Garp knew there was no point in saying anything more at a time like this. He strode over to the massive warship that had capsized.
With a low roar, he wrapped both arms around the hull. The terrifying muscles all over his body bulged, veins popping violently.
That steel behemoth—large enough to carry thousands of people—was actually lifted up by him just like that, and with a thunderous boom, slammed back onto the surface of the sea.
After everything was put back in order, the group set sail for Marine Headquarters, their ship filled with a suffocatingly low atmosphere as they slunk away in defeat.
Not long after, a bombshell on par with Garp's son Dragon defecting from the Navy years ago exploded inside the Marines' high-level conference room.
These days, there were always a few Marines who quit or were turned, but someone defecting at the rank of Vice Admiral? In the past few decades, there had only been two such rare cases.
The conference room descended into chaos. Some slammed the table, cursing Gion for her ingratitude; others gnashed their teeth, wishing Tenma a horrible death.
Chaton, Gion's most devoted admirer, was especially frantic—like an ant on a hot pan—shouting that he would personally lead troops into Wano Country to snatch her back.
Naturally, Fleet Admiral Sengoku blasted him with a furious dressing-down and shut him up on the spot.
What kind of joke was this? The mighty Marines going to snatch someone, instead of launching a punitive expedition—did they have any dignity left?
Besides, pirates attacking Marineford would be suicide, but if the Marines dared to openly march into the New World, that would be a declaration of total war. The nature of the two situations was completely different.
And frankly speaking, on the surface it looked like Gion and Tenma were colluding, but at its root, this whole mess had been forced by the World Government's utterly disgraceful actions in Flevance.
Sengoku and Tsuru both understood this perfectly well, but neither of them could say it out loud—even though it left them feeling stifled and resentful.
In the end, under the direction of those five old men at the top, the Marines could only grit their teeth and swallow the humiliation.
A carefully manufactured smear piece was quickly spread across the entire world.
The article painted Gion as an unforgivable criminal, blackening her name in every possible way, with only one goal—to minimize the damage this incident would do to the reputations of the World Government and the Marines.
The only beneficiary of this storm was probably Donquixote Doflamingo, far away in the North Blue.
Because of this whole debacle, Vice Admiral Tsuru—who had been keeping a close eye on him—was forcibly sent on extended leave by Sengoku, instantly relieving a great deal of pressure on Doflamingo's side.
As the newspapers were carried by News Coo to every corner of the seas—
At that very moment, ten thousand meters above the ground, aboard a flying warship cutting through the clouds—
Gion held the freshly printed paper in her hands, frowning deeply as she read the flood of abuse aimed at her.
Aside from a small portion of truth, the rest were completely fabricated charges.
Selfish. Treacherous. Ungrateful. Betraying her benefactors.
One enormous label after another was slapped onto her without the slightest hesitation.
They even dragged out the incident from years ago when she had been abducted by Tenma, embellishing it into some elaborate conspiracy theory, as if she had already been secretly colluding with him back then.
"Well? This is the World Government's specialty. Feels familiar, doesn't it?"
Tenma held a glass of red wine, watching Gion's puffed-up expression with an amused smile.
Gion shot him an annoyed glance and snapped the paper shut.
Even though Tenma was technically her superior now, she had no intention of acting meek and submissive in private.
"I've seen these tricks plenty of times before. But when the knife cuts into your own flesh, it really does feel different."
This newspaper was circulated worldwide. She had spent so many years in the Marines—she might not care about her own reputation, but the thought that the civilians she had once protected with her life would now see her this way still left her feeling deeply uncomfortable.
Even though she knew that once she'd boarded Tenma's pirate ship, such naïve thoughts should have been thrown straight into the trash.
"Feeling uncomfortable is good. It means you still care about how others see you."
Tenma swirled the wine in his glass, the dark red liquid leaving streaks along the sides.
"You need to understand—ordinary people have very simple minds. A single thin sheet of paper is enough to brainwash them. Changing their perception is actually very easy."
"Justice always prevails? That's just empty talk. Because only the victor has the right to write history."
"The World Government that looks so righteous today might have been a bunch of blood-soaked villains a few hundred years ago. And likewise, the pirates everyone condemns today may well be praised as heroes of freedom in the future."
Gion looked up at him deeply.
"You're still just as good at talking people into things as ever—one argument after another."
Though her words were sharp, the pent-up frustration in her chest had indeed eased quite a bit.
Since the road had already been chosen, there was no turning back now.
And looking at the confident man before her, then thinking of the current state of Wano Country, Gion oddly felt that this might just be the starting point of a brand-new future.
"So where are we heading now? This route doesn't look like it's going back to Wano."
She pointed at the nautical chart on the table. After living in Wano for several years, she could draw the way home with her eyes closed.
"We're going to a place full of love and passion—Green Bit, next to Dressrosa."
Tenma casually tapped a spot on the map.
"Green Bit?"
Gion froze for a moment. She was familiar with Dressrosa—a nation with a long history, said to have taken root in the New World even before the World Government was founded.
