Chapter 128

"So, did you get the support you were looking for?" I couldn't help but inquire of King Riku, who appeared to be a man who had lost everything. Dressrosa was now firmly under the control of the Donquixote family. Technically speaking, it was Riku who had broken our deal first, and public opinion had shifted completely since the Donquixotes swiftly put an end to the infestation of pirates on the island one the family took control.

Blood flowed like a river as I, along with Issho and Doffy, went on a rampage, hunting down any pirates who dared to set foot on Dressrosa without submitting to our rule. Even the surrounding seas were now under our control, and the ranks of our goons had expanded rapidly as news of our triumph over the Marines spread.

"How did you know? How did you know that the World Government wouldn't lift a finger to help us, and why did they let me walk out of there alive after I openly spoke against them?" King Riku's voice was tinged with despair, as if he had lost all hope. He had already resigned himself to fate and was even ready to sacrifice himself in exchange for mercy for his family.

Yet, when he returned to Dressrosa yesterday, he found the entire island cleansed of pirates. None dared to approach with hostile intentions, especially since Fujitora's name now resounded throughout Dressrosa. Some of the common folk even began to worship the Blind Swordsman as the guardian deity of their island.

Riku's question hung heavy in the air; the weight of his despair was palpable. He had once been a proud king, ruling over his people with benevolence and compassion. Now, he was a broken man, stripped of his kingdom, and left to ponder the mysteries of his downfall. Even his own people hesitated to stand by his side, fearing retribution.

I considered his words carefully, knowing that there was much more to the story than met the eye. The World Government's motives were shrouded in secrecy, their actions guided by their own inscrutable agenda. Yet it was clear that they had no intention of intervening on behalf of Dressrosa, leaving Riku to fend for himself against the encroaching darkness.

"It seems that fate has dealt you a cruel hand, my friend," Doffy replied from the side, lounging on the balcony in an easy chair. His voice, rare for a man like my brother, carried a hint of sympathy.

Even though I was surprised when Doffy didn't right away kill Riku after he had returned to Dressrosa, I knew that Doffy wouldn't become so benevolent without proper reason.

"But know this: you are not alone. We may have our differences, but we share a common enemy in the world government. And just so you know, I have no interest in ruling Dressrosa. Dressrosa is too small to hold my ambitions," he chuckled.

"Why? Why did you slaughter so many of my men? You even almost killed my daughter, and she will bear that scar for life. If you don't want to rule Dressrosa, why did you do all this?" King Riku bellowed, his anger and confusion evident. Now that he had lost almost everything, his hatred and fear towards the Donquixote brothers had faded, and he no longer cared about the responsibilities of being a king.

"Because what I want is the world, King Riku," Doffy retorted, his gaze fixed on the setting sun.

"As for all those deaths, you are responsible for them as much as I am. You knew you lacked strength and still sent all those soldiers to their deaths. Why? Simply so that you and your family could retain the title of royalty? If you truly cared about your people, you should have submitted back then. And if we were oppressors, then you could have raised a rebellion. But no, you clung to your false illusion of power."

"Tell me, kid, you have been eavesdropping for a long time and seem like a smart one. What do you think power is?" Doffy continued, addressing Scarlett, who had been hiding behind one of the pillars. Riku turned abruptly; the main reason for his hasty return was his concern for his family's safety. Although he knew the brothers needed him for some reason, he couldn't leave his family's safety in the hands of pirates.

Scarlett, who had been listening keenly, stepped forward from behind the pillar with determination. Despite her nerves, she harbored little resentment towards Doffy for burning her hand. During her father's absence, she had come to realize many things, including how the majority of common people abandoned their former king when the Donquixote family guaranteed their livelihoods.

Moving towards the table where Riku and I sat, Scarlett pulled up a chair facing the balcony and sat down. After a moment of contemplation, she responded to Doffy's earlier question.

"Power resides where one believes it resides. It's a trick. A shadow on the wall. And I believe a very small person can cast a very large shadow," she spoke with wisdom far beyond her tender age.

Riku and I exchanged surprised glances, impressed by Scarlett's insight. Despite her youth, she had a maturity and understanding that belied her years. As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the balcony, her words lingered in the air, a reminder of the complexities of power and perception.

"Hahahaha!" Doffy's laughter echoed across the surroundings. "See, King Riku, your daughter seems to understand things much better than you do. The World Government holds its power because the majority of people believe that's where true power resides. Why do you think the Elders are struggling so hard to keep the so-called balance?" Doffy turned back to the room, narrowing his gaze at Scarlett, as if expecting her to finish the sentence for him.

