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Chapter 753: We Mustn't Disappoint the King!
Chapter 753: We Mustn't Disappoint the King!
On an island belonging to the Laya Kingdom, a battlefield located a fair distance from the Fruit Domain.
The war had paused momentarily, leaving behind countless corpses—some clad in the uniforms of the Dressrosa Army, others in the simple grass-leaf garb of the Raja Kingdom Army. The ground was stained with dried or still-fresh blood, while scattered weapons lay buried in dirt and crimson. In this smoke-choked battlefield, the carnage was undeniable.
"We can't keep fighting like this!" shouted an officer inside the Dressrosa Army headquarters, slamming his fist onto the table. "If we continue, we won't last much longer!"
"Agreed", another officer nodded. "What's going on? These people are resisting far more fiercely than expected! In previous conquests, once we broke their morale, they surrendered immediately. But why are these people so persistent? We aren't destroying their homes—we’ve only fought them head-on. Surely no one acted without orders?"
"Impossible. Everyone knows our principles. King David himself declared that war must be honorable—crush the enemy, nothing more. We wouldn’t stoop to despicable acts", the first officer snapped.
"Supplies are running out", a third officer sighed. "Weapons can be replaced, but food is nearly gone. This Farming Region may have Devil Fruit, but relying on them alone lowers morale."
"Worse, medical supplies are scarce. The climate here is cursed—plagues and pests are rampant. Some illnesses are incurable. The jungles here make even our Green Bit look shallow", another lamented.
They were part of the three-pronged campaign that had invaded the Laya Kingdom. The other two fronts had already conquered their target islands and towns, but this force was stuck in a bloody stalemate.
The Laya Kingdom fought with a vengeance, as if possessed by ancient hatred. They threw themselves at the enemy with suicidal desperation, determined to drag every Dressrosa soldier into the grave with them. Without King David’s accumulated prestige and his reputation as the Knight King, the army would have collapsed long ago.
Even so, with dwindling resources, they felt their strength fading. If the war continued, they would lose.
"There's no need to worry", a voice cut in as the tent flap lifted, revealing two figures.
One had a mechanical leg, his gait slightly unsteady. The other was a pink-haired girl in military attire, her once-adorable face hardened with battlefield resolve.
"Officer Cyrus! Officer Rebecca!" The officers rose respectfully.
Cyrus, the campaign's commander, was a veteran respected by all. His fame dated back to King Riku’s reign, and his combat prowess had earned loyalty even among newer recruits. Moreover, he was King David’s brother-in-law—married to the eldest daughter of former King Riku Dold, while David had wed the younger sister, Viola.
"News just arrived—the King arrives soon", Cyrus announced. "Once he’s here, this war will end."
Frankly, Cyrus disliked war, but David had convinced him with a vision:
"To let others live as prosperous as Dressrosa—wouldn’t that be better? We’re not enslaving, merely uniting. Those suffering under wicked kings deserve freedom, equality, to thrive in love and hope."
These words had humbled Cyrus. David, who seized the throne through military might yet governed with progressive ideals, had surpassed even the legendary Pansha of eight centuries past.
The Dressrosa Colosseum still stood, but no longer held slaves. Fighters were free citizens who signed contracts—competing for glory or gold, not chains. Conquered peoples were treated equally, integrating seamlessly into society. David had inherited Donquixote Doflamingo’s legacy, discarding oppression while embracing progress. That was why he was loved.
Even these officers hailed from diverse backgrounds—some from once-conquered lands. The only exception was Sugar, but even there, David had been transparent.
All was for unification.
And that righteous man, the Knight King, had kept his word. Even former King Riku Dold had been appointed as a minister, entrusted to govern without fear of rebellion.
This was Dressrosa—a land once torn by rebellion—but David dismissed such worries. His grand vision was world peace, even if it meant wading through blood.
Such resolve, compassion, and vision had won Cyrus’ loyalty.
"The King is coming?!" The officers perked up at Cyrus’ words.
"We can't let him see our morale so low!" shouted a scarred officer, his face etched with tribal tattoos. "I won’t disappoint him! He gave my primitive tribe hope, welcomed us into Dressrosa’s civilization. He saw us not as savages, but as equals. When he recognized my command talent, he promoted me without hesitation!"
"Agreed! Let’s fight one more battle!"
Another officer stepped forward. "I’ll lead the charge. We’ll push the frontlines forward!"
"Count me in! The Dressrosa Army has conquered countless nations—we won’t fall here!"
One by one, hands rose in solidarity.
(End of Chapter)
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