"I never thought there was anyone else who could pull off a trick like Mihawk's. It seems the world I knew was much smaller than I thought."
"Hahahaha, it's flattering to hear such words from a talented young man like you."
Thanks to the cooperation between the Black Cat Pirates, Capone Bege's subordinates, and the fishmen, Mopchi Port had been rebuilt to match the standards of a rural town within Mopchi itself and was now thriving.
"But the previous empress? I heard that Gloriosa passed away from illness..."
"Well, we had our share of troubles before, but we happened to meet again. Now she lives happily with someone else on the Sabaody Archipelago."
In a corner of the port town, within a salon created to entertain Capone Bege's trusted black market dealers and other allies, Hancock ordered the waiter to bring some drinks while she spoke.
"That's when I heard rumors about you. That for some reason, there was someone from the Kuja tribe among this new pirate crew. And I also knew that there had been survivors from a shipwreck involving a Kuja vessel."
"Are you telling us to return?"
"If that's what you desire, I was asked to assist you. What do you say?"
"Hmm..."
Surrounding Hancock were her two sisters listening to the conversation, the waiter standing by, and Perona, who was oblivious to the tension and ordered another cup of cocoa.
"Sonia, Marie. What will you do? Do as you please."
Hancock asked her two sisters, and they smiled.
"By our sister's side."
"Me too."
Hancock had already anticipated their response.
She chuckled softly and said, "Rayleigh, it's been a while. I want to thank you again for coming all this way to meet me. I'm truly grateful. But... I'm sorry."
"Are you staying?"
"Yes. Especially now, with the situation as it is. I can't just leave this island, which has been entrusted to me by my lord."
"Then, once this situation, the issue with the Pirate Alliance, is resolved?"
The elderly pirate, Rayleigh, asked, and Hancock shook her head silently.
"I will return once. As long as I continue as a pirate and have been entrusted with a unit by my lord, Kuro of the 'Stealthy Ones,' my influence will grow. To live on without showing my face... that would be turning my back on the duty my lord values."
"But not now. Is that what you mean?"
"There is also the matter of the debt I owe for being saved from captivity and sale..."
Hancock ordered the female attendant to open the curtains, then pointed to the scene beyond them.
"I have always believed that pirates, warriors, and the strong are creatures that take from the weak. That is what they are. But my lord... and Mihawk as well."
The image of the massive fireworks blooming on the ground was still burned into Hancock's mind.
A battle she knew she could never match.
The clash of lightning-fast slashes that could not be followed with the naked eye and the supreme technique that parried them with minimal movement.
"This port town was rebuilt by you to this extent. It is still small, but you already have plans to develop it further."
"Was this town always like this?"
"It was terrible at first. There were only warehouses for storing drugs, weapons, and slaves, and a few small taverns. It was a place where mafia and thugs loitered in the alleys, hoping for favors from the powerful."
Drawn by Hancock, Rayleigh also stood up, still holding his glass of sake, and looked outside.
It was a bit lonely to call it a port town, but the scene below, with people coming and going, was very peaceful.
"My lord could have easily made a name for himself by abandoning such a town. But he chose not to. Despite being a strong man, he prefers to create rather than take."
"Hmm... That's not very pirate-like."
Perona chuckled softly.
She herself occasionally helped with land leveling and construction work, using her Hollow-Hollows to practice adjusting their explosive power.
"I want to stay by his side for a while longer and see what this master, who is so unlike a typical strong man, is aiming for. The soldiers also have so much to teach and learn."
***
"Hire the refugees protected by the Navy as day laborers for reconstruction work. Is that what you're saying, Kuro?"
"Yes, Fleet Admiral."
Marineford, Naval Headquarters.
Fleet Admiral Sengoku, who commanded all marines, was talking to pirates through a Den Den Mushi.
"Many people have lost their homes, workplaces, and all their possessions due to the pirate alliance's attack."
In addition to Sengoku, the newly promoted Admiral Kizaru, also known as Borsalino, along with the hero Garp and his chief advisor Tsuru, were present in the Fleet Admiral's office.
"Reports from frontline soldiers indicate that an increasing number of people are growing pessimistic about the future and acting impulsively. We are trying to stabilize the situation through food and sugar distributions, but there are limits to what we can do. We also want to minimize food consumption as much as possible."
"What about hiring them and providing wages to stabilize their lives until reconstruction is complete?"
"Yes, giving those who lack the will to act a clear purpose through work could lead to faster reconstruction and a more stable environment."
A pirate who doesn't look like a pirate, one Admiral Kizaru had only heard about through stories.
He listened with interest to the story about a man named Kuro.
