Within the capital city of Rica Island, inside of an ancient stone castle there was many people who knelt down before the person in the throne.
A man with grey hair and wrinkles sat on the throne and by his side sat a thin woman with grey hair and wrinkles.
Behind them was a group of smartly dressed people who resembled them and some small children who had some similarities.
One of the people kneeling down started to speak. "My king, we have come up a way to prevent further problems and deal with our enemies once and for all."
The king showed a look of interest. "You have permission to speak."
They started to explain their plan. "The only influence on the island is no longer just those of the capital and the lawless zone anymore, there is the influence that belongs to the Sunken Castle."
The king then frowned. "Have you investigated them?"
The king had started to show interest to things outside the capital along with his trusted advisors ever since the events of Marineford, before they were ignorant about certain things because they rarely had people leave the island and investigate or they had not dared to even venture out of the capital themselves for fear of being attacked.
Their ignorance allowed for the White Storm to easily take over the Sunken Castle and establish their own place while the lawless zone became even worse after the war as a conflict had already started.
However after investigating the residents of the Sunken Castle, they were finally able to come up with some results which made them draw up plans of their own.
The man replied. "It has been confirmed that they are very influential in the outside world where they have helped other islands increase their trade with other islands and provide protection services for a price while occasionally targeting those with a bounty on their heads. It is well known that they do not usually get involved with conflicts within an island but this might not be a problem if we can give them enough of a reason to help us remove a threat. It is already in our favour that the Lawless King will most likely send his men to attack them too, if we cannot move them with revenge alone then we can try using money or status to allow us to work together. This way we can gain a potential ally and push our own agenda forward while removing any stain from within the island."
The king then nodded. "Hmm, you are correct. Since we are not a recognised island of the World Government, we will not receive any outside help and it will cost us all if we wish to hire any other help. We can probably set up an agreement that will entice them to do most of the dirty work for us."
The man smiled. "The king is wise."
One person talked about cooperation while the other understood it as using those within the Sunken Castle to do the hard and dirty work for them so that they could clean up the island and move towards their true purpose.
The king was very satisfied as he said. "If this is successful then we can achieve our dream of joining the World Government and change our island completely from the previous lawless area everyone believes it to be. Draw up a plan and send a group to the Sunken Castle. Be sure to do it stealthily!"
Many of the nobles showed a look of excitement, some had indifference on their faces while a small number had a look of anger in their eyes.
Many of them were excited that the situation was in their favour so long as the negotiations were successful while others did not like the idea of outsiders stepping into their islands problems and taking away the glory and riches for themselves.
Even when danger was at their doorsteps, they still stopped to consider the benefits that they would lose out on if someone else stepped in to help them but to them, their pride and greed were often the things that they valued the most as it helped each of them to maintain their current positions and rise higher in the ranks.
Just as Alfred, Jester, Liushi, And Sunila had arrived on the island, they headed to the Sunken Castle where Yao and Xena were being closely guarded and cared for within the walls by the staff within the castle.
Ghost took up the role of protecting them and keeping a close watch over the prisoners like Shiki and Dr Indigo along with the petrified statue of an old lady.
The people belonging to their side had suffered very few injuries thanks to their quick response time and the measures that had been put in place but upon hearing about everything, Liushi stepped forward with his newly made weapons in each hand. "Where are they? I will cut those people up! How dare they?!"
Alfred put his hand on his shoulder and then pulled him back. "Calm down, Alyssia would not have left without putting a plan in place or setting up some way to defend ourselves so it could have been much worse.. however what you should be asking is why they are acting now?"
Jester smirked as he juggled some daggers in his hands. "We arrived here a long time ago and were able to settle in just fine but that is because we have been careful. She probably left so that she could test how we would respond to the situation, she knew that once we revealed a weakness those on the island would make a move. We have passed the first stage but what comes after is just as important. It is actually quite funny!"
Sunila tilted her head to the side. "What do you mean?"
Jester continued. "When the bad guys start misbehaving, many will want to teach them a lesson or even put them down to prevent future troubles. However once they realise the risks, they will back down right away unless there is a way for them to turn the tables on their enemies with less risk. How do you think they would act if they knew who we were?"
Liushi frowned. "But we do not get involved with others disputes! Right?"
Alfred nodded. "That is true. It would be very true for us but now it no longer can be considered as someone else's dispute."
Yvie gasped. "You mean that she planned to use the excuse of revenge to justify our actions so that we can take up the task this time?"
Zhihaojin shook his head. "She may not have planned it to every detail so it cannot be perfect but I think that she has set up the right environment for us to act on our own without worrying about the final outcome."
Monera laughed revealing her sharp teeth. "So sneaky.. but what is it that she wants this time? Gold? Jewels? More influence? Or is this just to train or test us?"
Alfred then spoke. "I think that it may be a little of all of them."
Someone walked into the room and bowed. "Boss, it seems that we have a visitor."
Alfred sighed. "Just on time!"
Jester broke into laughter. "The pieces are all in place, all that we need to do now is just make the best use of the situation."
Monera revealed a crafty look in her eyes. "Old man, do not let us down!"
Alfred then spoke. "Continue to arrange for the other mercenaries that are not working to remain on standby until I call for them. If this is successful then we should gain a lot."
Everyone nodded as Alfred left, they then hurried to get ready for a battle.