pirates! You were really awesome back there—wanna join my crew?"
Ryan raised an eyebrow at the absurdly straightforward nickname. He glanced sidelong at Luffy and replied flatly, "No."
Did Luffy really think he was in any position to invite him aboard? Who did he think he was—because his grandfather was Garp, or his father was the Revolutionary Army's leader? Or was it just his so-called "destiny"?
Nami quickly stepped forward, forcing a smile. "Ryan, we're heading to the Grand Line next. Why don't you come with us? It'd be safer to travel together."
"Before that, shouldn't you fulfill your promise?" Ryan shot her a look, seeing right through her. He knew Nami was just eyeing his strength, hoping to get a free bodyguard.
Nami's smile stiffened, and she laughed awkwardly. "Ah, well, we're in a hurry right now. Let's talk about it later, okay? Plenty of time for that."
Ryan didn't press the issue. To him, Nami's promise would be fulfilled sooner or later—there was no rush. He swept his gaze over the Straw Hat crew. "I'm leaving."
As soon as the words left his mouth, Ryan's body expanded rapidly, transforming into the nearly hundred-meter-long peach-pink giant dragon. Golden Flame Clouds churned beneath his claws as he lowered his head to Miss Valentine. "Get on."
Miss Valentine stared at the massive dragon before her, its shadow nearly engulfing her completely. The overwhelming pressure of an apex predator made her breath hitch, but survival instinct overpowered fear. Gritting her teeth, she took a running start and leaped, landing securely on the dragon's broad back, gripping the edges of his scales tightly.
Ryan let out a deep Dragon Roar, his body coiling before surging upward, golden Flame Clouds billowing beneath his claws as he soared into the sky with Miss Valentine.
Vivi watched the dragon disappear into the horizon, her eyes flickering with unreadable emotions.
Perhaps she was marveling at Ryan's strength, or perhaps she was contemplating her country's future, wishing for such power to help quell the rebellion.
Luffy scratched his head, gazing in the direction Ryan had vanished. "He's really strong. Too bad he didn't wanna come with us."
"Good riddance," Nami huffed. "Less trouble for us. Now let's pack up and head to Alabasta!"
The crew quickly got to work, and soon the clearing was bustling with activity again, as if Ryan's appearance had been nothing more than a brief interlude.