West Blue.
Kingdom of Illusia.
This is a member country of the World Government.
The constant supply of Heavenly Tribute has made the people here impoverished, and young people only dream of going to sea and becoming pirates.
Young adult labor was scarce throughout the kingdom.
However, since the young King Daruka came to power, he has eliminated the kingdom's problems, changed the harsh atmosphere, and carried out drastic reforms.
The entire Kingdom of Illusia became more and more prosperous, and Daruka's reputation among the people soared.
Recently, he has actively sought investment from the Soviet Chamber of Commerce, the world's largest chamber of commerce, successfully stimulating the kingdom's economic vitality.
It's clear that this king has great vision and strategy.
At least he is a wise ruler among the many strange kings in the pirate world.
Otherwise, he would not have sharply pointed out the threat of Dagon at the World Summit many years later.
At this time, close to the heart of the entire kingdom, a building with the unique characteristics of the Soviet Chamber of Commerce stands tall, surrounded by rows of small houses.
In the office on the top floor, a young woman in her late twenties was sitting on a soft office chair. The surroundings were empty and silent, except for the busy Den Den Mushi on the desk and books stacked higher than a person.
The woman rubbed her eyebrows, and a relaxed smile appeared on her face again.
Her name is Nico Robin.
She is the Devil Child who was offered a bounty of 79 million berries by the World Government when she was just 8 years old! ! !
She is also the only survivor of the Ohara incident and a scholar capable of interpreting historical texts! !
"He must have discovered my identity."
She looked at the Den Den Mushi on her desk, lost in thought.
Since her escape, she has been on countless pirate ships.
However, she is like a demon who brings bad luck.
Almost every pirate group she joined ended in various unsavory ways.
Her life has been a drama of constant betrayal and distrust.
She has never found a harbor for her soul.
"I don't know how long you can persist under the influence of my bad luck, Soviet Chamber of Commerce..."
During her escape, she accidentally came into contact with the behemoth Soviet Chamber of Commerce.
She even escaped a pursuit with the help of their protection.
After that, she completely hid within the Chamber of Commerce.
With her superhuman intelligence and keen sense of danger honed from years of running, she quickly stood out in the West Blue branch and was promoted to branch president.
The phone call just now was from the head of the headquarters - Gild Tesoro, a terrifying man known as the Golden Emperor.
According to rumors, the World Government once invited him to become a Shichibukai.
But he refused without hesitation.
The reason he gave was: He didn't want to be burdened with pirate affairs. Wouldn't it be nicer to be a legal businessman?
That's Shichibukai! !
A major pirate with legal rights to plunder!
Each one of them is a threat in the Grand Line.
A giant presence on the sea.
And yet, there are still people who would refuse this title?
Because--
This man has greater ambitions! ! !
From the brief conversation just now, although Robin didn't know why, it was clear that the other party knew her identity and was still willing to let her stay in the Soviet Chamber of Commerce.
However, she learned a shocking secret! !
This guy is trying to make the Soviet Chamber of Commerce a member of the World Government.
He wanted to form a ship-based kingdom without territory, just like the Vinsmoke family of North Blue! ! !
And this is one of the reasons behind the construction of Gran Tesoro.
"It's really... an ambitious dream."
Even if the Soviet Chamber of Commerce already has enough wealth to support its ambitions.
————
Crackling--! ! !
The sound of intertwined electricity flashed, and a huge fist suddenly appeared from the void, punching Smoker in the face.
Boom--! ! !
The expected collision did not happen; Smoker's entire head turned into smoke and dispersed.
"You're too slow, Smoker!"
Enel grinned, covering his suddenly emerged feet with a layer of Armament Haki, and kicked Smoker in the butt!
Bang--! !
The collision of hard and soft.
Smoker flew forward, his face hitting the ground directly.
"You can't keep up. Your progress is slowing down, Smoker!"
Since the last battle with Doflamingo, Enel's strength had further improved.
A strong person always gets stronger in battle.
Of course, daily hard training is also essential.
"It's a pity that Kyros isn't here; maybe you two could defeat me together."
Enel's eyes were full of contempt, his pride evident.
This is Enel.
An extremely sensitive and proud person.
"Damn it!!"
Smoker stood up straight, a hint of anger in his eyes.
If he didn't know Enel was such a boastful character, Smoker would have gone berserk.
Although he gained a lot from the last battle, compared to Enel, it felt lacking.
Facts have proven that there are strong and weak differences between Devil Fruits.
Enel's fruit is too versatile.
It can even assist him in physical training, which is far more effective than conventional methods like weight-bearing.
"Just wait!"
Smoker left these words and ran to the cabin bedroom.
"What the hell, Smoker!"
Enel stood still, picking his ears, curious to see what Smoker was up to.
Soon, Smoker returned, holding a Jitte menacingly.
This Jitte was made by someone from the Marine Weapons Force earlier. He never had a chance to use it, and it was left in a corner collecting dust.
It just so happens that Enel doesn't know the ropes.
This... has seastone in it! !
Given Enel's temperament, he would definitely resist with contempt.
And then, he'd fall into Smoker's trap!
As expected.
Enel sneered:
"Tsk-!!! What did I think it was? You don't think you can defeat me by switching from fists to such a pathetic thing, do you?"
"How naive! Smoker!"
To Smoker's surprise, Enel suddenly stretched out his hand in the air, a golden stick suddenly appearing in his grasp with a sound of air breaking.
In the middle of the golden rod, there were characters - [Ruyi Golden Cudgel]. (T/N: A weapon from Soul Land)
"What do those words mean?"
Smoker couldn't help but be drawn toward it.
The thing was really dazzling, even more so under the sunlight.
"It's not my fault; someone insisted on engraving such incomprehensible things on it."
Enel's face suddenly turned red.
This golden rod was found by Kyros when he was cleaning the mansions of nobles.
Enel asked for it, but Atlas saw it and insisted on engraving those words on it.
Enel complained in his heart.
Mainly because he had already been beaten, so he could only complain secretly in his heart.
Rumble——! ! !
At this moment, the entire ship suddenly shook.
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