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Days passed one after another.
When news spread about the upcoming opening of the Hachinosu community, various forces hurried to the island. The Underworld Emperors, in particular, smelled opportunity in the air.
The community's name had been officially decided.
Hoenn Community.
On the walls flanking the main gate, mythical stories from Hoenn lore were carefully carved. The carvings especially highlighted the two legendary gods of Hoenn.
According to the myth from thousands of years ago:
The evil sea god Kyogre stirred up monstrous waves, attempting to flood the land and drown everything. Then the righteous earth god Groudon emerged from a volcano, engaging in a desperate battle with Kyogre to protect humanity's home.
In the end, the righteous Groudon defeated the evil Kyogre!
As for Rayquaza, it had no part in this particular story.
"Groudon..."
Stussy stood beneath the city wall, studying the mythical tale carved into the stone. Her eyes lingered on the Groudon figure that looked exactly like Daichi's transformed state. Finally, her doubts were resolved.
While she didn't recognize which region this myth originated from, that wasn't important. Ancient myths from around the world were too numerous to count.
The key discovery was understanding Daichi's ability.
Mythical Zoan Dragon-Dragon Fruit, Model: Groudon!
Her preliminary assessment concluded that Groudon's appearance resembled a dinosaur more than anything else. Therefore, classifying it as a Dragon-Dragon Fruit variant seemed appropriate.
Stussy felt considerably more relaxed.
She had nearly completed her intelligence gathering on Daichi, especially concerning his abilities. The only missing piece was his network of relationships.
According to her investigation, Daichi's position within the Beast Pirates was extraordinarily high. Not just high—exceptionally high.
He might even hold the position of Vice-Captain!
Even King had to personally welcome him.
However, she didn't want to investigate these matters further. The existing intelligence was sufficient for her report.
She wanted to go home.
Stussy pushed aside her thoughts and entered the community.
"I wonder what he wants."
Daichi had summoned her, claiming he had something important to discuss. But the Hoenn Community's opening was still several days away.
She wondered what that man could want.
"Oh, what a beautiful place!"
Stussy strolled beneath the dense canopy of trees, admiring the greenery and flowers lining both sides of the road. Her mood improved slightly.
A truly beautiful community.
Even with her discerning taste, she couldn't find any flaws. She was genuinely surprised—it was difficult to imagine this had been built by such a rough man.
Clean, beautiful, well-planned, with numerous convenient public facilities. It almost rivaled Mary Geoise. She had traveled to many places, but rarely had she seen a residential area that prioritized greenery and public amenities to this extent.
For a moment, she even entertained the thought of settling down here.
"Does Daichi possess such refined taste?"
Stussy felt doubtful.
She knew Daichi wasn't as crude as he appeared—that was merely a facade. His true nature was quite shrewd.
The more she learned about him, the more she realized Daichi was a difficult man to handle. Still, such professional construction work seemed completely at odds with what one expected from pirates.
"Stussy!"
Kikara rushed toward Stussy, panting heavily from exertion. After catching her breath, she bowed respectfully. "Stussy, Daichi-sama sent me to escort you."
"Kikara."
Stussy looked at Kikara, a genuine smile gracing her features.
"Let's go."
"Yes, Stussy."
The two women walked along the main road together.
Stussy suddenly broke the silence.
"Kikara, how is your mother?"
"Mother... Mother passed away from illness."
Kikara's eyes reddened with unshed tears.
Several years ago, she and her mother had been expelled from the Holy Land to the lower world. Pirates captured them and sold them to a human auction house.
However, the auction house didn't dare sell them. Eventually, she was sent to the slave gladiator arena.
During that time, her mother succumbed to illness.
"I'm sorry."
Stussy's expression showed genuine regret.
When she lived in the Holy Land, she had encountered Kikara and her mother. She knew the specific circumstances that led to their expulsion to the lower world. Compared to other slaves, the two of them were relatively fortunate.
"It's alright, Stussy."
Kikara shook her head, forcing a smile.
She couldn't show her sorrowful side.
After walking for some time, they stopped before a magnificent three-story building that rose fifty meters high.
Hoenn Community Property Office!
"Stussy, we've arrived."
Kikara bowed slightly. "Daichi-sama is currently meeting with guests. Please wait in the lounge for a moment. I'll prepare some tea for you."
"Thank you."
Stussy took a seat, crossing her fair legs elegantly. Her gaze subtly drifted toward the other side of the hall.
Several giants occupied that space.
"The New Giant Warrior Pirates, perhaps."
Currently, the only active giant crew in the New World was the New Giant Warrior Pirates led by Hajrudin. Their captain, Hajrudin, held the title of strongest mercenary and traveled between various battlefields.
It appeared Daichi's guest was indeed Hajrudin.
Could the Beast Pirates be forming an alliance with the giants?
Stussy's expression grew serious.
It was fortunate she had come. The World Government remained completely unaware of such crucial intelligence. If the Beast Pirates gained the support of the giant race, they would undoubtedly become the strongest pirate crew.
Even if it wasn't a full alliance, the Beast Pirates shouldn't be allowed to establish connections with the giants.
On the first floor, in the reception room:
Hajrudin sat on the sofa—a large piece that could accommodate ten people looked like a small stool beneath his massive frame.
Hajrudin looked down at Daichi, his voice deep and demanding. "Mr. Daichi, tell me where you learned Ikoku!"
"Oh, that technique."
Daichi didn't conceal the truth. He explained how Big Mom had taught it to Kaido, who then passed it on to him.
"So it really was Linlin!"
Hajrudin's heart sank.
He had suspected this outcome. The only human who had learned Ikoku and lived in Elbaf was Charlotte Linlin.
Ikoku was a unique combat technique of the giant race. Ordinary humans couldn't master it. However, the man before him was clearly no ordinary human. Like Linlin, he possessed strength comparable to giants.
After a long silence, Hajrudin asked:
"What is your purpose in seeking me out?"
"I want you to join the Beast Pirates!"
Daichi answered honestly.
Hajrudin immediately shook his head in refusal.
"I'm sorry. I will never serve under anyone!"
"Alright."
Daichi shrugged, having anticipated Hajrudin's response.
Every major force wanted to recruit giants. It would be strange if Hajrudin agreed simply because he asked.
He had no history with Hajrudin, nor did he have God Usopp to save the day. He couldn't replicate what happened in Dressrosa.
That was the unique charm of the protagonist's crew.
He would take his time. No need to rush.
"Hajrudin, you work as a mercenary, correct?"
"That's right."
Hajrudin nodded.
When he formed the New Giant Warrior Pirates and set sail, money became their first problem. Operating in human territory required funds for everything.
His crew currently consisted of four members. Just feeding them was an enormous expense. Without money, adapting to life among humans proved difficult.
They had no choice but to work as mercenaries to earn their keep.
Daichi's playful expression vanished, replaced by seriousness.
"Hajrudin, I want to hire you!"
"Hire me?"
Hajrudin's spirits lifted noticeably.
A job opportunity!
Daichi produced a briefcase, emptying stacks of berries onto the table. A sinister smile curved at the corner of his mouth.
"Not just you. I plan to hire your entire crew to handle something big for me!"
"Money is not an issue!"