All the Tailed Beasts turned their eyes toward Isobu with a shared look of pity.
Uh… wait a minute!
Suddenly, Kurama, Gyūki, and the others realized something—they were probably each going to be assigned to islands too.
Which meant... unless they planned to never leave their homes, they'd definitely have to face the issue of going out to sea sooner or later.
"I'm fine—I can fly,"
Chōmei interjected with a cheerful smile, sensing the shift in mood. As he spoke, he unfolded the three pairs of wings on his back.
"…"
Kurama, Gyūki, Isobu, and the rest stared at him, dead silent, as he stood there proudly showing off.
"Alright, let's move on to Lord Son Gokū," Minister Molotov spoke up, breaking the heavy atmosphere that was beginning to settle over the room.
At the same time, Son Gokū suddenly raised his head, his eyes brimming with anticipation.
After all, this would be his new home on Starfish.
"Your territory has been assigned to an island in the first half of the Grand Line called Little Garden,"
Minister Molotov announced.
"It's a primitive, untouched place, still in a prehistoric state. You'll find many ancient creatures there—dinosaurs, for example—and it's dotted with active volcanoes. I think you'll enjoy it."
As he spoke, he operated the visual Den-Den Mushi on the desk in front of him, projecting an aerial view of Little Garden into the air.
"Looks great. Should be a pretty comfortable place to live!"
Son Gokū nodded approvingly as he watched volcanoes erupting one after another in the projection, and spotted massive beasts and dinosaurs roaming the jungle.
"Wait—there aren't any terrifying creatures up there, are there?"
Son Gokū suddenly asked, a bit nervously.
Clearly, he was worried that Little Garden might also have sea kings as massive as a kilometer in size.
"Don't worry—definitely nothing like that. Also, your territory has been classified as a medium-risk zone," Minister Molotov replied with a reassuring smile.
"Good to hear."
Son Gokū relaxed.
To him, those dinosaurs were just potential playmates.
"Next is Lord Kokuō. Your territory is located in the East Blue, near the Goa Kingdom. It's an island known as Hot Spring Island, and also designated as a medium-risk zone. On top of that, the East Blue's Bridge Network has already been completed, so you'll be free to gallop across it as much as you like."
Minister Molotov switched the Den-Den Mushi's projection and continued explaining.
"Very well. Sounds good."
Kokuō looked at the projected scene of steaming hot islands and vast bridges that stretched absurdly long and wide across the sea—his heart full of satisfaction.
He loved steam.
And even more, he loved running.
"Oh, and try not to cause any trouble for the Goa Kingdom—especially Windmill City. If anything happens over there, it'd be best if you could lend a hand. That's just a bit of friendly advice from me."
Minister Molotov offered the reminder sincerely.
"Why?"
Kokuō turned toward him in confusion.
To be honest, he wasn't the type to meddle in others' affairs—he wouldn't even lift a hoof if someone dropped dead right in front of him.
"Because Windmill City is the hometown of Admiral Garp—officially recognized as a Hero of the Marines—as well as Minister Dragon, who now heads the Ministry of Public Security. Minister Dragon is Admiral Garp's son."
Minister Molotov met Kokuō's gaze with meaningful weight in his eyes.
"…"
Kokuō was stunned.
He didn't really know what a Minister of Public Security was supposed to be, but he did recognize the military ranks of "Admiral" and "General"—those titles left a strong impression.
Seeing that his words had left an impact, Minister Molotov turned his attention to the beast standing beside Kokuō: Saiken.
"Lord Saiken, your territory has been assigned to a deserted island in the West Blue, near the Kingdom of Sorbet. It's also classified as a medium-risk zone. The island has been provisionally named Six-Tails Island."
Saiken shook his head gently and replied in a soft voice: "None at all. But I'd prefer it if the island didn't have any living creatures. I'm afraid I might harm them."
"Uh… I'll pass that request along to the relevant departments," Minister Molotov said with a polite smile.
"Now then, Lord Chōmei—your case is a little unique."
"Your territory is located in the second half of the Grand Line, on a lush island just north of the Dressrosa Kingdom. It's home to the Tontatta, the dwarves' kingdom, and also serves as the site of the World Government's Agricultural Academy."
"We hope you'll be willing to live there and take on the role of its guardian. If you agree, the World Government will grant you a merit reward equivalent to the value of a Devil Fruit. You'll be able to exchange it for any resources you might need, at any time."
Minister Molotov spoke sincerely.
At the same time, he projected images of Dressrosa and the Tontatta Kingdom through the Den-Den Mushi.
Although the Tontatta had already joined the World Government and were willing to help cultivate rare plants, they still weren't fond of excessive contact with outsiders.
"I can try living there for a while. If it turns out not to be a good fit, I hope I'll be allowed to move elsewhere."
Chōmei hesitated briefly, but ultimately gave a tentative agreement.
"No problem. The Tontatta are extremely kind-hearted—I'm sure you'll get along splendidly!"
Minister Molotov smiled with absolute confidence.
"…Let's hope so."
Chōmei said no more after that.