"Because once people believe that they can challenge the illusion of power that the World Government holds, then they will no longer fear the so-called Celestial Dragons. One just has to realize that it's all an illusion called power, created by the World Government over the span of centuries. No matter how strong one is, if the whole world turns against them, they will not be able to handle it," Scarlett answered, her voice firm and unwavering.

Doffy's eyes gleamed with interest as he regarded Scarlett. "Scarlett, you would make a great pirate! Would you like to join the Donquixote family?" He offered, surprising even me. Riku's face was etched with terror, and he quickly pulled his daughter to his side, shielding her from Doffy's influence.

"Will my family's safety be guaranteed?" the little girl questioned, despite her father's protests.

"Scarlett, what nonsense are you spouting? Do you even realize what you are talking about?" Riku's voice was tinged with disbelief. He couldn't comprehend what had gotten into his daughter. While he knew she had always been smart and rebellious, her desire to join a pirate family was beyond anything he had expected.

"I understand, father," Scarlett responded, her tone surprisingly mature for her age. "We have been naive all these years, or at least I was. I thought that every girl in our kingdom enjoyed the same privilege as I did. But then I ventured into Dressrosa during your absence. I saw things out there that you have sheltered me from all these years. I honestly cannot blame the common people for not supporting you, because to them, the livelihood of their family is paramount. Just like how our safety is paramount to you. You keep us safe behind this palace and hundreds of soldiers, but the common people don't have that luxury."

She paused, her gaze unwavering, as she continued. "Being a king has its privileges, but it also comes with responsibilities. Be honest and tell me, father, have you been able to fulfill these obligations that are expected of a ruler since the 'Great Pirate Age,' as they call it, started?"

Scarlett's words cut through the air like a sharp blade, exposing the harsh reality of their situation.

She had followed the Blind Swordsman during the weeks when Riku was in the Holy Land and had come to realize the true horrors of this world, to some extent. Even to grant mercy, one needed strength in this world—either one's own strength or the strength of people who could be trusted. And as much as it hurt her, Dressrosa's royalty and army did not possess this strength. So, only enjoying the privileges while the kingdom suffered did not sit right with Scarlett.

Riku stared at his daughter, a mixture of pride and concern evident in his eyes. He had underestimated her, but now he saw that she had grown into a wise and compassionate young woman, willing to challenge the status quo for the greater good. As he struggled to find the right words to respond, Scarlett's unwavering determination filled him with a sense of understanding, maybe relying on the Donquixote family was truly the way for salvation for Dressrosa and its people.

"If you truly join us and harbor no thoughts of betrayal, you have my word that I will guarantee the safety of your family in the future. Not only that, but I can also allow the Riku family to continue ruling Dressrosa as our vassals," Doffy declared, his tone serious as he rose from his seat on the balcony and stepped into the room. Pulling a chair next to Scarlett, he leaned in closer to her, his gaze unwavering.

"Other than me and my brother, no one can question King Riku's authority within Dressrosa. Do you think that's enough incentive for you to join us?" His words hung in the air, heavy with the weight of their implications.

Scarlett listened intently, her mind racing with thoughts and emotions. Whatever Doffy may be, he was someone who would go to any lengths to protect his family. This was something Scarlett had learned from Issho, who genuinely wanted to help the people of Dressrosa.

She had always wondered how such a man could become a pirate, but then she realized that not all pirates were the same. Just because someone called themselves a pirate didn't mean they had to be evil. Issho was a prime example, and for him to praise Doffy's dedication to his family was not something to be taken lightly.

As Scarlett pondered Doffy's offer, she weighed the potential benefits against the risks. Joining the Donquixote family would undoubtedly provide her with privileges and resources she could never attain on her own. And if she could ensure her family's safety and continue to serve Dressrosa in some capacity, perhaps it was a sacrifice worth making.

With a determined nod, Scarlett made her decision. "I accept your offer, Master Doffy. I will join the Donquixote family and uphold my end of the bargain. I hope you can take care of me and my family in the future."

Riku sat there, dumbfounded, unable to fully grasp what was happening. He couldn't bring himself to stop his daughter, Scarlett, as her earlier words still echoed in his ears. Truly, he had been naive all these years, just as Scarlett had said. He had failed to fulfill his obligations as a king to his people.

Turning to the two brothers, a complex expression etched on his face, Riku struggled with conflicting emotions. Despite Scarlett accepting the Donquixote family's offer, he couldn't bring himself to trust the people who had harmed his daughter. His gaze fell upon Scarlett's scarred hand, a constant reminder of Doffy's cruelty.

