Not only that, these Tontatta people can also be formidable allies against his future enemies. Never underestimate the fighting prowess of the dwarfs. Though small in stature, they possess incredible strength and astonishing speed.
While they might be easily gullible, once they identify their target as an enemy, their ruthless methods are quite effective.
With everything settled, Hikaru enjoyed some of the Tontatta's special foods, then left Wyper and departed Green Bit Island alone. On his way back, Hikaru noticed something peculiar. He felt an intense surge of excitement and a peculiar "evil fire" secretly growing in his lower abdomen, as if he'd consumed a powerful tonic.
This sensation wasn't painful, nor did it cause him to lose control. It seemed temporary, likely to dissipate within a few hours. Could the food cultivated by the Tontatta have a stimulating effect? He'd have plenty of opportunities to investigate this later.
For now, this excitement was easily manageable. He had many concubines; he could simply choose three or four of them, share a drink, chat, and expend this physical and mental energy.
An Unexpected Call
Before he knew it, night had quietly fallen. Under the moonlight, it seemed two lovely women awaited Hikaru's favor. But first, Hikaru received a call from Jinbe on the road.
"Hello? Jinbe, tell me what you need to say!" Hikaru answered.
The Den Den Mushi, its face reflecting a serious expression, relayed Jinbe's words precisely: "Just now, the Navy… issued a compulsory call for the Seven Warlords of the Sea. They plan to execute Portgas D. Ace, the Second Division Commander of the Whitebeard Pirates, in a few days! For this, they are even willing to declare war on the Whitebeard Pirates!"
"Oh? As expected of an insider, you're well-informed," Hikaru remarked. "However, it seems unnecessary for you to go now, right? Unless you still want to help Whitebeard!"
"This... Alas!" Jinbe's relayed voice sighed. "To be honest, I severely reprimanded the Navy and plan to go to Marine Headquarters later to stop their insane actions."
Hikaru sneered, reminding him indifferently, "You're too naive, Jinbe! Who do you think you are? How can you possibly stop the Navy from deploying a war they've been preparing for days?"
"But this matter is too immense! Once the Navy and the Whitebeard Pirates begin a war, no matter who wins or loses, the world will be irrevocably changed! By then, how many innocent people will be killed by the war's aftermath?" At this point, the Den Den Mushi perfectly imitated Jinbe's determined expression. "Although my power is limited, the chivalry in my heart cannot let this happen, and I want to do my part to prevent it."
"Haha~ You are overestimating your own abilities!" Hikaru retorted. "What do you intend to do when you go to Marine Headquarters? Tell me, let me have a laugh." Hikaru felt a touch of helplessness. This Jinbe was truly a stubborn man.
He didn't realize that all his efforts would be futile. No wonder in the original timeline, he was stripped of his Warlord of the Sea title by the World Government and imprisoned in Impel Down.
Jinbe ignored Hikaru's ridicule and answered seriously, "I will go to meet Sengoku and explain the consequences of a war breaking out with the Whitebeard Pirates!"
"That's it?" Hikaru scoffed. "Jinbe, you might have forgotten that Sengoku holds the title of 'Wise General.' You don't think he bestowed that upon himself, do you? The future he foresees is far more extensive than you can imagine!"
"This..." Hikaru's words struck a chord with Jinbe, leaving him speechless.
"You still haven't put yourself in the right place within your own heart. If you stubbornly insist on helping Whitebeard, you will only make mistake after mistake, leading to a hasty end!" Hikaru pressed on. "Instead of engaging in meaningless resistance, you might as well think carefully about how you can assist the civilians under Whitebeard's sphere of influence once this war is over!"
Jinbe was shocked. Hikaru's underlying message was clear: the Whitebeard Pirates would inevitably lose! Jinbe opened his mouth, as if unsure how to refute.
Seeing Jinbe's silence, Hikaru employed his usual tactic. "That's enough, Jinbe. You must understand that the people of Fish-Man Island are behind you. If you dare to resist the World Government's decision, won't you implicate your own people? Don't think for a moment that I will protect you. My protection is reserved only for those who are obedient under my rule!"
Jinbe remained silent for a long time, finally sighing helplessly and saying, "I understand..."
Poga~
Hikaru casually hung up the Den Den Mushi. If Jinbe still wished to invite disaster after such a warning, then Hikaru wouldn't feel bad about any consequences. After estimating the timeline and the time needed to reach the Sabaody Archipelago, Hikaru displayed an expression that showed he had everything under control. He then continued his journey toward his destination. He had an appointment with two lovely women, and that required his full attention.
A Royal Welcome
Meanwhile, in Dressrosa, at King's Heights, after parting ways with Hikaru, Violet meticulously prepared herself. Not only that, she also reminded a very happy-looking Baby-5 to change into a more intellectual and elegant maid uniform.
Finally, led by Violet, they arrived at the princess's room, where Violet had lived for many years, and waited. Poor Sugar, due to the limitations of her Devil Fruit power, couldn't experience the world's true feelings for the time being. She could only sit with a large bowl of grapes, munching happily.
Violet and Baby-5's wait paid off. A flash of lightning and Hikaru appeared at the door. Pushing the door open, he saw a stunning beauty adorned with a red veil, with Baby-5 waiting beside her as a maid. A hint of surprise flickered in Hikaru's eyes.
It seemed Violet had made ample preparations. This sense of ritual stirred something within him. She was truly worthy of being a princess.
Hearing his footsteps, Violet raised a hand to her eyes, activating her Clairvoyance to confirm it was indeed Hikaru. Then, she whispered, "Hikaru, you... you're here~"
"I'm coming~" Hikaru replied softly.
"You..."
"You've come just in time! Hurry, drink your wine!" Baby-5 eagerly pushed them both toward the dining table.
"Don't worry, Baby-5! Hikaru hasn't even unveiled me yet~" Violet didn't know whether to laugh or cry. It seemed she had underestimated Baby-5's sense of responsibility as a maid. "Baby-5, please step out for a moment. Let me preside over the ceremony from now on!"
"Okay~" Though reluctant, Baby-5 obediently left the room.
Hikaru smiled, stepped forward, and gently grasped the veil on Violet's head. "Without further delay," he said softly, "I will unveil this 'ritual' for you."
"Okay!"
Huhu~
Hearing her nervous panting, Hikaru no longer hesitated. He raised his hand and lifted the dazzling veil into the air, where it gracefully floated to the side. Hikaru first gazed at Violet and saw her shy expression. It was a normal reaction. It seemed she was very obedient and had not used her Clairvoyance to peek into his Kingdom of God.