"Now then, Lord Gyūki—your territory has been designated on a deserted island in the West Blue, near Kano Country. It's also classified as a medium-risk zone and will be officially named Eight-Tails Island."
"Mm-hmm. And then?"
Gyūki looked at Minister Molotov with curiosity.
"…And then what?"
Molotov blinked, slightly confused.
"I mean—is that all? That's it?! You're telling me that's the whole briefing?"
Gyūki looked genuinely baffled, and muttered inwardly: 'You went on and on with the others, talking their ears off… and now when it's my turn, you just wrap things up like that?'
"There's really not much else. Kano Country doesn't have anyone particularly noteworthy, but still—try not to stir up trouble. Oh, and there's Lieutenant General Chinjao. He's an instructor in the Ministry of Military Affairs. Pretty strong guy. He should be able to beat you just fine."
Minister Molotov thought about it for a second, then offered that tidbit.
"…"
Gyūki turned his head away in silence.
"Ahem. Finally, we come to Lord Kurama."
Minister Molotov's gaze shifted at last to the Nine-Tails.
As the strongest of all Tailed Beasts, Kurama naturally drew the most attention from everyone present.
"Let's hear it," Kurama said with a wide grin.
"Very well. Your assigned territory is located in the latter half of the Grand Line, near Wano Island—specifically, Onigashima. Of course, you're free to rename it. As for the classification of your domain... it falls under High-Risk Zone!"
The moment Minister Molotov finished speaking, Shukaku's disgruntled voice rang out.
"What?!"
"Why the hell is that damn fox's territory ranked a level higher than ours?!"
Kurama merely cast a scornful glance at Shukaku, then turned to Minister Molotov. "Yeah, 'Onigashima' is a lame name. Let's just call it Nine-Tails Island, like the others."
At those words, the corner of Minister Molotov's mouth twitched. He silently prayed, Please, don't let that reach General Kaido's ears… If he hears it, I doubt you'll last long on Starfish before you vanish from the face of existence.
Sure, technically "killing" a Tailed Beast would put you on the wanted list of the Public Security Bureau—but that rule wasn't exactly ironclad.
If it were a general who "killed" one of them, the most they'd face would be a few harsh scoldings from the Marshal.
What else could anyone do?
No one was going to trouble a general-level fighter over a Tailed Beast that could be subdued by at most two Lieutenant Generals working together.
Even if it was the Nine-Tails, that wouldn't change anything.
Now, about this "Onigashima"—
It used to be Kaido's personal domain. But ever since the dissolution of the Beasts Pirates—and with Kaido and King having joined the Air Force Headquarters, Queen becoming a researcher at the Biotech Institute, and Yamato currently attending the Military Academy—the island had fallen into abandonment.
People from Wano Island didn't dare to set foot there either.
So the relevant authorities contacted Kaido to discuss purchasing Onigashima.
In the past, the World Government wouldn't have bothered buying it—they would've just taken it.
But that approach no longer worked. Kaido was now a General in the Air Force Headquarters.
He was one of their own.
And with his current rank and influence, things had to be handled by the book.
So they paid Kaido 500 million Berries.
And now, they were handing the island over to Kurama as his domain.
By now, Kurama had already reviewed a virtual aerial projection showing the general environment of Onigashima.
Although that massive skull looked terrifying—and the island itself was barren, lacking any vegetation and appearing bleak and desolate—
It was actually just what Kurama liked. To him, a territory should look this menacing!
"There is one more matter that requires your full attention, Lord Kurama."
The moment Minister Molotov said this—
"Above Wano Island, there is a small sky island. This sky island serves as the domain of an Ancient Dragon, a creature from the Teigu World, and it's classified as an Extreme-Risk Zone."
At this point, Minister Molotov stopped speaking.
But his meaning couldn't have been clearer: he was warning Kurama—don't go looking for trouble.
And indeed—
The moment Kurama heard the phrase Extreme-Risk Species, he fell silent.
After all, in Minister Molotov's terms, those kinds of beings were on par with the Generals in power.
Still, Kurama wasn't one to be content staying weak forever.
He would find a way to grow stronger!
"In addition," Molotov continued, his tone turning solemn, "I must also remind you—on Wano Island, there is an organization known as the Sword Hall. Its current leader is none other than Saint Dracule Mihawk."
Kurama's eyes widened with shock and suspicion. "A Celestial Dragon?"
"Yes," Minister Molotov replied with a heavy nod.
"So you must absolutely refrain from causing any disturbances on Wano Island. Otherwise, you'll bear the consequences yourself."
Kurama was speechless.
How had he ended up with such terrifying neighbors?
For a moment, he genuinely wished he could switch locations.
"Well then, that concludes the matter of your territories. Once the summoning contracts are signed with Umigakure, personnel will escort each of you to Starfish. I hope you'll all enjoy this new world, and fully embrace the priceless gift of freedom. It's been a pleasure meeting you."
Minister Molotov let out a deep breath of relief.
At last, this meeting had come to a close.
From this moment on, the nine Tailed Beasts of the Shinobi World had officially joined the World Government.
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