I noticed Riku's internal conflict and understood the turmoil he must be experiencing. Now that Scarlett was one of our own, I couldn't bear to see her suffer with a scorched arm. Expanding my observation Haki, I zeroed in on Leo's location. Using a special technique I had developed with my lightning abilities, I conveyed a message directly to Leo.

"Leo, bring Mansherry to the meeting hall in the east side of the palace. We need to heal a new member of our family," I relayed the urgent message.

Leo, who had become accustomed to my methods of transmitting messages, quickly dropped what he was doing to escort Mansherry. Turning my attention back to Scarlett, I realized that our family seriously lacked people with administration skills. Scarlett would fit into that role perfectly. If she wasn't keen on training and growing stronger, I decided to help her find a suitable Devil Fruit.

Within a few minutes, two little dwarfs arrived in the room. They were none other than Leo and Mansherry. Leo had been introduced to the world of Haki, and the little dwarf had been training relentlessly under Issho's guidance to better protect Mansherry in the future. He had even requested Issho's help in teaching some members of the Tontatta tribe the basics of armament and observation Haki.

Riku was stunned to see two little dwarves from the Tontatta tribe standing on the table in front of him. As the ruler of Dressrosa, he was aware of the tribe's existence but had never imagined that even the Tontatta tribe, with their troubled past with the Donquixote family, would ally with the two brothers.

"Ross, who needs healing?" Little Mansherry asked as she sat comfortably on my shoulder. When Leo tried to get on my other shoulder, I simply flicked him off with my finger, making him huff in anger.

"Meet Scarlett," I said, gesturing to her. "She is going to be part of our family from today on. Her arm is burned; see if you can fix it."

Mansherry immediately jumped next to Scarlett, carefully observing her arm. She then turned to Doffy and glared at him. "Master Doffy, did you burn her hand? What were you thinking?" She pouted, turning her attention back to the scorched arm. Doffy simply whistled and turned to face the balcony, feigning innocence.

Riku, who understood what was going on, forgot everything else and eagerly questioned the little dwarf. "Can it be healed? Can you really restore her arm?" His tone was choked with emotion. He blamed himself for not being able to protect Scarlett, and the scorched hand was a constant reminder. But now there seemed to be hope to completely cure his daughter's arm.

"Hmmm, the damage is extensive. Even the bones in her arm seem to have become brittle. However, it's not beyond saving, but I will need some vitality to be transferred to fix her arm permanently." Mansherry scanned Scarlett's arm with her powers and relayed her diagnosis.

Riku immediately offered, "You can take my vitality and use it to heal my daughter."

Mansherry looked at him as if he were a fool. "You will surely die if I drain that much vitality out of you. I will need it from Ross," she turned to me. I couldn't help but sigh. Although I could regain my lost vitality, I would have to eat tons and tons of sea king meat. But now that Scarlett was one of our own, I had to bear with this minor inconvenience.

"Leo, have the tribe hunt some sea kings. Take Issho-san along with the kids; it will be good training. I will need quite a lot of sea king meat," I responded. Mansherry had already started draining my vitality by touching my arm. A fist-sized dandelion surfaced from my arm, glowing so brightly that it lit up the entire room with its golden glow.

Mansherry continued draining my vitality for close to a minute. Even I felt the drain, and my face turned a bit pale from losing so much energy. When she was satisfied with the amount, she transferred the dandelion and plunged it into Scarlett's arm with a soft whisper, "Kenpopo!!!"

The moment the dandelion surged into Scarlett's arm, it lit up, forming a golden, glowing cocoon of light. After a few moments, the glow subsided, leaving behind a pristine arm with not even a single blemish.

Both Riku and Scarlett watched in shock, their mouths wide open and their eyeballs almost popping out. Riku never thought his daughter would be cured so easily. He turned to me with gratitude in his eyes, realizing that, as per what the little dwarf had said, he did not even have enough vitality to cure his daughter's injuries and would have only died if he had tried.

"Thank you," Riku said, his voice choked with emotion. "I don't know how to repay you for this."

"There's no need for that," I replied, my tone firm yet kind. "Scarlett is part of our family now. We take care of our own."

Scarlett flexed her newly healed arm, a look of wonder and relief spreading across her face. "Thank you, Mansherry. Thank you, Young Master Ross. I will do my best to live up to the trust you've placed in me."

Doffy, still facing the balcony, smiled to himself. "Welcome to the family, Scarlett. With your help, we'll make Dressrosa and our family stronger than ever."

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