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"So, where are we headed now? This route doesn't seem to lead back to Wanokuni."
Gion glanced at the route map. After years of traversing the waters leading to the country Alex managed, she could navigate the path with her eyes closed.
"To the famed Land of Love and Passion, Dressrosa—and nearby, Green Bit," Alex replied casually.
Gion furrowed her brow in thought. She was familiar with Dressrosa, a country with a storied history said to predate even the establishment of the World Government. Nestled within a chaotic zone at the juncture of pirate territories, Dressrosa had maintained itself as a relatively stable kingdom, relying heavily on tourism to sustain its economy.
"Green Bit is a massive primeval forest near Dressrosa," Alex explained. "It's home to the Tontatta Tribe, a race of dwarves. They're said to possess an unrivaled gift for cultivating plants, even ones thought impossible to grow elsewhere."
The man-made Devil Fruit is nearing the stage of completion. If it is successful, then mass production and planting of it will need them.
There's also someone Alex wants for his group—Princess Mansherry, who possesses the Heal-Heal Fruit.
He is acutely aware of Mansherry's abilities. Through her own tears, she can heal others and even perform the miraculous feat of limb regeneration, though it comes at the cost of consuming a portion of her own lifespan.
In Alex's eyes, Mansherry's most powerful ability is not just her medical miracles but also the capacity to materialize, store, and transfer the healing power of the fruit. Much like in the plot, the blood drawn from others, shaped like dandelions, serves as an excellent mobile treatment kit.
Despite the time limit, if this ability is used in war, it equates to having a soldier equipped with a blood pack that can restore health in a short time—in other words, a weakened fairy bean.
On the battlefield, this effect is extraordinary. With Mansherry's ability, she can greatly influence the direction of a war.
Therefore, with Mansherry's ability in his country's hands, it can perfectly adapt to future abundant reserves and elite strength.
The ship continued its journey, and within a few days, the flying warship reached the coast of Green Bit, known as the Island of Fairies.
The island was blanketed with towering plants, its dense vegetation resembling a primordial forest untouched by time.
"Wow! Look at these enormous plants—it feels like we've stepped into the kingdom of giants! Do you think the dwarves from the storybooks really live here?" exclaimed Lami, who was perched on Law's shoulders, wide-eyed in awe.
"Giants exist, so why not dwarves?" Alex said with a small smile.
"But I don't see any signs of them, Mr. Alex," Law chimed in, scanning the lush greenery around them with curious eyes.
"They're here," Gion interjected, halting mid-step. Her Observation Haki had already pinpointed numerous small life signs, concealed among the towering trees and dense undergrowth. "They're hiding and watching us."
Her statement proved true moments later.
"Stop! What business do you have here?"
A voice rang out, and a small figure appeared atop a massive vine, blocking their path.
Suddenly, a swarm of little people emerged from the surrounding jungle, each no more than 20 centimeters tall. They sported pointed noses, fluffy tails, and cautious expressions as they surrounded the group.
The Tontatta Tribe's reaction to intruders was one of cautious hostility, but Alex spoke with a natural confidence.
"I am Alex, the king of a nation. Inspired by the deeds of Mont Blanc Noland, I've come here on a matter of great importance to meet the people of the Tontatta Kingdom," he declared.
Gion blinked in surprise. If she recalled correctly, Mont Blanc Noland was the protagonist of the centuries-old tale of the "Liar Noland." What connection could Alex possibly have to a story from hundreds of years ago? And why bring it up now?
She didn't have to wonder for long.
"Hey! Did he say the great hero Noland?!"
"Could he be connected to the great hero? What incredible luck to meet someone like that!"
"Anyone who knows the hero Noland must be a good person!"
The Tontatta Tribe's anxious demeanor melted away in an instant. They lowered their weapons and swarmed Alex with unbridled enthusiasm, their faces lit with innocent smiles.
Gion stood frozen, watching the scene unfold.
'Isn't Noland supposed to be a figure from centuries ago? And they believed him just like that?! These little people are too innocent!'
Alex, noticing her baffled expression, suppressed a chuckle.
The Tontatta Tribe truly were as kind, pure, and sincere as the legends suggested—a race of beings as enchanting as elves.
But Alex had no time to dwell on admiration. For his goals, he needed their trust. And sometimes, trust required a little... persuasion.
Soon, word of his arrival spread, and an even larger gathering of little people assembled. Among them, Alex recognized familiar faces: the tribe's patriarch, Gancho; their princess, Mansherry; and their captain, Leo.
"Honorable King Alexando, you've traveled from afar, and we welcome you warmly," Gancho said with a respectful bow. "May I ask what important matter has brought you to our humble kingdom?"
Alex wasted no time. "I've come to invite the Tontatta Tribe to join my nation," he said bluntly.
The exclamation rippled through the little crowd. While the Tontatta people were carefree about most things, the idea of leaving their homeland was no trivial matter—it was their entire way of life.
Alex continued, his voice steady and earnest. "I wish for you to come to my nation because I aspire to build a land of peace and equality, much like the one Mont Blanc Noland dreamed of. His deeds have inspired me deeply."
"I want to create a place where all races can live together harmoniously."
"You needn't fear for your safety. I possess the means to transport your entire island to my nation. There, you can continue your secluded way of life or explore freely."
"You will be treated with kindness and respect. If anyone ever dares to harm or mistreat you, you can come to me directly—or my subordinates will ensure justice, just as Noland once did."
The Tontatta people exchanged looks, their wide eyes sparkling with admiration.
"As expected of someone who knows the hero Noland! His ideals are so noble!"
It seemed they all came to the same conclusion at once. With a collective nod of agreement, Gancho spoke up. "We accept your proposal, King Alexando!"
Just like that, the fate of an entire race was decided with a single conversation.
Gion, standing to the side, was at a loss for words.
'Their simplicity is almost overwhelming.'
The Tontatta Tribe's innocence ran deeper than she had imagined.