The Golden Ark touched down smoothly on its custom landing gear on Golden Island. Shakky, beaming with pride, showered praise on Golden Lion Shiki, who eagerly floated over to help. With a flourish, he levitated two Poneglyphs and brought them down for inspection.
Joey Boy's apology Poneglyph was fair game for the archaeologists to study, but the red Road Poneglyph? That was locked away alongside the texts detailing Poseidon and Pluton. Only if these scholars earned Brook's trust with some serious contributions would he even consider letting them peek at it!
The red Road Poneglyph was a puzzle—without all four, translating the ones they had wouldn't pinpoint the Final Island. Brook pondered: could three Road Poneglyphs narrow it down? After some thought, he realized three weren't enough for a precise location.
He knew the whereabouts of three already, but finding the fourth? That was a tall order. It might mean toppling the Rocks Pirates and turning the New World upside down to uncover that final red Road Poneglyph!
For now, whether Roger became Pirate King was up to Brook. Without his say-so, Roger could sail until his dying day and never lay eyes on that last Road Poneglyph!
Watching the eager archaeologists, Brook laid out their mission: head to the Tree of Knowledge and convince some research scholars to join Vegapunk as assistants. Do that, and they'd get priority access to the Poneglyphs.
Thanks to their efforts, these archaeologists became Brook's "guides" and "Ohara-traitors," contributing to the mighty Hell Pirates' cause!
...
Ohara-Golden Island floated high above a steel suspension bridge, with Dressrosa on one side and Green Bit Island on the other.
Green Bit's scenery was breathtaking—dense primeval forests teeming with vibrant, competing flora. Ferocious fighting fish had cut the island off from the world for two centuries, leaving it a haven of untouched wilderness.
The island's only intelligent inhabitants were likely the Tontatta Tribe, a diminutive race. Despite centuries of unchecked growth, their population hadn't exploded, remaining surprisingly stable.
Brook waved a hand, and his Cloud Hera drifted over, carrying him downward. Shiki, Linlin, Stussy, Shakky, and other airborne crewmates followed close behind.
Redfield fired up the Golden Ark again, ferrying the rest of the crew down. Scientists like Vegapunk and ship doctor Crocus needed to hit the ground for fieldwork, scouring the island for useful materials.
The Tontatta Tribe, however, had gone into lockdown the moment Ohara-Golden Island arrived. Every tiny person vanished into the undergrowth, invisible to the naked eye.
But Observation Haki was another story. The Tontatta weren't just small—they packed surprising power, with some warriors boasting real strength. If they showed hostility or let their presence slip, Brook's Haki would pick them up. Catch one, and the rest would be easy—those little guys couldn't lie to save their lives!
Brook had a plan to coax them out. He pulled out a megaphone Den Den Mushi and, ignoring Shakky's protests, plopped a chestnut-shaped hat onto her head.
"Hey, Tontatta Kingdom! You out there? Remember Noland? This gal next to me is Shakky Noland—she loves playing with your fairy folk!"
Brook bellowed through the megaphone, one hand pinning a squirming Shakky in place. He was counting on her to play along with his bluff.
Four hundred years ago, Noland the Liar saved the Tontatta Tribe from invaders, teaching them about plants and earning hero status in their hearts.
Sure enough, the name "Noland" stirred the underbrush. Whispers like fairy murmurs rustled through the leaves!
The Tontatta remained cautious, though—until Brook shoved Shakky, chestnut hat and all, into the spotlight. The forest fell silent for a moment, then erupted in excited chatter.
"Are you Shakky Noland? Noland's descendant?!"
A hopeful voice rang out. Shakky scanned the ground and spotted a Tontatta, barely 20 centimeters tall, with a pointy nose and a fluffy tail.
"Uh, yep, that's me—Shakky Noland! Thrilled to meet you, little fairy!"
Shakky shot Brook a glare—make me act, huh?—but she leaned into it. The chestnut hat and Noland name were clearly the keys to winning their trust.
"Amazing! The heir of the great hero Noland is here! Everyone, come out!"
The Tontatta bought it hook, line, and sinker, calling his friends to meet the "hero's descendant."
...
Redfield watched the Tontatta swarm out, his face blank but his lips twitching. Were they really this gullible? Then, a rare, genuine smile crept across his face. Maybe these pure, honest little creatures were his kind of people.
He crouched beside Shakky, chatting with the Tontatta, his usual icy demeanor melting into something warm and sincere.
Golden Lion Shiki and Whitebeard Newgate gaped. Was this the same cold-as-ice Redfield? The guy who zapped them without mercy?
Newgate's grin widened, his crescent mustache curving like a crescent moon. He joined the Tontatta, his massive frame a playground as dozens of them clambered onto his shoulders, giggling and introducing themselves.
Newgate soaked it up, memorizing every name, nearly blurting, "Be my sons!" in his joy.
Shiki stared, dumbfounded. Where was the warrior spirit in these guys?
Then he saw Charlotte Linlin laughing and playing with a gaggle of Tontatta. Was he the odd one out, too cool for this vibe?
At least Brook, his captain, hadn't stooped to such childish antics. Shiki and Brook were the true elite, above this nonsense!
He let out a relieved sigh—until he caught Brook gently petting a blonde Tontatta beauty with a tender touch. Shiki's jaw dropped. I'm the clown here?!
Should he join them? Petting a Tontatta wouldn't be that bad, right?
Shiki lit a cigar with trembling hands, closing his eyes in mock agony.
"I'm the mighty Shiki! I'd sooner jump into the sea than do this!"
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+280 chapters on p@treon/tambeerg