Previous Chapter Recap:-
Lucius had a mysterious talk with his 'stand' after losing consciousness. Then when he woke up, he had convinced Kuma to stop being sad and instead focus on becoming stronger so as to never let a similar tragedy like Sorbet happen again. Amara who selfishly eavesdropped also found motivation via that. Omori gave a heartfelt speech about building a nation of freedom.
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Spandine had thought he would be held as a prisoner and tortured by Lucius everyday as he slowly exposed all the government secrets but…Unexpectedly he was treated like a person should be treated.
That treatment however caused Spandine to feel even more uneasy and distressed, especially when he found out he could move around as long as he didn't try to escape.
'This has to be a trick..' Spandine thought anxiously. Thankfully he was able to alleviate some of it because He was invited for 'Dinner' with Lucius. He tried to rationally reassure himself that this meeting was likely where things will go badly for him but when he entered the dining room, his mouth salivated at the lavish dishes surrounding the Table.
"Hello, Spandine. Thank you for coming, come sit." Spandine quickly regained focus after hearing that familiar altered voice. His eyes quickly tracked the voice to the owner who unsurprisingly still wore the mask. Making him inwardly relieved thinking this was a set-up all along.
Lucius watched as Spandine took a seat in front of him. "I am only wearing this mask because I don't trust you yet. So don't mind me and begin eating." Lucius casually revealed. Spandine merely nodded his head and didn't hold back at all as he savored each bite. Relishing the taste he had missed eating.
After letting Spandine eat for a whole minute. Lucius finally said "I know what kind of a person you are." But Spandine only slowed down eating when he heard Lucius continue."You are a very selfish person.. Someone who chases after the next big promotion so he could retire comfortably while letting his children take over his previous position." Spandine didn't try to deny it because he understood that was a valid assessment of himself and he didn't think it was a wrong mindset to have.
"But.. is that a bad thing?I don't think so. It simply means you are a hard worker!" That comment made Spandine pause for a moment. Although he felt that this was all an elaborated Trap but he still appreciated it, Especially considering the other person held the final decision over his life.
"That's why.. I would like to offer you a position in My organization." Causing Spandine to feel surprised but it also alarmed him at the same time. He paused eating to contemplate his decision before he replied. "I know that there is no such thing as a free meal in this world, At least that's my belief.. So what do you want exactly?"
Lucius didn't answer the question instead he elaborated "For now.. This Organization functions based on upholding justice and kindness" Spandine for a moment, felt a sense of contempt at what he considered bullshit. "But.. So did The Marines when they were initially founded, At least that is the public's perception of it. We both know they are in actuality, Obedient Dogs for the world government." Spandine slowly nodded his head in agreement.
Lucius didn't hasten his words but spoke with such casual ease that Spandine who was initially feeling quite tensed had also started to relaxed. "Although they still serve has a deterrent force against Pirates but overall, I would say they are merely keeping a facade of balance.. a Balance that can be easily broken if the new world pirates abruptly decided to form a collision.." readily agreeing with Lucius's insightful analysis.
"Either way, I don't want this Organization to eventually decay from inside out nor do I blindly trust people's kindness.." Lucius's words although sounded casual but it helped Spandine get a much deeper understanding of what kind of a person Lucius truly was.. which indirectly had started to influence Spandine more than he initially thought.
Spandine's attention however was immediately grabbed when he heard Lucius share an idea he never knew about. "My solution was to introduce a simple contribution points system." After a slight pause seeing Spandine was more attentive Lucius continued. " In exchange of their service, Valuable Information and even physical treasures, They get what is called 'Credits', An exclusive resource available only in my organization. It works similar to Berries but even more diverse... Because you can't quite buy promotions with Berries can you?"
If Spandine had previously hesitated selling out the world government then the last ounces of that hesitant was swiftly discarded after hearing the last part. Spandine eagerly asked "What kind of Information do you want? And how much will It be worth in Credits?"
