Chapter 38: 38. Black Maria

Check out advanced chapters on P@treon: [email protected]/CosmicKaminari ---------- "Oh?" Feigning confusion, Alex asked, "Then, do you know her name?" He glanced at the same girl with two small horns atop her head, already suspecting he knew who she was. As expected, Yamato raised her head and replied, "Her name is Black Maria. She's a year older than me, but she's almost half a body taller." With that, she slipped from Alex's arms and gestured with her hands to show the height difference. "Then, does Yamato remember where she might be?" Alex asked, keeping his tone light. "Of course!" Hearing this, Yamato looked over at Kaidō, a serious expression on her face. "Are you planning to meet her? She doesn't seem to be very welcome here, like me. Her life hasn't been easy." "Indeed, that's one of the unfortunate things about Wanokuni today," Alex replied, standing up from his seat. "But things will change one day. Besides, if you can find a friend in her, it would be wonderful to have someone close to you in Wanokuni." "Friend..." A look of longing crossed Yamato's face. On Onigashima, the only person her age was Jack, but he was always obsessed with fighting and training. Beyond sparring, the two barely had anything else to connect over—more like acquaintances than true friends. "Wait, does that mean you are okay with me staying by your side?" Suddenly, Yamato's thoughts seemed to shift, and she looked at him eagerly. Alex replied easily, "You're already here, aren't you? I don't intend to send you back to Onigashima, and frankly, I'm not sure where they'd even be looking for you." "Besides, I have a cooperative arrangement with your father. He's allowed it, so it's only fair I take good care of you on his behalf." Still a child at heart, Yamato jumped up excitedly. "That's great, Alex!" By this time, the feast was being served. Alex nudged Yamato to fill up first, then led her outside the mansion. The moment they emerged from the square, people spotted them and eagerly waved, offering warm greetings. It was especially meaningful for Yamato. The very same people who had once looked at her with fear or disdain now showed genuine smiles just because she was with Alex. The shift in how they treated her stirred something in her heart. As they made their way past the lively crowds on Pleasure District, the bustle began to thin out as they neared the quieter core of the Flower Capital. "Alex, you're really popular here," Yamato said in awe. Alex looked at her and chuckled, "Do you want that kind of recognition too?" "Yeah! I want to be like you!" She started to gesture excitedly. "I saw that big snake with my father before. He's supposed to be the Shogun, but... it's just not the same." Watching her animated excitement, Alex could see where her dreams were headed. In the original story, Yamato had longed to become like Kozuki Oden. But now, it seemed her ambitions had shifted; she wanted to become a figure as admired and respected as himself. It appeared that the influence he'd had on her was much stronger than he'd realized. And this, Alex thought, would fit perfectly with his plans for Wanokuni's future. "If it is you, then you could be like me and be cheered by the people of Wanokuni," Alex said, finding the key to inspire her. "Huh?! Is that really possible?" Yamato replied, unconvinced. "If it weren't for you, they wouldn't greet me. Some of them would even be scared." She knew well enough that the respect she received on Onigashima was purely because of her father, Kaidō. But unlike that forced reverence, Yamato yearned for a scene she held was revered through the heart: to be genuinely respected, just as Alex was by the people of Wanokuni. What Yamato didn't realize was that, despite the strict reverence for the shogun in Wanokuni, her time walking with Alex in the Flower Capital had left an impression. Even with her horns, people were seeing her through a friendlier lens because of his acceptance. But Alex kept these thoughts to himself, instead continuing his encouragement. "These are just small matters. As long as you support the shogun, you'll earn Wanokuni's cheers in your own right." "How could I ever become a part of your crew?" Yamato's curiosity was clearly piqued. "It's simple, really. Just as your father has his Beasts Pirates, the Shogun of Wanokuni has trusted retainers, the Oniwabanshu. If you became one of them, you'd have the respect of everyone in Wanokuni. And best of all," Alex added, "you'd be able to stay with me." Yamato barely paid attention to the details about the Oniwabanshu and other retainers; all she focused on were the two promises—earning the love of Wanokuni and staying with Alex. "I want that! I want to be part of the Oniwabanshu, Alex!" she shouted, raising her hand excitedly. Alex chuckled. "You can't do it just yet. The Oniwabanshu is a great responsibility, much like the role of the All-Stars among the Beasts Pirates. Right now, you're still too young to compete for such a position. But when you grow stronger, I believe you'll be ready." Yamato nodded, half-understanding, but fully encouraged. These were all future dreams, Alex thought. But one thing was certain—Yamato's loyalty would one day be a great strength. Next on Alex's mind was meeting Black Maria, a native of Wanokuni, destined to be one of Kaidō's Tobi Roppo, with both beauty and skill. Following Yamato's lead, Alex found himself taken to a narrow, out-of-the-way alley. This was already far from the bustling capital and bordered a poor, run-down village, still in the early stages of recovery. Upon arriving, Alex reassured the wary villagers and explained his purpose. The people responded eagerly, several of them offering to guide him to his destination. They finally stopped before a small, isolated house. "Shogun, Black Maria is here," said the villager leading the way. Another chimed in with an explanation, "At first, she was just a normal girl, but a few years ago, she accidentally ate something strange, and her body began to change. Her parents thought she was cursed, and out of fear, they abandoned her here." 'So, she ate a Devil Fruit as a child,' Alex thought, a mix of admiration and sympathy in his mind. 'A fortunate but difficult fate.' Alex nodded in understanding, then stepped forward and opened the door. Inside, a young girl, no older than nine, sat holding a worn-out pipa, practicing her music. She looked up at the sound, her blonde hair and blue eyes strikingly beautiful even at her age. In Wanokuni, her large frame—already nearly two meters tall—was highly unusual. It was almost certain that everyone who saw her would comment on her "unique" looks. "Sho-Shogun Alex!" Recognizing him, Black Maria's eyes widened in awe. Although she was secluded, she'd still heard of the famous shogun of Wanokuni. But realizing he was there for her, she shrank back slightly, nervous. Noticing her unease, Alex stepped closer, gently brushing a stray strand of hair from her face and giving her a warm smile. "Such a lovely little girl, and you'll grow into a fine young woman. Why feel ashamed? Your differences make you unique—and beautiful." "You're a fortunate child in more ways than you know. I came here today just for you, Maria." His gentle words softened her uncertainty. "Come with me," he continued, extending his hand. "You'll become one of the shogun's retainers, and you'll be recognized and respected by all."