One Piece: Rise of Valoria

Dragon and his group stepped into the house Gan Fall had arranged for them. It was spacious yet humble, offering comfort without excess. After Gan Fall bid them farewell, the group settled around a table in the living room, their expressions a mix of curiosity and thoughtfulness.

Ivankov broke the silence. "What do you think of William's strength, and the strength of his kingdom, Dragon-san?"

Dragon crossed his arms, his gaze distant. "William is undeniably powerful; we already knew that. But besides him, I can sense the presence of eight other strong individuals in this kingdom. Two of them are extremely dangerous."

Belo Betty leaned forward. "So, leader, what's the plan? Are you going to join Valoria or try to recruit William to our Revolutionary Army?"

Dragon shook his head slightly. "We need to understand this kingdom better first. Then I'll have a discussion with William. One thing is clear—a man like him will never follow anyone else."

Ivankov nodded. "That's true. William doesn't seem like the type to take orders from anyone."

Hack chimed in. "This kingdom feels different. Did you notice how the citizens treated Brother Tiger and Jinbe? They showed them respect, not fear or prejudice. They even looked at me with kindness. Someone like Brother Tiger wouldn't stay here if William mistreated his people."

Karasu added, "You can see it in the citizens' happiness. They walk freely, unburdened by fear. When William walked with us, the elderly treated him like family, the women asked about his wife's health, and the children surrounded him like he was their big brother. This place feels... right."

Dragon's lips curved into a faint smile. "We'll see for ourselves. Tomorrow, we'll take a closer look at Valoria and learn about its laws."

---

Several days passed since William brought Dragon and his group to Valoria. Now, William was at the hospital after Law sent for him.

When William entered Ginny's room, he found Dragon and his group gathered around the bed. Ginny, holding her baby daughter Bonney, sat near the window, basking in the warm sunlight. Her skin was clear, free of the sapphire scales that once marked her illness. Smiles lit up the room.

William approached Law, who stood near Ginny's bedside. "How is she doing, Law?"

Law nodded. "She's weak right now, but she's fine. Completely healed. All she needs is rest and proper nutrition to regain her strength."

William clapped a hand on Law's shoulder, grinning. "Good job, Law. So, what do you want as a reward? How about I set you up with someone? All the girls in Volaris love you. What's your type? Blonde? Brunette?"

Law's face turned crimson. "I don't care about girls! I only want to train and get stronger."

William burst into laughter. "Are you sure? You're missing out!"

Law stood firm, avoiding eye contact. "Yes, I'm sure. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going back to train."

Before he could leave, William reached into his space dimension and pulled out a stack of books, handing them to Law. "Take these."

Law flipped through one of the books, his curiosity piqued. "What are these, William-ya?"

William smirked. "I got them last month when Rayleigh and I visited an old friend of his. The guy's name is Crocus—he used to be the ship doctor for the stupid old man's crew."

Law's eyes widened slightly. "Thank you. I'll read them, then pass them to Robin-ya. Goodbye."

With that, Law left the room, clutching the books tightly.

Just then, Hancock entered the room, her presence commanding attention. "Husband, I finally found you."

William stepped back, raising his hands defensively. "Why are you looking for me? Didn't you kick me out yesterday when I entered your room?"

Hancock's lips curled into a soft smile. "I think I don't hate you anymore."

William's eyes lit up as he stepped closer and scooped her into his arms. "Really?"

Hancock nodded, and William leaned in for a kiss. Just as their lips met, a baby's cry pierced the air. Startled, William pulled back and glanced at Dragon and his group, who were all blushing and averting their gazes, clearly caught off guard by Hancock's beauty.

William smirked and looked at Sabo. "Hey, stupid kid, close your mouth and stop staring at my wife."

Dragon smacked the back of Sabo's head. "Stop looking at her, or you'll end up as a stone statue."

Sabo yelped and ducked behind Ivankov. "What?! I'm sorry! I didn't mean to!"

The tension eased as laughter filled the room. Kuma stepped forward, bowing slightly. "Sir William, thank you for everything you've done for Ginny and Bonney. I'll never forget your kindness. If you ever need me for anything, I'll do everything I can to help."

William's smile softened. "You don't need to thank me. I'm just glad I could help your wife."

Kuma and Ginny exchanged shy glances, their faces flushed. Noticing their bashfulness, William tilted his head. "Wait a second… You two are husband and wife, right? Don't tell me you're siblings."

Ginny shook her head quickly, her voice trembling. "No, sir, we're not siblings. We…" Her voice faltered as tears welled up in her eyes.

William looked at the sad faces of everyone in the room and said, "What is going on? Can you guys tell me?"

The group exchanged glances before Ginny said softly, "You can tell him, guys."

Ivankov nodded and began, "Ginny was the former East Army commander of the Revolutionary Army. She was captured by the World Government and forced into being the eighth wife of a World Noble. Worse, she became one of Jaygarcia Saturn—one of the Five Elders—'s test subjects. He experimented on her, which led to the development of the Sapphire Scales disease after a failed experiment. She was eventually released from slavery and, with the little time she thought she had left, returned to the Sorbet Kingdom a few days ago."

