Chapter 30: The Castle and Homing

On the coast of Sorbert Kingdom, a World Government warship was docked.

"We can only take you this far."

"This is Sorbert Kingdom in the South Blue. It's also a member of the World Government."

"We've prepared accommodations and sufficient funds for you on the island."

"This should ensure a comfortable life for you from now on."

The marines lined up to bid farewell to Homing and his family. Kuro stood at the front of the formation, giving Homing his final instructions.

"Thank you. This is more than enough," Homing expressed his gratitude to the marines.

Leaving Mary Geoise had always been his dream. Stepping onto this island meant he had completely severed ties with his past.

From now on, he could experience the joys and sorrows of ordinary human life.

Kuro continued, "We'll now need to collect your Celestial Dragon identification chips."

The chips represented the status and privileges of the Celestial Dragons. Only with the chip could one be recognized as a Celestial Dragon. Without it, even if one had Celestial Dragon blood, they would not be acknowledged.

Homing showed no reluctance and handed over the chip directly.

Kuro took the chip from them. "We wish you a peaceful and happy life here. We'll now return to Mary Geoise."

"Safe travels."

Under the watchful eyes of the marines, the group of four walked inland.

"It's the first time I've met such a pleasant Celestial Dragon."

"It's a shame there are no Celestial Dragons like this anymore..."

"First time handling affairs for a Celestial Dragon, and it was actually enjoyable. What a pity..."

The marines all agreed that Homing and his family were easy to get along with and admired their decision.

If any of them were in the Celestial Dragons' position, enjoying the benefits of their status, they admitted they wouldn't have made such a choice. This spoke volumes about Homing's remarkable character.

"Alright, enough discussion," Kuro said, turning his gaze away. "Let's head back."

...

"Kuzan, are you serious?" Hitsugaya asked with a bitter expression.

His face hurt, and he couldn't understand why he kept running into these situations, each time feeling like a public humiliation.

Kuzan nodded. "Of course, it's true. The ship docked in a sparsely populated area, but it was still spotted by scouts."

Renji put on his coat. "Let's go and see what's going on."

He then led the way out.

Hitsugaya, following behind, complained, "Kuzan, next time you report something, can you do it when I'm not around?"

"Why?" Kuzan found the request odd.

Because it hurts!

Hitsugaya covered his face and quickened his pace to catch up with Renji.

Kuzan was puzzled but focused his attention on the situation at the coast.

"..."

Just as Renji opened the door, the system arrived with a new task.

[Ding!]

[Host, please actively engage with Donquixote Homing and change your relationship from strangers to any level of goodwill.]

[Task reward: 10 hours of training space, 5000 system points, 10 million Berries.]

[Wishing the host success in the task (throws confetti).]

[...]

Through the system's task, Renji confirmed that the people who had arrived on the island were indeed the Donquixote family.

This was another hidden function of the system—it allowed him to know in advance the characters and events he would face.

It saved him the trouble of investigating.

"Kuzan, where exactly did the ship dock?" Renji asked the only person present who knew.

Kuzan pointed north. "On the northern coast of the island. There's a forested area there."

"It's sparsely populated, and hardly anyone goes there. I heard it used to be a frequent landing spot for pirates. People avoided it to escape the chaos of war."

Hearing Kuzan's answer, Renji remembered the place. It was indeed remote, making it a good landing spot for Homing and his family.

Homing actually left a decent impression on Renji. As a Celestial Dragon, he had never oppressed ordinary people, was friendly, and had a kind heart.

However, he underestimated the hatred people in this world had for the Celestial Dragons, leading his family into a pit of despair.

When his wife and children were in danger, he risked his life to protect them. Unfortunately, without power or authority, he could only be at the mercy of others, unable to fight back.

Renji didn't fully understand the feelings of those oppressed by the Celestial Dragons. In his view, having a Celestial Dragon willingly give up their status to integrate into ordinary society was more beneficial than harmful.

Perhaps Homing's success could lead to a split among the Celestial Dragons, creating two factions.

On the other hand, if ordinary people killed Homing, the Celestial Dragons would only cheer and intensify their persecution of civilians. Celestial Dragons who might have considered aligning with the common people would abandon such thoughts and focus solely on their own pleasures.

"Huh? Since when was there a castle here?"

As they approached the coast, Renji suddenly noticed a magnificent castle that seemed to have been recently built.

Kuzan was also curious. "I don't remember seeing it during our last patrol."

"Look, there are people at the castle gate," Hitsugaya pointed out.

Renji and Kuzan focused and saw four people with luggage standing at the castle gate, about to enter.

"Hitsugaya, there's something I've always been curious about. Can you enlighten me?" Renji asked as they walked toward the castle.

Hitsugaya, walking slightly behind Renji, perked up. Captain Renji actually had a question for him? "Please, go ahead."

"Are your eyes open?"

It wasn't a strange question. Hitsugaya's eyes always looked closed, but he often noticed things that Renji and the others missed.

"Captain, that's very rude! And you, Kuzan, stop looking so interested!" Hitsugaya felt like his heart had been stabbed twice.

"Of course, my eyes are open," Hitsugaya said, trying to widen his eyes to prove it, though they still looked the same.

"..."

"Father, look! Are those people approaching from the woods?" Rosinante asked, peering through his hair.

Homing pushed open the castle gate and looked back. "There really are people coming."

"Go inside. I'll see why they're here."

After his family entered the castle, Homing stood calmly at the gate, waiting for the three men to approach.

"Hello, we have some questions for you. Is now a good time?" Hitsugaya asked with his usual comforting smile.

Homing nodded politely. "Go ahead, but I've just moved here, so I might not know much about the island."

He looked at the three men's faces and their uniforms, feeling that the leader looked somewhat familiar.

"You... are you...?"

...