Grand Line, Rainbase City, Casino.
"This is really something of a surprise…" said Crocodile with a calm face, "I didn't expect a poor kingdom like this to be able to attract the attention of the Fortis Kingdom to the point that it would be willing to establish a cooperative relationship with this kingdom."
"Doesn't that imply that the Kingdom of Alabasta is not what we think it is right now?" Daz Bonez asked calmly, "If the Kingdom of Fortis is willing to establish a cooperative relationship with the Kingdom of Alabasta. Surely there is something big in this kingdom."
"Something big?" Mr. Eyes 3 shone hearing this, "Could it be the ancient weapon we've been looking for all along?"
"No" Crocodile said seriously as he lowered the newspaper he was currently reading, "Ancient weapons cannot be in this kingdom"
"Impossible?" Mr. Doublefinger asked, raising her brow.
"Kingdom of Fortis—No, King of Fortis isn't someone with a stupid brain" Crocodile said, "If this Kingdom of Alabasta is where the ancient weapon is. There was no way he would act like this especially regarding a live broadcast like this. The possible goal of establishing a cooperative relationship with the Kingdom of Alabasta is another goal and it's not about the ancient weapons we're currently looking for."
"What are we going to do after this, Boss?" Asked Betham, "Currently the Kingdom of Fortis has established a cooperative relationship with the Kingdom of Fortis and an announcement regarding this cooperative relationship will take place in a few hours from now. It is possible that the live broadcast will not only broadcast about the cooperative relationship. However, it is not impossible that in the future all the crimes and actions we have committed will soon be known by the whole world…"
Everyone was silent listening to the words from Betham. No one scoffed at those words because they knew, probably all their actions were already known to the Fortis Kingdom. They also believed that it was likely that they had already gained the attention of the Fortis Kingdom side. Especially their spies.
"We're moving…" Crocodile said seriously.
Even though Crocodile himself was a bit suspicious that he would leave this place. However, for his own safety. Crocodile will choose to relocate. Because Crocodile knows. If he doesn't take action to move. Shouldn't the Fortis Kingdom— Crocodile was afraid that what would pull him away from the Marines was especially the Admiral.
"Move?" Daz Bonez asked while raising his brow.
"Where are we going, Boss?" Ask Mr. 3 with great interest.
"Mock Town" Crocodile said calmly, "Mock Town is a city without laws. There is a pirate's paradise. We will make the city our base." Crocodile paused for a moment and continued, "Though later on all our actions will be exposed by the Fortis Kingdom. However, my status as a Shichibukai will definitely not be revoked by the World Government."
"Hmph!" Crocodile snorted, "There's no way they would dare to revoke my status as a Shichibukai with their current power dwindling while the strength of the Fortis Kingdom is getting stronger. They will keep my title."
Crocodile's gaze became serious, "Prepare our ship and goods. We will be moving right now"
"Okay, Boss"
This action taken by Crocodile was only an anticipation. Anticipation of future actions by the Fortis Kingdom. As long as the information regarding the actions taken by him is known to the citizens of the Kingdom of Alabasta. Of course, he would be the target of the citizens of the Kingdom of Alabasta.
Although Crocodile himself was not afraid of all the citizens of the Kingdom of Alabasta. However, Crocodile knew that as long as he took action that was to attack the citizens of the Kingdom of Alabasta. The Fortis Kingdom will definitely not stand still. He might be killed by spies currently in the Alabasta Kingdom or killed by the higher-ups of the Fortis Kingdom who might also be in Alabasta territory monitoring the situation.
Crocodile knew as long as King Fortis gave orders to the higher-ups of his kingdom. The royal officials will either attack him or kill him.
Even though it wasn't Hashirama, Crocodile knew that there was no way he could escape the pursuit of the Fortis Kingdom.
Even though Crocodile himself wasn't afraid of anyone even if it was against the higher-ups of the Fortis Kingdom. It's just that, Crocodile doesn't want to die quickly, especially now that he has got an ancient record that Crocodile thinks that the ancient record records the location of one of the pluton's ancient weapons. Although that's true. The ancient records record the location of the pluton's ancient weapons.
Crocodile just needs to find someone who helps him to translate the ancient records so that he gets closer to one of his dreams. However, this is what is difficult for him. Because the person who previously had that ability had been taken from him.
