One Piece: Reborn in God's Valley

Half an hour later, Ashen and his group had reunited with Salles.

They crossed an iron bridge connecting the two islands and arrived at the homeland of the Tontatta Kingdom, the island of Green Bit.

Standing on the shoreline, gazing at the towering trees, winding vines, vibrant oversized fungi, the members of the Helgrave Pirates were deeply awed.

"I just can't understand how so many different species of plants from across the seas are able to grow together on a single island."

Tesla, though not well-versed in botany, could still grasp how miraculous it was for these plants to coexist so harmoniously.

"It's their racial gift, nothing to envy. The Tontatta are really good in farming and agriculture...

And not just that, they're small in stature, but incredibly strong. Perfect for intricate craftsmanship. That's also why we're here."

As Ashen led the crew into the forest, he shared the history of the Tontatta race with them.

Rustle… rustle...

No sooner had they entered the forest than the grass at their feet began rustling. In the next instant, dozens of small, nimble figures darted toward them in attack.

"Ah. Let go of me, that hurts."

One of the little people, pointed nose, wielding a spear, was scooped up mid-charge by a flick of Ashen's toe, caught effortlessly in his hand.

"Whoa. What is this thing? So sticky."

Parnell acted next, activating his Devil Fruit power. Streams of tar gushed from his hands, and before the small attackers could leap away, dozens were glued to the ground. 

Tesla and Salles each grabbed one as well, curiously inspecting the tiny warriors.

"Hey, what's your name? We're friends of King Riku. We came to see your leader."

Ashen smiled as he addressed the little warrior in his hand.

"So you giants are friends of King Riku. I'm Garta. Sorry for attacking you earlier."

Garta's honest reaction made even Ashen feel a little guilty.

"Parnell, let them go.

Garta, would you be willing to lead us?"

Ashen instructed Parnell to withdraw his tar, then turned back to Garta.

"Of course. If you're friends of King Riku, Chief Gancho will definitely want to meet you."

…

A few minutes later, the pirate crew followed Garta into the Tontatta's underground village.

Their architecture was unlike anything they had seen. Some homes were carved directly into tree trunks, while others were hollowed out from giant, hardened pumpkins.

"Captain. What are you guys doing here?"

In the middle of a group of tiny people, Lafitte was casually sampling some Tontatta delicacies. He looked up, shocked to see Ashen and the rest.

"You've got some nerve saying that, we've been worried sick trying to find you, and you're out here living it up like nothing happened."

Salles was fuming at Lafitte's carefree attitude.

"Heh... Sorry, sorry. Didn't mean to make you worry. These Tontatta folks were just way too welcoming."

As it turned out, Lafitte had followed his stolen sword all the way to Green Bit, only to find it in the hands of the Tontatta. 

Intrigued, he didn't even bother reclaiming it. Instead, he struck up a conversation with them and quickly made friends. Before long, he was enjoying himself immensely in their company.

Ahem… 

"I am Gancho, leader of the Tontatta Kingdom. Might I ask what business brings you all to our land?"

Gancho stepped forward, the pumpkin-shaped crown on his head several times the size of his own. He faced Ashen squarely.

"Chief Gancho, we came here first to find one of my crewmates. Secondly, we hope to form a partnership with your people…"

Ashen proceeded to repeat the plan he'd previously shared with King Riku.

"I see. If what you say is true, then the Tontatta Kingdom is willing to join you."

Gancho was silent for a long moment before finally speaking.

"Excellent. In that case, two days from now, I'll meet you at the palace in Dressrosa."

Satisfied with the answer, Ashen and his crew prepared to leave.

"Chief Gancho... Who exactly is this Doflamingo? And why should we join forces with pirates like them?"

Garta asked, puzzled, staring at the items Ashen had left behind.

"Well, since you all want to know... I'll tell you the history of our people. Once you hear it, you'll understand everything..."

…

Corrida Colosseum

By the time Ashen and the others returned to the arena, the crowd was already filing out.

"Today's fight was amazing. Worth every berry."

"Right? I can't believe a monster like that appeared out of nowhere and actually defeated Kyros…"

Listening to the chatter, Ashen immediately understood the outcome, just as he'd expected.

"Captain, I've made up my mind. I'm gonna fight in this arena every day from now on. It's just too fun."

Walton, the last to emerge, staggered toward them with a grin, bandages wrapped around his body. Behind him walked Kyros, also patched up.

"You're Kyros, aren't you? So... interested in joining us?"

Ashen ignored Walton's usual clowning and focused on Kyros.

"Join you? Why me? I'm living just fine in this country. Why would I become a pirate?"

Kyros's face was filled with stubborn resolve.

"Is that so? Are you sure people here really accept you?

I watched your fight. Sure, the crowd cheered and clapped for you, but in their hearts, they still see you as a beast. Just a bull in the ring to be entertained by.

So tell me, Kyros, how much longer are you going to keep lying to yourself?"

Ashen truly felt sorry for him. With all his potential, Kyros had been shackled to a life of spectacle, used for the crowd's amusement.

Even after marriage, he hadn't dared reveal his true identity to his wife. That alone was tragic.

"Shut up. It was my choice. I'm free now. I just... chose not to leave."

Kyros snapped, defiant, but his eyes shimmered with unshed tears.

"Is it because beasts are only seen as safe inside a cage? Is that the only way they're allowed to be praised or acknowledged?

Wake up, Kyros. Even if you win ten thousand matches in that arena, the moment you step outside, no one will look at you like a normal person. 

They might respect you. Fear you. But they'll never see you as one of their own."

Ashen's voice sliced through Kyros's fantasies like a blade.

"He's right. The captain is absolutely right. They've never seen you as human.

Didn't you notice? After you lost to me today, the looks those people gave you, how full of disgust they were?

You'll never find sympathy here, only judgment."

Even Walton, usually so brash, now looked at Kyros with rare seriousness.

"Enough. You just want me to join you, don't you? You think that'll change everything? That I'll stop being seen as a beast?"

Kyros finally let his mask fall, shouting as tears streamed down his face.

"Of course. Because... we are the same."

-------

If you want to support me and read 25 advance chapters, please visit.

pa-treon.com/Anfractuous

[Just remove the hyphen(-) to access the page.]