The slaves stared at the scene in shock, then erupted into cheers of hope.
"Next, please."
Kuma turned to the next person.
He asked them one by one and sent them away one by one.
Some wanted to return to their hometowns in the East Blue. Others simply wanted to get as far away from the World Government's sphere of influence as possible.
Some didn't even know where they wanted to go. They just said, "Somewhere with sunshine."
Kuma listened patiently to each of them, then gently sent them flying with a paw.
"Thank you! Thank you!"
"May the gods bless you!"
"If I survive, I'll repay this kindness!"
For every word of thanks, Kuma simply nodded gently. "Stay alive."
After who knew how long, only three people remained by the shore.
Kuma turned to Young Ginny and Young Ivankov. "Now, I'll send you two away."
Young Ginny wrapped her fingers around Kuma's. "Kuma, what about you?"
"I want to keep looking. There might still be people in the forest who need help."
Young Ivankov frowned. "But this island is very dangerous now."
Kuma's voice was calm and firm. "I want to bring people freedom and hope, just like Joy Boy. Even if I can only save one more person."
The two exchanged a glance, knowing they couldn't change his mind.
"Be sure to come back safely." Young Ginny's eyes glistened with tears.
Kuma nodded and held out both hands. "Then, farewell for now."
Pop~
Kuma sent them flying toward their homeland in the South Blue—the Sorbet Kingdom.
After doing all that, Kuma rushed into the island's forest to search for anyone who needed help.
"Is anyone else out there? Does anyone need help?"
His cries echoed through the burning woods.
Meanwhile, high above the island.
Saint Saturn stood