Chapter 287: Block D
"Ten years ago, the king of Dressrosa was my maternal grandfather, King Riku..."
In a simple resting room, Reiner's group sat in a circle, listening to Rebecca's low voice as she recounted the country's past.
A truth completely different from what was rumored outside.
Reiner sorted through her account, combining it with his own memories.
Eight hundred years ago, the king of Dressrosa was still the Donquixote Family, who had grown rich by enslaving the Tontatta tribe.
Until after a world war, the World Government was established, and the Donquixote Family moved to the Holy Land of Mary Geoise, becoming World Nobles.
And Dressrosa was taken over by the Riku family, who freed the generations of enslaved Tontatta people and, to atone, created the story of fairies secretly guarding the country, promising never to disturb their lives again.
A poor but peaceful life continued like this for hundreds of years, until ten years ago, when Doflamingo appeared.
Doflamingo, who had been taken away from Mary Geoise by his father, had failed in his attempt to return to the Holy Land by killing his father. Later, he met Trebol and others and formed the new Donquixote Family.
He returned to Dressrosa and threatened the then-King Riku, Rebecca's maternal grandfather, with war. As long as he collected ten billion Berries and handed them over, they would leave Dressrosa forever.
King Riku did not want to cause a large number of sacrifices, so he concealed the truth of Doflamingo's invasion and knelt down to beg the entire nation for aid.
Out of trust for their king, all the common people did their best to empty their already tight wallets to help, and finally, they collected ten billion Berries.
King Riku gave the money to Doflamingo, thinking the matter would be settled. But he never expected that the real nightmare was just beginning.
Parasite String.
One after another, invisible thin threads wove into a net of despair, covering the cannon-fire-filled night sky of Dressrosa.
Doflamingo controlled the king and soldiers to slaughter the common people in public, painting King Riku as a cruel and tyrannical ruler who extorted money, and then descended from the sky as a savior to stop it all...
So that's the truth. Crocodile learned it from here back then.
If they hadn't befriended Vivi, Alabasta would probably have repeated the tragedy of Dressrosa.
At that time, Rebecca's mother had fled the palace with her and hidden in a flower field.
And Rebecca's father, the undefeated legend of the Corrida Colosseum, Kyros, had returned to the palace to seek revenge on Doflamingo.
The result, naturally, was that he lost. Kyros was turned into a toy soldier and forgotten by Rebecca, and could only guard her side as 'Mr. Soldier'.
Even now, Rebecca had not discovered this father who had silently endured a long and painful suffering.
The mother and daughter lived a precarious life in the flower field until Rebecca was a few years older. Her mother, Scarlett, was killed while going out to find food...
It was a gloomy day with a torrential downpour.
Mr. Soldier came through the rain, carrying his wife Scarlett's body back to the flower field, back to his young daughter, Rebecca.
This man, forgotten by the world, carrying this heavy pain that was forgotten by the world, has been silently guarding Rebecca's side ever since...
"So, that's why everyone hates you, because you have the blood of the royal family." Zoro spoke calmly.
The turmoil in his heart was never shown on his face. It was just that his sword was already impatient to find someone to cut.
"Mm. That's not important. It's just some gossip."
Rebecca knelt and sat, saying firmly, "As long as there is still a glimmer of chance, I will not give up on uncovering the truth of that year."
"When I found out your identities just now, I was too shocked. I haven't had a chance to thank you yet."
Rebecca looked at Reiner and bowed deeply. "Lord Reiner, thank you for... the main culprit who brought disaster to this country..."
"You don't have to thank me," Reiner interrupted her. "I killed Doflamingo out of a personal grudge. It has nothing to do with Dressrosa."
"I understand."
Rebecca stood up and smiled faintly, hiding this gratitude in her heart.
"But isn't that bastard dead? Why is Dressrosa still...?" Zoro couldn't help but ask.
"That's where another mastermind comes in."
Rebecca's expression dimmed. "When the news of Doflamingo's death in battle came out, the entire country and the Donquixote Family fell into chaos."
