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"...and that concludes the Pokémon Park Plan!"
"Does anyone have any questions?!"
"No!"
Red and Robin's journey through the Pokémon World didn't last long.
After traveling to Celadon City on the Sky Ride and completing the final piece of Robin's moveset, they left the Pokémon World.
By this time, the agents outside had already familiarized themselves with their newly acquired moves, abilities, and characteristics. They returned to the cafe one by one, ready to receive Red's next instructions.
Having completed his dramatic performance, Ace retired to a corner to make coffee alone.
Red gathered all the agents for a symposium on Baroque Works' future development.
The Rain Dinners casino?
During the meeting, Red, the new president of Baroque Works, instructed that to stabilize the construction and development of the Pokémon Park, all members of Baroque Works were required to accomplish three objectives:
Actively respond to headquarters' directives, abandon the old organizational plan, and make full preparations for establishing diplomatic relations with the Kingdom of Alabasta;
Thoroughly investigate problematic members within the organization, remove those with malicious intent or inhumane actions, and resolutely implement the three strict policies: strict investigation, strict correction, and strict punishment;
Adopt a new talent selection mechanism, identify personnel more suitable for the organization's new direction in the shortest time possible, transfer them to needed positions, and accelerate the Pokémon Park plan's implementation.
Of course, such an extensive Pokémon Park plan couldn't be implemented with mere words.
"The implementation of our current paradise plan requires substantial startup funds."
Red had already handed over the specific implementation plan to Robin.
With such a capable partner as Robin at his side, he didn't need to waste his mental energy and could leave the details to her.
"It's time to visit him and see if he can provide some support for our park plan!"
"Robin, notify transportation. We're going..."
As Red's voice trailed off, a thoughtful look flashed in the eyes of the gathered agents, who began frantically searching their memories.
"Rain Dinners?!"
"There happens to be a wealthy man in Alabasta right now."
The outspoken Mr. 2 blurted out in surprise:
"Lord Red, are you talking about... Could it be Crocodile, the owner of the largest casino in Rainbase?"
Because he maintained a heroic image, Crocodile often appeared throughout Alabasta clearing out pirates. Information about him wasn't secret in Paradise.
"Of course," Red nodded calmly and smiled. "Is there a more suitable target for our acquisition in all of Alabasta than him?!"
"But..."
The agents' eyes suddenly flickered with concern, glancing back and forth between Red and Ace.
I don't know if the World Government had done it deliberately.
In Paradise and the Four Blues, a strange perception had always existed:
The Seven Warlords of the Sea were supposedly equal to the Four Emperors!
In the World Government and Marines' propaganda, the purpose of establishing the Seven Warlords was to counter the Four Emperors' pirate crews.
Though this claim was outrageous, under the World Government's exaggeration, many believed it.
Including these agents now standing before Red!
In their minds, Ace, as an officer in the Whitebeard Pirates, held a status higher than any Warlord of the Sea!
But his actual combat strength remained questionable.
However, with a Whitebeard Pirates commander and the mysterious Red who possessed magical powers, plus these Officer Agents...
Perhaps they really could defeat a Warlord of the Sea?
Though terrified, they had just pledged to follow Red through fire and water. Backing out due to fear would be embarrassing.
Finally, all the agents fell silent.
And so...
Under Robin's command, a giant turtle soon pulled an elaborate carriage to the cafe door.
"Long time no see, Banchi~!"
Robin walked out of the cafe and smiled at the turtle, reaching out to gently stroke its head.
The next second~
A strange pink light suddenly emanated from her palm and instantly entered Banchi's brain, turning its small eyes into pink heart shapes.
Seeing this, Robin's eyes flashed and the corners of her mouth turned upward slightly.
"I see."
"This must be the Captivate ability Red mentioned?!"
"Interesting!"
Robin whispered softly, then said to the giant turtle:
"It's up to you now, Banchi!"
"BUOOOH~!!!"
Banchi stretched his massive neck and groaned excitedly skyward.
Moments later, following Red's instructions, the Officer Agents boarded the turtle-drawn carriage one by one.
After Red entered the carriage, he suddenly waved to Ace, who remained outside, much to the agents' surprise:
"Ace, I'm leaving Luffy in your hands!"
"I'll get back to you after I finish business here!"
"Sure thing~" Ace laughed heartily, then suddenly waved his hand, summoning a magnificent road of fire across the wilderness, instantly dispelling the quiet night.
The carriage door closed.
After being touched by Robin, Banchi seemed energized. His four powerful turtle legs immediately began carrying them swiftly across the bright desert.
"Lord Red..."
Looking back at Ace waving goodbye, Miss Doublefinger asked in surprise:
"Excuse me, why isn't Lord Ace coming with us?"
"Ah, you mean Ace?"
Red, who had been reviewing the agents' abilities, looked up and replied indifferently:
"He has more important matters to attend to, so he won't be joining us this time!"
"Ah... this..."
The agents were confused upon hearing this.
They exchanged worried glances, momentarily speechless.
Watching the scenery pass by through the carriage windows, they all shared the same thought:
"If I jump out of the carriage now... would it be too late?!"
The answer was...
Of course it would be!
After finally acquiring a group of useful tools, Red had no intention of letting them go easily!
Although these Baroque Works agents weren't exceptionally powerful, they were still formidable enough for the relatively weaker Paradise, and capable of handling many tasks.
So to secure their loyalty, Red even made a decision that went against his better judgment...
To go to Rainbase personally and take down Crocodile!
He wasn't afraid the agents would discover who the real boss of Baroque Works was.
Rather, Red was counting on Crocodile revealing the truth in front of the agents.
Because his purpose in visiting Rainbase was to show these agents that they should work for him obediently without any misguided ideas!
Follow him faithfully, and a bright future awaited them!
Although the method of showing both the stick and the carrot was old-fashioned, it remained extremely effective!
As for Ace who had already returned...
Red hadn't lied to the agents—Ace did have more important matters to attend to!
While Red was planning his Pokémon Park, Ace would become a sparring partner for Luffy and the others...
Allowing them to further appreciate the power from the New World after their encounter with Blackbeard!!!
After all, given the strength Crocodile displayed in the anime, when facing the Straw Hat Pirates trained by Red, he wouldn't even qualify as a warm-up opponent for them...