After hanging up the Den Den Mushi, Roldy leaned back in his chair, deep in thought.
Everything was unfolding according to plan.
The World Government's compromise.
The incorporation of Sabaody Archipelago into his territory.
It was satisfying.
But this was no time to relax.
What had happened so far—
Was only the first step.
"Morgans' intelligence network is quite valuable… With that in place, finding those items should become much faster…"
Though Morgans' allegiance had surprised him, Roldy had arranged matters carefully.
He would not interfere excessively in the operations of the World Economy News Paper.
Papers Morgans once dared not publish could now go to print freely under Roldy 's protection.
In exchange:
Half the profits.
Priority coverage of information Roldy wished to spread.
Intelligence gathering at his request.
It sounded unfair.
But discussing fairness before a superior power—
Was foolish.
"Boss, the ship's ready."
Roldy had drifted off while thinking.
Crocodile's voice, as he entered the room to report, woke him.
"Oh? That fast? Reliable as always, Little Sand."
Roldy stretched and stood.
"Let's go. Those three can hold down the fort. This time, you're coming with me."
The Tea Party date was approaching.
Roldy disliked arriving late.
He also disliked arriving early.
This time, he would bring only Crocodile and a select group of subordinates.
Not because he didn't want the others—
But circumstances dictated otherwise.
The Others
Dracule Mihawk had set his sights on Silvers Rayleigh.
Though Roldy once had minor grievances with Rayleigh, severing one of his arms had settled matters.
Mihawk, however, cared nothing for that.
Still young, though already formidable, he was obsessed with dueling powerful swordsmen.
The Dark King, former right-hand of the Pirate King—
A master of both Haki and swordsmanship—
Naturally became Mihawk's target.
Thus, Mihawk had attached himself to Rayleigh.
Shane had gone to handle proper business.
Fish-Man Island lay directly beneath Sabaody—
The first stop upon entering the New World.
There was no reason not to claim it.
The Fish-Men possessed considerable combat strength.
So Roldy dispatched Shane—himself a Fish-Man.
Fish-Man Island lacked top-tier powerhouses.
Shane's strength was more than sufficient.
As for Gecko Moria…
He was the least reliable.
Recently, a human trafficking ship had docked at Sabaody.
That was something Roldy could never tolerate.
After taking a severe beating during the war against the World Government, Moria had been in a foul mood.
He volunteered eagerly.
Though some of his bounty was inflated, his strength was respectable.
After throwing the traffickers into the sea to feed Sea Kings—
He returned carrying a little girl.
Perona.
A user of the Horo Horo no Mi.
It was hard to imagine the demon-faced Moria behaving like a doting father.
He was currently shopping wildly in Sabaody's commercial district—
Using Roldy 's account.
Roldy shook his head and pushed the thought aside.
Soon, he and Crocodile boarded their coated ship.
They set sail for Whole Cake Island.
The vessel glided beneath the ocean, encased in its protective bubble.
The beauty of the sea was breathtaking.
Now and then, a foolish Sea King would approach—
Only to retreat instantly under Roldy 's single glance.
After some time—
Fish-Man Island came into view.
There was still time before the Tea Party.
So Roldy decided to stay two days.
This was his first proper visit.
He had passed through before—
But only briefly, focused on resupply.
Now—
He could finally see the coveted Ryugu Kingdom for himself.
The landing was smooth.
Though deep beneath the sea—
Light illuminated the kingdom.
"Big Bro!"
Before Roldy could take in the sights, a familiar figure sprinted toward him, flailing his arms wildly.
Roldy 's mouth twitched.
Crocodile's face darkened.
They had notified Shane in advance, hoping for a guide.
Instead—
He came personally.
Which was understandable.
But must he look like that?
"Big Bro! Long time no see!"
"If I recall correctly," Roldy replied dryly, "we spoke three days ago when you arrived."
"Heh, don't sweat the details!"
Shane was always like this.
Roldy had long since grown used to it.
At that moment—
Several figures approached from afar.
At their forefront stood a massive Fish-Man wearing a crown.
The King of Ryugu Kingdom.
"Sir Shane! Please—slow down!"
Neptune arrived, slightly out of breath.
Newly crowned, he had once served as the kingdom's Great Knight.
His strength was considerable.
"Ah, you lot are too slow," Shane waved him off.
"Let me introduce you! This is my Big Bro—the King of the New Era! The man who grants Fish-Man Island his protection—Fitt Roldy !"
Neptune trembled.
He looked at the man before him.
Though shorter in stature than himself—
The aura was overwhelming.
Without hesitation—
Neptune bent at the waist.
"Mr. Roldy , it is an honor. I am Neptune, King of the Ryugu Kingdom."
◇ BONUS & SUPPORT ◇
◇ 1 bonus chapter for every 10 reviews — drop a comment!
◇ 1 bonus chapter for every 100 Power Stones.
◇ Read 70 chapters ahead on P@treon → patreon.com/Sagamaster789