"You may have built it, but Green Bit was never yours to begin with. The Riku family, like you, are just temporarily occupying what once belonged to the Donquixote family," I said, softening my tone slightly, hoping to reach some understanding.
"I respect your dedication and your history. That is why I am offering a chance for collaboration. Join us, and together we can protect this land and ensure a future where both our peoples thrive. But if you still want to blame us for the wrongs done to you centuries ago, then I am sorry to say this, but you should leave. Don't think for a second that I am simply threatening you. Mark my words: in three days, you will realize the truth."
"Ross-kun, don't you think this is too harsh? The Tontatta have been here for centuries; their entire way of life revolves around Dressrosa." Issho spoke up on behalf of the Tontatta, not wanting to push away the dwarves' tribe.
"Issho-san, you should be happy that I am not slaughtering the Tontatta tribe because, as per where they stand currently, they clearly show the intent of being hostile to my family. I don't like to take chances when it comes to threats to my family," I declared, my tone grave. The tension in the chamber mounted, but Issho knew if it came to blows, the entire Tontatta tribe would vanish from history.
"I...I will join your family," a petite, soft voice echoed through the silence of the chamber. I couldn't help but smile, recognizing who had spoken.
"Princess, no! You can't. They are monsters. Their ancestor was the one who almost destroyed our race." Leo stepped up, trying to make Mansherry realize what she was doing.
"Mansherry," I said, addressing her directly and ignoring the shocked murmurs around us. "I understand your people's fears, but I give you my word that you will be safe and cherished. We are building a new future, one that does not repeat the mistakes of the past."
Mansherry hesitated, her large eyes filled with a mix of fear and determination. "I believe you, Ross," she said softly. "Issho-san trusts you, and I trust him. If you can promise to protect my people and ensure their safety, then I will join your family."
The room erupted in protests, but I raised my hand to silence them. "Mansherry, your trust means everything. I swear on my name and my honor that I will protect your people. The Tontatta tribe will have a place in Dressrosa, and their contributions will be valued."
Leo, his eyes blazing with anger and betrayal, stepped forward. "Princess, you can't seriously be considering this! They will betray us the moment we lower our guard."
Mansherry turned to Leo, her voice steady. "Leo, we have to take a step towards change. Holding on to old grudges will only lead to more suffering. If we don't take this chance, we might never get another."
The elder, who had been most vocal against me, scowled. "You are making a grave mistake, Princess. But if this is your decision, we will follow you, even if it leads to our doom."
"Enough!" I said, looking around the room. "You have my word. The Tontatta tribe will be protected. We will work together to build a better future for Dressrosa. Now, let's put the past behind us and move forward."
The tension in the chamber slowly began to ease. It was clear that this alliance would take time to solidify, but with Mansherry's decision, the first step had been taken.
"If the princess is joining your family, then I want to join it too. I cannot have the princess be alone with your group of mon... I mean, people, so I need to keep an eye on you all," Leo demanded, jumping in front of me with a determined expression.
"Fine, if that's what you want," I replied, understanding that having Leo by Mansherry's side would put the Tontatta tribe at ease. Moreover, Leo was a skilled warrior and a loyal companion, making him a valuable addition. He could help manage the Tontatta tribe in the future, ensuring their integration went smoothly.
The tribe leader looked between Leo and Mansherry, his face a mix of resignation and concern. "Leo, are you sure about this? You're putting yourself at great risk."
Leo nodded firmly. "I am sure, Chief. The princess has made her decision, and I will support her. We cannot keep living in fear of the past. It's time to move forward."
I could see the reluctance in the eyes of the Tontatta elders and warriors, but there was also a glimmer of hope. They were torn between their deep-seated mistrust and the possibility of a brighter future.
"Mansherry, Leo," I said, addressing them both. "Your courage and willingness to bridge this gap are commendable. Together, we will protect Dressrosa and ensure that no harm comes to your people. You have my word."
Issho nodded approvingly. "This is the right path, Ross-kun. Building alliances based on trust and mutual respect will make us stronger."
Mansherry smiled softly, her eyes reflecting her determination. "Thank you, Ross. I believe in your vision for a united Dressrosa. Let's work together to make it a reality."
With Mansherry and Leo joining our family, the first step towards reconciliation had been taken. It was not going to be easy, but with patience and cooperation, we could forge a new future for both the Donquixote family and the Tontatta tribe.
As we prepared to leave the chamber, the tribe leader stepped forward, his expression stern but not unkind. "We will hold you to your word, Donquixote. The safety of our people is paramount. If you betray our trust, we will not hesitate to fight back."
I met his gaze steadily. "I understand. You have my promise that I will protect your people as if they were my own. Together, we will build a Dressrosa where all can live in peace."
Leo had originally wanted the Princess to stay in Green Bit, but that would not help bridge the gap between our families. Mansherry and Leo needed to stay with us to properly integrate with the Donquixote family.
"So, the Princess should be provided with a separate bedroom with a king-sized bed, and I need a bedroom adjacent to hers so I can guard the Princess at all times," Leo demanded, perched on Issho's shoulders. He began listing out a seemingly endless array of requirements, each more specific than the last. Lucci, standing nearby, was diligently making a mental note of every detail.
"She will need a garden where she can grow her medicinal herbs," Leo continued, "and a spacious bathroom with a large tub. And the kitchen must always have fresh fruit and sweets available for her."
Issho chuckled softly at Leo's protectiveness. "You certainly know how to look after the princess, Leo. We will ensure all her needs are met."
Mansherry, sitting on my shoulders, looked around the new place with a mixture of awe and apprehension. "This is all very kind, but I don't need so much. Just a place where I can help and be of use."
