Undercurrents in Dressrosa!

Since Roy defeated Donquixote Doflamingo and ended his plot to seize the country, Dressrosa quickly recovered under the leadership of King Riku, regaining the people's confidence in Justice and freedom.

Colorful flags fluttered in the sunlight along both sides of the street.

Children chased and played in the fountain square, their laughter echoing through the cobblestone alleyways;

The tiny members of the Tontatta Tribe leap and dart between flowerbeds and water pipes, occasionally helping passersby repair kettles or retrieve dropped packages, becoming beloved "mini angels" to the residents.

Vendors hawked their wares on the street, and fruit stalls were piled high with local specialties, their aroma filling the air.

Craftspeople weave rose vine ornaments on the spot under parasols, with red, pink and purple interwoven into romantic patterns, which are given as gifts to travelers.

Tourists from all over flocked to the country to witness its unique charm.

Not far away, the Royal Palace clock tower chimed serenely, its melodious sound echoing throughout the city, like celestial music guarding this blessed land.

At this moment, Dressrosa truly revealed its true nature, becoming Paradise humans and Tontatta lived in peace together.

--"The Fairy Kingdom of Love and Passion"

Dressrosa Royal Palace Gardens

Sunlight streamed through the azure sky into the Royal Palace courtyard, its golden glow reflecting a soft warmth onto the white stone bricks.

The delicate aroma of tea wafts in the breeze, mingling with the fragrance of flowers and herbs, creating a refreshing and delightful atmosphere.

Under the shade of green trees, an exquisite porcelain tea set is placed next to a white round table.

Viola sat gracefully in a wicker chair, taking a sip of fragrant tea, her gaze falling on the Tontatta Tribe princess, Mansherry, who was perched on Rebecca's shoulder.

"Mansherry, you can't just casually treat others these days," Viola said gently. "If needed, I can call a doctor for him."

Mansherry pouted, put her hands on her hips, and stood on Rebecca's shoulder, muttering:

"But... that person was seriously injured! He was lying on the roadside groaning, he looked so pitiful, I just... I just wanted to help him."

Rebecca chuckled and gently patted Mansherry's head. "Auntie, Mansherry is just too kind. She can't bear to see others suffer."

Viola smiled slightly, but her expression quickly returned to normal, and her eyes became serious.

"I know she meant well, but Dressrosa has been acting up again lately—"

She put down her teacup and said softly, "Information flows frequently in the Underworld, and some forces are secretly searching for 'healing ability users'."

Upon hearing this, both Mansherry and Rebecca's expressions changed.

"A healing ability user?!" Rebecca's expression tightened, her tone revealing unease. "They're after Mansherry?"

Viola nodded. "I'm afraid so. If Mansherry's abilities fall into the hands of someone with ill intentions, it could lead to something far more terrifying than Doflamingo's usurpation of the country."

At this moment, Mansherry became more serious than ever before, her small body standing ramrod straight:

"I understand! I won't run around recklessly anymore, and I won't use my abilities carelessly!"

Rebecca looked at her resolute expression and nodded gently. "We... we absolutely cannot let Dressrosa fall into darkness again."

Viola stood up, walked to Mansherry's side, reached out and gently tapped the tip of her nose, and said softly:

"Sweetie, sometimes, hiding your strength is a way to protect yourself."

"Yes!" Mansherry nodded solemnly.

Meanwhile, in the shadow of a tall building outside the Royal Palace—

A mysterious figure, completely shrouded in a black cloak, lay prone on the edge of the rooftop, observing the Royal Palace's back garden through a specially made sniper scope.

In the shot, Mansherry's small figure stands side by side with Rebecca.

"Target confirmed."

He murmured almost inaudibly, his voice hoarse and cold. "Princess Mansherry, the Devil Fruit User."

He turned his head and picked up a communication Den Den Mushi: "Inform the 'big shot' that the plan can begin."