But because it sat in the buffer zone between pirate powers, it was poor as dirt, barely surviving on tourism.
"Green Bit is right next to Dressrosa. It's a massive primeval forest, home to a group of reclusive little folk—the Tontatta Tribe."
Tenma explained patiently.
"They're said to be natural masters of cultivation. There's no plant in the world they can't grow."
The technology for artificial Devil Fruits was nearly mature. Once it was perfected, large-scale cultivation would be required.
For such delicate work, no one was better suited than the Tontatta.
Of course, that wasn't the only reason Tenma had his eye on them.
The true treasure in his sights was the Tontatta princess with the Heal-Heal Fruit—Princess Mansherry.
Her ability was practically a bug. Her tears could heal illnesses, and even at the cost of her own lifespan, she could regenerate severed limbs.
Most importantly, she could store her healing power like dandelion seeds and distribute it to others at any time.
On the battlefield, that was equivalent to giving every soldier a portable healing pack—one that instantly restored them to full health.
A strategic resource of this level was tailor-made for his future elite forces.
The warship weaved through the clouds, and in just a few days, arrived at the legendary Fairy Island—Green Bit.
Viewed from above, the entire island was blanketed in dense primeval vegetation, enormous canopies merging into a vast green ocean.
The warship slowly descended onto the sandy shore.
"Wow! These plants are huge! It feels like we've arrived in the land of giants!"
Holding Law's hand, Lami stared wide-eyed at the towering trees and leaves larger than people, unable to stop herself from exclaiming.
The air was filled with the fresh scent of soil and greenery, accompanied by the occasional chirping of unknown insects.
"Since there are giants, it's only natural that there are little folk too. They're just a bit shy and like to hide."
Tenma smiled and patted Lami's head.
"But Lord Tenma, I don't see any little people at all."
Law looked around curiously. Aside from the silent forest, there wasn't a soul in sight.
"They're right there, hiding in the shadows and spying on us."
Gion suddenly stopped. Her Observation Haki had clearly sensed faint but lively life signatures lurking beneath the massive broad leaves around them.
"Stop right there! Who are you people?!"
A sharp voice suddenly rang out from a thick vine ahead.
With a rustling sound, a group of tiny figures—barely twenty centimeters tall—popped out of the bushes like groundhogs.
Each of them had a pointed nose, a fluffy tail trailing behind, and toothpick-like spears in their hands as they surrounded the group with fierce determination.
Faced with this tense standoff, Tenma remained completely calm, even wearing an expression that said I understand you.
"My name is Tenma, king of a nation. I came here after hearing the moving tale of the great hero Noland, to pay a visit to his old friends—the people of the Tontatta Kingdom."
Noland?
Gion was completely stunned.
If she remembered correctly, wasn't that the story of a big-mouthed liar from several hundred years ago?
What was this supposed to be? Why was Tenma suddenly digging up ancient legends?
But the next scene left Gion utterly dumbfounded.
"Huh?! The great hero Noland?!"
"Wow! This big human knows Noland! He must be a really good person!"
"That's right! Anyone who admires Noland can't be bad!"
The once-hostile Tontatta instantly did a complete one-eighty.
They excitedly tossed aside their weapons, cheering as they ran circles around Tenma, their eyes so pure they seemed utterly free of any impurities.
Gion stood there blankly, feeling her worldview take a serious hit.
That's it? They believed him just like that? A name from hundreds of years ago was enough to serve as a pass?
Looking at these innocent little beings, Tenma felt not the slightest bit of guilt.
Kind, brave, and earnest—the Tontatta really were like fairies straight out of a fairy tale.
But for the sake of his grand ambitions, this small white lie was one he had to tell.
Before long, more Tontatta arrived upon hearing the news, crowding the clearing until it was packed.
The crowd parted, and several familiar figures emerged—the Tontatta chief, Gancho, and the petite Princess Mansherry.
"Honored King Tenma, welcome to the Tontatta Kingdom. I am Chief Gancho."
Leaning on his cane, the old chief looked excited.
"May I ask what important matter has brought you here in person?"
"I wish to invite the entire Tontatta tribe to immigrate to my country."
Tenma got straight to the point, his tone sincere enough to win an acting award.
"Eh?!"
The Tontatta cried out in shock. Migration was an earth-shattering matter for them.
Seizing the momentum, Tenma launched into his sweet talk.
"To be honest, I want to build a nation like the one Noland dreamed of—peaceful and equal. I can't bear to see you hiding in this dark forest. I want you to live under the sunlight, happily alongside other races."
"You don't need to worry about safety at all!"
"I have the power to move entire islands! In my territory, anyone who dares bully you would be making an enemy of me, Tenma! Just like Noland protected his friends, I will guard you with my life!"
Those words struck straight at the Tontatta's hearts.
They looked at one another with teary eyes.
"As expected of someone who reveres Noland—such noble ideals!"
