Chapter 260: King's Hope
Charlotte had even considered converting the entire ship into Seastone.
But Vinsmoke Judge only needed to say one sentence to make Charlotte give up—
"It's too heavy!"
The ship's power system wouldn't be able to support the extra weight.
Charlotte remained in Wano Country for an entire month.
It took a full month to mine the Seastone and reinforce the ship's hull with it.
During that time, Charlotte ordered his men to wipe out all remaining forces in Wano and to stay close to Elena.
Elena had been pregnant for ten months—her due date was in the next few days.
Charlotte stayed by her side as usual.
---
Onigashima
After King and Queen returned to Onigashima, they rushed to the main hall.
"Lord King!"
Seeing their frantic expressions, the Beasts Pirates hurried forward.
"Quick! Pack up your valuables and get out of here! We can't stay here any longer!"
King ordered, his expression grim.
Without another word, he turned and walked deeper into the hall.
Hearing King's command, several high-ranking pirates hesitated, confusion written on their faces.
They didn't understand why they suddenly had to flee.
"My Lord! Where is Captain Kaido?"
One of the captains finally spoke up.
They had only seen King and Queen—Kaido was missing.
King froze mid-step.
Slowly, he turned around, his body visibly tense.
For the first time, his usually expressionless face showed deep sorrow.
"Brother Kaido… He… He's dead… Killed by Rockefeller Charlotte, the captain of the Rockefeller Pirates!"
King's voice choked.
There was a pain in his tone that words couldn't express.
"What?!"
The entire hall fell into stunned silence.
How could Kaido be dead?!
Why had Charlotte come to Wano in the first place?!
"No more questions!"
King's sudden outburst sent a wave of fear through the pirates.
"Pack up and leave immediately! This place is no longer safe!"
Seeing King's anger, the Beasts Pirates scattered in panic, hurriedly packing their belongings.
King looked around, taking in the hall where he and Kaido had built their empire over the last five years.
For the first time, tears silently rolled down his face.
But he remembered Kaido's final words.
He couldn't stay here and mourn.
"Queen, watch over them. Don't let anyone act recklessly."
King suppressed his grief, turning to Queen.
Unlike his usual carefree nature, Queen nodded seriously.
Without another word, he walked out of the hall.
King stood in the empty room for a moment.
Then, he headed toward the inner chambers.
As he entered—
The sound of a baby crying echoed through the corridor.
King's heart clenched.
"Lord King!"
The maids lowered their heads fearfully as he approached.
King looked at them.
"Bring the young master. We are leaving Onigashima."
Hearing his words, the servants hurriedly carried Yamato out.
King stared at the crying infant.
A deep ache filled his heart.
He gently took Yamato into his arms, looking at the tiny, wailing face.
King softly whispered a promise.
"I will protect you… Until the day you can stand on your own. Even if it costs me my life."
The moment King spoke, Yamato's crying stopped.
The baby blinked up at him, big, bright eyes curious and innocent.
King smiled slightly.
His normally harsh features softened—even causing the maids to stare in a daze.
Realizing their reactions, King immediately retracted his smile and returned to his serious demeanor.
"Pack your things. We leave immediately."
His stern voice made the maids scramble into action.
Soon, everything was prepared.
King and Queen boarded their ship, bringing the remaining Beasts Pirates with them.
As the ship sailed away from Onigashima, King and Queen stood at the railing.
They both felt a wave of nostalgia.
This place had been their home.
They had built it with Kaido.
"Let's go. It's time to leave."
King turned away from the view, his mind engraving the memory deep in his heart.
He silently vowed—
One day, they would return.
And Yamato would reclaim his father's throne.
"Where are we heading?"
Queen finally asked.
All eyes turned to King—he was now their leader.
King hesitated.
He had no plan—
But as he looked at the sleeping Yamato in his arms, he made a decision.
"Somewhere safe… Until the young master is ready."
He was betting everything on Yamato's future.
Queen sighed, then nodded.
"What about Charlotte Linlin?"
Queen suggested.
"Kaido and her were close, maybe we can take refuge with her?"
The moment King heard Big Mom's name, he shuddered.
That terrifying woman had fallen in love with him the first time they met.
If Kaido hadn't intervened, she might have taken him by force.
King immediately shook his head.
"No. If we go there, we'll be trapped forever."
Big Mom wouldn't allow another strong force to grow under her rule.
And King refused to live under someone else's command.
"The world is vast. We will find a safe place."
His gaze turned toward the endless ocean.
He was determined.
They would survive.
Queen sighed but didn't argue further.
King sat at the ship's table, carefully placing a bottle into Yamato's mouth.
He watched the baby drink peacefully.
"Young master… Brother Kaido's last wish rests on you."
His eyes were filled with hope.
Suddenly—
From the corner of his eye, King noticed something.
On the table, a fruit was changing.
"What…?"
King's eyes widened.
The ordinary banana in front of him was transforming.
Cold air rose from its surface.
"This… Is this a Devil Fruit?"
His heart pounded.
Seeing a normal fruit suddenly turn into a Devil Fruit was a shocking sight.
His gaze shifted to Yamato.
"Is this fate?"
Was this the Devil Fruit destined for the young master?
Hearing King's words, Queen rushed over.
He immediately spotted the fruit.
"A Devil Fruit?!"
Queen was equally stunned.
Without hesitation, King picked it up.
He would safeguard this fruit until Yamato came of age.
The ship sailed farther from Onigashima.
---
The next morning—
Barrett arrived with five swordsmen and over two hundred warriors.
Standing at the ruined port of Onigashima, Barrett surveyed the devastation.
"They've already evacuated."
Scattered belongings and broken structures littered the area.
"Search the island. Make sure no one's left behind."
Barrett ordered.
"And plant the Rockefeller Pirates' flag over this island."
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