Dressrosa

Chapter 135: Dressrosa

Dressrosa, a tropical island brimming with a holiday atmosphere, was equally prosperous and affluent. It earned the title of the "Land of Love, Passion, and Toys."

Its fame in the New World was widespread, partly because the country's king was Donquixote Doflamingo, one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea. Despite being a pirate, he became the king of this country and led it to prosperity and affluence. 

He had a significant support base among the citizens, much more than the previous king, King Riku, who had likely been forgotten by now.

The island's architecture had a unique style, and its food culture, building traditions, and local customs showcased its distinctive character. The streets were adorned with passionate dancers who displayed their graceful moves to visiting guests, allowing them to experience the warmth of Dressrosa.

First-time visitors often marveled at the country's prosperity and believed that Doflamingo's kingship was a natural fit, despite his pirate background.

What left the most profound impression on tourists was the country's unique feature—Toys!

The nickname "Land of Love, Passion, and Toys" captured the essence of this country. The love and passion of the women in this country were well-known; they could love intensely and hate fiercely. If spurned, they would go to great lengths, even assassination, against the one who wronged them, especially the more beautiful women.

As for the "Toys," it referred to living, tirelessly working toys.

These toys knew no fatigue or hardship, required no rest, and did not demand wages. They provided Dressrosa with a vast pool of free labor. Without the need for food or rest, they sustained the country with their bodies, contributing to its prosperity.

In reality, behind the facade of prosperity, a dark truth lurked. These toys were, in fact, people who had resisted Doflamingo, transformed into toys by Sugar, one of Doflamingo's subordinates with the powers of the Hobi Hobi no Mi (Hobby-Hobby Fruit). 

By touching her target with her hand, she could turn living beings into toys, erasing all memories of them from the world. These toys included Dressrosa's citizens and soldiers who had resisted Doflamingo, now forgotten by their families. 

They silently protected their loved ones, watched their children grow, witnessed their wives falling in love with others, or even saw the deaths of family and friends. For them, it was an agonizing form of punishment.

They despised Doflamingo, but they had no means of resistance. They had to work for him while silently guarding and watching over their families.

Rodney and his group strolled through the streets. Brook, with his signature "Yohoho" laughter, approached a dancer and asked, "May I have a peek at your panties?"

His request was met with a beating.

Dragging Brook by the leg, Rodney scolded, "Why do you have to do this, Brook? How much trouble have you brought upon yourself?"

"Yohoho! Mr. Rodney, this is a man's romance, something you wouldn't understand."

"Goodness, Brook, your 'exp' is off the charts," Rodney couldn't help but comment.

Rodney had given up on criticizing Brook. 

"You guys go explore, and I'll notify you later. I want to meet that flamingo on my own and experience the charm of this super goldmine."

Doflamingo had turned Dressrosa into a super goldmine for himself, albeit with a dark underbelly. 

"Yohoho, lovely miss, may I have a glimpse of your panties?" Brook, undeterred, was struck down by a dancer. Rodney chuckled, "Brook always needs a lesson or two. Thank you, beautiful miss. Lester, take him away. Robin, you guys go explore. You'll enjoy it."

"Of course, I'm also quite interested in the history here," Robin replied with a gentle smile as she led Leicester and the others away. She had a hunch that Rodney had some plans, but discussing them now wasn't convenient, so it was best to leave for the time being.

"Hello, beautiful lady. Your dance is truly enchanting. Would you care to share a drink with me?"

The dancer smiled, "Inviting a young girl like this in Dressrosa is considered a love confession."

"I have no interest in young girls. I'm more interested in someone like you, my beautiful lady," Rodney said with a smile. 

"Your mesmerizing dance, your exquisite beauty, and..." He leaned in, whispering in the dancer's ear, "Your past as a member of the royal family."

The dancer's eyes widened in shock as she stared at him. He continued, "I know everything Doflamingo has done, Viola. Including how the Flamingo rose to power."

"You..."

"Shh!" 

Rodney raised a finger to his lips mysteriously. 

"Viola, let's keep some mystery between us. We've only known each other for less than five minutes."

Viola felt that this man had control over everything about her. She took a deep breath, maintaining a polite smile. 

"Please follow me, Mr. Rodney."

She changed her tone from the friendly dancer to a more formal guide. 

"Doflamingo is waiting for you, and I'm not a princess."

"Is that so? I'd like to meet him right now. Please lead the way," Rodney replied casually. 

"Dressrosa is truly a remarkable place. Doflamingo certainly has some talents in governing a country. Well, except for what's hidden behind it... Hmph."

Viola's body trembled, feeling like this man knew everything.

"Please get in the carriage; it's ready for you," a luxurious carriage arrived. 

Rodney hummed, "No rush, no rush. We can arrive by evening. Right now, I want to explore a bit. You can't come to a place like this and not experience the warmth of the local girls."

"Feel free," Viola said. 

"Shall I accompany you?"

"Hehe, you're too kind. Oh, is that a street food vendor? Dressrosa's cuisine? Interesting! Boss, give me one of these, one of those, and add these to the order too!"

"Sure, sure!"

The vendor nodded enthusiastically, a smile spreading across his face. He was going to make a good profit from this.

"Let me see what's on your mind," Viola placed her hands in front of her eyes in a strange gesture, connecting her index fingers and thumbs in front of her eyes, creating a thin, light purple membrane.

Viola possessed the Giro Giro no Mi (Glint-Glint Fruit), which allowed her to read a person's current thoughts as long as they were within her field of vision, regardless of whether the person was conscious or lying. However, she couldn't access their memories.

She wanted to use this ability to find out what Rodney was currently thinking.

In an instant, she saw Rodney's thoughts, and they were all about food!

Everything imaginable was there. Viola was stunned. Was this what strong people thought about?

When he turned around, Viola quickly removed her hands and met his eyes. She looked baffled. Were these really the thoughts of a formidable man?

Seeing her reaction, Rodney asked, "Would you like some too? I can have the boss bring another serving."

"You go ahead and eat," Viola replied.

"Oh, alright then. I'll enjoy it myself. Boss, make it spicy! Extra spicy!"

Viola sighed inwardly, "..."

As they walked along, they continued eating. Well, mostly Rodney did. While Viola introduced the sights and history of the country, he ate. When she explained Dressrosa's history, he ate. In fact, he ate his way through the journey.

Burp!

"I've eaten enough for now. Dressrosa's street food is excellent. The best food is always found in the streets and alleys. Those big hotels are just ripping off gullible tourists. But they can't fool me!"

"Hehe, you're quite clever!"

Sipping freshly squeezed fruit juice, Rodney and Viola arrived at a flower field where sunflowers bloomed abundantly. The gentle breeze was refreshing, and Rodney couldn't help but squint his eyes, thoroughly enjoying the moment.

Viola stood behind him and once again used her Devil Fruit ability.

This time, she saw a clear blue sky, an endless expanse of calm water reflecting the blue sky and white clouds.

So... peaceful. Rodney turned around, and Viola met his gaze. She felt a shiver run down her spine. It seemed like the man behind her held all the answers.

"Have a good rest, lovely lady."