The two men soon left, leaving the little girl standing there in a daze, staring at the lollipop in her hand.
The man dressed all in gold had given it to her. After a moment of hesitation, she licked it, and her eyes immediately lit up.
"What are you doing here? Didn't I tell you not to wander off?"
Just then, a figure appeared behind her.
"He was smoking."
The little girl quickly hid the lollipop and pointed at the two figures walking away.
Her teacher looked up, and the sight of their retreating backs startled her.
Two large characters were emblazoned on that broad cape: "The people"!
She knew perfectly well that anyone wearing such a cape belonged to the military. She soon recognized who he was.
"That's Admiral Crocodile!"
The little girl nodded without quite understanding and giggled.
"Teacher, he's really nice. He put out his cigarette and did what you said."
Her teacher smiled helplessly. "Don't talk nonsense. The Admiral is a very important man."
"He protects the people of Dressrosa."
"Then I'm going to become an Admiral too!"
The little girl spoke with determination.
By then, the two figures ahead had gone too far to hear the conversation between teacher and student.
"You're not nearly this friendly in the rumors."
Tesoro smiled.
"Rumors never tell the whole story. I've always been friendly."
Crocodile spoke calmly.
"Hahahaha!"
Tesoro laughed again.
"Welcome, Tesoro. I'm sure you'll come to love it here."
After they left the school grounds, Crocodile smiled.
"I already do!"
Tesoro spoke softly, his expression full of emotion.
At the same time, River and Donquixote Doflamingo had arrived at a European-style compound bearing the sign "Dressrosa Academy of Sciences."
"The Academy of Sciences has been built according to your instructions. Caesar lives here."
Donquixote Doflamingo spoke.