Enel was still in a daze.
But Michion wouldn’t let him stay like that. Waving his hand before Enel’s face, he said, “Snap out of it. We need to leave here quickly. It won’t be good if these brats’ parents come looking for trouble.”
“Oh… okay…” Enel stuttered, coming back to his senses.
He had many questions but didn’t know how to ask them. He couldn’t understand why someone of such high status would notice an insignificant ant like him. His head was heavy from the beating, making it hard to organize his thoughts.
Noticing Enel’s hesitation, Michion looked around and, in a lighthearted tone, said, “We can discuss your questions later. Do you have a safe place to go?”
Enel looked at the fallen bullies with anger and hatred. But hearing Michion’s words, he paused and nodded, leading Michion into the forest.
Returning home was impossible now. The bullies would indeed seek revenge once they woke up. And with dinner time approaching, it would be even more troublesome if their parents found out.
After walking into the forest for a while, they stopped halfway through. Enel, exhausted from the beating, collapsed to the ground.
“Why did you save me?” Enel asked, looking at Michion hesitantly.
“Ah, I just couldn’t stand their ugly faces. Reminded me of some people I dislike,” Michion replied, narrowing his eyes and casually gathering wood to make a fire.
“But we’re just strangers. Why would you get involved for someone you don’t know?” Enel’s face showed disbelief.
He couldn’t understand why someone would go out of their way to help a stranger. In his small world, he was constantly ridiculed and humiliated, and no one ever stood up for him.
Long ago, someone took pity on him and showed some kindness, but they were ostracized and eventually stopped helping. In the end, everyone avoided him due to the general dislike.
Seeing Enel’s confusion, Michion smirked and said, “I mentioned that I’m also a marine, right? And marines are known for sticking their noses into other people’s business.”
Michion then briefly explained the situation in the Blue Sea, giving Enel an initial understanding.
“Why would they fight for strangers?” Enel asked, incredulous, murmuring to himself.
“Of course, not everything in the world is good. There are things we can’t change,” Michion continued, knowing it was crucial to shape Enel’s perception now without making him a marine zealot.
It was time to mix in some personal opinions.
Michion spoke of the good in the world and then introduced the darker side by explaining the deeds of the Celestial Dragons. Though Enel hadn’t witnessed such atrocities, Michion’s guidance helped him relate deeply, comparing the Celestial Dragons to the bullies tormenting Enel.
With vivid examples, Michion made Enel imagine how it would feel if those who bullied him acted like the Celestial Dragons, making the young boy understand the horrors.
Finishing his explanation, Michion then shared the wonders of the Blue Sea and the legends of the powerful adventurers who roamed the vast oceans, hoping to captivate Enel’s interest.
After all, Michion knew that Enel would later yearn to reach the Endless Vearth. Inviting him to adventure in the Blue Sea would be easier if he could intrigue him now.
For Enel, this day was extraordinary.
He met someone who would change his fate and shatter his narrow worldview. He learned of the vast and exciting world below Sky Island, filled with endless deserts and the Grand Line’s Reverse Mountain, which defied gravity.
He couldn’t imagine such a fascinating world. It was beyond his comprehension, and he craved to see it himself.
But he hesitated, breathing heavily, drenched in sweat. This was a new path, a new life! It all seemed like a dream, and his injured head kept reminding him it might not be accurate.
But the voice he heard was so enchanting.
“So, will you come with me to the Blue Sea to experience this wonderful world?” Michion asked, looking into Enel’s eyes filled with longing and desire.
“Become my companion! Let’s make the sea rise in waves for us!”
Michion’s passionate voice resonated with Enel, leaving him momentarily lost in thought.
Seeing Enel’s dazed expression, Michion realized he might have been too presumptive. He had compared the arrogant Enel of his past life to the current Enel, who was still resilient despite the hardships.
The current Enel wasn’t yet the arrogant “god” of the future. Even without a Devil Fruit, Michion believed Enel could become a strong individual with proper guidance.
And if Enel did eat the fruit, Michion believed he would likely accept his invitation, given his current state.
Enel was like a frog in a well, thinking the Sky Island was the entire world. And more isolated as the only one bullied and ostracized.
Perhaps after gaining the Rumble-Rumble Fruit’s power and realizing he was still alone, filled with anger, Enel became the arrogant “god” of the past.
But now, he was just a weak, lonely outcast longing for companions.
Michion’s task was simple: genuinely invite Enel to be his companion, as the lonely outcast still yearned for camaraderie.
He hadn’t reached despair yet. Perhaps being a “god” was Enel’s desperate self-title after failing to find kinship.
“If there’s no one like me, then I’ll stand above everyone!”
That could be what Enel thought, becoming the arrogant figure people disliked.
But now, it was different. Hearing the invitation from the man before him, Enel knew he wanted to follow this man and experience the world’s wonders!
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