Chapter 101.1 : Viola Joins!!

Greenbit, by the coast.

Kaido had already returned to his human form.

"That's huge! It's even bigger than Ian-land!"

"It's even bigger than Maria-land!"

"Is it a giant?"

Kaido's expression was indifferent, even as a group of little adorable creatures, resembling tiny fairies, surrounded him, chattering nonstop.

His expression management was truly on point.

"Is it them?"

He looked at Ian.

"That's right. They're very cute, aren't they, Kaido-sensei?"

On Ian's left shoulder sat Leo, and on his right shoulder sat Princess Mansherry. He was also holding a younger child from the Tontatta tribe, who resembled a little squirrel. The child tilted their head, biting their finger, curiously watching Kaido.

"It reminds me of when Yamato was little."

When Yamato was two or three years old, she was also a cute little ball of chub, her round face, chubby hands, always calling out to Ian in baby talk, and clinging to his arms. She was incredibly adorable.

"Cute?"

Kaido sneered.

It was unclear what he was laughing about.

Was he displeased that Ian was comparing child Yamato to the Tontatta tribe?

"Also, the Tontatta tribe is very skilled in cultivating plants."

Ian spoke bluntly, "Once the artificial Devil Fruit research over at Judge's place succeeds, they'll be able to be of great help."

"Even without considering the artificial Devil Fruits, their contribution to the agricultural production in Wano will be immense."

Although Wano is currently focusing on large-scale mechanized agricultural production, increasing the yield a bit more wouldn't hurt.

You see, in this world, sometimes food is a more sought-after commodity than weapons. After all, weapons can be replaced, but food is something you truly can't do without.

And in this world, there are a lot of people who really don't have enough food.

Kaido nodded slightly.

He didn't really care much about the increase in food production; after all, he wasn't starving.

However, when it came to the production of artificial Devil Fruits, he couldn't just pretend he hadn't heard that.

Artificial Devil Fruits—this was the thing that had fascinated him the most and that he was most looking forward to these days.

Although he had already accepted it in his heart, Kaido still let out a customary cold grunt, "I'd better not have come all this way for nothing."

"Of course not."

Ian was already used to Kaido's occasional arrogance. He looked around at the little people's tribe, "Right?"

"Of course!"

Leo excitedly jumped to the top of Ian's head. "We will never let the great Human Race down!"

Ian clapped his hands. "Alright, let's go pack up. We're getting ready to leave soon."

"Hooray!"

"Packing up!"

They sounded just like children excited to leave kindergarten, the little people laughing and running toward the forest.

"Kaido-sensei," It wasn't until the little people had entered the forest that Ian seriously reminded him, "The Tontatta Tribe is very simple and naive. I'm worried they'll be hurt by the pirates at their home. You know what our pirates are like."

Kaido's eyebrows shot up, and with a low, gruff voice, he said, "Anyone who dares to touch them, I'll slaughter them!"

When it comes to artificial Devil Fruits, he absolutely wouldn't allow anyone to cause trouble.

"Then I can relax."

Ian let out a relieved sigh.

Saying that they would repay the Tontatta tribe was no joke.

Just the act of kidnapping these little fairies already filled me with guilt. If they were to suffer any more harm, it would really be difficult to bear.

If they were going to Wano, at the very least, they should live better than they did in Greenbit, right?

Ian then turned to Law. "Law, do you want to go back with them?"

The illness had already been cured.

"No," Law shook his head, a hint of excitement in his voice. "Next, we're heading to Fish-Man Island, right?"

Who wouldn't want to go to Fish-Man Island?

Ian glanced at the kid.

You brat, thinking about mermaids at such a young age?

Maybe I'll take you to Water 7 and introduce you to Kokoro-chan.

However, since this kid wanted to come along, it didn't matter much to bring him.

Jinbe had been wandering the seas with Tiger, so what danger could there be on Fish-Man Island now?

Soon, the little people, carrying all their belongings, returned, gathering at the shore.

Then, Kaido transformed back into the blue dragon, soaring into the sky. He released purple flame clouds below, which enveloped the area, forcibly lifting it from Greenbit and carrying it up into the sky.

"Wow! Amazing!"

The little people began to shout in amazement once again.

Not just them, even Law was left speechless.

"Kid, Yamato," Kaido looked down at Ian, then turned to Yamato. "Come back soon."

Was Kaido-sensei, a loner, feeling lonely?

Ian smiled. "Of course."

"Got it!" Yamato responded cheerfully. "Goodbye, Dad!"

Then, Kaido turned around, dragging the island fragments behind him, flying in the direction they had come from.

And...

"Ian-Land! Goodbye!"

On a fragment of island surrounded by clouds, the little people waved their farewells to Ian.

Ian also waved back energetically, "See you later!"

Soon, Kaido disappeared over the horizon.

"Alright, then it's time for us to leave as well."

Ian said, "Let's set sail."

They had been here for several days already.

The Golden Dragon finally set sail once more.

However, it did not leave Dressrosa immediately.

Instead, it stopped again near the coastline of this country.

"Ian-nii, is there something else?"

Jack asked, confused.

"Waiting for someone."

Ian smiled lightly.

"Waiting for someone?"

Law was also puzzled. "Who?"

"Did I not mention it?"

Ian waved toward the island. From the narrow path between two massive rocks on the island's edge, a girl carrying a bundle walked out. "We have a new member on board."

"Huh?"

Law stared blankly at the girl walking alone.

She couldn't be more than two years older than him.

And yet, she was still softly sobbing.

It was clear she hadn't joined of her own free will.

This was definitely something Ian would do.

Later.

The Golden Dragon ship finally set sail, heading towards the Red Line.

At the same moment, in Dressrosa, on the King's Plateau, inside the palace.

"Father, I want to join the Beasts Pirates and become a notorious pirate. Just pretend I was never your daughter!"

King Riku slowly read aloud the words from the letter in his hand, each word deliberate. Despite only a few sentences, he was already sobbing halfway through.

"It was Ian who pressured her!"

Kyros had a face full of regret. "I should've noticed earlier. Scarlett said that after Viola returned yesterday, she was completely unsettled. It must have been then!"

"No, Kyros, it's not your fault," King Riku said, covering his eyes to hide his tear-streaked face. "That girl... she's just too kind. I can imagine how Ian must have threatened her with something she holds dear."

"What should we do? Are we just going to do nothing?"

Even the steel-hearted Kyros was on the verge of tears. "Viola joining the Beasts Pirates—who knows what kind of disaster awaits her. King Riku, can we ask the Marines for help?"

"The Marines?"

King Riku paused, then sighed wearily. "Let's not even talk about whether the Marines would wage war against the Beasts Pirates for Viola's sake. But... Viola joined of her own volition, didn't she?"

Kyros fell silent.

There was nothing more to be done.

**********

Support me on my patreon and read upto 15 early chapters.

patreon.com/PirateKing24