Led by the spear-wielding Tontatta, Kaido's group passed through the dense forest and arrived at a wide, open clearing.
Surrounded by towering trees, the center of the clearing was flat grassland. Sunlight filtered through gaps in the leaves, dappling the ground with shifting patterns of light. The air was filled with the fresh scent of earth and grass, occasionally punctuated by a few clear bird calls.
"This is a perfect place for a banquet," Kaido said, looking around and nodding in satisfaction. His tall figure cast a long shadow in the sunlight, covering almost half the clearing. He turned to the crew members behind him. "Bring out all the food we brought. Today, we'll celebrate properly with the Tontatta Tribe."
It was only then that Enel, Sebastian, Inuarashi, Nekomamushi, and the others understood why Kaido had insisted on purchasing large quantities of alcohol and meat back in Dressrosa—it was all for this banquet with the small folk.
The crew members immediately sprang into action, taking out various delicacies and drinks from the packs they carried. Soon, the clearing was laden with a sumptuous feast: whole wild boars roasted to a golden crisp, seafood platters exuding tempting aromas, fresh fruits, and all sorts of pastries. Casks were opened, the rich fragrance of liquor beginning to permeate the forest.
Before long, a clamor of voices came from the distance. Dozens of Tontatta tribesmen, led by the sword-wielding one from before, were quickly running toward them. The dust kicked up by their running sparkled in the sunlight, like a group of cheerful little sprites. At their head was a Tontatta wearing a crown and sporting a long beard, holding a scepter with a dignified air—this was undoubtedly their king, Gancho.
Gancho, the Tontatta king standing less than thirty centimeters tall, showed not the slightest fear of Kaido's terrifying stature. He strode forward steadily and said, "Welcome to Green Bit, guests from afar. I am Gancho, the Greatest Tonta Chief of the Tontatta Kingdom." Though his voice wasn't loud, it was full of authority.
"Greetings, King Gancho. Please forgive our sudden visit," Kaido said, leaning down and trying to lower his voice. When he leaned over, his massive frame cast a shadow that almost completely enveloped Gancho. Kaido was genuinely worried that speaking a little too loudly might blow the little fellow away.
King Gancho looked up at Kaido, the sunlight falling on his wrinkled face. "Not at all, not at all. Your arrival at Green Bit is fate. By the way, are you good people?" His eyes shone with an innocent light.
"Wororororo. Of course. To the Tontatta Tribe, we are all good people. After all, I harbor absolutely no ill will toward you," Kaido said to Gancho, his laughter echoing through the forest.
"Oh, that's good then."
Sure enough, just like in the original story, the moment Kaido said they were good people, the entire Tontatta Tribe believed him completely. They immediately let their guard down and began chattering excitedly amongst themselves.
"It's true, they are good people!" a Tontatta wearing a red headband exclaimed, jumping up and down.
"I knew they were good people! But that one big folk... isn't he way too tall?" another Tontatta said, looking up at Kaido's towering figure, his mouth agape in amazement.
"I know! That one's not a big folk, he's a Giant! I heard Giants are a race many times bigger than the big folk!" yet another Tontatta chimed in, pushing up the glasses on his nose bridge with a scholarly air.
"Dummy! Joel just said that person is from the Oni race," another Tontatta interjected.
"Oni race? What's that?" a younger Tontatta asked, tilting his head.
"No idea, but it must be a special race, right?" a Tontatta wearing a chef's hat scratched his head, looking confused.
"Are these Tontatta too naive?" Enel exclaimed, even though Kaido had already mentioned they were naive and quick to believe what others said. Seeing it happen in front of him was still astonishing.
"Yeah, they really are naive. Maybe that's why they have to hide away on this uninhabited little island," Inuarashi mused.
Just then, Kaido had finished directing the crew to arrange the food. He picked up a huge barrel of liquor and addressed the Tontatta. "Come now! Let the banquet begin!" His voice boomed through the forest, startling a flock of birds into flight.
The Tontatta cheered and swarmed forward, their tiny figures looking particularly adorable next to the enormous spread of food.
King Gancho raised his scepter and proclaimed, "To celebrate the arrival of new friends, the Tontatta Kingdom will host a grand banquet!"
"Yay!" The entire Tontatta populace cheered happily and immediately began the festivities.
A group of Tontatta musicians dressed in bright clothing filed in in an orderly procession. Some played delicate trumpets, others beat miniature drums, and some plucked harps meticulously crafted from leaves. The lively, cheerful rhythm seemed almost magical, making one unconsciously want to sway along.
"Tontatta! Let's dance!" King Gancho, holding his royal scepter aloft, was the first to start dancing the Tontatta Kingdom's unique dance. The other Tontatta joined in, holding hands and forming small circles on the soft grass, twirling and dancing merrily. The joyous scene was like a moving painting, full of life and vitality.
After the dance performance, the Tontatta began showcasing their proud acrobatic skills. Several sturdy Tontatta worked together to lift a huge leaf as a stage, while other performers did agile somersaults and astonishingly difficult stunts on top of it. The audience burst into cheers from time to time, applauding and praising the skilled little performers.
"Tontatta! Next is the Tontatta Kingdom's most spectacular performance!" King Gancho announced mysteriously. A group of Tontatta wearing special costumes marched in formation. Thin ropes were tied to their bodies, the other ends attached to various small props.
As the music suddenly became stirring, the Tontatta began moving rapidly. Under their precise control, the small props formed intricate patterns in the air: first the flag of the Beasts Pirates, then Kaido's likeness, and finally, they even formed the characters for "Welcome to the Tontatta Kingdom." This exquisite performance left everyone present in awe.
"That's amazing!" Enel praised sincerely, admiration shining in his eyes. "These little guys really have some skills!"
"And their strength is incredible too. They can easily lift things dozens of times their own size," Inuarashi remarked with feeling.
***
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