Nevertheless, Crocodile was not discouraged to achieve his dream. Crocodile was sure that one day, he would definitely find a way to translate the ancient records that he currently had.
New World, Kingdom of Fortis, Harbor of Residents.
The Prodance Kingdom's ship finally landed at the port that was in the territory where the residents lived. Bell who had just come to the Fortis Kingdom for the first time was quite surprised by the appearance of the Fortis Kingdom even though he himself had obtained some information from Elizabello II and Dagama before they arrived here. The three of them immediately went downstairs and there downstairs was immediately greeted by Lowellmina who was already there smiling.
"Welcome, King of Prodance and Lord of Dagama" Lowellmina said with a smile then her gaze turned to Bell where Bell was currently surprised by Lowellmina's appearance because Lowellmina's current appearance in her eyes was very beautiful even more than Vivi's.
"You are Commander Bell, right?" Lowellmina immediately greeted her, "First meeting. My name is Lowellmina. I am the Head of the Department of Foreign Relations. Nice to meet you"
Bell immediately woke up from his shock and immediately said, "Hello, Miss Lowellmina. Thank you for coming to welcome us here"
"It is my duty, Commander Bell." Lowellmina's gaze immediately turned to Elizabello II, "King of Prodance, thank you for helping us to send Commander Bell here."
"Hahaha… That's the usual task. Don't worry too much about it." Elizabello II said excitedly.
"Miss Lowellmina…" Dagama called politely, "If I may ask, where exactly is Mr Hashirama going?"
"Hashirama?" Lowellmina smiled, "Hashirama is currently accompanying Jouichirou to meet Whitebeard's pirate group"
"Whitebeard Pirates?!" The three of them were shocked by the information.
"Relax" Lowellmina said, "There is no conflict between us. They went there because Jouichirou just wanted to have a cooking match with the head chef of the Whitebeard Pirates. Jouichirou did not have the ability to fly. Because of that, Hashirama went to accompany him."
"Fly?" asked Bell.
"Hm" Lowellmina nodded, "Oh, yes. This is your first time here, right? Maybe you don't know the information about our kingdom yet."
"Information?" Bell mumbled again in confusion.
"How about we talk about it while walking towards the royal palace? His Majesty is waiting for us there."
The three of them nodded.
The four of them led by Lowellmina immediately walked towards the direction of the royal palace. While walking there, Lowellmina began to explain to Bell various information that was fine to tell him. Bell who received so much information at this time couldn't help but marvel at the Fortis Kingdom. Even though this kingdom is a new kingdom. However, Bell never thought that a new kingdom like the Kingdom of Fortis could create a new source of power that currently only the Kingdom of Fortis could use.
In addition to being amazed by the information he had just obtained, Bell was surprised by the houses that were in the territory of the Fortis Kingdom. Because the houses themselves were the houses that King Fortis had shown in the picture which was at the time of the Octagon meeting.
"Miss Lowellmina the house…"
Bell's gaze immediately stopped right at the house which was twice as big as the house he had seen before. In addition, the appearance of the house itself was very luxurious compared to the previous two houses.
"That house is a special house for these royal officials and also for the royal family where the kingdom they lead builds a cooperative relationship with our kingdom" Lowellmina said with a smile, "Currently 10 units have been completed, 7 units have been used by the higher-ups of our kingdom while the other 3 units are used by the Prodance Kingdom, Ryugu Kingdom and Amazon Lily Kingdom"
Lowellmina paused for a moment and continued, "Because the Kingdom of Alabasta has already established a cooperative relationship with our kingdom. Later the Royal family of Alabasta will get one unit as well."
"Really?" Bell was surprised to hear this.
This is because the house in front of it is a very luxurious house. Even if Bell had to compare it to the house owned by the Tenryuubito. The house used by the Tenryuubito has nothing to do with the house in front of it.
"Really" Lowellmina nodded, "This house can be used by your kingdom especially for the royal family who want to come to our kingdom for work or leisure. Your kingdom can use the house that will be obtained freely."
"Hahahaha…" Elizabello II laughed excitedly, "What's with that look of yours, Commander Bell? Were you surprised by the appearance of the house?"
Bell nodded then sighed, "That house is very luxurious… In fact, I believe it is better than the house of the Tenryuubito."
