The Shandia People had long been awakened by the sounds of battle. Under the chieftain's call, the entire tribe gathered together, and the newly born children of the tribe also saw another Divine Envoy on the Totem Pole.
Overall, nothing major happened, but the Shandia People still maintained some outdated customs. Due to Norland's arrival hundreds of years ago, the Shandia People abolished cruel practices such as live sacrifices, but certain habits were retained.
For instance, having young girls of the tribe accompany the Divine Envoy. When the chieftain suggested this idea, Zeraora left the Shandia tribe at lightning speed. After chatting with Serperior for a while, he got up and returned to Ghost Island.
Thanks to Enel, after finishing the battle, Zeraora not only didn't feel exhausted but was invigorated. Due to the vast difference, the classic outcome was a full health and mana solo kill of the enemy, making uninformed spectators suspect it to be a staged match.
....
At this moment in Wano Kuni, Kuri, Zeraora's home.
Compared to the simple little house back in the day, it had now been expanded into a standalone villa.
Originally, Zeraora and Setsuna had no intention of expanding, but as more and more people lived there, they had no choice.
Setsuna's parents and sister, the adopted Perona, the followers Bepo and Kuma, the occasionally over-staying Hichugiskhan, and the two newborn children.
Sometimes there were guests from Zou, visits from Yamato, subordinates handing over tasks, and so on.
The original small house could no longer meet their needs, and a new home had become a necessity for the future.
Thus, a house with more complete functionalities was born.
In addition to individual bedrooms and storage rooms, guest rooms, there was now a separate studio and a larger basement.
Perona's only request was for a dark room, and she even insisted on staying in the basement to make it darker.
At this time, Setsuna was outside on the grass exchanging insights with Maria.
Maria didn't have any children, nor was she married, but as she aged, she increasingly displayed maternal behavior. Unlike Charlotte Linlin, whose affection for children was triggered periodically, Maria was like this with most children.
And Zeraora and Setsuna were among the few people Maria knew who already had children.
"Wolf, Miaona! Get down here now!!"
While Setsuna stepped out to get something, upon returning she saw her two children climbing high, now hanging one on each of Maria's horns, seemingly intrigued by them.
His two kids were already two and a half years old, and with age, they had become more lively, or rather mischievous.
"It's okay, Sister Setsuna, if they like it, let them play. They're not heavy anyway."
The two little ones were like plush toys to Maria, and she barely felt anything even if they climbed all over her head.
"That's not the issue. These two little ones are getting bolder. When Lord Arceus came last time, they climbed right onto him. If we don't keep tabs on them, they might just fly to the sky next time."
Setsuna then recounted the siblings' past heroic antics. They were at an age where they feared nothing, coupled with the Fur Race's naturally energetic demeanor, they dared to tousle anyone who came to visit them.
Wolf was the brother, and Miaona was the sister. Their names were simply based on the Fur Race's customs. Wolf got his name because his race seemed to be a white wolf.
The sister was named due to her delay in speaking, often making similar sounds, hence the name.
Under Setsuna's scolding, Miaona climbed down first, while Wolf lingered a bit before coming down.
"Didn't I tell you? Show some manners to our guests, or I'll confiscate your gifts when Zeraora returns."
"But... Maria allowed us to climb up..."
"Yeah, yeah, it's not our fault. Mom, you can't do this!"
The siblings protested, which was met with Setsuna vigorously ruffling their heads.
"That's still not okay. You must have rules. This behavior isn't right. Zou will be near Wano Kuni in a few days, do you still want to go play?"
"Come on, Setsuna, you were wilder than both of them when you were young. I think they mostly inherited your temperament. Teach them slowly; they're still young, and there's a lot of time. It's time for dinner now."
At this moment, Lin and Hatch, who had been out, returned just in time to hear Setsuna educating her children.
They had no intention of meddling with their daughter's parenting but just didn't want to delay further.
Finally, after Wolf and Miaona promised not to repeat such actions, Setsuna sat them each in specially made child chairs.
This was modified from a Rotom cradle, changing its functions as they grew older.
The most noticeable change was from cradle to walker to now becoming a safety seat; Maria was also invited to stay there.
Because of her height, it wasn't convenient for Maria to enter Zeraora's home. Even though they built their room slightly larger, Maria would still have to duck to get inside.
...
"Mom, mom, when is dad coming back? He's been away for... several tens of days already."
Miaona fiddled with her fingers but ultimately couldn't provide an exact number.
"Soon, darling. Dad went to work, and after defeating the enemies, he'll be back shortly, bringing you gifts from there."
After the battle, Zeraora had already contacted Setsuna. Based on the travel time, he'd be back in a few days. Since there was no urgent situation, she hadn't insisted on Zeraora hurrying back but let him handle some matters on other islands along the way.
The two had been on break long enough. If they didn't work, they didn't feel settled.
Seeing the family's happy atmosphere, Maria showed a loving aunt-like smile. However, just as she picked up her teacup, Yamato suddenly rushed over in a hurry.
"Maria! Do you have a moment? Something big happened!"
"Hmm? What happened? Need help? I don't have anything going on."
"In that case, come along. I've just called Jack, let's get going."
"Wait a minute, you haven't even told me what's going on?"
"It's about the Steel Crow taxi. Today, Taxi No. 28 didn't return, the Corviknight also lost contact, and none of the islands along the route have seen it. I think your godfather is getting a bit angry. Let's go find it."
The Corviknight taxi had been operational for more than a year without any incidents until now. Not only did the passengers not reach the destination, but the Corviknight also disappeared.
The Pokemon created by Arceus wouldn't betray him for no reason; the only possibility was that something happened...