A Punishment Etched into the Bone
"They're dwarves! Interesting little creatures. Are these the Fairies that are said to exist in Dressrosa?"
"Really, the largest one is only the size of a small woman's palm. It's really rare!"
Curious, they compared the two and, after confirming that the other was indeed no bigger than their own palm, the dwarf in front of them became increasingly dissatisfied.
"How rude of me! I am Leo, the captain of the Tontatta Kingdom! I'm not some rare little guy!"
Leo was shorter than a short flintlock pistol and was holding a needle and thread, turned around and asked King Riku a question.
"Your King Riku, why did a fire suddenly break out in Dressrosa? Has something happened?"
"It's nothing, just a disturbance caused by pirates. It's completely calmed down now, but there were some minor misunderstandings. Could you, Leo, and Princess Mansherry help heal this child's arm?"
Leo took out the severed arm that had been stored in a cold box, looked at Baby5 in front of him, nodded repeatedly, and patted his chest to assure him.
"Since it is His King Riku Riku's request, I, Leo, will certainly fulfill it!"
Looking around, Huayue and the others were roughly in the Green Bit. This environment, which was incredibly spacious for the little people, was originally dug out to entertain human guests.
However, it still feels a bit crowded for humans, even though it is one of the largest tree roots near the inner forest.
"Leo is the Sew-Sew Human of the Sew-Sew Fruit, and the tears of Mansherry, the princess of the Tontatta tribe, have healing abilities and can restore any kind of injury."
King Riku explained in a low voice, clearly indicating a close relationship with the local dwarfs. The reason for this was evident in the jubilant dwarfs around him and the small island adjacent to Dressrosa.
"Are there many Ability User among the Lilliputians?"
"No, there are only four..."
At this point, King Riku felt a chill run down his spine, sensing something was amiss.
Oh no! Could it be that one of the Four Emperors has taken a liking to Mansherry's abilities and wants to attack the Tontatta clan? Wouldn't that be like inviting a wolf into the house?
"Uchiha Huayue, are you perhaps going to..."
"What are you thinking? I just want the cooperation of the little people to provide me with some blood samples. The healing abilities you talk about are nothing to me."
King Riku, his thoughts exposed, looked embarrassed. It's no wonder he was nervous; Mansherry's healing abilities were undeniable and incredibly tempting to pirates.
Imagine, who wouldn't want the chance to restore their subordinates' fighting ability after they've been seriously injured? If used properly, it could determine the outcome of a war.
In a short while, the petite princess Mansherry, with her bright blonde hair tied in pigtails, appeared before everyone.
"Really, how can a little person have such a willful princess like you? Why did I have to carry you here? By the way, you've gained quite a bit of weight!"
"Stop nagging! Just hug me when I tell you to. Leo, he really doesn't understand girls..."
"Huh? What did you just say?"
"Nothing!"
She jumped down angrily, then resumed her usual gentle demeanor towards others, and gave King Riku a slight bow.
"Your King Riku, where are the wounded who need healing?"
Baby5, who was curiously observing the many little people, was pushed in front of everyone by Perona. The faint needle marks on her stitched arm made Mansherry feel even sadder.
"It must hurt a lot, but it's okay, the pain will all fly away in a bit!"
Tears welled up in her eyes and gently fell on baby5's body. In a short moment, the remaining wounds were completely healed, and a different look flashed in Huayue's eyes.
"This is truly an interesting power. In the Tontatta Kingdom, besides you, who else is Ability User?"
"Besides us, there are only two others from the flying squadron, Kabu and Bian. One of them has the Insect-Insect Fruit - Rhinoceros Beetle, and the other has a Wasp!"
"I see. The Zoan type is a branch of the Paramecia Type, and the Sewing and Healing type is the Ability User of the Tontatta Kingdom. Including these four people, we need one male and one female control group, for a total of ten people."
"Binding Dao Ninety-Nine·Second Edition·Swastika Ban."
The wooden floor was swallowed by darkness in an instant, and strips of cloth of varying sizes emerged from the shadows, instantly sealing off everything that existed in the hall at that moment.
"Hey! What's going on here?"
"Damn it, these strips of cloth are so heavy! How did we get tied up? We can't break free at all! Your King Riku, what's going on?!"
"Uchiha Huayue, didn't you promise not to attack the people of the Tontatta Kingdom? Are you going to break your promise?"
In an instant, Kyros struggled desperately, but with his limbs bound, he couldn't even use his Haki, let alone draw his greatsword to fight back.
"First, I need to correct two mistakes you made. First, I have never made any promises to you. Second, don't easily trust any pirate, no matter their identity or status..."
"Little Hiyori, four samples of blood from Ability User, two samples of blood from male and female members of the Little People group for comparison. It is best to select from three age groups: old, middle-aged, and young. Use the Military Ration Pill immediately after sampling."
"Yes, elder brother."
The box, marked with special symbols, slowly opened, revealing rows of gleaming needles that stood out conspicuously under the light.
"Wait, what are you going to do?"
"No! Something that big will kill people! It really will kill people!"
"Ahhhhh, my blood, my blood is being..."
"Silence! What's all this noise about? It's just drawing a third of a blood sample from a test tube; they won't kill you."
Within the Silence Barrier, after a series of tragic howls, Hiyori handed several blood samples to Huayue and then asked Princess Mansherry, who was bound within, with a smile.
"You were the one who cried the most just now. Can you tell me what you were thinking?"
Having had several vials of blood drawn from her alive and forced to swallow bitter-tasting blood- Military Ration Pill, Mansherry gritted her teeth and glared at the adult in front of her, turning her head away and refusing to answer.
However, Huayue turned her head to Leo, as if she had guessed something, and then cast a glance at Kyros.
"I've got it. The punishment for you will also be the price for letting Dressrosa go."
Upon hearing this, the many dwarfs stared warily at the adult before them, wondering what he was talking about.
What do you want?
"Most punishments are meant to teach a lesson and prompt reflection, immersing people in pain and regret. What do you think is the most regrettable thing in the world, yet what causes people to struggle painfully in this world?"
Kyros a chill run down his spine, and two figures he considered his salvation flashed through his mind.
"Scarlett, Rebecca ..."
"You're right. The separation from loved ones is the most regrettable and unforgettable punishment, isn't it?"