Rommel Kingdom was located on a massive island, even by New World standards. The climate varied drastically. The northern region was a frigid, snow-covered land, while the southern region experienced four distinct seasons, its climate more temperate.
The winters were harsh, but agriculture was possible in the south, making the island self-sufficient. Its strong economy placed it among the most powerful nations in the New World.
A thriving economy meant a steady flow of money. It was the perfect island for business.
"So, we agree on the terms of the contract?"
"Yes. We appreciate you supplying us with high-quality lumber."
"We'll purchase the ships you build. Contact us when you have an estimate… But are you interested in selling your entire company? It's a bit of a hassle to keep repeating this process of selling lumber and buying ships."
"This shipyard was passed down from my father. I won't hand it over to pirates."
"You don't have to change the company's name. We could simply become your sponsors."
They had acquired the Treasure Tree Adam and were now selling it to shipyards, obtaining sturdy, high-quality vessels in return.
If they had a shipyard of their own, it would have solved their shipbuilding problems, but acquiring an entire shipyard was an expensive endeavor.
And most shipbuilders refused to have pirates as sponsors. It would have been a different story if they were desperate, but in this country, there was no need for such compromises.
Regardless, they had secured a way to obtain ships.
The Twilight Pirates were constantly expanding. They had started branching out into various businesses, and they needed more ships to transport their goods.
Kanata finished the negotiations and approached George, who was reviewing the inventory.
"We've secured a source for ships. How's the loading of the food and clothing coming along?"
"We're working on it. It'll be done in less than an hour."
Their organization was growing rapidly, but they were lacking personnel to manage it.
They had hoped to find suitable candidates, but it was unlikely for someone with those skills to become a pirate. Even if they did, they would likely be government spies.
In the worst-case scenario, they would be infiltrators from other trading companies, seeking to embezzle funds.
Feiyun had already caught a few of them and fed them to the Sea Kings.
"Should we try to recruit Tom?" Kanata asked.
"He won't leave Water Seven," George replied.
Tom's pride as a shipwright was tied to Water Seven, the island renowned for its shipbuilding.
While ships could be built anywhere, Water Seven was a hub for skilled shipwrights. If Tom was dedicated to honing his skills, he wouldn't leave.
For now, their priority was to expand their trade and increase their funds. They might be able to purchase a shipyard eventually.
"We're done for today. We'll depart early tomorrow morning."
"Understood. I have a few things to confirm about the trade –"
"Sis! You have a visitor!"
Teach interrupted their conversation.
For some reason, he called Kanata "Sis," but she didn't bother correcting him. Perhaps he wasn't used to speaking formally. His grammar was occasionally off as well.
Regardless, she hadn't expected any visitors today. She frowned.
"A visitor? Who is it?"
"I don't know, Sis. He's wearing a military uniform," Teach replied.
"Military…? We shouldn't have any connections to them."
They were active in this area, but Teach's words suggested it wasn't the Marines.
She didn't know their purpose, but the Rommel Kingdom's military was known for its strength. It was best to avoid causing any trouble.
It was a World Government affiliated nation. Any incident would inevitably involve the Marines. She wanted to avoid any complications near Hachinosu.
She followed Teach to the harbor, where the visitor was waiting.
It was a man in a military uniform, his face concealed by a mask. He stood tall and imposing, his sharp gaze radiating an aura of Haki that would intimidate most people.
Kanata narrowed her eyes while approaching the man.
"I heard you wanted to speak to me. Who are you?"
"First, I apologize for this sudden visit. And I thank you for your time – My name is Nord," the man replied, bowing his head slightly.
"You're welcome," Kanata said.
"My master wishes to speak with you. If you're willing to listen, please return to this location tomorrow at noon. I will escort you to my master," Nord explained.
"…I see. A rather roundabout way of doing things."
They were clearly trying to be cautious.
She would consider their offer if the reward was worth the risk, but… she wouldn't know until she met them.