William's expression darkened. "I see. What about the child in Ginny's arms?"

Ginny panicked and held Bonney tighter. "Please, sir! Don't hurt her. She's innocent!"

Dragon and the others tensed, wary of William's reaction. They knew of his intense hatred for the Celestial Dragons and feared he might harm Bonney for her parentage.

William looked at them. "Why are you all looking at me like that? And why would I hurt this little girl?"

No one replied, so William continued, "Oh, I get it. She's the daughter of the pig you married in Mariejois. Listen, I hate those evil pigs, but I will never hurt an innocent child. Even after I defeat the World Government, I plan to spare their kids, erase their memories, and send them somewhere safe to be raised as orphans."

Belo Betty raised an eyebrow. "Really? You'll spare the children of your enemies? I'm surprised, considering how much you seemed to enjoy killing those two Celestial Dragons in your live broadcast. And let's not forget the video you released of what you did to that Celestial Dragon and his wife in Mariejois."

William smirked. "Oh, I enjoyed every second of it, and I'd do it again. I'll kill every last one of those evil pigs, but I won't harm kids. I'm not a monster."

Belo Betty chuckled. "I think I like you even more now than when I first saw that broadcast."

William smiled and began to say. "Well, being liked by a beautiful..." Suddenly, a chill ran down his spine. He turned to see Hancock glaring at him. Clearing his throat, he turned to Belo Betty. "Listen, I appreciate the attention, but I'm a married man." he stated firmly.

Then, shifting his focus to Hancock, he added softly, "Honey, don't get mad. You're pregnant, and I only have room in my heart for you and my other wives. How about I take you on a date tomorrow? You can pick the place."

Hancock huffed. "Fine. I'll forgive you this time."

She turned to Belo Betty and gave her a charming smile. "Woman, am I beautiful?"

Belo Betty's face turned beet red as she fell under Hancock's charm. "Yes, Hancock-sama." she stammered, her eyes turning into hearts.

Seeing the situation, William quickly stepped in. "No, Hancock. Don't petrify her! She won't do it again."

Dragon wiped the sweat off his brow. "Queen Hancock, please calm down. Belo Betty has a playful personality. I'll make sure she doesn't cross the line again."

The others in the room, still shaking off Hancock's charm, nodded fervently. Belo Betty stared at the ground, avoiding Hancock's gaze. "I'm sorry, Your Majesty," she mumbled. "I won't do it again."

Hancock snorted, then turned to Ginny with a softer expression. "Can I hold your daughter?"

Ginny hesitated but eventually handed Bonney to Hancock. Hancock cradled the baby with a warm smile. "I can't wait to hold mine. How old is she?"

Ginny smiled shyly. "She's six months now. She's the only reason I stayed alive until now."

"What's her name?" Hancock asked.

"Bonney." Ginny replied.

William crossed his arms. "You still haven't told me what's the deal with you and Kuma."

Ginny blushed and looked away. "The two of us lived happy lives together in the Sorbet Kingdom. I even proposed to him once, but Kuma-shi declined."

William raised an eyebrow and looked at Kuma. "Why? Even a stranger like me can tell you love her."

Kuma lowered his head, his face turning red. "I…"

William interrupted. "You know what, Kuma? Didn't you say you'd do anything for me?"

Kuma nodded. "Yes, sir."

"Then I want you to marry Ginny and give little Bonney your last name." William said with a mischievous grin.

Kuma stammered. "Sir, this is no…"

"Are you going back on your word?" William asked, raising an eyebrow.

Ginny stepped in. "Please don't embarrass him, sir. I'm not worthy of him anymore."

Kuma shook his head. "No, Ginny. I'm the one who's not worthy of you."

William sighed and rubbed his temples. "Enough of this nonsense. Ginny, if you keep looking down on yourself because you were a slave, then the Celestial Dragons win. Kuma, whatever your reason is, you need to stop looking down on yourself. you're a man, so act like one. Tell the woman how you feel. And just so you know, neither of you is leaving Valoria unless you're married."

Without waiting for a response, William turned and grabbed Sabo by the collar. "As for you, little punk, I told you to stop staring at my wife. Let's go. I'm asking little Koala to teach you a lesson."

Sabo squirmed. "No, not her! She's too mean. Please, sir, I swear I'll never look at your wife again."

William carried him out of the room, shouting over his shoulder, "Dragon, let's have that talk."

Dragon chuckled and said, "Alright, everyone. Let's leave Ginny to rest."

The group left, leaving Kuma behind with Ginny. 

William, Hancock, Dragon, and the others made their way to the palace. Along the way, William instructed a maid to prepare a banquet for their guests. He then sent another maid to summon his wives, Rayleigh, Shakky, Tiger, Jinbe, Hatchan, and Law.

An important meeting that could shape the future of Valoria and the Revolutionary Army was about to begin.