"You should be quite Familiar with Rokushiki, Correct...?" Spandine hearing Lucius, Immediately nodded. "As long as you provide a detailed instruction on how they work and how to unlock them. You will Immediately get promoted to a Commander Rank... Meaning you can lead a team of a hundred well-Trained Cadet who follow all your commands basically your own small army." Spandine's eyes shone but Lucius quickly added "Of course you would need to go through a period of Training before you can lead this Crew and I don't think I would have to elaborate how much strong your crew would be if they knew both haki and The Rokushiki.. right?"
Spandine took a deep breath, He was already sold with the dream that Lucius beautifully painted for him. After a moment of hesitation he decided to asked "Aren't you afraid.. I will betray you?" But what Spandine heard was a slight chuckle in return before Lucius said. "Betrayal implies.. Trust.. and in this world. They also need enough strength and confidence to follow through that notion. So tell me, Spandine.." Abruptly Spandine felt a sense of overwhelming pressure and suffocation take over him. His mind barely processing Lucius's Question "Will you betray me?"
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"Lucius! You bastard! Why did you get a bounty before me" Buggy exclaimed as tears streamed down his face while pointing his finger towards Lucius accusingly.
Lucius without any consideration pointed to his bounty and especially his mask that looked almost like a clown ranger with a big red nose with a hint of pride said "Because My Nose is redder than yours." Shanks, who was listening nearby, choked on his orange juice remembering that 'incident'.
[Mr Zero 'Demon Clown'] [Dead or Alive] [Bounty: 308,440,000] [Mask depiction: Red Ranger Mask But vaguely resembles a clown with a very red nose, yes even redder than Buggy's.]
Buggy wanted to refute Lucius's bullshit but then he remembered he was the one who helped Lucius with the mask as an attempt to pull a prank but surprisingly Lucius accepted it and even praised the redness of the nose. So he could only fume in anger and angrily grabbed an oval-shaped orange fruit that had oddly swirling patterns in order to eat and calm his anger down.
'Swirls..? Rayleigh-sense mentioned something about swirling fruits..' Shanks furrowed his head trying to remember the obscure memory but alas it was already too late.
"Wait buggy-" Lucius who knew about devil fruits wanted to warn Buggy but the boy in anger didn't listen and merely shouted "Shut up!" as he bit into this devil fruit immediately tasting the shitty flavor "Pthu! Pthu! What is this fruit?? Why is it so disgusting?" Buggy whined.
'Disgusting..?' Shanks who heard that taste description experienced an eureka moment as his mind finally thought of devil fruits. "You idiot! That was a devil fruit!" Shanks exclaimed after finally remembering,Buggy looked at him with a confused face but it slowly morphed into sheer despair. "Uh-hm.. Maybe it hasn't come into effect yet..?" Buggy tried to reason.
"Only one way to find out… We have to throw you to the sea." Lucius ominously suggested causing Buggy to gulp in nervousness and letting out a nervous chuckle. "I think that's not necessary, Look! I am perfectly fin-?!!" Buggy in order to convince them tried to jump around as a way to show he was fine but.. his upper body disconnected with the lower half.
Causing both Shanks and Lucius to widen their eyes. Former because of the unusual power and confirmation that it was a devil fruit while the latter in realization knowing what just happened. Buggy had gotten his canon devil fruit ability despite the circumstances being different. 'It makes me wonder.. If devil fruits seek their users out.' Lucius thought with curiosity.
But for now, Lucius focused on consoling Buggy who was sulking after shanks told him how much it could have been sold for. In an attempt to comfort he said "Buggy, Don't be depressed.. Think of this as investing in your own power." But Buggy ever the money-grabber scoffed and refuted "AS IF! Now I have lost a hundred million Berries!" He suddenly became even more depressed and with tearful eyes he said "Now I also lost the ability to swim! Do you know how many wrecked ships are under the sea?? I could have looked for treasures on them! But now I can't!"
Both Shanks and Lucius felt an urge to smack Buggy for his mindset but held it back. "Even if you could get all the treasures, other pirates would have targeted you for it." Shanks lightly mentioned what he thought would make Buggy realize the value of strength but alas instead it caused Buggy's brain to short-circuit when he realized. "Now, It's easier for them to just drown me and Rob me!" Buggy said as he slumped down on the chair feeling even more depressed.