And just like that, with a wave of Chief Gancho's hand, the monumental decision for the entire tribe to migrate was settled amid a storm of sweet talk.
Standing to the side, Gion could only rub her forehead in helpless disbelief.
These little guys would probably help count the money even after being sold.
…
"Wow! We're flying! Is this what the outside world is like?!"
As the warship rose into the air, the Tontatta excitedly climbed all over it, hanging from masts and lookout towers like a swarm of monkeys.
For these country bumpkins who had barely ever traveled far, everything was dazzlingly new.
Meanwhile, Tenma had retreated to a cabin, looking at the golden-haired cutie before him—Princess Mansherry.
The tiny princess stood on Law and Lami's backs, her big eyes brimming with tears.
Drip.
A single crystal-clear teardrop fell, landing squarely on the siblings' backs.
Something miraculous happened.
The instant the tear touched their skin, it emitted a gentle glow.
"How does it feel?" Tenma asked.
"It's incredible… the pain in my body is completely gone!"
Law moved his arms, his face full of astonishment.
"Other than the white spots still being there, my body feels so light—like I could fly!"
Lami nodded her little head excitedly as well.
Mansherry wiped her eyes and looked up at Tenma with concern.
"But… the root of their illness is still inside them. Don't you want me to completely cure it with my power?"
"No need. This is enough."
Tenma bent down and gently rubbed Mansherry's fluffy little head, a glint of calculation flashing in his eyes.
"As long as the disease is kept from worsening, that's fine. I've already made arrangements—before long, I'll obtain a miraculous fruit that will completely solve the siblings' problem."
After all, the Ope-Ope Fruit was a must-have.
If Mansherry burned her lifespan to cure them now, how was Law supposed to awaken the Ope-Ope Fruit later? What about the future "Immortality Surgery"?
"Law, remember this—I have very high expectations for you."
Tenma turned to him, his tone meaningful.
The pure-hearted Law had no idea what calculations were hidden behind those words. His eyes reddened with emotion as he nodded vigorously.
"Mansherry, your ability is amazing. You're practically an angel."
Tenma spared no praise.
The little princess blushed instantly, wringing her hands together.
"N-not at all… as long as Lord Tenma needs me, Mansherry is willing to do anything!"
"Us too! Us too!"
Leo and the others, who had been eavesdropping at the door, squeezed inside, eagerly pledging their loyalty.
Looking at the room full of passionate little folk, Tenma smiled like a fox who had just stolen some meat.
"Don't worry. Once we get back, there'll be plenty of opportunities for you to show what you can do."
The cheerful atmosphere quickly spread. The Tontatta even started a feast right there in the cabin, and even the once-shy Lami and Law joined in the wild fun.
"So pure and adorable… what a pity they ran into a big bad wolf like you."
Gion leaned against the doorframe, watching the lively scene inside, unable to resist commenting.
"I've gained a whole new understanding of just how 'bad' you really are."
"This is the imperial mindset you need to learn."
Tenma shrugged, completely unapologetic.
"What's the use of being a goody-two-shoes? Whether you're a Yonko or ruling a country, without some methods, you'd have been eaten down to the bones long ago."
In the days that followed, when Gion truly set foot on Wano Country, she finally understood the weight of those words.
The once-closed and backward land of samurai had, under Tenma's rule, taken on a strangely prosperous appearance.
The people lived in peace, technology advanced rapidly, and even the newly arrived Tontatta quickly integrated, thriving in their new home.
Seeing was believing, and the last traces of resistance in Gion's heart gradually faded.
She began following Tenma's arrangements—handling affairs at the shogunate while training obsessively in swordsmanship.
After several months, her strength had skyrocketed, and she was already showing the faint signs of becoming a true great swordsman.
And during those months, the greatest piece of good news came from none other than the mad scientist Caesar Clown.
"Shurorororo!"
In the laboratory, Caesar's trademark laugh grated painfully on the ears.
Striking an outrageously flamboyant pose, he proudly held up a glass container.
"Lord Tenma! Do you see this?! This is the power of science! The artificial Devil Fruit—SMILE! It has finally been born by the hands of a genius like me!"
Inside the glass lay a fruit covered in bizarre patterns, quietly emitting a tempting yet dangerous sheen.
"What type is it?" Tenma leaned in to take a look.
"This one was made by extracting the lineage factor of a bull! Eat it and you'll gain the power of a bull! Absolutely explosive!"
"Robin, go to Udon Prison and bring a death-row inmate for testing."
Tenma turned and gave the order.
Before long, a vicious, tattoo-covered criminal was dragged in.
Without another word, Caesar sliced off a piece of the fruit and stuffed it into the man's mouth.
"AAAH—!!!"
A shrill scream instantly echoed through the laboratory.
The criminal's body convulsed violently, bones cracking with a teeth-grinding sound.
In the blink of an eye, his hands and feet transformed into thick bull hooves, and two sharp horns sprouted from his head—turning him into a half-man, half-bull monster.
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