Chapter 276: The Undercurrents of Dressrosa!
Ever since Roy defeated Donquixote Doflamingo and ended his plot to steal the country, under the benevolent rule of King Riku, Dressrosa rapidly recovered its vitality, restoring the people's faith in justice and freedom.
Along both sides of the streets, colorful flags fluttered in the sunlight.
Children chased each other playfully in the fountain plaza, their laughter echoing through the cobblestone alleys;
The little people of the Tontatta Tribe hopped and wove through flowerbeds and water pipes. From time to time, they helped passersby fix a kettle or retrieve a dropped package, becoming the beloved "miniature angels" of the residents.
Vendors shouted their wares along the streets, their fruit stands piled high with fragrant local specialties.
Artisans wove rose vine ornaments on the spot under parasols, intertwining red, pink, and purple into romantic patterns to gift to travelers.
Tourists from all over arrived in a continuous stream to catch a glimpse of the unique charm of this reborn nation.
Not far away, the clock tower of the royal palace chimed leisurely. The melodious sound rang across the entire city, guarding this paradise blessed by miracles like a heavenly chorus.
In this moment, Dressrosa truly showed the form it was meant to have, becoming a paradise where humans and dwarves lived together in peace.
—"The Country of Love, Passion, and Toys"
Dressrosa · Royal Palace Garden
Sunlight spilled through the azure sky into the palace courtyard, its golden radiance reflecting a gentle warmth off the white stone bricks.
The faint scent of tea curled in the wind, blending with the fragrance of flowers and grass, refreshing the heart and mind.
Under the green shade, an exquisite porcelain tea set was arranged on a white round table.
Viola sat elegantly in a wicker chair, taking a sip of the fragrant tea. Her gaze rested on the little princess of the Tontatta Tribe—Mansherry—who was standing on Rebecca's shoulder.
"Mansherry, you can't just go around casually using your power to heal people anymore," Viola said gently. "If someone needs help, you can call a doctor for them."
Mansherry pouted, putting her hands on her hips while standing on Rebecca's shoulder, and grumbled:
"But... that person was hurt really badly! He was lying by the road groaning. He looked so pitiful, I just... I just wanted to help him."
Rebecca laughed, reaching up to gently pat Mansherry's head. "Auntie, Mansherry is just too kind-hearted. She can't stand seeing others suffer."
Viola smiled slightly, but her expression quickly faded, her eyes turning serious.
"I know she means well, but recently, Dressrosa has started to get restless again—"
She set down her teacup and said softly, "Intelligence in the Underworld has been flowing frequently. There are factions secretly searching for a 'healing ability user'."
At these words, both Mansherry and Rebecca's expressions changed.
"A healing ability user?!" Rebecca tensed up, unease leaking into her tone. "Are they coming for Mansherry?"
Viola nodded. "I'm afraid so. If Mansherry's ability falls into the hands of those with malicious intent, it will trigger something even more terrifying than when Doflamingo stole the country."
Mansherry also became unprecedentedly serious, her tiny body standing ramrod straight.
"I understand! I won't run around recklessly anymore, and I won't use my ability casually!"
Looking at her resolute appearance, Rebecca nodded gently. "We... absolutely cannot let Dressrosa fall into darkness again."
Viola stood up, walked over to Mansherry, and reached out to lightly tap the tip of her nose, saying softly:
"Good girl. Sometimes, hiding your power is also a way to protect yourself."
"Mm!" Mansherry nodded solemnly.
...
Meanwhile, in the shadow of a tall building outside the royal palace—
A mysterious figure, wrapped entirely in a black cloak, lay prone on the edge of the rooftop. Through a specially made sniper scope, he observed the palace's rear garden.
In the lens, the tiny figure of Mansherry was standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Rebecca.
"Target confirmed."
He murmured almost inaudibly, his voice hoarse and cold: "The user of the Heal-Heal Fruit, Princess Mansherry."
He turned his head, picking up a communication Den Den Mushi. "Inform the 'Big Shot', the plan can begin."
...
Inside the Royal Palace
After seeing Viola off, Rebecca walked to the balcony, looking out at the golden horizon, a trace of unease in her eyes.
