Chapter 139: Threads of Hope
She knew Doflamingo's character. Trying to defend herself too much would only worsen the situation. It was better to go on the offensive before Doflamingo could figure things out!
"Sorry, Violet..." Doflamingo frowned, turning away from the Den Den Mushi and scratching his head in frustration. "For now, cooperate with Gladius and track the location of one of Ian's subordinates. They're splitting up, most likely to divide our forces. The Self-Defense Force has also been mobilized and will coordinate with your actions. Wait for my further orders. For now, just track them. That's all."
…
On Lovers' Avenue.
"Hey, move aside, it's a centaur!"
"A toy? Doesn't look like one!"
"Is that woman she's carrying Rebecca, the traitor's granddaughter?"
"Hey! Watch it, you almost hit someone!"
"..."
Speed ran swiftly, carrying Rebecca on her back. The toy soldier clung tightly to Rebecca's sword, afraid of being thrown off.
"Miss Centaur? You're one of Lieutenant General Ian's subordinates, right?" Rebecca asked, holding onto the reins tightly. "He really asked you to take me to meet someone important? Can I ask... is Lieutenant General Ian planning to take down the Donquixote Family?"
Rebecca's voice was full of excitement. Amid the chaos earlier, Speed had immediately swept Rebecca away. After being told it was Lieutenant General Ian's order, Rebecca had followed, though filled with doubt.
"Yes, that's right!" Speed replied proudly. "About this country's past and the darkness hidden in its present... Lieutenant General Ian is amazing. He's investigated everything very clearly. My mission is quite important. I'm taking you and Mr. Soldier to meet a great man from the past. Your grandfather... King Riku!"
Rebecca: "King Riku!!"
Toy Soldier: "King Riku!!"
Speed: "Yes, he's still alive, not far from here. My comrades have found him."
In the toy soldier's mind, memories of the events from years ago surfaced. He had risked his life to rescue King Riku and bring him to safety. For years, the toy soldier hadn't seen King Riku again. Rumors said he was dead. Rebecca had also believed the rumors and given up hope of ever seeing her grandfather again. Hearing Speed's words now, Rebecca burst into tears.
"Waaah... Grandpa..." she sobbed. "Grandpa is still alive? That's wonderful... That's really wonderful!"
The toy soldier, gripping the large sword, hopped in front of Rebecca. He asked anxiously, "Miss Centaur, may I ask a question? Vice Admiral Ian is a Marine, and Doflamingo is a Warlord. The Marines... why are they moving against a Warlord of the Sea? Why are they helping us, people who are unrelated to them?"
Speed's expression stiffened. She hadn't expected the toy soldier to ask such a question. Speed had once been a pirate; the Marines were her natural enemies. In her heart, the Marines' purpose was to guard the seas and protect ordinary people. But was the image of the Marines in the people's minds completely different from what she had thought? No wonder... No wonder Lieutenant General Ian had said those words in the Dream World!
"If our Marines don't do this sort of thing, who will? The pirates?" Speed repeated Ian's words verbatim. "Look clearly at this country, look clearly at the people living their passionate lives, and think of those innocent children who need help! The above... is what Lieutenant General Ian said."
Toy Soldier: "!!!"
Rebecca: "!!!"
"We found them! It's the intruders!"
"There's also that wanted toy soldier! Stop them! Don't let them pass!"
"..."
Soon, a large number of Donquixote Family guards emerged from the side streets, blocking their path.
"Dammit! They're soldiers from the Donquixote Family!" the toy soldier cursed. "Miss Centaur, thank you for looking after Rebecca. I'll clear the way for you and ensure you get through."
"Hold on tight, Mr. Soldier!" Speed retorted. "You're looking down on me if you think a bunch of these guys can catch me? At least send a cadre! I'm plenty strong too, you know!"
As she spoke, Speed drew her bow and nocked an arrow.
BOOM! BOOM!
BOOM! BOOM!
...!
A black arrow, infused with Armament Haki, shot forward.
BOOM...!
"Urgh!"
"Wha-?!"
"..."
A powerful explosion erupted on the ground, its force comparable to a cannonball. The toy soldier's jaw dropped.
"This is... Armament Haki! That's incredible, Miss Centaur!"
Speed couldn't help but laugh. "Heh, if I didn't have some skills, how could I follow Lieutenant General Ian? Hold on tight, we're almost at our destination."
…
In front of a dilapidated civilian house, an old man in a blue cloak and silver helmet slowly removed his headgear. It was the former king of the Kingdom of Dressrosa, King Riku! His face was a mask of shock as he looked at the tall man standing before him. Then, he quickly dropped to one knee, his eyes brimming with tears.
💫 Loved the chapter? Want more? 100+ early chapters are waiting on Patreon — including Chapter 240: A Show of Force and a Shifting Balance🔥
👉 Patreon.com/EchoPen
Special shout-out to these incredible supporters:
✨ AbsoluteZero
✨ Ryan Cesario
✨ Archer Sterling
✨ lulmelfrmda3
Thank you all for keeping this story alive 💖
And don't forget to drop a Power Stone ⭐!
Thanks for reading! 🙌✨
🎉 "Join Patreon now and save 10% — offer lasts until New Year!"