Chapter 90: Troubling News Arrives

  The icy winds swept across the towering Drum Rockies, carrying with them the crystalline sparkle of freshly fallen snow. At the summit stood the imposing figure of Dalton, his fur-lined cloak billowing behind him. Beside him was Dr. Kureha, the eccentric yet brilliant physician, bundled in her patchwork coat and sipping from a steaming mug. The pace loomed behind them, its walls glinting in the winter sunlight, a stark contrast to the wild, rugged ndscape.

  “You know, Dalton,” Kureha began, her voice ced with dry humor, “when you win this election and become king, you might want to move into the pace. You’d finally stop looking like a nomad herding sheep on these mountains.”

  Dalton scratched the back of his head, his expression sheepish. “I haven’t decided if I want to live there. The pace feels... too grand for me. I’ve always been more comfortable with the people.”

  Kureha smirked, taking another sip from her mug. “Oh, please. You’re going to be a king, not a shepherd. Act like it. Besides, someone needs to keep this pce from falling apart. Who better than the big, noble Dalton?”

  Dalton chuckled nervously, rubbing his chin. “I suppose you have a point, but—”

  Before he could finish, a familiar voice called out.

  “What’s this about being a king?”

  The two turned to see Goku strolling toward them, his wild bck hair and straw hat standing out starkly against the snowy backdrop. He looked as casual as ever, hands behind his head, his carefree grin warming the chill air.

  Dalton sighed. “Oh, Goku. It’s... a complicated matter. I might be elected king of this isnd.”

  Goku tilted his head, his brows furrowing. “Elected? Kings aren’t elected by the people. They’re chosen.”

  Dr. Kureha raised an eyebrow, her smirk widening. “And who do you think does the choosing, monkey boy?”

  Goku blinked, then scratched his head. “Uh... someone strong? Or maybe someone with, like, a big shiny crown?”

  Kureha ughed, a sharp bark of amusement. “Wrong. He’s chosen by the people, kid. A king who serves his people is chosen *by* them. That’s how it works here.”

  Goku’s eyes widened in understanding, and he nodded. “Huh. Okay, you’ve got a point. That’s pretty smart.”

  Kureha raised her mug in mock toast. “Of course it’s smart. I said it.”

  Goku’s grin returned, but his expression grew curious. “So, Dalton, if you’re gonna be king, does that mean you’ll have a queen?”

  Dalton froze mid-thought, his face turning a shade of red that rivaled the setting sun. “A q-queen? I haven’t thought about that...”

  Kureha seized the opportunity, her grin wicked. “Oh, good question! Every king needs an heir, and every heir comes from a queen. So, Dalton, when are you pnning to get hitched?”

  Dalton stammered, holding up his hands. “I-I haven’t thought about anything like that in a long time. My focus has been on the people and protecting the isnd.”

  “Come on,” Kureha teased, poking him in the ribs with her bony finger. “What kind of king are you pnning to be? You’ll need someone to keep you in line. And an heir doesn’t just magically appear, you know.”

  Goku, enjoying the conversation, chimed in with a wide grin. “Yeah, Dalton! You could have a little prince running around, just like those stories about kings and knights and stuff. Sounds fun, huh?”

  Dalton let out a long sigh, his face buried in his hands. “I really haven’t given it any thought. And now I’m starting to regret this whole ‘king’ idea.”

  Kureha cackled, patting him on the back. “Don’t worry, big guy. You’ve got time. But don’t wait too long. Those heirs don’t make themselves!”

  Goku scratched his chin thoughtfully. “Hey, if you do get a queen, what kind of person would you want? Someone who can fight? Or maybe someone who can cook really good food? Oh, or someone super smart, like a doctor!”

  Kureha gave him a sidelong gnce. “Are you trying to hint at something, kid?”

  Goku ughed, waving his hands. “No, no, I’m just saying! Dalton seems like the kind of guy who needs someone strong to keep him grounded. I am not just talking of physical strength mind you. There are other kinds of strengths.”

  Dalton, feeling cornered, groaned. “Can we change the subject, please? I think I’ve had enough talk about queens and heirs for one day.”

  Kureha raised an eyebrow. “Suit yourself, but don’t come crying to me when the people start asking about it. A king without a queen is just... sad.”

  Goku chuckled, patting Dalton on the shoulder. “Don’t worry, Dalton. If you ever need advice, I’m your guy. I don’t know much about queens, but I’m great at getting females!”

  Dalton shook his head, a reluctant smile breaking through his exasperation. “Thanks, Goku. I’ll keep that in mind.”

  As the three stood there, the sun began to dip lower, casting a warm orange glow over the snowy peaks. Despite the teasing, a sense of camaraderie filled the air, a bond forged in their shared love for the isnd and its people.

  The wind howled as the sun began its descent, painting the Drum Rockies in hues of orange and purple. Dalton, Dr. Kureha, and Goku stood atop the mountain, their conversation on kingship hanging in the crisp air. Suddenly, the mechanical ctter of a ski lift broke through the serene atmosphere.

  Dalton turned toward the sound, his eyes narrowing. The lift creaked to a stop, and out poured a group of armed vilgers, their faces pale and frantic.

  “Dalton!” one of them shouted, his voice cracking with urgency. “Dalton, we need you!”

  Dalton stepped forward, his brows furrowed. “What’s wrong? What happened?”

  The vilger, clutching a makeshift spear, panted heavily as he expined. “It’s Wapol! He’s returned! We saw him fighting the group of pirates earlier. They were going at it near the river, but then… then he fled! He’s gone, but we don’t know for how long!”

