The Toy Soldier and the Little Girl!

Ark Maxim!

At that moment, Haku finally struggled to his feet on his own ship. There was no helping it—this battle had drained him considerably.

No matter how soundly he slept, he couldn't ignore the gnawing hunger in his stomach.

With no other choice, he got up and headed to the kitchen in the ship's cabin.

As time passed, Haku quickly laid out a table full of all kinds of delicious food.

His appetite roared to life, and he began to feast, as if trying to replenish everything he'd lost.

Just then, the dining room door was pushed open from outside!

Kizaru strode in with his signature swagger, making his way to the table.

He looked at Haku with a sulky expression and said, "You little brat, did you forget about your crewmate here?"

Mm! In truth, Kizaru had known on the deck that Haku was already awake.

Since he couldn't cook himself, he naturally assumed Haku's meal would include a share for him. So he'd waited for Haku to finish everything and call him in to eat.

But what happened? Haku had already devoured nearly half the food.

Thinking of the Garp family's legendary appetites, Kizaru figured if he didn't go in now, he wouldn't even get a scrap of leftovers!

Haku looked at Kizaru and felt a bit awkward. He really had forgotten about Kizaru, and with his stomach so empty, he'd just started eating on his own.

Of course, Haku would never admit he'd completely forgotten the guy!

"Heh heh, Borsalino, come sit." Haku quickly gestured for Kizaru to take a seat and then served him a bowl of rice and dishes.

Kizaru didn't stand on ceremony and dug in heartily. He was genuinely starving!

"Mm!"

After just two bites, Kizaru was won over by Haku's cooking!

Eating as he spoke, he teased Haku, "Who'd have thought—these days, youngsters aren't just freakishly strong in combat, they're also this good at cooking!"

"Say, are you short on people over there? Does it come with meals?"

Haku replied leisurely, "The G5 Base I took over is definitely desperate for people! But there's no helping it—do you think Fleet Admiral Sengoku would let you stay with me?"

Kizaru chuckled. "And how do you know I wouldn't fight for it myself?"

Haku laughed. "No way! I can't afford to host a big shot like you. After I left Wano Country, how many people have been eyeing my little base!"

"If word got out in the New World that G5 Base had two Marine Admirals stationed there, wouldn't all hell break loose?"

Kizaru burst out laughing at that. He knew that if he really stayed here, it would cause no small amount of trouble for this tiny base.

The two chatted as they continued enjoying their meal.

After eating, Kizaru stood up, ready to head back to the deck.

"Borsalino, aren't you going back to headquarters?" Haku asked, puzzled.

Kizaru turned around and said helplessly, "I was originally sent to rendezvous with you, but my ship already went back to headquarters! And you dumped the task of watching this flying ship on me! How do you expect me to get back?"

Haku suddenly understood. He slapped his forehead and laughed. "Haha, almost forgot. Then let's go to Dressrosa together!"

"Oh! So that's where we're heading? Well, you can come out now, because Dressrosa is right ahead," Kizaru said.

"Huh? We're already there?" Haku was taken aback.

Soon, he stepped out of the cabin and saw the coastline ahead, ringed by a large number of mushroom-shaped rocks!

He was certain—he had indeed arrived at Dressrosa.

As the flying ship drew closer, Haku could see the full view of the Dressrosa Kingdom more and more clearly.

He looked at this tropical island with its resort-like atmosphere, a place also known as the "Land of Love, Passion, and Toys."

Love! Passion! Haku already knew about those from his past life.

As for the "Land of Toys," Haku could only snort in disdain.

If Doflamingo dared to let Sugar get close to him...

He wouldn't mind dragging this underworld king down from his throne, or even stripping him of his Shichibukai title if he felt like it.

Since the Ark was flying with a purpose, it didn't need to dock at the harbor. It continued heading straight for Doflamingo's palace!

On a patch of lush green grass, Haku's Observation Haki locked onto two small figures.

Haku looked in that direction with interest, seeing a one-legged Toy Soldier seriously teaching a little girl how to fight!

In their sparring, the little girl was constantly being defeated by the Toy Soldier!

Haku's intrigued expression immediately caught Kizaru's attention.

He also released his Observation Haki, and soon noticed this interesting pair as well.

Both Kizaru and Haku observed the Toy Soldier and the little girl practicing together.

Though the Toy Soldier had only one leg, his combat skills were superb as he taught the girl how to fight. And while the girl wasn't as strong as the Toy Soldier, she was very determined, constantly trying to beat him.

Neither Kizaru nor Haku could help but be drawn in by the scene.

Meanwhile, Kizaru found the little girl quite adorable, and he also expressed admiration for the Toy Soldier's strength.

As they observed, the little girl seemed to sense something and suddenly looked in their direction.

Haku and Kizaru exchanged a glance, the same thought flashing through both their minds. Observation Haki!

Haku's form turned into a bolt of lightning, instantly appearing beside the two small figures!

The Toy Soldier, startled by Haku's sudden appearance, immediately hopped on one leg to shield Rebecca.

Kizaru followed close behind, appearing on their other side.

"Haha, interesting, truly interesting!" Haku laughed.

At the same time, an idea struck him. He fixed his gaze on the strange pair before him!

The Toy Soldier glared at Haku, his eyes seeming to warn him not to come closer, then looked at Rebecca and said in a stern tone, "Rebecca, if a fight breaks out, you leave here at once!"

Though frightened, Rebecca's mind was already maturing enough to understand what that meant.

She stubbornly replied to the Toy Soldier, "No! I'm not leaving! I'll fight alongside you!"

Haku and Kizaru exchanged another glance, realizing the Toy Soldier was protecting Rebecca.

Then Haku spoke to the Toy Soldier, "Enough, Kyros! I'm not your enemy!"

Kyros was shocked, because ever since Sugar had turned him into a Toy Soldier.

No one in this world had been able to recognize his identity!

As if reading his thoughts, Haku continued, "Of course I know who you are, and I also know the identity of the little girl behind you!"

Hearing this, Kyros became even more wary of Haku!