"It will be a small thing, but having wealth can stabilize people's hearts. If we gather tavern merchants to distribute wages, people can enjoy buying and selling luxury items as a way to relax."
"What about adding luxury items to the rations?"
"I think it's important to gradually return to everyday activities like buying and selling. Besides, there's a difference between distracting oneself with something that's been distributed and distracting oneself with something one has chosen..."
"The latter is more effective, then?"
"Yes. Food distribution is unavoidable, but that's precisely why we should focus on other areas."
"Isn't giving people money in an evacuation situation a cause of conflict?"
"I don't think it will get that bad, as they have the means to earn money. Of course, there may be some gambling with purchased luxury items, but if kept at a moderate level, it could serve as a release valve."
"Hmm..."
"However, this will inevitably require financial assistance from the government and the navy. Please give it some consideration."
Sengoku couldn't help but let out a deep sigh.
"We can't act immediately. We still don't have enough supplies... but I'll bring it up at the strategy meeting."
"That's more than enough. Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule, Fleet Admiral."
"What do you think?"
After finishing the conversation via the Den Den Mushi, Sengoku glanced at the people present and asked.
"Bwahahaha! If this guy were in the government, the world would be a better place!"
Garp said with a laugh, nibbling on a rice cracker.
In response, Admiral Kizaru nodded slightly.
"Well, I wondered what kind of pirate Zephyr-sensei would praise... He's more like a soldier than a pirate... He seems more like a government official..." he muttered in exasperation.
"It's just that the Navy needs kids like him."
"There's no hidden meaning behind your words, right? No, I figured as much..."
"The fact that you brought up this topic while government supplies are delayed means that the refugees' anxiety and distrust are much greater than we thought. Sengoku, we need to act quickly."
"I understand."
Sengoku glanced at the report sent regularly by Kuro, a more concise and easier-to-read version of the information sent by the Intelligence Division, and let out another deep sigh.
Divide the sea area into zones rather than patrol ranges and manage troops accordingly.
Assist in reorganizing and coordinating the chaotic situation on the ground.
Monitor and maintain the physical and mental condition of soldiers and refugees.
Comfort refugees, address their grievances, and negotiate with them.
He had been ordered by the government to gather information on the Black Cat, but the reports on the Black Cat that came in were mostly petitions for the appointment of the Black Cat's seven members as Shichibukai or for reduced sentences.
"Tsuru."
"What is it?"
"What do you think would have happened if Kuro had joined the Navy?"
"Yeah, if things had gone smoothly, he would have joined the headquarters within ten years, become an admiral in twenty years, and then..."
"Depending on the situation at the time, he might have become the youngest Fleet Admiral in history."
***
"Regular report from Area B. No suspicious ships have been confirmed."
"In Area A, Colonel Malamute has reported two suspicious ships. The enemy ships were spotted and immediately fled in the direction of Area G."
"They fled to Area G... Kuro, what do you think?"
"It's probably a reconnaissance mission to see if they can reach Area A, where the grain fields are concentrated and the harvest is about to begin... But I think they may have fled in that direction to mislead us."
"Yeah, you're right... Alright, report the suspicious vessels in Area G as well. Keep a close watch just in case. Area A, stay at your posts."
"Roger!"
Alright, alright, alright. We've managed to restore command and control centered around Kuzan.
It's been like trying to operate a complex machine by trial and error all this time, so both us and the marines have been under immense strain... It's a relief that we've managed to improve things.
All the late nights spent with Kuzan going over the unit rosters, resumes, and piles of operational reports for the reorganization were worth it.
I really owe Kuzan for advocating for us to higher-ups, and Sengoku for giving us permission after some back-and-forth.
The Black Cat crew is one thing, but the marines must have been in a chaotic environment. They did well to stick with us.
"Still, things are calming down a bit."
"We're moving the Black Cat unit as a mobile strike force, but the number of battles is also decreasing."
"The number of pirates hasn't decreased... has it?"
"Actually, it's increasing. It seems there's someone stirring up trouble in countries and villages that haven't been attacked yet."
"Ah, I've received the report. Can't we capture them somehow?"
"We just don't have enough manpower... We have no choice but to rely on the local sheriffs and police forces."
"Manpower, huh..."
In the largest room of Mogwa Castle, which had completely turned into a meeting room like Mopchi's, a large sea map was displayed on the massive board behind us. Robin, who had heard the report, was moving magnetic pieces to indicate troop formations using her ability.
Not having to use the ladder every time... Robin's ability is pretty convenient during meetings.
"Ah, right. Reinforcements are coming from headquarters."
"Reinforcements... what about supplies?"
"They've secured everything properly and loaded extra supplies, according to Sengoku."
"That's a relief... how many?"
"Five ships. All commanded by vice admirals from headquarters."
