One Piece: Heaven-Defying Talent

"If that's the case, then Leo, you'll come with me," Chiba said, pressing down on Leo. He couldn't help but grin as he played with Leo's fluffy tail.

Leo scowled, clearly annoyed, but he restrained himself. After all, Chiba possessed a technique capable of transforming a small Tontatta like him into a towering giant—a skill Leo desperately wanted to learn.

"When will you teach me the technique to turn into a giant?" Leo asked, eyeing Chiba intently.

"Whenever you want," Chiba replied with a mischievous smile.

"Then I choose now. Teach me immediately!" Leo declared, his gaze unwavering. He scrutinized Chiba's reaction. If Chiba was genuinely willing to share such a powerful ability without hesitation, then perhaps he could be trusted. If not, Leo would know he was just being used.

Chiba chuckled. "Of course. No problem."

Without another word, Chiba pressed a finger to Leo's forehead. A rush of mysterious knowledge flooded Leo's mind, embedding itself deep within his consciousness.

Thanks to Chiba's immense strength, he could directly transmit techniques in this manner. The information Leo received wasn't the full, unrestrained version of World-Shaping Arts, but a simplified form of the Titan Ascension Technique, significantly reduced in power. Even so, it was more than enough for a Tontatta to grow to the size of the giants that roamed the pirate world.

As Leo began to absorb the new knowledge, his expression shifted from curiosity to awe. The supernatural power flowing through his mind far surpassed anything he had encountered in his Qi training exercises. If he could fully master this ability, his strength would increase exponentially.

Leo turned to Chiba with renewed determination. "You may have a sharp tongue, but I can tell your actions are sincere. I've decided—my people and I will follow you. This time, we're with you wholeheartedly."

Chiba laughed aloud. "Oh? So you weren't really on board before?"

Leo glanced at him, unamused. "That's right. I had to test you. If you'd been lying or just using us, we would've repaid you in kind. But now that you've shown sincerity and shared this incredible power, I've made up my mind. We'll dedicate ourselves to helping you become the Pirate King of this sea!"

Chiba's laughter grew louder. "Hahaha! With your help, Leo, even a Tontatta like you, I'll surely claim the title of Pirate King!"

Leo's face reddened with anger. "You're mocking me, aren't you? Don't look down on me! I meant what I said—I'll work tirelessly to make you the Pirate King!"

Bista and the others nearby couldn't help but laugh at Leo's fiery response, which only fueled his embarrassment further. He glared at them all, his cheeks puffed out in frustration.

Off to the side, Rebecca watched the scene with envy sparkling in her eyes.

Cyrus stepped beside her, his voice soft. "Rebecca, you're free now. Dressrosa has its king back, and you have me. You don't need to worry anymore. You can go out to sea with them if you want."

But Rebecca shook her head. "We defeated Doflamingo, but he was a Celestial Dragon and king of the underground. His followers haven't disappeared, and the Celestial Dragons might retaliate. I have to stay in Dressrosa to protect it and face any threats that come."

She paused, then continued, "Father, I think you should join Chiba-sama. You'll become stronger under his guidance. When you've grown strong enough to protect Dressrosa, that'll be the time for me to leave."

Cyrus was stunned by Rebecca's words, but they made sense. For the good of Dressrosa, he had to consider it. Turning his gaze to Chiba, he decided to take the leap.

Cyrus approached Chiba and knelt on one knee, looking up at him with resolve. "Chiba-sama, I want to follow you. Please accept me."

Chiba glanced at Rebecca, noticing the pleading look in her eyes. He gave a small nod. "We've worked together before, Cyrus. If you're serious, I could use a guard for my lab. Are you willing to take that role?"

Cyrus beamed with joy. "I'd be honored!"

Rebecca had told him stories of others who had stayed by Chiba's side—Marine officers who'd abandoned their ranks to join him. One of them had even agreed to a seemingly menial role guarding the lab, knowing it meant closer proximity to Chiba's innovations.

[•———•——•———•]

𝙥𝗮𝙩𝙧𝙚𝙤𝙣(.)𝙘𝙤𝙢/𝙂𝙤𝙙𝙊𝙛𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙧

✨ • 𝗘𝘅𝗰𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀: 𝙂𝙚𝙩 𝟲𝟬+ 𝙖𝙙𝙫𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙙 𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙥𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙖𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙤𝙛 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙚𝙡𝙨𝙚.