Carlo stepped forward.
The Tontatta gathered around the infant scattered in alarm.
But the tiny baby took one look at him, seemed to recognize him, and gleefully stretched out two chubby arms, giggling up at Carlo.
Carlo's lips curved in a faint smile as he lifted the child.
Behind him, John and Jesman stared in surprise.
John moved closer, studying Shamrock with curiosity. "Carlo, is this your son? He's awfully cute."
Jesman gaped. "No way, Carlo! You already have a kid? You… married? Where's your wife?"
Carlo bounced Shamrock gently and answered the stunned pair with a chuckle:
"He's adopted. Keep it to yourselves—just treat him as my own flesh and blood."
John and Jesman exchanged glances and suddenly understood.
So that's how it was.
Dragon, arriving moments later, also saw Shamrock and couldn't help smiling with relief.
He had heard Carlo's words as well.
Yet he minded not at all.
In his heart he was happy for Shamrock.
To Dragon, the boy's background was tragic.
His mother—covered in blood—had died the very moment she entrusted the two pirates with her child.
Now that Shamrock had been taken in by Carlo, to be raised as Carlo's son, it was the best outcome imaginable.
"Captain Carlo has a son?"
"Aww, so adorable! Captain, let me hold him!"
Ivankov and Ginny arrived right after, crowding round the baby in Carlo's arms, clamoring for a turn to cuddle.
Carlo simply handed Shamrock to them and let them take the child to play nearby.
Just then Tonta came over with a silver-haired Tontatta matron, offering to treat John and Jesman.
Carlo guessed at once that the old woman must be the current user of the Heal-Heal Fruit.
Sure enough,
as the woman revealed her power and let a few teardrops fall onto the two men's hands,
every wound on their bodies vanished the very next instant.
They were completely restored.
It was as if they had never been injured.
The miraculous effect left John and Jesman stunned and delighted.
Actually, their injuries had nearly healed anyway—
it had been seven or eight days since the battle in the Rulusia Kingdom.
But now, with the healing tears, they were wholly cured, feeling lighter than air and bursting with energy.
The company's opinion of the Tontatta rose even higher.
Under Chief Tonta's warm invitation Carlo's group sat on the flower-strewn grass.
The Tontatta served fragrant nectar-wine pressed from blossoms.
Crew of the Sky Pirates brought over platters of freshly cooked food.
Soon a joyful banquet was underway in the Fairy Forest.
Carlo savored the Tontatta flower-scented wine while chatting with the enthusiastic chief.
Curious Tontatta children kept darting up to stare at him.
Suddenly Pathesius trotted over and whispered, "Boss Carlo, King Riku of Dressrosa is here to see you."
"King Riku?" Carlo's brows lifted. "Show him in."
"Yes, sir."
Pathesius sped away.
Outside Green Bit Island
a ship bearing Dressrosa's crest approached slowly.
Aboard,
the young King Riku gazed at dozens of pirate vessels anchored offshore
and at ten thousand pirates on the beach lighting bonfires, grilling meat, drinking—an exuberant scene.
His expression darkened considerably.
A crushing weight settled on his heart, as though a mountain pressed upon it.
"Your Majesty! These Sky Pirates are too arrogant—clearly planning to occupy Green Bit outright! We already handed over twenty percent of our tax revenue!"
Army Commander Tank Repant raged.
But King Riku raised a hand to silence him.
"Quiet, Repant. When you're weaker, prepare to suffer. The Sky Pirates are at their peak; this is not the time to clash with them."
"Since they've chosen to stay on Green Bit and haven't harassed the capital, matters haven't reached that point. Whatever happens, endure—otherwise Dressrosa may face annihilation."
"Come! Let us meet His Celestial Excellency!"
With his heart clenched the whole way, King Riku disembarked with only Repant following Pathesius into the Fairy Forest.
When he crossed the flower field and saw that familiar tall figure, instinctive awe surged within him.
Just as the king, heavy-hearted, prepared to approach Carlo,
he suddenly noticed a chubby baby boy crawling across the grass, giggling as he reached Carlo's side and lifted his arms to be picked up.
Seeing Carlo bend down with a smile and lift the child,
the heaviness in King Riku's heart melted away.
He blinked, his mood suddenly light, his steps brisk as he hurried forward.
At that moment Carlo's den den mushi rang.
He took it out, pressed the button, and turned to face King Riku.
The king instinctively halted.
An urgent voice burst from the snail:
"Carlo! Can you hear me? It's Katakuri! My Mama's in danger—she needs your help! She says it's time to repay the favor you owe her! Come to the Totto Land archipelago—we're on Cake Island!"
From the den den mushi came not only Katakuri's frantic shout but the roar of fierce artillery.
No explanation was needed; the clamor alone told Carlo everything.
John took a swig of wine and looked over. "So, ready to fight Shiki?"
"Of course."
Carlo rose slowly and handed Shamrock to Ginny beside him.
"Dragon, you stay here. This battle isn't yours—just look after Shamrock for me."
Dragon hesitated, then nodded.
He knew he couldn't help Carlo now; he would only get in the way.
Carlo turned and walked out.
As he passed King Riku he nodded.
"Your Majesty, forgive me—I must step away for a moment."
"Please attend to your affairs, Your Excellency," the king said, moving aside.
John, Babel, and Jesman stood and followed Carlo in long strides.
Carlo suddenly asked, "I recall Maron's still alive, right?"
John blinked and nodded. "Seems so. Last time Wang Zhi ambushed him; he was too injured to come to God Valley and stayed on Hachinosu. Why bring him up?"
"He never joined Shiki's crew," Carlo hinted.
Babel rumbled, "I know. Both from West Blue, former crime-bosses there—used to clash, neither bowed to the other. Maron and Shiki never got along."
Carlo nodded. "Perfect. We split up: you take everyone to Hachinosu and make Shiki hand Maron over. I'll head to Totto Land and repay Linlin's favor."
"No problem. How many men do you want?" John asked.
Carlo's grin turned fierce.
"I alone am enough!!"