I smiled at her modesty. "Your comfort is important to us, Mansherry. We want you to feel at home here. And Leo, we appreciate your vigilance. Your concerns will be addressed."
As we walked through the halls, Issho glanced at me, a rare smile playing on his lips. "The Princess and Leo are going to be quite an addition to our family. Their presence will help change the perception of the Donquixote name."
"I hope so," I replied, looking forward to the challenge of integrating them into our world. "It's time for a new era. I'm afraid you will have your hands full with responsibilities, Issho san."
We reached the quarters that would be prepared for Mansherry and Leo. "This will be your new home," I said, opening the door to a spacious suite. "If there's anything more you need, don't hesitate to let us know."
Mansherry looked around, her eyes wide with amazement. "This is more than I could have ever imagined. Thank you, Ross."
Leo jumped down from Issho's shoulders, inspecting the room with a critical eye. "It'll do," he said finally, his tone grudgingly approving. "But remember, I'll be watching."
I chuckled. "I wouldn't expect anything less from you, Leo."
"Fine, then, you guys can get used to your new place. I'll leave Lucci here in case you need anything. Once you're settled, I'll introduce you to the rest of the family," I remarked, turning to leave. There were many more things to do, and having Mansherry join us was just the beginning.
Soon enough, Issho and I found ourselves in the training area with my brother, Doffy. As of now, it was just the three of us making decisions for the family's future.
"So you think that the Donquixote ancestor was also the Mera Mera no Mi user?" Doffy asked in surprise as I shared the details the Tontatta tribe had revealed.
"Most probably. I sometimes wonder where all these Devil Fruits originated from because their first recorded existence was only eight or nine centuries ago," I murmured, pondering the mystery of the Devil Fruits.
"Well, let's forget about that for now. Ross, tell me, do we really need to go about it in such a roundabout manner to take over Dressrosa? I can just take on the entire Dressrosa army alone," Doffy declared with a chuckle, as if he were ready to burn the kingdom to the ground.
"And then what? Do you want to become the ruler of ashes, Doffy? There are many ways to conquer a kingdom, and tyranny would be the most foolish. Have you noticed the number of original residents who have returned to our town because of the safety here, despite us being pirates?" I asked, a smile plastered on my face. The strategy I employed was working even more effectively than I had envisioned. More than a quarter of the people who had left under King Riku's request earlier had returned to Balsa.
As more and more pirates descended on Dressrosa, only the town of Balsa seemed unaffected by the chaos. The original residents immediately returned, despite the warnings from the king and the soldiers.
For the common people, staying alive was much more important. From the information they had gathered from the other residents who had stayed back in Balsa and refused to leave, they learned that the Donquixote brothers were not oppressive. We left them to their devices, only collecting something similar to a protection fee, which was akin to the kingdom's tax.
Issho nodded thoughtfully. "Ross is right, Doffy Kun. Conquering through fear and destruction will only breed resentment and rebellion. By showing the people that we can provide safety and stability, we gain their loyalty and support. They see us as protectors, not tyrants."
Doffy sighed, running a hand through his blond hair. "Fine, I get it. It's just frustrating to sit back and wait. I want to show our strength, not hide it."
"We're not hiding our strength," I replied firmly. "We're demonstrating it in a way that builds trust. The people are already starting to see that we're different from what they expected. Let's continue to show them that we can be their protectors. And don't worry; soon enough, we will have to use all our strength to carve ourselves a vast territory in the New World."
Doffy grinned, his eyes gleaming with a mixture of mischief and determination. "Alright, brother. We'll play it your way. But if things get messy, don't expect me to hold back."
I chuckled. "I wouldn't dream of it, Doffy. Just remember, we're building something here. A future where the Donquixote family is not just feared but respected."
"So, what's next? It's been more than a week, but it seems like Riku isn't taking any action. And are you sure about starting a weapons factory all over again?" Doffy questioned.
"Of course, Riku is afraid that we would go on a rampage or attack them directly. I'm sure he must have already appealed to the World Government for aid. If I'm not mistaken, soon enough, the Marines should be here. There's even a chance those elders in Mary Geoise might send an invite through the Marines, promising us a spot in the Shichibukai," I commented, my mind racing through the possible outcomes. I could roughly estimate the direction in which things were going to proceed in the near future.
"As for the weapons factory, it's a must. Quite a few of those bastards contributed to the fall of our family the last time around, and they've conveniently taken over everything that we had built. We need to take everything back, don't we?" I had never forgotten those who had taken advantage of our downfall. Sooner or later, they needed to be taught a lesson.
Dressrosa also needed an industry to prop up its economy. Although the current Dressrosa looked prosperous on the outside, the kingdom was poor. For such a major kingdom with a rich history and resources, this was pathetic. I intended to change that.
Issho nodded approvingly. "Then we have a plan. We proceed with the factory, but we ensure that its benefits are felt by all."
Doffy chuckled. "And what about the Marines? What if they come knocking before we're ready?"
"We'll just sink them all. Dressrosa now belongs to us, and we can not tolerate the presence of marines in our territory and its surrounding seas. We need to start recruiting. I will leave that to you, Doffy. Just subdue the ones with decent strength who come to Dressrosa. We can just use them as cannon fodder for the time being. Have Giolla San help you as well." I said it confidently. "We have to build ourselves as a formidable force within the New World within a span of five years, one strong enough to rival the likes of the Emperors of the New World."
Doffy grinned, his usual confidence shining through. "I like the sound of that, brother. Let's show them what it means to be a Donquixote."