[Sponsored] Chapter 28: New Homies, Umibōzu

[This chapter is proudly sponsored by "SchwiftyZ." Please join me in expressing your thanks in the comments! If you're interested in sponsoring a chapter, consider joining the Patreon.]

The Next Day.

The sea trembled as Elbaf's giant army broke through the G-12 naval base in the second half of the New World. At the same time, the two former leaders of the Giant Pirates—Elder Warriors Mountain Beard and Waterfall Beard—broadcast a full-channel message using a large transponder snail. They revealed that "Holy Mother" Carmel was, in fact, the infamous human trafficker of the underworld known as the "Mountain Witch."

They exposed how all the troubled children she adopted were sold to the CP intelligence agency under the World Government to be trained as spies, a scheme uncovered by the giants. Years ago, Carmel and the World Government staged the incident that stopped the public execution of some Giant Pirate members, deceiving the entire world and the giants of Elbaf, all to gain the strength of the giants.

In response, the furious warriors of Elbaf launched a retaliatory strike.

Soon after, the World Government, having activated CP's resources to understand the situation, was enraged. In a swift response, the government's spokesperson held a press conference, fiercely criticizing and denying the claims of the giants.

"This is slander. The World Government has long sought peaceful coexistence among all races. Years ago, thanks to the relentless efforts of Sister Carmel, the government ordered the Navy to spare the Giant Pirates from public execution for the sake of the greater good. But instead of accepting the government's goodwill, the giants have bitten the hand that fed them."

"The giants not only killed the revered Holy Mother Carmel but also mobilized their forces to destroy a naval base in the New World. This is no ordinary crime, and the World Government will not let this go unpunished."

The government portrayed the giants as brutal, claiming they killed Carmel and were now trying to frame the government, tarnishing the name of a woman who dedicated her life to peace among the races. They questioned why, if Carmel was a trafficker, she had never been exposed during her lifetime, and why her supposed crimes were only revealed after her death at the hands of the giants. The government demanded proof from the giants.

"Damn giants..."

"How could they kill Sister Carmel? She was a saint!"

"Elbaf's giants are so ruthless, murdering a defenseless holy woman!"

"Those monsters not only killed the Holy Mother but now slander her memory!"

"Unforgivable!"

The World Government's media outlets heavily reported on the situation, and people around the world, already deeply convinced of Carmel's sainthood, sided with the government's version of events. They condemned, cursed, and expressed hatred toward the giants.

At the same time, however, within the Marine Headquarters, all giant vice admirals except for John Giant—the first to be swayed by Carmel and a firm believer in the justice of the Navy and World Government—resigned. They stripped off their uniforms and returned to their homeland. No matter how much the Navy explained or tried to persuade or even coerce them, the decision of the giant officers was final and unshakable.

…

"Tree~ Tree~"

"I am a tree~"

"Spin, spin, spin~"

"Come and ride the Ferris wheel~"

Meanwhile, at the Dreamland Home, all the attractions—the Ferris wheel, carousel, spinning swings, and other amusement rides—had been brought to life by Gerd, who had infused them with souls. They became anthropomorphized Homies, moving and operating on their own, much to the amazement of onlookers.

"Haha..."

"They're all moving!"

"This is so much fun!"

"Gerd, you're amazing!"

"Wait, I want to ride the Ferris wheel too!"

The children of the Dreamland Home were ecstatic, including Linlin, Gerd, and Haelding, who couldn't resist joining in the fun. They excitedly climbed onto the Ferris wheel, thrilled to command the smiling, anthropomorphized Ferris wheel Homie to start spinning. Zeus, Hera, and Prometheus—the highest-ranking Homies—floated nearby, observing the fun.

"Everyone be careful, don't fall!" El called out, smiling as he watched from the side, offering a reminder but not stopping the festivities.

This time, Gerd had harvested a large number of souls and used her Soul-Soul Fruit abilities to breathe life into these attractions, completing the Dreamland Amusement Park El had originally envisioned.

…

"Swoosh..."

Not far away, in the ocean, a colossal creature formed entirely of seawater rose from the waves. The size of the entity was even more impressive than that of a large Sea King, and it, too, bore an anthropomorphic face that would send shivers down anyone's spine.

"Umibōzu, from now on, you will be responsible for guarding the waters around here," El said as he flew over to the coastline, addressing the enormous, intimidating sea Homie. "Patrol the surrounding waters every day. If you see any ships other than those from Elbaf, report it immediately. If they belong to the Navy or the World Government, sink them, and capture the survivors so Gerd can take their souls."

This sea Homie, Umibōzu, was created by Gerd using her Soul-Soul Fruit, infusing her own soul into the water at El's suggestion.

Yes, the Soul-Soul Fruit's powers could affect seawater too. However, as a Devil Fruit user, Gerd herself was still cursed by the sea and would become powerless if she fell into the ocean.

Like Zeus and Prometheus, Umibōzu could manipulate the sea, summoning enormous waves to crush enemies. As a being made of water, it was nearly invincible and extraordinarily difficult to harm, let alone kill. Only specific types of abilities could pose a threat to it.

"Yes, El-sama!" The massive sea creature happily responded from the water. "Rest assured, I will lead them and protect this Dreamland Amusement Park!"

As it spoke, various large fish and unassuming sea slugs leaped out of the water. These creatures had also been infused with souls by Gerd, turning them into Homies responsible for monitoring the waters around Dreamland. Especially the sea slugs, which could transmit special signal waves received by a giant sea slug stationed in Dreamland, ensuring any abnormal situation would be immediately reported.

Even the Homies within Dreamland possessed significant combat capabilities. The Ferris wheel, in particular, had been infused with the soul of the Marine Vice Admiral, making it one of the strongest defenders of the Dreamland Home.

Even if El and his team had to leave Dreamland for a while, there was no need to worry about any potential invasions.

"Haha, I'll leave it to you, then!"