"Bankrupt yourself to buy a home!"
In the New World, nearly every human-inhabited island had a Fortuna Community, sparking another wave of home-buying frenzy.
After the Summit War, Fortuna Community became a true safe zone—even the World Government was unwilling to provoke it.
To maintain the community's safety, Groudon Company went so far as to storm Marine Headquarters and engage in a full-scale battle with the Marines.
Such audacity was astonishing.
No one questioned the security of Fortuna Community anymore. Pirates, the wealthy, nobles, even government officials—all scrambled to move in.
Demand far outstripped supply.
Hoenn's second-hand housing prices skyrocketed once more!
Meanwhile, the Supernovas entering the New World felt overwhelming pressure. This omnipresent influence left them deeply awed by the might of the Beasts and Groudon Company.
It was like facing an unfathomable colossus.
The indescribable sense of oppression was nearly identical to facing the World Government—perhaps even more intense.
At least the World Government followed rules. The pirate world didn't, and in the New World, there was no escaping the Beasts' pursuit.
As the saying goes: if you can't beat them, join them.
Several Supernovas held Gurd's business cards, lost in thought.
Elsewhere, at Fish-Man Island.
The Groudon Ship arrived smoothly at the entrance.
"Mermaid ladies!"
Sanji stood at the ship's railing, his heart restless with excitement at the thought of meeting beautiful mermaids.
This was his dreamland!
However, Fish-Man Island's current situation was dire. Heavy military presence blocked the Groudon Ship's path at the entrance.
After the Summit War, Fish-Man Island—flying Whitebeard's flag—became the first target. Every day, fish-men and mermaids went missing.
Fish-Man Island had entered a state of emergency!
"It's the Groudon Ship!"
The fish-man soldiers grew even more tense at the sight of it. They dared not overstep but couldn't afford to lower their guard either.
If the Beasts entered Fish-Man Island, no one could stop them. No one could guarantee their intentions.
At this critical moment, Jimbei appeared.
"It's me!"
"Boss Jimbei?!"
The soldiers were overjoyed to see him.
In these dark times, Jimbei's return was the greatest boon. The kingdom's soldiers alone couldn't handle the rampant pirates and traffickers.
"Quick, open the entrance!"
"Boss Jimbei is back!"
Soon, the Groudon Ship docked.
Jimbei turned to the soldier captain.
"I need to see King Neptune. Please inform him!"
"Boss Jimbei, King Neptune already gave orders—you're to go to Dragon Palace to see him the moment you return!"
The captain hurriedly replied.
"Then arrange a boat for me."
Jimbei nodded.
He'd attended the old man's funeral and hitched a ride back on Gurd's ship, also serving as an intermediary.
Like Marco and the other commanders, he was deeply grateful to Gurd.
A bubble boat was quickly prepared.
"Free rein."
Gurd gave the order, then boarded the bubble boat with Jimbei, floating toward Dragon Palace above Fish-Man Island.
During the journey, Gurd gazed downward.
"Not bad."
Fish-Man Island's scenery was quite impressive—perfect for developing into a tourist destination, provided the route issues could be resolved.
Reaching Fish-Man Island was exceedingly difficult. Even pirate ships had absurdly high wreck rates, let alone ordinary tourists.
Promising potential, but difficult to develop.
A dozen minutes later, in the Dragon Palace hall.
"Jimbei, you've finally returned."
Seeing Jimbei, Neptune finally breathed a sigh of relief, then turned his gaze to Gurd, his nerves immediately tensing up.
This man could easily destroy Fish-Man Island.
Neptune's attitude was extremely courteous.
"Greetings, Mr. Gurd."
"First time meeting, Great Knight Neptune."
Gurd gave a slight nod.
"I'm merely passing through. Once my ship is coated, I'll be on my way. I've learned a bit about Fish-Man Island's situation. If needed, I can lend you the flag of the Beasts."
"The Beasts' flag!"
Neptune's heart tightened.
What Fish-Man Island needed now was a flag that could offer them protection—and without a doubt, the Beasts' flag was the most intimidating!
Given Gurd's actions during the Summit War and his aid to the Whitebeard Pirates, both emotionally and logically, Neptune wanted the Beasts' protection.
But—
Neptune's expression darkened with worry.
"Mr. Gurd, two days ago, Baron Tamago, an envoy from Totto Land, arrived on Fish-Man Island. He's still here now."
"Totto Land?"
Gurd raised an eyebrow in surprise.
They moved fast.
"Well, suit yourself."
A mere Fish-Man Island was inconsequential to him—after all, its environmental limitations made it hard to develop.
"Mr. Gurd!"
After a few seconds of contemplation, Neptune quickly made up his mind and bowed deeply in request. "Please, lend me your flag!"
"You're not worried about Totto Land?"
"I will explain the situation to Baron Tamago!"
"Fine."
Gurd said no more.
Now, only two Emperor Crews remained in the New World—the Beasts and Totto Land—and the hostility between them had been magnified infinitely.
This was an inevitable outcome.
Unless another Emperor emerged in a short time to divert their attention, conflict was unavoidable.
He had no particular interest in Totto Land, but the Beasts' pirates wouldn't see it that way. If they could eliminate Totto Land now, the Beasts would become the true rulers of the New World.
The next step would be the Pirate King!
Well, things were getting a bit out of hand.
Gurd pondered for a moment, then quickly hatched a devious plan.
After some casual conversation—
"Mr. Gurd!"
Jimbei approached Gurd alone, pulling two small sake cups from his robe. Having confirmed that Gurd would protect Fish-Man Island, he wanted to offer his own sincerity in return.
This was his "benevolence"!
"I wish to share a cup of Acceptance wine with you!"
"Hm?"
Gurd studied Jimbei.
"You're serious?"
"Yes!"
Jimbei sat cross-legged on the floor and solemnly raised his cup. "On behalf of the Sun Pirates, I wish to join your ranks and serve under you!"
"..."
Gurd picked up his cup, his gaze turning cold.
"Jimbei, I understand your intentions, and I can accept your service. But if you ever betray me, it won't just be you—the Sun Pirates and Fish-Man Island will also face the consequences. Understood?"
"I understand."
Jimbei leaned forward slightly, bowing his head.
Of course, he knew this well. Such was the way of the pirate world—to think that service was only a personal matter would be naive.
But Fish-Man Island needed protection. If he could serve as a bridge, Gurd would at least treat the island with less severity.
This was, after all, an exchange of interests.
"Good."
Gurd nodded and drank the Acceptance wine.
Jimbei also downed his cup in one go.
The pact was sealed!
Gurd curled his lips into an unusually sinister smile and commanded, "Jimbei, go beat up Baron Tamago right now!"
"Huh?!"
Jimbei was dumbfounded.
No way?
He had just joined, and now he was being ordered to attack someone from Totto Land?
Gurd raised an eyebrow.
"Any problems?"
"None, Captain Gurd!"
Jimbei forced a bitter smile.
Though he didn't understand Gurd's intentions, since he had pledged allegiance, he couldn't question his captain's orders.
So what if it was just one of the Four Emperors?
Bring it on!
(End of Chapter)