Perhaps Kaito's smile was contagious, because Toko's violet eyes narrowed with delight as she watched him.
"My master is out! I'll be back in a while! Come in and help!" she called cheerfully.
"Okay!" Kaito said, gently lifting Toko as they entered.
The treehouse was modest, around a hundred square meters, enough for three people. It was mostly empty, save for a single iron cooking pot. Nothing else adorned the space.
"What's your name, little girl?" Ulti stepped forward, playfully pinching Toko's pink cheeks.
"I'm Toko! You can also call me Ayu!" the girl replied, her eyes sparkling, showing no fear of Ulti's gesture.
Gurgle, gurgle.
Toko's stomach growled loudly. Her tiny face turned bright red, adorable in every way.
"Sorry!" she said, pressing her index fingers together, embarrassed.
"What's there to be sorry for? You're hungry! It just so happens that I brought food and water!" Kaito said warmly.
As if conjured by magic, Kaito pulled out a small bag of rice and a jar of water.
"Rice! Rice!" Toko's eyes lit up. She jumped up and down excitedly, running around the empty treehouse, her tiny figure full of energy.
Then, hesitating for a moment, she ran to Kaito cautiously. "These… Can I really eat it?"
"Of course!" Kaito said, gently pinching her flushed cheeks before preparing the meal.
The state of Wano under the pirates and before Kaito's arrival had been harsh, like the chaotic dynasties of the distant past. But with Kaito here, everything was beginning to change.
Soon, the aroma of porridge filled the treehouse. Toko stared at the steaming bowl, mesmerized.
"Little one, don't worry! Kaito-sama and I aren't hungry. This is all yours," Ulti said softly.
"Kaito-sama?" Toko frowned, trying to remember where she had heard the name before. Her thoughts spun as she tried to recall any stories she knew about him.
"Don't worry about that now. The porridge is ready! Eat quickly!" Kaito said, setting the bowl in front of her.
The smell of the porridge made Toko forget all about her curiosity. Her small eyes glistened with a tear as she whispered, "Thank you… Thank you, big brother. This is the best meal I've ever had, except for the meals from Ace."
Kaito smiled softly. "Then let's eat."
Nearby, Ulti rolled her eyes, muttering, "The Ace Toko mentioned… she can't mean…"
Kaito nodded silently. Ace, captain of the Second Division of the Whitebeard Pirates, had a connection with this little girl. But for now, Kaito focused on feeding her, watching with care.
Footsteps sounded outside, and a clear, authoritative voice rang through the treehouse.
"Toko! What Kaito-sama said is true. They really brought new food and water!"
An elderly man in a mask and Tengu costume entered, scanning the room vigilantly. His eyes widened upon seeing Kaito and Ulti.
"Guests!" he exclaimed cautiously.
"Master! You're back!" Toko set down her bowl and ran toward the man, showing her usual affection.
The elderly Tengu's expression softened as he glanced at the porridge. The sight reassured him. Surely, the dignified rulers of Wano would not harm a child, and Kaito's actions would benefit everyone.
"Why are you here?" he asked gently.
"This place is remote. Sending food regularly was difficult. I came to deliver it myself and also to ask you to relocate, for better management," Kaito explained with a soft smile.
"Where should we move?" Datengu asked thoughtfully.
"To Pickle Village. It's close by and protected by strong guards, so nighttime trouble won't be a problem."
"Pickle Village… understood!" Datengu nodded.
"Master, why do you call him that?" Toko asked curiously.
"Don't worry about that. Big brother is leaving for now, but I will return to see you later," Kaito said, teasing her gently as he scratched her nose.
"Big brother is leaving?" Toko's eyes clouded with disappointment. Just like Ace, someone who spoiled her, he had come and now had to leave.
"Yes. I brought food today. I will return soon," Kaito repeated, scratching her nose indulgently again.
Toko's eyes brightened and she held out a finger. "Then let's do the finger promise!"
"Deal," Kaito said, touching his finger to hers with a warm smile.
Turning to Datengu, he added, "Leave early for Pickle Village. Wano is still unstable. Once it's safe, you may return freely."
"Understood, Kaito-sama," Datengu replied respectfully. Watching Kaito and Toko interact, he relaxed, sensing the genuine care between them.
"Goodbye! Goodbye, Toko!" Kaito waved as he and Ulti departed.
"Goodbye, big brother!" Toko shouted.
Once they disappeared, Datengu handed Toko her bowl, saying softly, "Eat quickly, or it will get cold."
Looking outside, Datengu thought, "Perhaps… he can truly give Wano a better life."
Through the woods, Kaito and Ulti moved swiftly.
"Kaito-sama, why deliver food personally to them? Is it because of that little girl's connection to Fire Fist Ace?" Ulti asked, curious.
"You think Ace matters here? No, the old man is my focus," Kaito corrected.
"The old man? Does he hold special importance?"
"Yes. Datengu Feiche, a legendary swordsmith. Capturing him ensures our crew has unmatched blades. Without him, our plan here would be impossible. Twenty-one years ago, he forged a great blade for Kozuki Oden. He's not easy to convince, so we must be patient," Kaito explained, his voice calm but firm.
…
Time flowed like water. A month passed quietly. The sea remained calm, and Kaido's old territory had changed hands without public knowledge. Wano remained secluded, the news tightly controlled, for no one dared enter the territory of a Four Emperor foolishly.
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