Before the ancient castle, Xiano quickly grasped the whole story.
Back on Drum Island, after parting ways with Xiano, Kuma had followed Kureha's advice and headed straight to Dressrosa in the New World to meet Mingo, reaching an agreement with him.
The terms were simple.
—Complete three tasks for Mingo, and he could temporarily take Mansherry back to the South Blue to treat Bonney.
The first two tasks were manageable—just helping Mingo eliminate two rival pirate crews.
But the third task required Kuma to massacre civilians on an island and steal their sacred relic.
This went against Kuma's principles.
In the end, he couldn't bring himself to do it.
Not only did he spare the innocent civilians, but he also helped them escape the pursuing forces of the Donquixote Family.
He even severely wounded Diamanti, the Flutter-Flutter Fruit user who had come after them.
From that moment, Kuma had completely severed ties with the Donquixote Family.
Using his agile Devil Fruit abilities, he infiltrated Dressrosa multiple times.
Eventually, he succeeded in locating the imprisoned Mansherry, breaking through layers of defenses to free her from her cage.
However, being deep in enemy territory, even with Kuma's formidable strength—enough to overpower Doflamingo in a one-on-one fight—he was still outnumbered by the Donquixote Family's combined forces.
Add to that the need to protect Mansherry, and he ultimately fell into a trap set by Doflamingo, sustaining severe injuries before fleeing here.
As for why Mansherry, the Cure-Cure Fruit user, couldn't heal him...
"No wonder you kept insisting we find a doctor," Xiano muttered, lifting Mansherry's skirt slightly to reveal the miniature Seastone anklet clamped around her ankle. "I see now..."
"The key is still with the Donquixote Family. It can't be opened," Mansherry sniffled pitifully. "I won't be able to use my powers anymore, waaah..."
Before her tears could fall, Xiano clenched his right hand and crushed the Seastone with a sharp crack, splitting it cleanly in two.
"Huh?"
Mansherry gaped in shock.
In her understanding, Seastone was impervious to external force—so how had this big human effortlessly shattered it without even using a weapon?
"Big bro here isn't a Devil Fruit user," Nami boasted proudly beside them. "The world's strongest Master Swordsman can break something like this with ease. Just a flick of his finger, and the Sword Aura he releases can tear through all darkness and—ow ow ow! What was that for?!"
Xiano expressionlessly released his grip on his sister's ear.
Fourteen years old—undoubtedly the peak age for chuunibyou delusions.
Fingers as swords? What nonsense...
The reason he could break Seastone barehanded was simply due to his immense physical strength combined with the tearing force of Conqueror's Haki Infusion.
"Go ahead and heal Kuma," Xiano said to Mansherry. "You should be able to fix him up quickly, right?"
"Yes! Thank you, Lord Xiano! Leave it to me!" Mansherry nodded vigorously before lifting her skirt and rushing to Kuma's side.
Everyone gathered around curiously, eager to witness firsthand how the Cure-Cure Fruit could heal someone.
Especially the girls, whose eyes were wide with anticipation.
The Cure-Cure Fruit sounded absolutely magical to them.
In their minds, Mansherry would surely act like the wizards from childhood fairy tales—raising her hand, chanting some mystical spell, and then unleashing a sacred golden light that would banish all illness and pain from the surroundings.
But in reality...
Mansherry took a deep breath, her little face tense. She quickly climbed onto Kuma's body and then... suddenly pinched her own thigh hard!
"Waaah—!!!"
Tears the size of peas instantly welled up in her eyes, plopping down onto Kuma's chest.
"Huh?!" Nami's eyes widened. "Wait, what's going on? Why did she suddenly start crying?"
"It hurts, it hurts, it hurts..."
Mansherry sobbed while rubbing her reddened thigh. "I don't want to either, but... but I can't activate my ability without this!"
Why wasn't it working yet? She pinched herself again, harder this time, and tears immediately poured down like a broken string of pearls.
It must be because Kuma wasn't a normal human—he was a super, super huge giant! She needed even more tears!
"Mr. Bear, please... please hold on a little longer!"
Finally, a faint green healing glow blossomed from her tears, spreading like ripples and enveloping Kuma's entire body.
In just a few seconds...
The gruesome wounds began to visibly close, and Kuma's pale complexion gradually regained color, turning rosy.
"It's not quite the 'healing magic' I imagined, but this ability is still amazing," Kuina remarked with admiration.
"And adorable too," Robin added, smiling at Mansherry's teary-eyed, self-pinching efforts.
"Kind, adorable, and with such a powerful healing ability—most importantly, as a member of the non-combatant Tontatta Tribe, her bounty won't ever be too high. I've decided!"
