The next morning, sunlight rose above the horizon. The port of Dressrosa was already filled with people. The legendary ship, whose bow was an orange puppy with a chainsaw on its head, slowly docked.
If Yu, Megumi, and the other players were here, they would be speechless with surprise. Because that ship was clearly the Otherworlder-Go, the one Makoto and his group had used to sail around the One Piece World.
That's right, when he had returned to the One Piece World with Yukino, Makoto had pulled that long-dormant ship out of his item slot.
Makoto felt that a ship that couldn't sail was like a dog that couldn't go for a walk… rather pitiful. So he had taken the ship out of his item slot and lent it to Yukino.
It had to be said, Makoto's reputation was truly effective. Relying on the prestige of this ship, Yukino and her people had carved a path through the chaotic era following the government's collapse. Many pirates were scared witless just seeing the chainsaw dog head on the bow.
King Riku III and Kyros stood shoulder to shoulder at the very front of the port. Behind them stood the civil and military officials and citizens of Dressrosa. The moment the bow of the Otherworlder-Go entered the port, thunderous applause erupted.
Yukino was the first to walk down the gangway. Her figure was taller than four years ago, but her chest was still just as flat as ever.
Previously, the impression Yukino had left on the people of the One Piece World was that of an elderly woman over half a century old. When she had suddenly returned in her youthful form, many people were startled.
However, the One Piece World was ultimately a supernatural world. Most people thought Yukino had eaten some kind of Devil Fruit and didn't pay it much mind.
"You could have held the inauguration ceremony yourselves. There was no need to wait for us to come."
Yukino walked up to King Riku.
Her attitude wasn't exactly friendly, but it could be considered amicable.
At least it was much better than the sharp-tongued, toxic image she had in other anime settings.
The main reason the New Revolutionary Army attended the inauguration ceremonies of various countries' presidents was to use their mind-reading ability to check in advance whether the president in question was a person with ulterior motives.
And Kyros was someone Yukino had heard of when she and Makoto were adventuring together.
Makoto was a proud person, and even he said Kyros was of good character, so Yukino naturally didn't think a review was necessary.
Furthermore, after Violet had joined the Revolutionary Army, she had also mentioned her experiences in Dressrosa.
Yukino herself quite admired the toy soldier who had silently protected his daughter for ten years.
King Riku laughed heartily. "How could that be? The New Revolutionary Army is the hero of this world."
He stepped aside and made a welcoming gesture towards the city. "Please."
Yukino, Koala, Smoker, and the others walked alongside King Riku. The citizens lining the streets automatically made way, constantly chanting the names of the Revolutionary Army officers.
Children sat on their fathers' shoulders, waving homemade flags. After walking for a while, Kyros suddenly spoke. "Miss Yukino, the Commander is here."
Yukino, Koala, Tashigi, and the others had their expressions changed drastically.
"He is currently resting in the guest room at the Royal Palace. Would you like me to take you to see him?"
Kyros's tone was steady, but for some reason, a hint of urgency appeared in his eyes.
Yukino took several deep breaths before she could barely calm herself down. "No... no need. Let him rest a bit more."
"But the Commander came to Dressrosa precisely to see you," Kyros said with a very serious expression. "I think you should meet with him sooner."
He only hoped that the Commander wouldn't be banging his daughter all the time. Damn, the entire Royal Palace had been shaking along with them all yesterday!
Yukino was silent for a moment, then finally nodded.
Soon, Kyros led her through the palace corridors to the guest room where Makoto was staying.
As she got closer to the guest room, Yukino could clearly feel her heart beating faster and faster. She had seen countless big scenes, and she was certainly very familiar with Makoto. But she didn't know why she was still so nervous.
The door at the end of the corridor appeared in her sight. Yukino hesitated for a second in front of the door, ready to knock.
But a 'creak, creak' sound came from inside the room, seeping through the crack in the door, mixed with a young girl's gasps.
"Ooh... so good! Makoto-sama's... so good! More... a little more..."
Kyros was petrified on the spot. Tears of shame flowed from his eyes. He turned and ran, 'I don't want to hear this! I don't want to hear this!'
Yukino stood at the door, the corner of her mouth twitching, 'Damn, this bastard really hasn't changed at all.'
Finally, Yukino returned to the central square of the city to attend Kyros's presidential inauguration ceremony. A temporary platform had been set up in the square, decorated with red and white fabric, and lined with the flags of Dressrosa and the New Revolutionary Army. Kyros, dressed in formal attire, stood on the platform, facing the square. An endless sea of people extended from the foot of the platform to the end of the city's main road.
Kyros's fingers, holding the speech, trembled slightly. His Adam's apple bobbed up and down. Issho stood at the back of the crowd, a faint smile on his lips. "Don't be nervous, Mr. President. Just think of everyone below as radishes."
The crowd was quiet for a moment, then burst into laughter.
"Mr. Kyros, we support you!"
"Do your best, Mr. President!"
"Princess Rebecca isn't here, is she?"
Kyros couldn't help but crack a smile, but his face darkened again at the mention of his daughter's name. Still, at least he wasn't so nervous anymore.
He took a deep breath, placed his hands on the lectern, and leaned forward slightly. "I don't know how to be a good president. To be honest, all I've ever known how to do since I was a kid is fight. But King Riku pulled me out of the abyss, and from that moment on, I decided to dedicate my life to Dressrosa."
The square gradually fell silent.
"During Doflamingo's reign, many of us saw hell. But we overcame all those hardships. I believe... no matter what happens from now on, it will not defeat Dressrosa."
Kyros's speech wasn't particularly novel. But his tone was extremely sincere, and he already had strong support among the people of Dressrosa.
The moment his voice fell, the entire audience erupted in applause. The citizens clapped enthusiastically. The applause was endless.
Standing at the very back of the crowd, Yukino also raised her hands and clapped.
Kyros took a deep breath, moved to tears.
Suddenly, he saw Makoto at the far back of the crowd, having arrived with his daughter at some point, also standing at the very back, applauding.
The old father, seeing his daughter yawning, looking sleepy and leaning against Makoto, wasn't so happy anymore.
Kyros's eyes unconsciously wanted to glare at Makoto, but seeing him applauding, an irrepressible surge of satisfaction welled up inside him. He really didn't want to admit it, but the madly curling corner of his mouth betrayed him.
After all, this was recognition from the King of the World.