While the battle raged in the arena, other members of the Straw Hat crew continued their investigation throughout the city of Dressrosa. Mari walked boldly down the street accompanied by Richie the lion. The citizens quickly moved out of their way, recognizing the dangerous pair. With a combined bounty of 900,000,000 Berries, they were considered high-level threats by the world at large.
Mari appeared relaxed, eating biscuits as she strolled. Whenever she spotted a bakery, she stepped inside and often received a "goodwill discount" from the intimidated shopkeepers. Despite her casual behavior, she remained focused on her mission. Rather than searching in secret, Mari intended to break through Doflamingo's defenses and defeat his subordinates in a direct confrontation.
She patted Richie on the head, signaling him to move. The lion understood and ducked into a nearby alley, successfully cornering a man who had been spying on them. Mari moved even faster, using her unique ability to mark the man with a pattern.
"Are you working for Doflamingo?" Mari asked firmly.
"Yes," the man replied instantly, unable to resist. "I was sent to monitor your movements".
Mari wasted no time and demanded to know the location of the factory and the executive known as Sugar. Once she had the directions, she ordered the man to lead the way while she followed on Richie's back. She then pulled out a Den Den Mushi to share the information with Usopp and the rest of the crew.
Elsewhere, Jango had just finished hypnotizing a guard in another alley. He shook his head when he heard the update, realizing Mari had beaten him to the target. He acknowledged her strength, noting that she truly earned her place as one of the crew's top fighters. He decided to head toward the palace instead, determined to prove his own worth by defeating Doflamingo's officers there.
Meanwhile, Franky and Chopper encountered a strange sight in a remote area. They were stopped by a one-legged toy soldier who was accompanied by a young girl with pink hair. The toy claimed he had an important secret to share. Franky, being bold, placed a nervous Chopper on his shoulder and followed the pair into a secluded alleyway.
"You are Franky the 'Iron Man' and Tony Tony Chopper of the Straw Hat Pirates," the toy soldier said with a polite salute. "This is Rebecca. We know why you are here, and we want to help you".
Rebecca, who was only fourteen years old, bowed to them. Although she carried a sword, she did not appear particularly strong. Franky remained skeptical and asked why they should trust a stranger who might be working for Doflamingo.
The soldier quickly interrupted Rebecca's attempt to explain. He spoke with deep sincerity, admitting that he had no proof to offer. "By my life, we are enemies of Doflamingo," he declared. "In truth, we are here to beg for your help".
Franky could sense the man's conviction. He asked the toy who he had been before he was transformed. The question shocked the toy soldier. He was stunned that they knew toys were originally human, as the world usually forgets anyone who is transformed.
Chopper explained that they had learned the truth from Teacher Carl. He mentioned the executive Sugar and her ability to turn people into toys while erasing their existence from the memories of others. Chopper told him they wanted to know his true identity.
Rebecca stood by, confused by the revelation that toys were actually humans. The soldier toy remained silent for a long moment before finally making a decision. He placed a hand over his chest and spoke with gravity.
"In the Corrida Colosseum, there is a statue of Kyros, the man who won three thousand consecutive victories," the soldier said. "I am that man. I am Kyros".
While Franky and Chopper were unfamiliar with the name, Rebecca was visibly shaken. Kyros explained that he had been the commander of the army under King Riku. When Doflamingo seized the throne eight years ago, Kyros had lost his leg trying to save the king. He was turned into a toy, but because he escaped before a contract could be made, he retained his free will. He had spent the last several years protecting Rebecca, the granddaughter of King Riku.
Tears filled Rebecca's eyes, and both Franky and Chopper were moved to loud sobbing by the tragic story. Kyros explained that he had been waiting for the Straw Hats to arrive so they could finally resist the tyrant. He knelt on the ground, begging them to bring down Doflamingo and free the people and toys of Dressrosa. Rebecca joined him in the plea.
Franky and Chopper shared a smile and gave the pair a thumbs-up. They promised to help, confirming that their mission was already to take Doflamingo down.
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