Seeing the large, gasping man sprawled on the deck, Dawn was reminded of the two “good people” who had provided him with the mutated fruit on Boing Island. This nouveau riche, with his obese figure resembling that of an “island food,” was in a pathetic state, having nearly been strangled by his own clothes when Sola dragged him along.
Although they were just a bunch of kids, their daily training was intense. After the Golden Lion’s attack, this future elite group was bound to be stronger than in the original story. Dawn led by example, with an intense training regimen that was frighteningly rigorous. Naturally, his companions pushed themselves hard to keep up, growing quickly in size and strength. Tina and Sola, in particular, were already taller than most boys their age.
“What’s this? Dawn is a prince?” Tina, along with Berigood and Shun, who were holding the rescued women, joined in the fun.
“Hey, hey, it’s just a coincidence that we have the same surname. You guys are really bored, aren’t you?” Dawn rolled his eyes and snapped at his friends who had gathered around to tease him.
“Ha ha, but you do have a princely air about you. Your demeanor is quite royal,” Sola chimed in, stirring up more trouble.
“What princely demeanor? Who was it that said I fought like a wild beast just now?” Dawn shot Sola a glare.
“Don’t casually label someone as a prince. I used to live in the Grand Line and was a homeless orphan. How could I be a royal?” Dawn laughed, amused by the situation.
He had never hidden his origins. Although he had inherited the memories of his body’s previous owner, they only included the past two years of wandering. To avoid suspicion, Dawn attributed his mature mindset to the hardships he had faced on Stomach Baron Island. His history of being captured by pirates and sold into slavery, followed by surviving on a deserted island, explained his adult-like maturity.
Many had gone through similar brutal experiences, and such trials often forced children to grow up quickly. Dawn had no qualms about joking about his past. His companions, like Tina and Sola, who learned about his experiences later, admired him and were eager to taste the delicious food he had once described from Stomach Baron Island.
“But Dawn, you really do resemble a prince,” Tina remarked, stifling a laugh.
Unlike the jovial Dawn and his friends, the middle-aged butler Adolf appeared incredulous yet hopeful and excited.
“What’s with that expression, mister?” Sola asked, noticing Adolf’s unusual look.
With Sola’s outspoken nature, her question drew the attention of everyone nearby. Life at sea was dull, and any diversion was welcomed with enthusiasm.
“Forgive me, but your name is the same as our kingdom’s missing prince. And the more I look at you, the more you resemble our king when he was young. So, if it’s not too much trouble…” Adolf began, bowing deeply.
“It’s just a guess based on my name and resemblance. Isn’t that too much to ask?” Dawn asked, puzzled by Adolf’s earnest plea.
“I know it’s a lot to ask, but I will prepare a gift that will definitely satisfy you, no matter the outcome. Please,” Adolf pleaded, bowing even lower.
“Alright, alright, why do you want me to go with you? Just because of a guess based on my name and appearance? There are many people who look alike in this world,” Dawn replied, exasperated.
Although he didn’t mind visiting the North Blue in the future, his current destination was the East Blue. He was more interested in witnessing the execution of Gol D. Roger and the dawn of a new era.
“Our kingdom has a deep knowledge of biology and unique methods for tracing bloodlines. Every royal child has a nameplate. If royal blood is dropped on the plate, it changes color, revealing our lineage’s unique mark. Do you have such a nameplate?” Adolf explained, his tone more controlled.
Noticing the shift in the atmosphere, even Dawn wore a peculiar expression. “What’s going on?” Adolf asked.
“Is this the kind of nameplate you’re talking about?” Dawn said, feeling slightly bewildered by the sudden turn of events.
“That’s it!” Adolf exclaimed, rushing forward to examine the small nameplate Dawn pulled from around his neck. Trembling with emotion, Adolf confirmed it was indeed a unique item from his kingdom.
“Yes, yes! This is it! The design and material are exclusive to our kingdom. It’s a miracle that I found you in such dire circumstances!” Adolf rejoiced, his body shaking with excitement.
“Don’t get too excited. Even if the nameplate belongs to your prince, that doesn’t necessarily mean I am him,” Dawn cautioned, noting the eager expressions of his friends.
Realizing he had to confirm the truth, Dawn reluctantly pricked his finger with a knife and let his blood drip onto the nameplate. The silver nameplate gradually turned golden, much to Adolf’s overwhelming joy.
Adolf, trembling with excitement, carefully wiped the nameplate clean and placed it back around Dawn’s neck before bowing solemnly. “Adolf, royal butler of the Abraham family, at your service, Your Highness.”
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