"Without the protection of the Warlord title, the Marines dispatched troops to Dressrosa not long after the war."
"Besides that, there was also a super rookie who had just entered the New World, Trafalgar Law, who also took the opportunity to attack the Donquixote Family."
"Tra-guy?!"
Luffy's eyes lit up, and he said with a smile, "He's been here too? Those guys in Impel Down two years ago helped a lot."
"You mean the incident where the Worst Generation invaded the underwater prison?"
Rebecca smiled faintly. "The several big news stories that were reported one after another that year... even I was deeply impressed by your names."
[The Great War of the Supernovas on the Sabaody Archipelago], [The Tragic Annihilation of the Celestial Dragons], [The Impel Down Invasion Incident], [The Reversal of the Summit War].
The several major news stories had successively shaken the world that year, and behind every major event was the shadow of the Straw Hat crew.
At that time, their fame had once overshadowed the Four Emperors of the New World. Unfortunately, in less than two weeks, they had fallen silent due to the group's separation for training.
Even now, the news of the Straw Hat crew's regrouping had not yet fully spread in the New World.
"The Law from two years ago is hard to say, but the Marines were here too. They didn't take down the Donquixote Family?" Reiner was puzzled.
The Marines were definitely eyeing Doflamingo's industry.
At that time, the war had just ended, and the Marines' strength was greatly damaged. They were absorbing new recruits in large numbers, trying to advance into the New World, and at the same time, they were in urgent need of a large amount of funds and weapons.
The underground dark forces more or less had the shadow of the World Government, except for Joker's industry.
Not only was he a monopoly in the arms trade, but he was also completely unrestrained by the World Government. Without the protection of the Warlord title, the Marines would of course not let go of this big piece of fat meat.
"At that time, I also thought the dawn of Dressrosa was about to arrive. I didn't expect to be met with even greater despair."
Rebecca shook her head, her expression dim. "The three Calamities of the Beasts Pirates suddenly appeared in Dressrosa and forcefully repelled the Marines and the Heart Pirates."
"After a deep investigation, I learned that Doflamingo's business industry had always had the shadow of a Yonko, and there was even a secret factory of Kaido's in this country."
"Since then, Dressrosa has returned to its previous state."
Rebecca clenched her fists on her thighs. "Not long after, the new Warlord, Weevil, suddenly descended and became the new king of this country."
"In other words, our enemy is that king, right?"
After hearing this, Luffy rubbed his fists together. "Alright! Let's go and beat him up!"
"Our enemy?" Zoro said helplessly. "Fine, if you say so."
"Also, the main point should be Kaido. If we interfere here, it's tantamount to making an enemy of the Beasts Pirates."
Zoro held his sword to his chest and added, "I don't mind. It's up to you."
Although he had reminded him, he knew Luffy's character all too well. A fight was inevitable.
"Mm, then it's decided."
Luffy touched his fist to his palm and said with a smile, "I want to help Rebecca."
"Lucy..."
Rebecca pursed her lips, her eyes filled with emotion and guilt.
She wanted to say not to get involved in danger for her, but she clenched her fists and still found it hard to speak.
Her heart longed for help. With her own strength, she couldn't do anything at all.
"Don't think too much about it, Rebecca. This would have happened whether we met you or not. The Donquixote people have long been targeting us, or rather, targeting me."
Reiner leaned back against the wall and said lightly, "Sabo said the reason the Donquixote Family cooperated with Miss Bakkin was related to us. It's probably to avenge Doflamingo."
Sabo and his group's intelligence capabilities were very strong. Before taking action, they had already investigated a lot of the background of this country.
The loyalty of the Donquixote cadres to Doflamingo was beyond doubt. Besides being pressured by Kaido, the other condition for their cooperation with Miss Bakkin was to take Reiner's head.
"Sabo? Bakkin?"
A big question mark appeared over Luffy's head. He inexplicably thought of the blond man he had met before the competition.
"Reiner, the Sabo you're talking about..."
"...is that blond man with the water pipe on his back."