Nami's eyes sparkled as she clapped her fists together. "She's going to be our ship's doctor!"
"You're not the Captain, who gave you the right to decide?!" Nojiko bared her teeth and roared, punching Nami on the head.
Just then, Kuma's eyelashes fluttered slightly, and he slowly opened his eyes.
"Mr. Bear!" Mansherry cried out joyfully.
Kuma's gaze was dazed at first but quickly focused. He looked at Xiano and spoke hoarsely, "...Lord Xiano?"
"It's me," Xiano replied with a smile. "How do you feel?"
"I'm almost fully recovered."
Kuma tried sitting up. Though still physically weak, he could move without issue. Glancing around, he quickly pieced together what had happened and smiled.
"It seems my luck isn't entirely rotten after all. To encounter you in such a dire situation... I'm truly fortunate."
He stood up, placed his right hand over his chest, and bowed deeply to Xiano. "Thank you for saving my life, my lord. This debt of gratitude will forever remain in my heart."
It would have been insincere to stop him now. Xiano remained where he stood, accepting the gesture with a calm smile.
Kuma turned to Mansherry with a gentle smile. "Thank you too, Mansherry."
"You're welcome! It's the least I could do!"
Mansherry wiped her sweat, clinging tightly to Kuma's arm while forcing a bright smile—half the tears she'd shed earlier were from pinching herself, but the other half came from genuine heartache seeing Kuma's pitiful state.
Sniffle... Kuma had suffered so many injuries protecting her. If only she could be like Lord Xiano, crushing Sea Stone shackles with bare hands!
Clang!
A dull metallic clatter suddenly rang out, startling everyone.
"Alright, that's enough of the touching reunion. Any more gratitude and this old man's heart can't take it."
Zeff stood at the castle entrance, banging a ladle against a pot lid, his tone gruff:
"None of you have even finished breakfast, yet you're just standing around chatting? Hurry up and bring the guests inside—I bet these two are starving!"
So grumpy!
She wasn't that hungry—why did he have to bang it so loudly? Scared her half to death!
Mansherry covered her ears indignantly, about to raise her hand in protest when her stomach let out a loud growl. She immediately clutched her belly, her face flushing crimson.
Everyone burst into laughter. Kuma chuckled softly, bending down to lift Mansherry onto his shoulder before carrying her toward the dining hall.
...
At the table.
By the time everyone had mostly finished eating, Kuma and Xiano had caught up, and the news of Doflamingo's death had been shared.
It wasn't surprising.
Even disregarding Xiano's later fame, back when they'd met on Drum Island, Kuma had already regarded him as a tier above himself.
But Kuina, the vice-captain of the Falling Stars Adventure Crew, holding her own against Doffy? That left Kuma genuinely impressed, his opinion of the young woman rising considerably.
"What are your plans now?" Xiano asked. "Taking Mansherry back to the South Blue?"
Kuma shook his head. "No, my lord. I don't plan to return just yet."
"Huh?" Nami blinked in confusion. "But weren't you desperate to go back and treat your daughter? Now that you finally can, why—"
"Bonney's condition is stable for now. Compared to that, the situation in Dressrosa demands my attention more urgently."
Kuma's voice was grave. "Once news of Doflamingo's death spreads, chaos will erupt. The civilians might face retaliation from the enraged officers of the Donquixote Family. Mansherry's people—the Tontatta Dwarves—could become targets of slaughter for venting rage... All of this stems from my actions. Before things spiral out of control, I must return and take responsibility."
Typical Kuma.
Xiano sighed, finishing the last of his soup and wiping his mouth.
Few in this world could remain so levelheaded—fresh from the brink of death, finally able to fulfill his wish of curing his daughter—yet still worry about strangers hundreds of miles away.
This was a man worthy of respect.
Yet it was also this very nature that had draped Kuma's fate in tragedies he never should have borne.
"Then we'll part ways after this."
Xiano spoke up, "Originally, I was thinking of checking out the situation in Dressrosa after heading to the New World, but that would take at least a month. If you go directly, it would indeed be faster. Just be careful of Sugar's abilities—the remaining remnants should be easy for you to handle."
"Yes, rest assured, Lord Xiano."
Kuma nodded.
The Donquixote Family with or without Doflamingo at the helm were two entirely different matters.
As for those so-called top executives, they were nothing more than a joke to him.
"The round trip will probably take a little over half a month."
After a moment's thought, he turned to Xiano, his gaze gentle yet firm. "My lord, once Bonney has fully recovered, I will come find you again."
"Oh?"
Xiano raised an eyebrow in surprise, then spread his hands and laughed. "What's this? Not planning to repay a favor, are you?"
"That's right."