Inside the Royal Palace, after seeing Viola off, Rebecca walked to the balcony and gazed at the golden horizon, a hint of unease in her eyes.

Mansherry stood on the railing, her fists clenched. "Rebecca, if anyone tries to take me away... Leo won't let them succeed!"

Rebecca turned around, looked at her determined little face, gently picked her up, and smiled tenderly:

"Yes, let's protect this country together."

Royal Palace Corridor

Viola was walking quickly, her expression serious.

"As expected... the Underworld is moving faster than we anticipated."

"Mansherry's abilities have been thoroughly monitored."

She turned to the royal guards behind her, her tone icy. "Starting today, increase patrols significantly, especially in the Tontatta settlements."

"Any suspicious individuals discovered, take them away immediately for interrogation!"

"Yes!" The soldiers responded solemnly, their voices ringing out in unison, and they dispersed with neat and powerful steps.

Meanwhile, in a bar in Dressrosa

The atmosphere inside the bar was lively yet not noisy, with laughter mingling with a sense of peaceful tranquility.

A tall man sat at the bar.

He was dressed in a clean and tidy light purple kimono, with a dignified black-purple sash around his waist, and a simple yet imposing Cane Sword leaning against him.

At this moment, his eyes were closed, his expression gentle, a faint smile on his lips. His fingers tapped lightly on the table, and in rhythm, he slowly pushed a gold coin toward the "black" side of the gambling table.

"Place your bet! Roulette wheel open!"

With a shout from the bartender, the roulette wheel began to spin rapidly, the metal pointer whistling.

After a moment, the pointer slowly stopped and landed in the black area.

"Black! It's black again!!"

Wow!! This guy won again!!

"He can guess it with his eyes closed! That's amazing!"

The onlookers burst into enthusiastic applause and cheers, without a trace of jealousy or doubt, but genuinely happy for him.

Even a few of the Tontatta Tribe stood around the table clapping excitedly, as if they had seen some kind of "god of fortune" from folklore.

This wasn't the first time he had guessed correctly; in fact, he had won five rounds in a row since he walked into the bar.

But he only smiled faintly, showing no arrogance, and was in no hurry to collect all the gold coins.

A young Tontatta Tribe girl jumped onto the bar, gently tugged at his sleeve, her eyes innocent:

"Uncle, you've won so much already, why don't you take a break? Our cider here is really good!"

Another middle-aged bartender, who was wiping glasses, chimed in with a laugh, "Yeah, have a drink, don't use up all your luck!"

She smiled and nodded in acknowledgment, replying gently, "Thank you for your kindness."

He gently picked up the wine glass in front of him, took a small sip, and the amber liquid slid between his lips and teeth, bringing a subtle sweetness and a slight buzz.

"Call..."

He exhaled softly, his heart as calm as still water.

"Having journeyed through the New World, I've witnessed much bloodshed and turmoil, yet places like this, where people live in peace and harmony, are few and far between."

He tilted his head slightly, and although his eyes were closed, he still used his Observation Haki to perceive everything inside and outside the bar.

Children played by the window, the Tontatta Tribe helped the cook repair the stove, travelers exchanged anecdotes from their journeys, and drinkers played cards and chatted about trivial matters...

So peaceful.

"It seems that King Riku and Lord Roy... are indeed rulers who govern for the people."

But just as he was enjoying this peace, he suddenly caught a subtle, unusual sound.

In a corner, a hooded stranger was talking in hushed tones to his companion, the atmosphere heavy and somber, with key words occasionally slipping out of his mouth:

"Capable individuals", "value", "transactions"...

With a slight frown, he tapped his fingers slowly on the scabbard of his Cane Sword and sword, making no other move, his expression remaining unchanged.

"Oh... I see."

"If it's just empty talk, that's fine. But if you dare to disrupt the peace of this place..."

He murmured to himself, "While I dislike bloodshed, I will never tolerate injustice."

The wine in the cup is empty, and the wind whispers softly.