Reiner asked tentatively, "What, do you know him?"
"..."
Luffy's mouth opened slightly, but he didn't know how to speak. After a moment, he said, "My brother is also named Sabo. He died a long time ago."
Pausing for a moment, Luffy added, "It's just... he really looks like him. And his name is the same."
"A coincidence, probably. But..."
Zoro couldn't help but ask, "Besides Ace, you have another brother?"
"Mm. Sabo and Ace, the three of us became sworn brothers when we were kids," Luffy nodded.
"Why don't you just go and meet him," Reiner continued. "Although the possibility is not high, you can just treat it as going to say thanks."
"Mm. You're right."
With that, Luffy fell silent.
An inexplicable nervousness rose in his heart. He began to fidget and immediately stood up and ran out.
"No! I'm going to see him now!"
"Don't act on your own, hey!"
Zoro shouted anxiously, but Luffy ran into the depths of the passage without looking back.
"This idiot. The competition is about to start. Where are we going to find him now?"
Zoro gritted his teeth and cursed under his breath. He stood up, scanned the area, and walked towards the competition passage outside the door. "When I meet him in the ring later, I'll help him ask. Let's go."
"Mm."
Rebecca stood up and followed. As she passed by Reiner, she stopped and bowed again. "Lord Reiner, thank you."
"Mm."
"Then I'll be going," receiving his response, Rebecca smiled faintly and ran out.
Although what Reiner had said was also the truth, she knew that he had specially mentioned it so that she wouldn't feel guilty.
"Lord Reiner is nothing like the cruel person the rumors say he is. He's clearly a very gentle person."
Rebecca murmured softly as she followed beside Zoro.
To this, Zoro just glanced over, a corner of his mouth lifting slightly as he remained silent.
On the fighting ring, the audience began to cheer enthusiastically. Gatz also shouted at the top of his somewhat hoarse but still passionate voice.
"Following another dark horse contestant, Lucy, it's finally time to decide the last spot in Block D! Who will be the one to claim the final victory in this ring full of experts!"
"Is it a powerhouse from the New World! Or will another dark horse emerge to take the victory? Let's open the passage and welcome all the contestants of Block D!!"
"—Woo!!"
"Cavendish! Cavendish!..."
A chorus of cheers erupted from the spectator stands, all of them shouting the same name.
As the passage gate opened, a white shadow slowly walked out. A handsome blond man with gorgeous attire stepped forward with elegant steps.
"No matter where I go, I am always the most dazzling and shining star."
Cavendish of the White Horse had a smile on his face as he dragged a pure white cape and walked onto the fighting ring under the gaze of the entire audience.
A gorgeous and elegant swordsman's hat, the famous Western-style sword Durandal with its black and white striped pattern at his waist... his entire person exuded an air of nobility.
Cavendish was secretly overjoyed inside, completely immersed in the cheers.
This unique popularity is so wonderful~~
Cavendish had a calm smile on his face. He raised his hand and gently flicked his shoulder-length golden hair, instantly igniting the spectator stands.
"He's so handsome!!"
"I love you, ah, mm~~"
"I! I! I can't take it anymore~~"
All the women in the audience had their eyes filled with fanatical hearts, and some even fainted on the spot.
"You bastard!"
A fire of anger burned in Sanji's eyes, and he gritted his teeth. "What's that bastard showing off for!"
"Hey Sanji, don't get excited!"
Usopp hurriedly grabbed the jealous Sanji, otherwise this perverted kappa would have rushed onto the ring to fight him.
"Let go of me, you bastard!"
"Wait a minute! I can't hold him back, hey!"
In his urgency, Usopp hurriedly raised his hand and pointed at Rebecca. "Look over there, Sanji! There's a beautiful female gladiator!!"
"A beautiful female gladiator?!"
Triggering the keyword, Sanji immediately shifted his gaze.
The moment he saw Rebecca in the direction Usopp was pointing, the anger on his body was instantly extinguished, and countless pink hearts floated up behind him.