Kuma nodded earnestly. "Though with your strength—and that of your crew—you hardly need my help, I still wish to contribute in any way I can. After all, in some ways, you and I share the same ideals, do we not?"
Xiano recalled what Kuma had once told him—about Dragon's intention to recruit him—and gave a noncommittal nod.
Dragon sought change from the bottom up, while Xiano aimed for the top down.
Their methods differed, but as Kuma said, their goals were largely the same.
"Also..."
Kuma paused, remembering something, and smiled.
"That child Bonney has always been restless at home, yearning for adventure. If she could see the vast world after recovering, she would be overjoyed."
"Eh?!"
Nami's eyes lit up, and she interjected excitedly, "Uncle Kuma, does that mean you'll bring your daughter and join us then?"
"Hey, hey, don't make decisions for others," Nojiko chided, tapping her sister's head in exasperation.
"No, Miss Nami is correct." Kuma smiled warmly. "If Lord Xiano and the rest of you wouldn't mind, that is indeed my intention."
Mind?
Xiano looked at Kuma and couldn't help but chuckle while shaking his head.
How could they possibly mind!
In terms of combat prowess among the Warlords of the Sea, Kuma was second only to Hawkeye, easily on par with the right-hand men of the Four Emperors.
For such a formidable figure to offer himself up—even the Four Emperors would grin from ear to ear at such luck. Where else could he stumble upon such a golden opportunity besides today?
Come to think of it.
Back on Drum Island, Xiano had considered recruiting Kuma, given that the man had left the Revolutionary Army years prior.
But at the time, Kuma had been too preoccupied with seeking treatment for his daughter, and they hadn't been close enough for Xiano to broach the subject. So, he'd let it go without mentioning it.
"Alright, it's settled then."
Xiano laughed heartily and agreed without hesitation. "Once Bonney recovers, you and your daughter are welcome to join us anytime. And Mansherry, you're welcome too—if you can bear to leave your people behind!"
He winked at the chubby little princess of the dwarves, who had eaten herself into a round ball.
The latter, who had just let out a satisfied burp and was lying beside her plate like a stuffed hamster, instantly flushed red at the attention and darted behind Kuma's arm to hide.
This incredible Lord Xiano was inviting her to join! She wanted to say yes immediately, but what about Leo... Ahhh, this was so frustrating!
"Here's my Vivrecard!"
Nami swiftly shoved a piece of paper forward, "Keep it safe, Uncle Kuma! Don't get lost and fail to find us later. A man's word is his bond—no takebacks! Bring Bonney over as soon as possible!"
After being the little sister for so many years, she could finally have a younger sister of her own!
Kuma carefully tucked away the Vivrecard, looking at these girls full of anticipation, unable to suppress a slight upward curve at the corners of his mouth.
Bonney, who had been treated as a monster and endured bullying in her homeland—if she could come here, she'd probably be smiling every day, wouldn't she?
...
More than ten minutes later.
Kuma soared into the sky with Mansherry, waving goodbye to everyone before heading back toward Dressrosa.
After seeing him off, the group returned to the castle, where Nami eagerly raised her hand: "Bro! When are we setting off? Are we still sticking to the plan and leaving in a couple of days?"
"In such a hurry to leave this place?" Xiano glanced at her.
"Of course!"
Nami pouted, "This crappy island is cold, creepy, and has nothing to offer. Staying even one more day is torture! I'd rather be drifting on the open sea than stuck here!"
"No patience."
Nojiko poked her forehead, "Why don't you think about our big brother? He spent a whole month alone at the bottom of the sea."
"That's why he's the big brother! I'm me!"
Nami planted her hands on her hips, completely unapologetic, "A one-billion-Berry man and an 80,000-Berry girl—our endurance levels are obviously different!"
"Heh, so now you can joke about your own bounty..."
Watching his bickering sisters and glancing at the comrades around him, Xiano grinned. He could see the anticipation for the outside world shining in everyone's eyes.
It was true.
This island was far too dull and dreary. Even Hawkeye, after living here too long, couldn't resist adopting a loli and a Mosshead.
Not everyone was like him—someone who'd learned, back in his previous life as a corporate drone, how to spend entire days alone without feeling lost.
Besides.
Everyone had grown much stronger and was itching to face the unknown challenges of the New World.
"Then let's not wait. We depart today—on to the next destination!"
Xiano announced the new decision.
This immediately sparked cheers from the group, with Nami even dashing straight into her bedroom to start packing.
Meanwhile, Xiano walked to the window, his gaze piercing through the mist as he stared at the distant horizon beyond the island.
Gently flexing his fingers, black-red lightning instantly flickered to life, writhing and coiling between his knuckles like living creatures.
He was ready.
And you—
Are you ready for my return, world?
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