"Very well. I hope the reward is worth my time."
"I'm grateful for your understanding. Then, until tomorrow."
Nord bowed again and turned to leave.
Kanata and Teach watched him go, then returned to the ship.
***
The next day, Nord, dressed in the same attire as before, arrived at the appointed time and escorted Kanata away from the harbor.
The harbor was crowded, and his military uniform attracted attention, but… it seemed strange that they weren't trying to hide their presence, considering they wanted to discuss a confidential matter.
"…You're attracting attention in that uniform. Are you sure it's alright?" Kanata asked.
"How many people in this country do you think wear military uniforms? It doesn't matter as long as they don't see my face," Nord replied.
After all, collusion between the military and pirates wasn't uncommon. Especially in the New World, where Linlin and Shiki's influence had strengthened the bonds between nations and pirate crews.
It was rare in World Government affiliated nations, but not unheard of.
It was simply a matter of discretion.
They left the harbor, taking a less crowded route, eventually reaching a mansion in a secluded area.
Kanata followed Nord inside and was led to a room at the back, where she sat down at a table.
A woman entered the room, Nord following behind her.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Kanata, the Dragon Slayer Witch."
"So you're the one who wanted to speak with me?"
"Yes, I asked Nord to contact you. I hope you'll accept my request," the woman said.
She was a beautiful woman with blonde hair. She was likely a noble. She sat down across from Kanata, and Nord expertly prepared tea.
"Would you like some tea?" he asked.
Kanata nodded, and Nord placed a cup of tea before her.
"Tell me your name."
"Very well… You may call me Diana."
She might not have been using her real name, but Kanata didn't care. They were likely trying to keep this meeting a secret, so she wouldn't pry.
"I'd like to hear about this business proposition. What do you want?"
"Military power," Diana replied without hesitation. She was younger than Kanata, but her gaze was steady and unwavering. She took a sip of tea, then continued. "This country is wealthy and powerful, more so than most. But it's not absolute, not in this sea."
Powerful pirates like Linlin and Shiki resided in the New World. If they incurred their wrath, their country could be destroyed.
Newgate and Roger weren't the type to actively target nations, but Roger had destroyed a country before. It was too risky to rely on him.
And even Newgate, the most approachable of the four, wasn't that powerful as a force, even if his personal strength was undeniable. That's why they had chosen Kanata.
"We need your strength to ensure our continued prosperity," Diana said.
"I see… but this is a World Government affiliated nation, isn't it? Won't you be expelled if you're caught working with pirates?"
"We'll keep it a secret. Many affiliated nations work with pirates."
Even though they publicly declared their commitment to eliminating pirates, many World Government affiliated nations secretly collaborated with pirate crews to maintain order and strengthen their military. Kano Country was a good example, but they openly employed pirates as their guards.
Rommel Kingdom simply wanted to do the same with Kanata and her crew.
"Your base, Hachinosu, is also close to this country. It's a mutually beneficial arrangement, don't you think?"
"Indeed. Even financial support would be appreciated."
They were currently self-sufficient, but they didn't engage in plundering as often as Linlin or Shiki, so their income was relatively low.
They wanted to fortify Hachinosu for the future. This deal was a godsend. But there was something she needed to confirm.
"What do you mean by 'military power'? What do you intend to use it for?"
"Well… It would start with escorting our merchant ships. We might also ask you to transport some of our cargo. And if war breaks out…"
"You want us to be your vanguard, to destroy your enemies… Our crew doesn't usually target civilians."
"If you refuse this deal, wouldn't this country's downfall affect you as well?"
"We could always take over this weakened nation," Kanata spoke dangerously.
"Fu fu, how scary." Diana chuckled, seemingly unafraid.
Kanata was constantly observing her with her Observation Haki, but Diana showed no signs of fear or hesitation.
She was risking her life with these words, yet she remained calm and seductive. She was an unsettling girl.