Mansherry stood on the railing, her fists clenched tight. "Rebecca, if someone comes to take me... Leo won't let them succeed!"
Rebecca turned her head. Looking at that determined little face, she gently picked her up and smiled tenderly.
"Mm, we will protect this country together."
Main Corridor of the Royal Palace
Viola was walking briskly, her expression grave.
"As expected... the Underworld's movements are faster than we anticipated."
"Mansherry's ability has been thoroughly targeted."
She looked back at the several members of the Royal Guard behind her, her tone icy. "Starting today, comprehensively strengthen patrols. Especially in the residential areas of the Tontatta Tribe."
"If you spot any suspicious persons, take them away for interrogation immediately!"
"Yes ma'am!" The soldiers' expressions were solemn as they answered in unison, their footsteps neat and powerful as they dispersed.
...
Meanwhile, Dressrosa · A Certain Bar
The atmosphere inside the bar was lively but not chaotic. Within the laughter and chatter, there was a sense of peaceful tranquility.
At the bar counter, a tall man sat upright.
He wore a clean, light purple kimono, with a steady black-purple sash tied around his waist. Resting beside him was a shikomizue (cane sword)—simple in appearance, yet exuding an overwhelming sense of pressure.
At this moment, his eyes were closed, his expression gentle, a faint smile hanging on his lips. His fingers tapped lightly on the table to a rhythm, slowly pushing a gold coin toward "Black" on the roulette table.
"Bets are placed! Black and White Roulette—Spin!"
Following the bartender's loud call, the roulette wheel began to spin rapidly, the metal pointer whistling loudly.
A moment later, the pointer slowly stopped, landing on—the black sector.
"Black! It's black again!!!"
"Wow!! This old guy won again!!!"
"He can guess right even with his eyes closed! That's too amazing!"
The spectating patrons erupted in a burst of enthusiastic applause and cheers. There was no trace of jealousy or suspicion; instead, they were genuinely happy for him.
Even a few little people from the Tontatta Tribe stood by the table, clapping excitedly, as if they had seen some kind of "God of Fortune" from folklore.
This wasn't his first correct guess. In fact, since he walked into the bar, he had won five rounds in a row.
But he only ever smiled faintly, showing no arrogance, nor did he rush to collect all the gold coins.
A young Tontatta girl jumped onto the bar counter, gently tugging at his cuff, her eyes innocent:
"Old man, you've won so much already, don't you want to take a rest? The cider here is really good~"
Another middle-aged bartender wiping glasses also chimed in with a smile: "That's right, have a drink. Don't use up all your luck at once."
Issho (Fujitora) nodded in acknowledgment, responding warmly: "Thank you kindly for your good intentions."
He gently picked up the glass in front of him and took a small sip. The amber liquid slid over his teeth and lips, bringing a subtle sweetness and slight intoxication.
"Phew..."
He exhaled softly, his heart as calm as still water.
"Traveling all the way from the New World, I have seen much bloodshed and slaughter. Yet, places like this... where the common people live in peace and treat each other with sincerity... are few and far between."
He tilted his head slightly. Although his eyes were tightly closed, he continued to perceive everything inside and outside the bar using his Observation Haki.
—Children playing by the window, Tontattas helping the chef fix the stove, travelers exchanging amusing stories from the road, patrons playing cards and chatting about trivia...
So peaceful.
"It seems this King Riku and that Lord Roy... are indeed rulers who serve the people."
But just as he was enjoying this tranquility, his ears suddenly caught a faint abnormality.
In a corner, a stranger wearing a hood was talking in low voices with a companion. Their aura was suppressed and gloomy, and keywords occasionally popped out from their conversation:
"Ability User," "Value," "Trade"...
Issho's brow furrowed slightly. His fingers slowly tapped against the scabbard of his cane sword. He made no movement, his expression remaining as usual.
"Oh... I see."
"If it is mere empty talk, there is no harm. But if you dare to disrupt the peace of this place..."
He murmured softly: "Though this old man does not delight in killing, I will absolutely not tolerate acts of injustice."
The cup was emptied, and the wind rustled softly.
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