Just like that, unbeknownst to Lucy... her life was targeted.

She was to be a sacrifice!

But, she remained clueless.

And soon, the ships were just about to dock in Baymard.

Mission complete.

Over the days, even though the boy Rankin had been very silent, he had nonetheless gradually opened up, getting close to Lucy and the 2 soldiers who stayed with him in the cave the most.

The 5-year-old Rankin was utterly stunned by the crazy ship he rode on. Everything was so strange, new and bizarre.

He had heard of some of the strange things in Baymard before when his uncle (hidden guard) was still alive.

But he brushed those things off and did his best to mind his business, knowing that he might never see the place in his lifetime.

However, fate had a funny way of playing with people.

These Baymardians had rescued him out of the blue.

And only after confirming that they were really from Baymard did he drop his guard down a bit.

Baymardian had a generally good reputation that some would think of as foolish.

And coupled with the grand treatment they gave him, it just went to prove his point even further.

Landon looked at the young Rankin and carried him up, placing him on the high table beside him.

It was time for them to talk man to man.

That's right.

Landon was treating him like a man!

.

"Rankin. For now, you don't have to worry about telling us your identity.

You're only 5, and have a long way to go in whatever quest or mission you want to solve.

So it's okay for you to stay vigilant until you're sure of what decision you want to make.

There's no need to rush."

Rankin pursed his lips tightly before nodding his head gratefully: "Thank you, your..."

"No. Call me brother Landon."

"Yes... Thank you, elder brother Landon."

"Mmm..." Landon replied.

The system did say that this 5-year-old boy was the future king of Abian in Morgany.

And as far as he could tell, they weren't ready to hit Morgany yet.

Plus, the kid was just 5. So wouldn't it be wrong to put a 5-year-old on the throne to get into so much political turmoil?

Let him live a little, at least.

Go to school, be a normal kid, enjoy with friends and maybe have the best time of his youth.

So he had all the time to assess if they, as Baymardians, and decide for himself whether they could be his allies or not.

From what Josh and the rest had overheard, the bit lost the only ally he had, which was also his guardian.

And the boy was as confused as can be.

Again, having him stay here would instill some great values into the boy on what real leadership should look like.

At least he would grow up in a safe environment.

.

"Little Rankin. Even though people are indeed looking for you, they should be thinking that you are now far away from the Pyno continent. But just in case, to avoid any troubles, even though you'll be staying in the palace, when it comes to official matters, you can only attend by watching in the crowd. We don't want you photographed or videoed on Royal public events. As for everything else, you can do as you like. You'll be staying in the palace, going to school, going out with friends and so on. Also, we'll give you a fake identity and assign a personal driver to you too. You'll be my little cousin from my mother's side. Remember, your parents passed away, and you were sent over to Baymard for studies. This is the identity you'll use when going to school or out in public. AND your new name, Is Portgas D. Ren."

"_"

Wait? What?

Rankin was trying hard to wrap his head around all the information that had been dumped on him.

Eh?

Why was his name going to be changed?

What were these photograph and video things all about?

So... his new name is Portgas D. Ren?

Okay?....

Landon chuckled when he saw the kid's helpless expression. As far as he knew, he had given the kid one of the coolest names ever!

Hello?... Change Ren to Ace, and you'll get Portgas D. Ace!

One Piece shall forever live on!

Well, the One Piece manga won't come out anytime soon... So even if it did, he could say that he took inspiration from this cousin of his when naming.

Heh. Didn't he have this much right as the author?

.

"So.. Elder brother Landon, I won't be living in the place alone?"

"No... There's little Momo, little Linda... Lucy, my mother, aunty Winnie, Lucius... oh... And soon, we'll have a new member of the family... a little girl, who will be your little 'cousin' as well.

For now, it's time we get back on deck. We should be arriving on the shores in just a few more minutes.

Come now, don't be shy... Grab my hands, and let's go down deck.

Little Ren, let me formally welcome you to your new home, Baymard."

Baymard?

Rankin's eyes quickly lit up as he tried to hide his excitement.

He hesitated for a bit before grabbing Landon's big hands.

Looking at his tiny 5-year-old hands when compared to Landon's, he was instinctively reminded of how little he was.

He had a lot of responsibilities and didn't know where to begin.

'Don't worry, mother. I'll do my best to grow up soon enough and save you!'

With that, the duo left the room and met with Lucy, who also held Ren's other hand.

They looked like they were a family of 3, with Ren being their child

...

"Your majesty."

"Your majesty."

"Princess Lucy."

"Princess Lucy."

Everyone greeted them upon arriving down at the deck.

Since he was still short, Landon carried him close to his chest while Lucy ruffled his hair playfully.

"Little Ren... Welcome home.

Welcome to Baymard!!"

Ren's mouth opened in excitement at the scene before him as his entire face froze speechlessly.

It's... It's... It's beautiful!