It was several months after Krieg had departed Marineford for the New World.
As usual, I tossed a few coins to the News Coo circling the ship and caught the morning paper. The headline on the front page hit me immediately:
"Attempted Assassination of Royalty on Fishman Island! Was a Human Responsible?!"
So, Fisher Tiger managed to stop it, I thought, a wave of relief washing over me as I scanned the details.
The attack had occurred in broad daylight. Queen Otohime was giving a speech when a sniper's bullet was fired from the shadows. Fortunately, the bullet was deflected by the stole she was wearing—a "gift of friendship" from the Marines.
That was my doing. I had personally recommended the gift, ensuring it was lined with high-grade ballistic fabric. I'd pushed the "symbol of friendship" angle hard, asking her to wear it whenever she was in public.
Of course, I hadn't breathed a word about its bulletproof properties. Given her character—charging into conflict with nothing but her convictions—she never would have worn it if she knew it was "armor."
The impact had knocked her unconscious, but her life wasn't in danger. Ryugu Kingdom soldiers had swarmed the sniper's nest immediately, finding only signs of a struggle and the corpse of a human male holding a rifle.
As a result, the fishmen, who had been softening toward humans, hardened their hearts once more. However, Otohime was alive. The total, generational severance of the original timeline had been averted... probably.
The paper made no mention of Hordy Jones. It concluded that the dead human was the culprit, though it noted the "signs of a struggle" suggested he might have had accomplices—or that someone had intervened. That must have been Skull (Tiger) taking care of business, I surmised. I'd have to get the full report from him once I returned to Sabaody.
I flipped to the next page, scanning the smaller columns for other points of interest:
"Sea Train Project Nearing Completion! Full Service Expected as Early as Next Year!"
"Cook Pirates Missing! Celebrity Liner 'Orbit' Also Vanished in the Same Sea! High Probability of Storm Damage!"
"Saw-Tooth Arlong, Released in Warlord Pardon, Spotted in East Blue."
The Sea Train... I'd need to deal with the "Spandam" situation eventually. In the original story, the judicial ship arrived shortly after the lines opened. I'll have to make my way to Water 7 before then.
As for the Cook Pirates... if they've vanished in a storm, Zeff and Sanji are already shipwrecked. I have no idea exactly which rock they're on, and even if I left now, I'd never make it in time. The best I can do is send a tip to Rear Admiral Maynard of the East Blue Command to keep an eye out for survivors.
And Arlong. With Fisher Tiger still alive, I hope his rampage won't be as cruel as the original, but... it's Arlong. I should send a warning to Belle-mere. Given her current training, she shouldn't be completely helpless, even against a veteran of the Grand Line.
But before I could worry about the East Blue, I had to handle the mess right in front of me.
I looked up from the paper and roared at the trembling subordinates in my office:
"There's no such thing as fairies! Being pickpocketed of your weapons isn't a funny story—it's a disgrace! Get out there and find them, now!!"
The soldiers scrambled out of the cabin, nearly tripping over each other. While the Charlotte Angie was docked at the port, several of my men had reported their portable rods and custom sabers stolen while they were out buying supplies.
We were in Dressrosa. A member of the World Government, and a land where legends of "fairies" were woven into the very fabric of the streets.
The Country of Passion: Rear Admiral Krieg
Dressrosa.
They call it the land of love, passion, and fairies. Travelers find themselves captivated by the "fragrance of blooming flowers," the "savory aroma of the island's famous cuisine," and the "passionate dances of women who know no fatigue."
With legends of "fairies" circulating since ancient times, it's a whimsical place, consisting of the main island of Dressrosa and the small neighboring island of Green Bit.
In the original timeline, Doflamingo—who is currently rotting in Impel Down—would have used his Warlord status to orchestrate a coup and rule as king. Since he was imprisoned before he could ever become a Warlord, that particular nightmare is averted.
...Though I am curious about the whereabouts of his subordinates who were granted amnesty, I mused.
Because of my "canon" knowledge, I knew the truth behind the fairy legends—the strange occurrences where items go missing (like the weapons stolen from my men during their supply run). The culprits are actually the Dwarves (Tontattas) who have their own kingdom on Green Bit. The Kings of the Riku Dynasty had fabricated the fairy legend as a form of restitution and protection for the little people.
Here I was, in the port town of Acacia...
Well, in a world with giants, it's only logical that dwarves exist like something out of Gulliver's Travels, I thought, poking at the meal that had just been served.
"Hmm, this Dress-Shrimp Thermidor is quite something..."
"Indeed, sir! We use the 'Dress-Shrimp,' famous for its elegant form and found only in the waters near this island! It's prepared with a generous amount of our carefully crafted Béchamel sauce and baked to perfection!"
Listening to the waiter's explanation, I started thinking.
Maybe I'll try making this myself later. Any large shrimp would probably work... Wait, no. Focus. If my men's weapons don't turn up, I'll have to head to Green Bit.
However, if I'm going to do that, I should probably clear it with the current ruler, King Riku.
"Thank you for waiting! Here is your Rose-Squid Paella!!"
"Ah, just a moment, miss."
"Yes! Would you like a refill on your water?"
"Yeah, I'll take some water. Also, is Green Bit far from here?"
"Let's see... Green Bit? It's just northeast of here. But I wouldn't recommend going there."
"And why is that?"
"Have you heard of the Fighting Fish? The waters around Green Bit are home to incredibly violent fish."
"So you're saying I should avoid it because of them?"
"That's right! They'll flip a ship right over and turn it into scrap wood in a heartbeat!"
"I see. Thanks for the warning. One more thing—I'd like to request an audience with King Riku. How should I go about it?"
"Hmm, well, you'd have to head to the Royal Palace first. King Riku is very well-loved, so security is tight. I wouldn't recommend trying to sneak in! It would be faster to talk to someone in the Royal Army and get a message to Captain Kyros."
"Captain Kyros?"
The name rang a bell. Wait, wasn't he the one-legged toy...? Ah, right. Doflamingo never came here, so he's still human.
"He's amazing, you know! Just a short walk from here is the Colosseum. Captain Kyros is the Hero of the Colosseum! He's a legendary warrior with three thousand wins and zero losses!"
"Is that so? Thanks for the info. Here, take this."
I pressed a 1,000-Berry note into her hand as a tip for the useful intel.
"Oh! Thank you, sir! I wasn't trying to fish for a tip, but I appreciate it!"
"It's for the useful information. Don't worry about it. Also, bring me a few more of your recommended dishes, and if you have any unique desserts, bring those too."
"Coming right up!"
As she scurried off, I leaned back. I guess I'll start by reaching out to Kyros, I thought.
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