"That house is indeed better than the Tenryuubito's, Commander Bell" Dagama said calmly, "If you look inside the house, you will be amazed by the variety of furniture in the house. There is even some furniture in the house that you will never find in a house outside the Fortis Kingdom."
Bell was even more amazed to hear this.
The four of them continued their journey while greeting the various workers they passed. It didn't take long for the four of them to finally arrive at the forecourt of the Fortis Kingdom's royal palace. Bell fell silent when he saw the appearance of the Fortis Royal Palace as well as the enormous size of the royal palace. They continued on their way until they finally entered the royal palace where the appearance of the inside of the royal palace completely silenced Bell unable to say anything.
This was because the appearance of the inside of the royal palace of the Fortis Kingdom was truly extravagant, even more luxurious than the Pengeau Castle owned by the World Government.
"Let's meet with His Majesty. He's waiting for you in the living room," said Lowellmina.
Lowellmina immediately led the three of them towards the living room. Elizabello II and Dagama who had come often walked normally while Bell walked stiffly since this was his first time coming here.
It didn't take long for the four of them to arrive at the guest room of the royal palace.
In the living room there was already Ars there waiting for them.
When he saw the four of them coming, Ars immediately stood up and walked towards them smiling, "Thank you for going to greet them, Iowa"
"It's my job to do that." Lowellmina smiled with a wink and then immediately took a standing position on the back side.
Ars then immediately walked towards the front which was right in front of Bell, "Welcome to the Kingdom of Fortis, Commander Bell. I am Ars, King of the Fortis Kingdom. I welcome you here."
"H-Hello, King of Fortis" Bell said nervously, "Thank you for giving our kingdom the opportunity to be able to establish a cooperative relationship with your kingdom."
"No need to be so nervous, just relax. I'm not a bad person" Ars said with a relaxed smile then his gaze turned to Elizabello II and Dagama, "Elizabello II and Mr Dagama. Thank you for helping to send Commander Bell to our kingdom."
"Hahahaha… It's such an easy thing. There's no need to ignore it" Elizabello II said with a smile.
Ars nodded and his gaze fell on Bell, "There's still time for lunch as well as doing a live broadcast. How about we talk a little. In addition, I also need to explain a little about the problem of the regional construction plan that we previously proposed. What do you think, Commander Bell? However, if the current Commander Bell was tired. Commander Bell can rest in the room that our kingdom has prepared. We can discuss it later after the live broadcast is over."
"Thanks for the offer, King Fortis" Bell shook his head, "However, I'm still not tired right now and I think it's best if we can have this conversation. So that it can be directly conveyed by me to His Majesty"
"I see" Ars nodded then looked at Elizabello II and Dagama, "You two, do you want to join this conversation?"
"No" Elizabello II shook his head, "I think we will go to our house to rest. To be honest, in recent times, there has been a lot of work to be done and so far, I haven't had a good rest."
"Me too…" Dagama sighed, "It's quite difficult to choose who should sit as head of a department."
"Looks like Commander Bell's arrival is a breath of fresh air for the two of you, isn't it?" asked Ars calmly.
Elizabello II and Dagama nodded simultaneously.
"Well, then. How about using today as a break? After all, it's also not good if the two of you force your body to work to its fullest. At least give your body time to rest so as not to disturb the stability of your work in the future" Ars paused, "Regarding the return time, you can return together with Hashirama and Rin tomorrow. Coincidentally both of them will come to your kingdom to do recruitment. What do you think?"
"What do you think, Your Majesty?" Dagama asked with hopeful eyes, "I think we can use this advice from King Fortis. We can use today for a full rest"
"Hahaha… That's really good advice" Elizabello II said excitedly.
"Regarding the food issue. When it's time for lunch and dinner. I will ask the maid to call you both at your house. Don't worry, you can use this time for a full rest. You can also use your backyard to relax. The view there is quite good even though the yard is small"
"We understand" Elizabello II nodded and looked at Dagama, "Let's go, Dagama"
"Very well, Your Majesty"
Elizabello II and Dagama immediately left the guest room and currently only Ars, Lowellmina, and Bell were left.
"Commander Bell, how about we have a talk on the sofa? It's more comfortable to talk while sitting relaxed" Ars said with a smile.
"Hmm." Bell nodded.
Ars and Bell finally took their positions on the sofa while Lowellmina stood behind Ars quietly.