  Before Dalton could respond, two figures emerged from behind the group, stepping out into the light. Zoro and Gin strode forward, their clothes dusted with snow and their expressions grim.

  “We took care of his henchmen,” Zoro said, resting his hand on the hilt of one of his swords. “But the coward and his two ckeys disappeared in the chaos.”

  Gin nodded, his tonfas slung over his back. “They ran like rats the moment things got tough.”

  Dalton’s jaw tightened, and his eyes darkened. “Wapol… He’s always been a coward, but this… this is different. He’s scheming.”

  Dr. Kureha, leaning on her cane, scowled. “That pompous fool never knows when to quit. He’s like a bad case of frostbite—just keeps coming back.”

  Goku, who had been listening silently, suddenly perked up. “Wait a minute,” he said, his eyes narrowing. “Is this Wapol guy the same one who ran off when the Bckbeard Pirates invaded?”

  Dalton nodded solemnly. “Yes, Goku. That’s him. Wapol, the former king of this isnd. He abandoned his people when we needed him most.”

  Goku’s face shifted into an expression of understanding. “I see,” he muttered. Without another word, he walked to the edge of the mountain, his boots crunching against the snow.

  From the edge, he gazed down at the vast, snow-covered isnd below. The vilgers, Zoro, and Gin followed him cautiously, their curiosity piqued. Zoro and Gin fnked him, their eyes scanning the horizon.

  “What are you thinking?” Zoro asked, his voice low and steady.

  Goku smirked, the faintest hint of mischief in his eyes. “You guys already did the hard part, but I still owe Dr. Kureha for helping Nami.”

  He turned slightly, raising his voice. “Hey, Doc! If I get rid of this Wapol guy, does that count as payment for curing Nami?”

  Kureha tilted her head, a sly grin spreading across her face. “If you can get rid of that walking pile of blubber, I’ll call us even.”

  Goku’s smile widened. “Good to know.”

  He turned back to Dalton, his expression growing serious. “Since you know him best, what do you think Wapol’s pnning? What’s his next move?”

  Dalton folded his arms, his gaze hardening. “He’s arrogant, but he’s not stupid. He’ll want to recim what he thinks is his—this pace. If I were him, I’d be pnning to come here.”

  Goku’s smirk turned into a grin. “Perfect.”

  He stepped closer to the edge, his boots pressing into the snow as he closed his eyes. The wind ruffled his hair as he stood still, listening to the world around him.

  Gin gnced at him, intrigued. “What are you doing? Can you sense them?”

  Goku shook his head slightly, his eyes still closed. “Not yet. The vilgers’ energy is everywhere. It’s hard to pick out anything unique with so many people nearby.”

  The group fell silent, their tension rising as they waited. Below them, the isnd stretched out in all directions, the quiet before the storm setting the stage for the battle to come.

  Goku took a deep breath, standing tall against the biting wind atop the Drum Rockies. He turned to the gathered vilgers, his expression calm but resolute. “Don’t worry. I’ll take care of Wapol and his ckeys. You have my word.”

  The vilgers murmured amongst themselves, their faces a mixture of relief and unease. Dalton stepped forward, his broad frame casting a shadow over the snow. “You’re not doing this alone,” he said firmly. “I owe it to this isnd to stand against him. Let me fight by your side.”

  Before Goku could respond, a soft crunch of snow drew his attention. A small figure pushed through the crowd—a blue-nosed reindeer with a doctor’s bag slung across its body. The creature’s wide eyes glimmered with determination as it stepped up beside Dalton.

  Goku blinked, tilting his head slightly. “Chopper?” he asked, his voice carrying a note of curiosity. He crouched slightly to meet its gaze. “Are you sure you want to come along?”

  The reindeer didn’t answer with words, only nodding silently.

  Goku stared at it for a moment, his brows furrowing slightly as if considering something deeper. “Hmm…” he muttered, but then he shook his head and stood. “Alright. Let’s do this.”

  He turned to Dalton and the reindeer. “I’ll meet you both at the base of the mountain. Be ready.”

  Dalton nodded, a look of quiet determination on his face. “We won’t let you down.” He motioned to the reindeer, and together they sprinted toward the ski lift. The vilgers parted to let them through, watching as the pair climbed into the lift. The machinery groaned to life, slowly descending the mountain with Dalton and the reindeer inside.

  Goku stood in silence for a moment, watching the lift disappear into the snowy distance. Then he turned to Zoro, who was leaning casually against a nearby rock, arms crossed.

  “Zoro,” Goku said, his tone lighter now. “Nami and the others are inside. She should be ready to go by morning.”

  Zoro nodded, his green hair catching the faint sunlight. “Got it. I’ll make sure everyone’s ready.”

  Goku smiled, the corners of his mouth quirking upward. “Good. I’m counting on you.”

  Before Zoro could reply, Goku turned and walked to the very edge of the cliff. The vilgers gasped, their whispers turning to shouts of arm as they realized what he was about to do.

  “Wait! What are you doing?” one of them cried.

  “Are you insane?!” another yelled, panic rising in their voices.

  Without a word, Goku bent his knees and leapt off the edge of the mountain.

  The vilgers screamed in horror, their voices echoing across the peaks. They rushed to the edge, only to freeze in stunned silence as Goku disappeared from view.

  Unbeknownst to them, Goku’s body slowed midair, his feet hovering just above the swirling snow. A grin spread across his face as he turned toward the base of the mountain, the wind rushing past him as he soared into the distance.

  [A/N: Can’t wait to see what happens next? Get exclusive early access on patreon.com/saiyanprincenovels.]