One Piece: Heaven-Defying Talent

Leo rubbed his forehead and spoke with determination, "First, it's not impossible for us Tontatta Tribe members to join your crew, but we must emphasize: we are crew members, not pets."

"Oh, great!" Hina and Peacock exclaimed joyfully.

Peacock quickly rushed to Princess Mansherry, hugging her tightly. "Princess Mansherry is mine!"

Hina used her Devil Fruit ability to bind Peacock and gently took Princess Mansherry from her arms. "Princess Mansherry should stay with me. Peacock, don't be so reckless."

As Hina spoke, she affectionately rubbed her cheek against Princess Mansherry's head.

Feeling warmly welcomed, Mansherry smiled, but Leo's expression soured. He sternly shouted, "I've said it before, we are not pets; we are your crew. If you keep treating us like this, we won't join your crew."

"Come here, Mansherry." Leo's voice was firm. Seeing his seriousness, Hina reluctantly released Princess Mansherry.

Leo took Mansherry aside and gently but firmly said, "Princess Mansherry, remember, you are our princess. You mustn't let anyone treat you like a doll or a pet."

Mansherry lowered her head, her fingers nervously intertwining. "But everyone seems so happy."

Leo admonished, "That's because they're treating you like a pet. Pets aren't equals. They are discarded when unwanted, coddled when amusing, and ignored when inconvenient. Never let yourself be treated like that, understand?"

Princess Mansherry nodded, albeit hesitantly. "Understood."

"Forget it, we won't join their crew," Leo decided, turning to Chiba. "Master Chiba, we've made up our minds. We will not join your crew."

Chiba responded with a calm smile. "The weak physique of the Tontatta is inherent and cannot be changed. Your kind often ends up as pets to others due to this."

This remark angered Leo. "Chiba, what do you mean by that?"

Hina and Peacock looked at Chiba, puzzled by his words. They couldn't understand why he seemed to be discouraging the Tontatta from joining.

Chiba calmly explained, "It's as I said. The inherent weaknesses of your race can be mitigated through training and perseverance. Strength is the only way to avoid being treated as a pet or a slave."

"If you want to avoid becoming someone else's property, you must strengthen yourselves. Even giants can become subjugated without strength."

"To become strong, you must work hard, challenge yourself, and face dangers with courage. Most importantly, you need the right methods to grow stronger."

"And with me, you have access to all the means to achieve this strength."

"You can learn Haki training, Qi exercises, and even acquire man-made Devil Fruits or top-tier weapons."

"Leo, don't you want the Tontatta Tribe to become truly strong?"

"Imagine if one day you could grow as large as regular humans, or even as tall as giants. Isn't that tempting?"

Leo was moved by Chiba's words. He knew of Chiba's capabilities and the incredible things he had achieved, offering a path to strength for the Tontatta.

However, Leo also understood that nothing in this world comes without a price.

"What do you want from us?" Leo asked cautiously.

Chiba chuckled. "I don't seek anything particular. Hina and Peacock enjoy having you around and want you to stay. Otherwise, I wouldn't even consider it."

Though Leo was irritated by Chiba's bluntness, he recognized the truth in his words.

Determined to make the Tontatta stronger, Leo knew he had to learn from Chiba, especially the skill that could potentially increase their size.

"Is there really a technique that can make us as tall as humans or even giants?" Leo asked, hopeful yet skeptical.

In response, Chiba activated his powers, and his body rapidly expanded, transforming into a 10-meter giant. His presence became more imposing, reaching over 30 meters, towering like a mountain.

Chiba looked down at Leo. "What do you think? I can grow even taller if you want to see more. Do you trust me now?"

"I believe it, I do," Leo replied, astonished and convinced. He resolved to learn this incredible ability.

"If we join your crew, can all Tontatta learn this technique?" Leo inquired.

Chiba nodded. "Yes, but it's a challenging art. I can't guarantee how much you can grow or how far you'll progress."

"Alright, then I agree to join your crew. Even if it means being seen as a pet," Leo decided, determined to master this power.

Chiba smiled warmly, "Congratulations, Leo. You've made a wise choice."

"Let's welcome our new partners!" Chiba announced. Despite his harsh words earlier, he truly saw Leo and the Tontatta as companions, using his words to motivate Leo to join his crew.

[•———•——•———•]

𝙥𝗮𝙩𝙧𝙚𝙤𝙣(.)𝙘𝙤𝙢/𝙂𝙤𝙙𝙊𝙛𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙧

✨ • 𝗘𝘅𝗰𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀: 𝙂𝙚𝙩 𝟲𝟬+ 𝙖𝙙𝙫𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙙 𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙥𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙖𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙤𝙛 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙚𝙡𝙨𝙚.