New World — Dressrosa.
It had been several months since the Riku royal family reclaimed control of Dressrosa. Thanks to their tireless efforts—and with the people's support—the country was finally getting back on track.
Admiral Fujitora's "divine descent" had shattered the remnants of Donquixote Doflamingo's influence in one clean sweep, shocking the nation with the decisiveness of his justice.
Without the vital power of the Hobi Hobi no Mi—the Hobby-Hobby Fruit—Doflamingo had lost the leverage to maintain his iron grip. Rather than the illusion of joy as depicted in the original timeline, the people of Dressrosa had lived under an oppressive rule where dissenters were simply imprisoned. The "happiness" that once cloaked the island was nothing more than a mask.
The resistance had long made it clear to the people that Doflamingo's authority rested solely on his status as a Warlord of the Sea. He had even propped up King Riku as a puppet to legitimize his rule.
Yet no one had expected the Warlord to be taken down so abruptly—and by the Marines, his supposed allies no less. Before this, the people had largely harbored resentment toward the Marines for their inaction.
But with this single move, Marine prestige in Dressrosa skyrocketed. Under the masterful direction of Morgans and the World Economic Journal, stories flooded the headlines: how the Marines were powerless under the World Government's mandate, how they had painstakingly gathered evidence over eight long years, the internal struggles they had faced—all were revealed.
Most striking of all was the revelation that Fleet Admiral Wright had clashed with Doflamingo before, all the way back in the North Blue. This single detail ignited Dressrosa's admiration for the fleet admiral, verging on outright worship.
With King Riku now advanced in years, Princess Scarlett stepped forward to assist in governance alongside her husband, Kyros, the hero of the colosseum.
Princess Viola, for her part, used her miraculous ability to solve lingering threats throughout the kingdom.
"Father!"
King Riku turned toward the voice, a smile lighting his weary face as Viola entered the chamber.
"Have you discovered another one of Doflamingo's hidden secrets?"
Viola's Giro Giro no Mi—the Glare-Glare Fruit—had uncovered numerous secret facilities, classified documents, and illicit cargo Doflamingo had left behind. Though the Marines had obtained extensive intelligence, Doflamingo's eight-year reign had left behind many shadows. With Dressrosa spared from total destruction, hidden traces of his regime still emerged from time to time.
"This time, it's not about Doflamingo…"
Viola gave her father a meaningful look. King Riku paused, then waved his guards away.
"Don't tell me—?"
"Exactly, Father," Viola said gravely. "The individuals the Marine Headquarters instructed us to watch for—they've landed on the island."
"I just saw them. It's without a doubt the samurai from Wano Country—two men carrying swords and a child."
"One of the men and the child are both wearing chonmage topknots—clear marks of samurai. The other man carries a large weapon that looks like an oversized brush."
"Oh? Then it must be them... But only three?"
King Riku furrowed his brow, then gave his orders.
"Inform Marine Headquarters immediately. Keep a close watch on these 'samurai' and observe their intentions."
"It's a strange request—Headquarters only asked that we observe them for now... But whatever Fleet Admiral Wright has in mind, we're in no position to question it. Let's do our duty."
"Yes, Father."
...
"Father... Kanjuro... Where... are we?"
"Is this... is this paradise?!"
Disguised as father and son, Kin'emon and Momonosuke cut quite the convincing pair—despite both being notorious perverts in their own ways. Even burdened with the weight of their nation's downfall, Momonosuke found himself nearly blinded by the dazzling sights of this so-called "Kingdom of Love, Passion, and Fairies."
Dressrosa's people were bold and full of spirit. With the kingdom now recovering, the locals' joy had turned the streets into celebrations. Everywhere, beautiful dancers twirled with radiant smiles, their movements like flames reigniting life into the heart of the land.
Kin'emon and Momonosuke, mouths agape, couldn't help but drool as they watched the women dancing outside a lively tavern. Their stomachs growled loudly in protest.
"As warriors... we mustn't conduct ourselves in such disgraceful manner!"
Kanjuro groaned, tugging his hair in frustration. The three of them, along with Raizo, had originally set out to reach Zou, homeland of Inuarashi and Nekomamushi, seeking aid.
Oden had once told them that the Kouzuki Clan and the Mink Tribe shared a bond stretching back centuries. Should the time ever come, they could count on the Minks for help.
But after twenty years, Wano had changed beyond recognition. Towering factory chimneys belched smoke, the people starved, the water and land were poisoned. There was no food, and even the surviving animals were mostly toxic...
Could this truly be the beautiful land they once called home?
They were devastated. Upon learning all that Kaido and Kurozumi Orochi had done in those twenty years, they were left hollow.
Yet... the flame of resistance had not been extinguished.
Though the rebel forces led by the Shimotsuki family had not directly contacted them, Kin'emon keenly sensed the people's sentiment—hope for the Kouzuki Clan still lingered in their hearts.
Their top priority now was reaching Zou to gain the Minks' support and verify the condition of Inuarashi and Nekomamushi.
Still, intelligence gathering in Wano couldn't be abandoned. After discussion, they had left Kikunojo behind to continue collecting information while Kin'emon, Raizo, and Kanjuro took the young lord Momonosuke and stole a boat to set sail.
Alas, they were caught in a violent storm.
Kin'emon and Kanjuro, both Devil Fruit users, had only mediocre sailing skills. As they fought to protect Momonosuke, they were separated from Raizo, lost at sea with no sense of direction until finally washing up on this island.
Luckily, the island was large—and it had a kingdom. A beautiful kingdom at that.
"Kanjuro! Speak no more nonsense! As samurai, we mustn't let such sounds escape our bellies!"
Kin'emon wiped the drool from the corner of his mouth, attempting to look dignified.
"Yes, these women... far too bewitching! This land... lacks all sense of decorum!"
"Y-You speak the truth, Father!"
Momonosuke tried to hide the rumble in his gut, face flushing with shame.
"Kanjuro... your magic... is... is..."
Grrrrr...
Another strange sound rumbled from his belly. Face redder than ever, Momonosuke muttered:
"Something... feels off inside..."
Ever since they set out, they had survived on food conjured from Kanjuro's Brush-Brush Fruit ability. While technically edible, his artistry left much to be desired. The food looked grotesque and tasted even worse. It filled their stomachs, yes—but also often led to severe stomach issues.
"Now that we've arrived in a civilized land, let us first... find a decent meal."
Clutching his stomach, Kin'emon looked rather pale. Kanjuro, used to eating his own creations, seemed somewhat better off. But for Kin'emon and Momonosuke, the limit was near.
"No... before that—"
Grrrrrrr...
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