Shanks wanted to say something again but this time he felt the intense Stare from Lucius that suggested something painful if he spoke so he kept his mouth shut. "No it wouldn't be easier for them.. in fact it would be even harder for them to loot you!" What Lucius said almost immediately attracted the sullen Buggy, who eagerly asked "What do you mean?"
Lucius looked around as if making sure nobody was nearby then he motioned both Buggy and Shanks closer as if sharing a hidden secret he had discovered. He said with a lowered voice "Think for a moment.. Your devil fruit ability allows you to split your body in pieces, right?" Buggy nodded his head unconsciously. Lucius then elaborated his idea. "That means.. As long as they don't have future sight and armament Haki.. No swordsman nor snipers would be able to hit you now!"
Buggy's eyes widened in realization after discovering what everyone else considers motivational thoughts. "That's right! But.." Buggy after a moment of motivation his mind almost immediately fell into his depressive mindset, thankfully Lucius quickly shook his head and said "Don't overthink it! Instead try to recount how many times has the crew faced those individuals? Rarely Right?"
"Yeah!" Buggy nodded his head with excitement after seriously counting and remembering his time in this crew so far but Lucius's next words ticked him off. Especially with the contempt he felt "Then.. Stop being so grumpy like a cranky old man! Even crocus o-jiisan knows when to relax.." Buggy fumed then exclaimed "Shut up! Ya bastard! I am not that old!" and launched an attack to convey his message.
Shanks, who had been quietly observing this conversation was left speechless and baffled by how despite trying to convey the same thing to Buggy, caused different reactions of Buggy. But he was still glad for his close friend to come back to his usual self so quickly. So he quickly helped the buggy against Lucius in the brawl. It definitely wasn't because he was feeling unfairly treated.
#
Lucius carefully held the map in his hand. After catching up with his buddies he looked for the navigators of Roger's crew and Asked them to help him find a suitable island that he could escort his people to.
Thankfully they readily agreed to help, although it took quite a few hours but eventually Lucius found the perfect island thanks to his fortune sensing ability. Lucius glanced at the island Map that vaguely resembles his home Germany in shape. Which did add to the convincing factor but the major reason was the densed amount of fortune he sensed from it.
If he used Roger as a scale when it came to Fortune density then this map he held was worth Seven Rogers. so although Lucius didn't quite understand why yet he was compelled to check it out.
Afterwards Lucius brought Ginny, Kuma, Amara and Ginny's espionage division to the island in order to properly map it out. The process was quite easy due to Lucius having learned to 'Fly' by using his stand's hands as the steps to jump into the sky. They then spended the next few weeks exploring and taming the beast kings of their respective region.
Lucius felt satisfied after looking at the now roughly complete island map And the rough estimate of the size of this island being close to that of Australia. Then after a lengthy discussion they concluded the settlement should be constructed in the central region where there was abundance of Plains and Forest.
The migration process wasn't too difficult as well due to Kuma, who had partially awakened his devil fruit after trying to mass 'Repel' everyone back in the sorbet base. So now, he could now 'Repel' Large structures with everything inside fully intact to other islands.
After the settlements began their construction. Soon it came time for the citizens of this new Kingdom to elect their new king that would serve them for the next 25 Years old.
Unsurprisingly Omori won and now on The 30th of April of the year 1495 of the sea circle calendar. Everyone watched with eagerness as the coronation of the king was being broadcasted.
"I, Omori, Once a Sorbet citizen and now, The king and proud citizen of Lichterheim (Home of Light) and The Admiral Of the newly formed Sorbet Sentinels, Swear on my Honor, Dignity and Pride as a Sentient being. that I will uphold Freedom, Justice and Show kindness towards my citizens and strive to make this Kingdom prosper." Omori solemnly swore. Then he sat on a makeshift Throne as Lucius placed a wooden Lotus shaped crown on Omori's head.
Officially marking 30th April as the day a king would be elected but also the day this kingdom was founded.
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Word count: 2372
Author's Note:
Should Lucius eat a devil fruit? if so then which type? I am thinking of a mythical zoan angel type or Pika Pika no mi, Basically Borsalina's logia Devil fruit which makes him a light human. Or should he Remain as a haki master. If so I will likely give the fruit to Omori or Amara.