"Is Teach's hometown Winter Island?"
If this is Teach's former hometown, then why did the Blackbeard Pirates destroy the Drum Kingdom in the first place?
Is Blackbeard's ability to consume two Devil Fruits related to his two sisters or to this land?
"What is the truth behind it all?"
As night approached, Iggy, still lost in his swirling doubts, mechanically gathered wood and built a bonfire.
This shocking discovery only led to more secrets, leaving Iggy deep in thought as he finally fell asleep.
---
On the third day, Iggy had just returned from hunting on the snowy mountain slopes when he noticed the king's guards surrounding the ruins.
Seeing Dalton leading them from a distance, Iggy hesitated briefly before walking straight toward the escort.
"Are you… the one who assassinated the king?"
"Stand where you are!"
"Identify yourself!"
Three days ago, Iggy had killed dozens of guards in an instant in the main hall, and his terrifying strength had left a lasting shadow in everyone's minds.
Several guards spotted Iggy, and fear and alarm quickly rippled through the patrol. Everyone raised their weapons and aimed at him.
"Everyone, drop your weapons!"
Just as the soldiers prepared to fire, Dalton shouted, ordering them to lower their guns and show goodwill first.
Dalton stopped between the soldiers and Iggy, while Iggy stood motionless, calmly awaiting their next move.
"You all continue your patrol. I'll handle this."
As expected, Dalton commanded his soldiers to withdraw, clearing space to speak with Iggy privately.
"But Captain…"
"Orders are orders!"
After witnessing the previous chaos in the castle, the soldiers worried about Dalton's safety. But their objections were cut off as they were ordered away.
Helpless, they watched their captain's tall figure before regrouping and continuing their patrol toward the mountain.
---
Once alone, Iggy took the initiative.
"Dalton, explain why you saved me."
Dalton was startled by Iggy's directness, then admired his straightforwardness.
"You really are the person I've been waiting for."
Seeing Iggy's frankness, Dalton dropped all pretense.
"The people of the Drum Kingdom have suffered under Wapol's tyranny for too long. I hope to use your strength to overthrow him."
Though charged with protecting the country, Dalton had suffered under the dictator's rule. He seemed to view Iggy as a potential savior.
---
"Haha, you say 'the people'? Captain, you're still not honest enough."
Hearing Dalton's confession, Iggy laughed softly and stepped closer to look him in the eyes.
"Don't you want to be the next king?"
Their gazes locked, Dalton feeling as if he stood completely exposed, his deepest ambitions laid bare.
Embarrassed, Dalton fell silent.
---
"We can cooperate. But you must answer me honestly."
Iggy smiled generously, sensing Dalton's discomfort.
"Tell me about the ruins beneath my feet."
The question caught Dalton off guard. He knew every inch of Winter Island, yet these ruins predated his tenure.
Still, eager to overthrow Wapol and claim the throne, Dalton was willing to help.
"Hmm… Someone must know."
Answering Iggy's request, Dalton led him to a house hidden deep in the woods.
---
Inside, the 138-year-old doctor Kureha, known as the "witch," and her assistant Chopper were grinding herbs and mixing potions.
"Don't be alarmed, Dr Kureha. This young man wants to help us drive away Wapol but has some questions for you."
As they entered, Kureha instinctively reached for her twin knives, but Dalton quickly intervened to explain and introduced Iggy.
"Doctor kureha is the last surviving medical expert, secretly protected by me."
Seeing doubt flicker on Iggy's face, Dalton hurriedly summarized their situation.
"She has witnessed many changes here and knows countless secrets. She may be able to answer your questions."
---
After the introductions, Iggy approached Kureha and studied the elderly woman.
"Kureha, tell me about the deserted village at the foot of the mountain. About the Marshall family."
Surprise flashed in Kureha's eyes at the mention of the name. She quickly composed herself, though deep lines of worry crept onto her face.
"Time is precious. I hope you will tell the truth."
---
Since arriving in the Drum Kingdom, Iggy had spent far more time uncovering the truth than expected.
He bore no nostalgia for the pirate world and wanted to destroy everything—but his tone remained polite.
"Hmph, I'm not as persistent as Dalton."
In both the comics and real life, Kureha was sharp-tongued with a tough exterior.
Though kindhearted, years of hardship had made her stubborn and distant.
---
"Why should I tell you? What makes you think you can help us get rid of Wapol?"
The question hung in the air without answer. Kureha's cold glare froze the room.
Iggy's eyes darkened beneath his hood, an eerie killing intent suddenly filling the space.
---
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