One Piece Dragon King - Chapter 19
However, explanations were still necessary.
“Old hag… the dragon behind us is actually Hals,” Sabo said, pausing before calling her an old hag.
Sabo was well-mannered but had been forced to learn many things he didn’t like, and he had picked up bad habits from Ace. However, Sabo thought Hals was even more well-mannered than he was; he was always kind and never went too far with his jokes.
It wasn’t really about Hals’ upbringing; he was simply more mature, being an adult. Hals thought calling someone an old hag, especially someone taking care of him, was rude. If it were Big Mom and Garp was there to protect him, he’d be full of taunts.
Sabo didn’t want to look bad in front of his friends.
But since he had already said it, there was no turning back. He glanced at Hals, whose expression hadn’t changed, and sighed in relief.
Hopefully, it wouldn’t leave a bad impression, he thought.
“Hals?”
Dadan heard Sabo’s explanation and paused.
“You think I’m stupid, brat? Hals is a human!”
Dadan seemed irritated.
“Dadan, Hals is a Devil Fruit user. He can turn into a dragon and breathe fire, ice, lightning, wind, stones, and water.”
The last word sounded odd, but Luffy, walking alongside them, was too excited to notice.
Hals didn’t pay much attention, putting the crocodiles down near the bandit hideout.
“Dadan, we’ve caught enough food for the next few days. We’ll just be playing around.”
“Alright.”
Dadan had calmed down, swallowing nervously but saying nothing more.
The group brought the crocodiles inside. Although they had already eaten, the bandits still had some leftovers from the large crocodile, enough for the next day.
Now that they had already eaten, they could save the rest for dinner.
“Looking forward to grilled crocodile tonight,” Luffy said, swallowing.
“You’re always thinking about food. Didn’t you just eat lunch? Are you still hungry?” Ace looked at Luffy.
“No, just excited.”
Luffy replied.
Hals knew their situation but only smiled.
“Ace, Sabo, Luffy, come here for a moment.”
After putting down the crocodiles, Dadan called the trio over.
“Dadan, what’s up?”
Luffy was curious.
“Just come here. I have something to tell you.”
Dadan’s eyes were serious. Seeing it was important, they went over.
Hals, curious, wanted to join but was blocked by a bandit. He thought better of it and stayed back.
Dadan led the three into a small room, closing the door behind them.
“Old hag, what’s going on?”
Sabo felt something was wrong. The bandits seemed off, their looks towards Hals strange. Sabo found it odd. Wasn’t Hals Garp’s grandson? What was the problem?
Dadan lit another cigarette, looking at them seriously.
“Hals is different from you.”
She exhaled smoke.
“How is he different?”
Ace asked.
Though not real brothers or having drunk brotherhood wine, they considered each other true friends. Hals too.
“After you left, Garp told me something.”
Dadan took a deep breath. This was no child’s game.
“Hals encountered pirates. His family was killed, and only he survived, ending up on a deserted island.” Dadan’s eyes were heavy. Hals must have been deeply hurt. She didn’t want them talking about becoming pirates before him, as it would be a painful reminder.
“Garp found Hals and brought him back, adopting him as his grandson.”
“You three want to be pirates, fine, but not in front of Hals. He’s a poor kid.”
“As for Hals becoming a Devil Fruit user, that must have happened after he ended up on the island. Surviving among wild beasts isn’t easy.”
Dadan extinguished her cigarette.
The three were silent after hearing this.
Luffy looked awkward. He remembered telling Hals he wanted to be Pirate King. Now he understood why his grandpa had beaten him up so much.
“What’s wrong, Luffy?”
Dadan noticed Luffy’s unease.
“Luffy, you didn’t tell Hals you wanted to be Pirate King, did you?”
Ace grabbed Luffy’s collar, asking.
“Y-yes, I did. Grandpa brought me, and Hals was there. I said it, and then Grandpa gave me several lumps.”
Luffy’s voice grew smaller, looking fearful, tears welling up.
“Calm down, Ace. Luffy didn’t know. It’s not too late to apologize.”
Sabo intervened.
Ace let go.
“Luffy, you need to properly apologize to Hals, okay?”
“Okay, Ace.”
Luffy’s expression was serious, like he had a big mission to save the world or assassinate some void king.
“Alright.”
Ace patted Luffy’s shoulder.
Hals: “They’ve been in there a long time. Should I stop playing with them and just go train?”
Suddenly, a door opened, and the group walked out.
Then…
*Thud*
Luffy dropped to his knees and bowed deeply to Hals.
Hals: “……”
What’s happening? The future Pirate King is bowing to me?
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