"…I don't even know your position in this country. I can't be sure if this deal is legitimate."
"You're right."
Diana took a sip of tea, then gestured to Nord, who left the room. He returned a moment later, carrying two large bags. He placed them on the table and opened them, revealing stacks of money.
"This contract is a personal request. It's not an official agreement with the country."
"…I see."
If it was a personal contract, her position was irrelevant. They were mercenaries, as long as she paid them.
But… it was a convenient excuse. If anything happened, the country could claim they had no involvement. They could even execute Diana for treason.
Well, that wouldn't be a bad thing. Kanata wasn't concerned about her reputation, and it would be Rommel Kingdom that would suffer the consequences.
"…Very well. I accept your offer. It's a mutually beneficial arrangement."
"Wonderful. I was worried you might refuse."
Even though she said that, she probably hadn't considered the possibility of rejection.
Each suitcase contained 100 million berries. 200 million as a down payment, and a promise of further financial support.
Regardless of her official position, Diana clearly had access to significant funds. Of course, to Kanata, this was a paltry sum.
They needed money to build new ships, acquire goods for trade, and cover various other expenses. 100 or 200 million would disappear quickly.
Their profits were high, but they were reinvesting most of it to expand their influence.
"How will we communicate in the future?"
"We'll use Den Den Mushis. There's a risk of eavesdropping, but if we use a simple code, it shouldn't be a problem."
They only needed to communicate the necessary roles and the number of ships required. A simple code would be sufficient.
They exchanged contact information and agreed to part ways for now.
Diana promised to contact them soon. Until then, they were free to do as they pleased.
"This was a fruitful meeting. I look forward to a continued partnership," Diana said with a smile.
"As long as it's mutually beneficial, I won't refuse."
Kanata lifted the two suitcases effortlessly and returned to the ship, taking a less conspicuous route to avoid attracting attention.
***
"Welcome back. How did the negotiations go?" George asked.
"It went well. It's a good deal."
There were a few things that bothered her, but they weren't anything that would cause problems for Kanata and her crew. She could ignore them.
She set aside the 200 million berries she had received as a down payment. They needed to return to Hachinosu. They had planned to return today, but it was already evening. They avoided sailing at night whenever possible, so they would have to return tomorrow.
"What kind of person was she?" George asked.
"A young woman with blonde hair and blue eyes. Quite beautiful."
"I wish I could have met her. Scotch will be jealous."
"It's better if you don't. She's dangerous."
She was the type of woman who could manipulate men with ease. She didn't seem to be acting solely for the benefit of her country. It was best to avoid getting too involved.
George made a strange face.
"What's with that expression?"
"Nothing… Well, it's nothing you'd want to hear."
Kanata was also capable of ruining lives. She simply wasn't aware of it.
"Oh, and… we received a message from Roger."
"From Roger? What does he want?"
"Technically, it's from Oden, through Roger. He said, 'My father told me to return in two years, but I can't yet. Tell him that for me.'"
"That good-for-nothing can't even keep a simple promise?!" Kanata shrugged.
She couldn't believe he was using her as a messenger. But she had heard that Sukiyaki was ill. It would be a good idea to visit him.
Zen would likely want to see him as well. She decided to take him with her. She informed Scotch about the contract with Diana, instructing him to handle any communication.
"We'll return to Hachinosu tomorrow, then head to Wano Country with Zen. I'm worried about Sukiyaki's illness. And we can deliver that good-for-nothing's message while we're there."
"Should we take Sukura as well?"
"It depends on whether they'll allow it."
They could meet Sukiyaki, as they were acquaintances, but she wasn't sure if they would let an outsider examine him.
The shogun's illness would be treated by the best doctors in the country. Interfering could cause complications.
They would have to adapt to the situation.
"Oden also said to give his regards to his retainers."
"What does he think I am?!"
He was treating her like an errand girl.