Chapter 29 – The Giant's Promise
Arthur landed softly in a forest in Wano, hidden among the thick trees. The canopy above filtered the sunlight, creating dappled patterns of gold and green on the forest floor. He didn't want to draw attention. His goal was to find Black Maria — and if he started fighting Kaido now, everything would get much more complicated.
He decided to keep a low profile, darting through the regions of Wano with his incredible speed. As he moved like a blur between buildings and trees, he witnessed pirates looting food and beating civilians. The helpless cries, the smoke from burning homes, and the smell of fear and desperation filled the air. It was the same heartbreaking scene everywhere. Arthur sighed deeply, his heart heavy.
"In this world... if you don't have power, your life will always depend on the will of the strong," he muttered under his breath. "Whether they want to kill you or not…"
He traversed the entire country quickly, his sharp eyes scanning every face he passed, until he finally arrived at the bustling Flower Capital. The air here was lively and chaotic — street vendors shouting, children running through narrow alleys, and the distant sound of a shamisen being played. Here, he continued his search.
Even though asking around about a child might not be fruitful, Arthur had a small advantage: Black Maria, even at just twelve years old, was already a little giant. With her towering height and horns, she was bound to attract attention. Someone had to have noticed her.
He asked questions subtly, speaking with elderly shopkeepers and vendors as he wandered the streets. Eventually, a kind old lady who ran a small produce stall looked up thoughtfully and said:
"I saw a girl like that… She works as a servant for a famous oiran here in the city."
Arthur's expression lit up. He respectfully asked for the address, thanked her, and rushed off.
As he approached the indicated building, he heard shouting and saw a commotion outside. A group of elegantly dressed oirans stood outside in a frenzy, their kimonos shimmering with every movement. They were yelling and pointing toward the center of the courtyard.
Arthur walked closer, slipping through the crowd — and then he saw her.
Even so young, Black Maria already stood over four meters tall. Her long limbs, towering figure, and the distinct horns on her head made her stand out like a mountain among the women. She stood with her head bowed, eyes low, while the others circled around her, shouting insults.
"Clumsy girl… You're way too big for this kind of work!" one of them sneered.
"Monster! How are we supposed to dance around you?"
Arthur watched silently as she endured the scolding. She looked hurt, but didn't protest. Then, the main oiran — a tall, proud woman, clearly the leader — stepped out. Her elegant robes fluttered as she stormed forward.
With fury on her face, and her arm wrapped in Haki, she raised her hand to strike Maria without hesitation.
Maria's eyes shut tightly, bracing for the pain.
But the hit never came.
In a flash, Arthur stood between them. The wind stirred as he moved, and before anyone could react, his fist connected with the oiran's stomach. The force of his punch sent her flying across the sky, her silhouette vanishing into the distance like a falling star.
Gasps filled the courtyard.
The other oirans stared at him, frozen in disbelief. The noise vanished — replaced by a stunned silence.
Arthur turned slowly and looked at Black Maria. She was sitting on the ground now, trembling, confused by what had just happened.
Even seated, she was still taller than him.
Arthur walked up to her, his presence calm and steady. He gently placed his hand on her cheek, his touch soft, and gave her a warm smile.
"Are you okay?" he asked.
Black Maria stared at him with wide eyes. She had never seen this boy before, and yet… he smiled at her? After defending her?
"Why did you help me…?" she asked, her voice unsure, almost afraid to hope.
Arthur's eyes didn't waver.
"Because, from the moment I first saw you… I decided you would be my wife."
A stunned silence settled around them.
The oirans murmured behind him.
"H-he's joking, right?" one of them whispered. "Who would want something like her? A giant girl with horns?"
Arthur slowly turned his head to look at them.
"If you insult my wife again," he said coldly, "you'll find out exactly where your boss landed."
They all went silent instantly, trembling with fear.
Arthur then turned his full attention back to Maria. He knelt before her — a gesture of respect, not submission — and extended his hand.
"My name is Arthur," he said. "Will you come with me and be my wife?"
Black Maria looked at his small but steady hand. She had been rejected, ridiculed, and mistreated for so long… This moment felt surreal.
She hesitated.
But then, something warm blossomed in her chest — a feeling she hadn't felt in years. Acceptance. Affection.
She smiled.
Carefully, she extended her massive hand and gently held his.
"My name is Maria… And I'll be counting on you from now on, husband."
Arthur grinned with joy and leaped into her arms, hugging her with all his strength. His tiny frame disappeared between her arms, but he didn't mind.
"'Maria' is pretty," he said, looking up at her face, "but it's not quite enough. What do you think about… Black Maria?"
She repeated the name softly, letting the words settle on her tongue. It sounded strong. Beautiful. Powerful.
"I like it," she whispered. "You can call me Black Maria."
She hugged him tightly. Arthur, though almost crushed, looked content — his head resting on her shoulder.
Maria looked down at him, her heart beating fast.
"You… don't mind that I'm so big?" she asked quietly.
Arthur chuckled softly.
"Being big is one of the things I like most about you. And I want you to grow even more."
Her eyes sparkled like stars.
"Then I'll grow even more… for you."
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Sorry, I accidentally uploaded the wrong chapter earlier. This is the correct version of Chapter 29– The Giant's Promise. Thanks for your patience and support