508 Starting from One Piece

When Gion spoke with Kaito, Viola merely watched quietly from the side. She was a smart woman and knew exactly when she should show herself.

After a brief chat, everyone returned to the palace.

Upon seeing Kaito, King Riku was practically ready to abdicate on the spot. He moved out immediately, handing the entire palace over to Kaito.

Kaito was completely stunned by this. Even Shirahoshi was dumbfounded. She had thought her own father was already humble enough before Kaito, but seeing King Riku made her finally understand what "there's always someone better" truly meant.

It was worth mentioning that when night came, Gion did not share a room with Kaito. She lightly kissed his forehead and teased,

"Tonight I'm going to sleep with Shirahoshi and the others to deepen our bond. What do you think?"

What could Kaito say to that? It was just one night — it meant nothing to him.

Arriving at the luxurious room King Riku specifically prepared for him, Kaito entered the Dragon God Realm once again and started tinkering inside.

He hadn't been inside long when the door was quietly pushed open. A slender figure tiptoed in.

It was Viola. Tonight, she wore a purple silk nightdress, exuding a mature allure.

She looked somewhat nervous. Although she usually acted bold in front of Kaito, sneaking into a man's room in the middle of the night was a first for her.

But when she approached the bed, she realized Kaito wasn't here.

Viola blinked in confusion and touched the sheets, finding a faint warmth still lingering — clearly, Kaito had only just left.

Taking advantage of his absence, Viola walked over to a floor-length mirror, fixed her hair, and even struck a few fiery dance poses.

After that, she kicked off her shoes, slipped into the bed, and quietly waited for Kaito's return.

Inside the Dragon God Realm—

Inspired by the rear garden he'd seen today, Kaito built a large garden of his own. Countless flowers bloomed, vibrant butterflies fluttered everywhere — just looking at it was a delight.

Clapping his hands, Kaito said softly,

"Not bad, looking better and better. In a while, I can move Shalria and the others in. Oh, right, still missing something."

He snapped his fingers, and several thick orange trees rose from the ground.

"Nami and Nojiko should like this."

He plucked an orange through the air; its peel fell off automatically mid-air, and when it reached his hand, it was already a whole peeled fruit.

He pulled off a segment and put it in his mouth. The orange melted on his tongue, the sweet-sour juice spreading through his mouth. Kaito was very satisfied with the quality of the oranges he'd made.

What could he do? With the power of a Dragon God, being willful was easy. Whatever he wanted, a single thought was enough.

He had only been inside for about ten minutes, yet he had already finished an entire large garden. Now that was efficiency.

...

Returning from the Dragon God Realm, Kaito lifted the quilt and lay down — only to discover someone was already in his bed.

He immediately sensed something strange. He didn't even need to use perception; the sensation under his hand was enough.

Kaito yanked open the quilt, revealing—

Viola pushed herself up from the bed and said softly,

"Kaito, you came back so soon. I thought I'd have to wait a long time."

"Uh… so why are you here? Does Gion know?"

Kaito clearly remembered Viola leaving with Gion. With Gion's strength, how did Viola slip past her?

Viola smiled and said,

"Of course Gion knows. Otherwise I wouldn't have dared come. But I waited until Shirahoshi and the others fell asleep before slipping out. Don't worry!"

"What do you mean I shouldn't worry? You should be the one worried. It's the middle of the night — aren't you afraid…"

Viola suddenly reached out and covered Kaito's mouth. Leaning close, she whispered,

"What's there to be afraid of? Ever since the day you saved Dressrosa, I've been waiting — waiting until now for this chance. Why would I be afraid?"

Kaito moved her hand away and said seriously,

"If you're just trying to repay me, then there's no need. For me back then, it was simply my duty."

Viola slowly shook her head. She took Kaito's hand and placed it on her chest, saying softly,

"Repaying you is part of it, sure… but what woman wouldn't be moved by a man like you? I've already set my heart on you. Tonight, I'm becoming your woman."

Her confession was direct and unreserved. Kaito steadied himself. Without saying a word, he lay back down on the bed.

The lights went out. In the darkness, a bright smile blossomed on Viola's face. She leaned down and pulled the blanket up.

...

The next morning, everyone was eating breakfast in the hall. Rebecca asked with a puzzled expression,

"Eh? Where did she go? She wasn't there when I woke up. Why isn't she here for breakfast?"

Gion glanced at Kaito, who was gulping down milk with a "glug glug," and said with a smile,

"She couldn't sleep last night and went out for a walk. She's probably back in her room sleeping now. Don't worry about her — let's eat first."

Rebecca didn't think much of it. She nodded and used her fork to pick up a piece of tender fish, placing it on Shirahoshi's plate. After spending a night together, the two pink-haired princesses had already become good friends. Rebecca smiled and said,

"Shirahoshi, today's steamed bass is really good. You haven't taken even one bite — it'd be such a shame not to try it!"

A bead of sweat rolled down Shirahoshi's forehead. She forced a smile and said,

"Thank you, Rebecca, but I really don't like eating fish. You should have it!"

Saying that, she moved the fish back to Rebecca's plate.

Kaito explained for her,

"Rebecca, did you forget Shirahoshi is a mermaid princess?"

Rebecca suddenly understood. She slapped her forehead and said,

"Ah, right! My mistake. I'm really sorry, Shirahoshi!"

Shirahoshi quickly waved her hands,

"It's okay! I should have said so earlier!"

Curiously, Rebecca patted Shirahoshi's long legs and asked,

"But Shirahoshi, I remember mermaid girls usually have fish tails… am I remembering wrong?"

Shirahoshi then explained some mermaid-tribe knowledge to her. After listening, Rebecca sighed,

"What an amazing race. I definitely want to visit Fish-Man Island someday!"

"Mm-hm! You're always welcome on Fish-Man Island!"