"I still think Doflamingo-sama is the strongest!"
"Buffalo, you...!"
Yamato stared at Buffalo in disbelief. Did her friend just betray her?
Clap clap clap!
A round of applause snapped the three of them back to attention.
Senior Pink pointed toward Sister Island and began speaking.
"By now, you've all learned how to guide new family members."
"This next island is your assignment—just the three of you."
"If anything goes wrong, come find me. I'll be waiting in North Odes."
"And remember: no forcing, no coercion. We only reach out to those who want our help."
"Understood?"
Yamato, Weevil, and Buffalo exchanged glances.
They could see the same excited spark in each other's eyes.
"Understood!"
"Good! Take the other ship—you're clear to disembark."
Barely able to contain their excitement, the three bolted off the ship and rushed ashore.
Standing at the edge of the dock, they waved their goodbyes.
"Goodbye, Senior! See you later!"
"Bye-bye!"
Lighting a fresh cigarette and adjusting his sunglasses, Senior Pink steered the ship toward North Odes.
The speed of the vessel spoke volumes about his urgency.
Finally, he'd shaken off those three walking disasters. It had been ages since he last saw Russian.
As for their safety?
Buffalo was manageable.
But Yamato—a half-Oni—and Weevil—of Giant lineage?
Monsters, the both of them.
Especially Weevil. If he ever got angry…
Well, they'd have to whip out the BOSS's portrait just to keep him in check.
...
On Sister Island—
The trio, along with a few family sailors lugging crates of food, Belly, and cooking supplies, slowly approached a nearby town.
Inside their crumbling homes, the villagers peered out silently, emaciated arms clinging to swollen stomachs.
Fearful eyes tracked every step the newcomers took.
They'd recognized the emblem on the ship.
It belonged to the uncrowned king of the North Blue—Donquixote.
Yamato, of course, felt their wary stares.
But she'd done this enough times now to know how to ignore it.
Moments later—
A makeshift kitchen had been assembled, and the sailors-turned-cooks got to work.
A table was set up front and center, with Buffalo—the only one among them who was even remotely literate—sitting behind it, notepad in hand, ready to take names.
Weevil, the tallest of the bunch, stood behind them holding up a banner that read:
"The Donquixote Family Is Recruiting!!!"
Yamato took her place between the food and the piles of Belly, holding a sound snail and a prepared script.
She began reading aloud.
"Free food, everyone!"
"We welcome children under ten to join us, or if you're under sixteen, you're welcome too!"
"Recommend someone, and you'll receive a 100,000 Belly reward!"
"Join us yourself, and the family will take care of your food, clothing, and shelter. You'll become part of our family."
"..."
The enticing words mixed with the aroma of freshly cooked food.
Slowly, the tempting scent wafted into the ears and noses of the villagers hiding behind thin wooden walls.
A few of them swallowed involuntarily.
But still, no one moved. For all they knew, this could be a trap to lure them out and slaughter them.
Those sailors, that horned girl, and the giant beside her—they looked like anything but kind-hearted people.
...
In a shadowy alley filled with trash—
Rustling noises came from a pile of garbage as a small figure stirred at the sound outside.
"Food?!"
Covered head to toe in grime, a child's tiny silhouette emerged and staggered toward Yamato's voice.
...
"Looks like we'll be waiting a while again," Buffalo muttered, twirling his pen along with his wrist, trying to create a breeze to relieve the boredom.
"Who says that?" Yamato said, suddenly perking up. "We've already got someone!"
She looked excitedly toward the alleyway.
A barefoot figure stumbled forward, wearing nothing but a torn gray dress.
Her stomach sunken in, she clutched it tightly as she approached. Her voice was weak, but practiced.
"Hello! I'm Baby 5. I can do anything you ask. Could I have some food? Just a little is fine!"
"Of course you can. Do you want to join our family? What about your parents?"
Yamato didn't flinch at the foul smell coming off the girl. Instead, she smiled—a big, goofy, earnest smile.
Helping kids like this was what made her happiest.
She pulled out a freshly baked piece of cake and offered it.
"Want to eat?"
"Really? Even though I haven't done anything for you yet?"
Baby 5 had just reached out her hand when she suddenly stopped.
She hadn't proved her value yet.
"I'm useless. That's why my mom and dad abandoned me. Please give me something to do. I can be useful!"
To prove it, she transformed both her hands into pistols and aimed them at the ground.
Bang!
A dent formed in the dirt, and Baby 5, drained of energy, dropped to her knees as her hands reverted to normal.
It was the power she'd gained after being left alone in the forest and eating a strange fruit.
"Whoa!!! Baby 5, you're amazing!!!"
Yamato's eyes sparkled. She was completely entranced.
She squatted beside Baby 5, gazing into her eyes, then pulled out her beloved club from her waist and pointed to it.
"Can you turn into this?"
"Ah!"
The sincerity in Yamato's voice made Baby 5 freeze for a second—then she grinned and shouted:
"I can! If it'll help you, I'll do it!"
She tried to get up and activate her ability again—
But her legs gave out.
This time, Yamato caught her.
To Baby 5, Yamato's smiling face looked as warm as the sun.
"Let's get some food in you first. You can't use your powers like this!"
"Really?" Baby 5 was still in disbelief. "You'll feed me without asking for anything first?"
"It's fine. Just eat!"
Yamato helped her up and handed over the freshly cut slice of cake.
...
Later—
A full-bellied Baby 5 stood in an open clearing.
Yamato stood beside her, fist raised in encouragement, eyes gleaming.
"Baby 5, show me again!"
"Okay!"
Baby 5 nodded hard, activating her ability once more.
For the first time in her life, she felt energy that went beyond just being full—she felt strong.
Her arms transformed into two smooth iron spiked clubs.
With a loud Bang!, they slammed into the ground.
"Oooooh! That's it!"
Yamato rushed over, running her hands eagerly along Baby 5's transformed limbs.
"It looks exactly the same!"
Getting a little too excited, Yamato gave one a firm squeeze.
Pfft!
Baby 5's arm reverted instantly, and she clutched it with a pained expression.
Before Yamato could apologize, Baby 5 bowed her head.
"I'm sorry. I failed..."
"No, no—it's me who should be sorry. I hurt you."
Yamato looked just as guilty.
She hadn't realized the difference in strength between herself and others.
She'd let her excitement get the better of her.
"I'm Yamato. Come on, let's get you treated first."
No sooner had the words left her mouth—
Baby 5's vision spun.
She was being tightly carried in someone's arms as the world around her rushed past in a blur.
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Fanfic is finished 527 chapters in total on p@treon/tambeerg