"Five ships..."
The Navy Headquarters' ships are larger than those of the branches, designed to significantly increase firepower and close combat strength.
Naturally, the number of crew members is on a different scale.
The number of people is going to increase ridiculously.
It's appreciated as labor and combat power, but...
"When are they expected to arrive?"
"They said they finished forming the fleet during the last scheduled report, so if the wind is favorable, it should be around a week, but probably more like ten days or so."
Where will they sleep? The burned-out village is empty, so that should work.
No, we'll need to make some preparations.
"Admiral Aokiji."
"Hmm?"
"I'd like to borrow some of your engineers. We'll work with our carpenters to prepare accommodations for the reinforcements."
"Um... Can't they just stay on the ship? They're marines, so their living conditions won't be any different from before they arrived here."
"Considering the scale of the reconstruction efforts, this will inevitably be an unprecedentedly long operation. Spending the entire duration of the mission on a constantly rocking ship, crammed together with little space to sleep, will lead to significant fatigue buildup."
Kuzan nodded in understanding.
"On land, we can secure more space than on a ship, and if necessary, we can expand the facilities later."
There were other marines and officers nearby, but their reactions were positive.
It paid off to keep communicating with the personal guard, who knew how to behave as marines.
"And, above all..."
"Above all?"
"When you think about cleaning up afterwards, well... excretion..."
Kuzan slapped his forehead and grimaced.
The other marines, including the officers, who had been listening, grimaced as well, perhaps remembering their days as trainees.
"On a ship... for such a long period... right. I forgot about that."
"Yes, it directly affects morale. So we should immediately start digging holes, gathering herbs to mask the odor, and setting up tents and toilets to accommodate a large number of people."
"Understood. I'm sorry, but can you get some engineers who are currently working... How many do we need?"
"We'll prepare enough for a significant number, so at least two platoons would be ideal."
"We can move one squad immediately. We'll adjust the additional personnel later... Is that okay?"
"No problem. Thank you, Admiral."
Bowing his head, Aokiji waves his hands dismissively.
Is that really okay, Admiral?
"Then, I'll bring this unit over first. We'll decide on the location afterward."
"Alright, take care of it... Ah, right, Kuro."
"What is it?"
"Once this operation is over, will you be my second-in-command?"
"I told you I'm a pirate!"
***
We need to build toilets, level the ground, and set up tents, so gather some people.
Such tedious work is usually pushed onto the lower ranks in a pirate crew.
"That burned-out area? Considering the future, we should build something usable there."
"I agree, Daz. If it's digging up the ground, you're the man for the job, but I can help gather wood."
"I know about insect-repelling plants, so I can gather those quickly."
In our group, the deputy governor, the swordsman, and the archaeologist are the ones who eagerly volunteer before the ordinary crew members.
Wow, we've got a great group of leaders here. Even though we're just a one-ship crew.
"But reinforcements from Navy Headquarters?... Kuro, what's the situation on the battlefield?"
"It's gradually reaching a stalemate."
"Hmm."
"But the enemy pirates are outnumbering us, aren't they, Captain?"
That's right.
Honestly, Area A was designated as the most important defense line because there are many grain-producing areas that haven't been burned yet, but we have to spread our defensive forces over a wide area.
If the enemy attacks Area A with all their forces, Mihawk, Kuzan, and I will have to fight like mad to destroy them, or else some of the islands will be taken.
If that happens, even if it means putting the defense of Mopchi at risk, I'm prepared to call in Perona and Hancock.
"In the New World, the conflict between the Four Emperors is reportedly chaotic, with pirates increasing in numbers and causing chaos everywhere. We don't have enough forces to spare."
"The enemy probably knows that too."
"That's likely. If there's no one advising the enemy, such a stalemate wouldn't exist. What do you think, Captain?"
"I agree. The enemy is conserving their forces."
They're probably giving the food they've taken to increase their numbers.
They might be leaving the captured humans alone and telling them to join them if they want to eat.
"We were supposed to set up an area to scout the enemy's base and monitor it, but their movements are more cunning than we thought."
"Is waiting a disadvantage?"
"Yes, but we can't read the enemy's moves."
They had been burning neighboring countries, but now they've managed to overhaul their defense system.
Still, there will be casualties. There will be casualties... Have they given up on burning the grain-producing areas?
Do they think burning a wide area will lead to victory?
This is so frustrating...
"If the enemy's goal is to change the situation, then the government will likely act at that moment."
"Aid? Mihawk?"
"Yes. Either we must stop it, or create something that overshadows the aid news at that moment..."
"The people turning into pirates... or the banditry on Ruchun Island from before might become unstoppable, huh?"
"Bege is our only hope. I hope he can find something."
***
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