Fair skin, a curvaceous figure, sexy leather armor, cute pink hair, the contrast of a heroic and valiant posture holding a longsword on the fighting ring...
"Let me die under her skirt!!"
—Pfft!!
Two streams of nosebleed gushed out, and Sanji's eyes turned into hearts. His entire person was about to shoot up into the sky like a rocket.
"Don't die, Sanji!"
"That's going too far, you bastard!"
Chopper and Usopp held his legs tightly.
How can a person be so twisted? At least, they shouldn't be.
However, in stark contrast to Sanji, countless curses were continuously directed at Rebecca after she entered the ring.
"Get down!"
"How do you still have the face to be alive!"
"Go to hell, you evil bloodline!"
Plastic bottles, fruit peels, and scraps of paper rained down on the fighting ring.
Rebecca just gripped her sword tightly, unmoved, her gaze under her helmet firm.
If I can't even endure this, how can I talk about restoring my country?
"The citizens' hatred for you is more exaggerated than I imagined. In comparison, the words in the resting room were too kind," Zoro said calmly.
Then he walked into the crowd with one sword in hand.
He didn't plan to do anything, nor did he need to. This young girl had the ability to handle all of this herself.
The contestants had just entered the ring, and the polarized cheers and curses resounded throughout the sky above the ring.
With a heavy 'thump' of the passage, Gatz's loud shout kicked off this fierce battle.
"The competition begins!!"
Clang!
A clear sword cry followed.
A flash of silver-white cold light came from the blade of Wado Ichimonji.
Zoro stood straight at the edge of the ring with his back to the spectator stands. He held his longsword horizontally with his arm extended and said with a cold smile, "Let me see if anyone can make me take a step back."
"Damn, he's really showing off."
In the resting room, Reiner looked speechlessly at the show-off Zoro below. If it were any other time, probably not.
But unfortunately, Sabo is also on the field.
In terms of strength, the two of them should be about the same now. But Zoro with one sword...
Reiner took out his camera to record the moment Zoro made a fool of himself.
Heh heh, go on and show off.
"Oh!? Contestant Roa has actually forced himself into a dead end and even declared that no one can make him take a single step back, completely disregarding the others!"
Gatz was indeed a top-tier host. With one sentence, he had simultaneously ignited the attention of both the audience and the contestants towards Zoro. It even made Reiner suspect that he had been trained by some marketing account.
"It seems some contestants have already set their sights on him! It's the pyromaniac - Damask!"
"Is it arrogance! Or does contestant Roa really have the strength to overwhelm the crowd? Let's wipe our eyes and wait and see!"
After speaking, Gatz also looked down at the field with anticipation. He was still looking forward to the performance of this green-haired swordsman.
Otherwise, with all the popularity focused on Cavendish, his commentary would be a bit dull.
"It would be even better if we could see the two swordsmen, him and Cavendish, go head-to-head."
In the fighting ring, led by a man in a gas mask and a martial arts uniform, several gladiators from the arena teamed up and surrounded Zoro.
"You fool, to actually force yourself into a corner with no way out."
The pyromaniac Damask sneered and jumped up, puffed up his cheeks, and spewed a fierce pillar of fire from above.
"Let me see you not retreat, you idiot!"
The scorching heatwave reddened Zoro's face. He just retracted his arm and held it at his chest, and then swung it out fiercely!
Clang!
A giant green crescent moon instantly shot out, tearing through the flames and directly slashing into Damask's chest!
Squelch!
Blood and froth flew and dripped onto the ground. In just one slash, the few gladiators who had surrounded him were so shocked that they swallowed hard and retreated with wary expressions.
"If it's not enough, you can all come at me together."
Zoro didn't even bother to deal with those small fry. A corner of his mouth lifted into a cold smile. "Don't bore me too much."
In the spectator stands.
Veins popped on Sanji's fist. Watching Zoro show off in front of the beautiful female gladiator, he couldn't help but grit his teeth.
So frustrating!
Why didn't I sign up!
(End of chapter)
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