One Piece: Reborn in God's Valley

"There's no such thing as impossible. You should know this country's history better than I do.

He even killed his own father just to return to Mary Geoise.

Now that he's built power in the North Blue, once he's strong enough, don't you think he'll come back to reclaim what once belonged to the Donquixote family?"

Ashen watched Riku's startled expression and knew he had shaken him.

"But I still don't understand, what value is there in an alliance with a country like Dressrosa?"

Riku was genuinely puzzled. Dressrosa had no rich mineral resources, no large ports. The whole nation relied mainly on agriculture and a modest tourism industry.

In fact, if it weren't for the dwarves of Green Bit helping with farming, the people wouldn't even have enough to eat in bad years.

"Haha. You underestimate your own country too much, Riku.

This land was incredibly prosperous 900 years ago, it can be again."

Seeing Riku about to slap the table in protest, Ashen raised a hand to calm him and continued.

"Relax. I won't harm the Tontatta people.

Yes, we'll need them in certain areas, but I'll speak to them myself. I won't enslave them like the Donquixote family did."

"And what will my citizens have to do? What will they gain in return?"

Riku may have been rigid, but he was a responsible king. If his people were involved, he had to negotiate for their benefit.

"It's simple. Here's my plan.

First, manufacturing. You'll provide workers and make use of the abandoned underground factories.

We'll supply the technical support, raw materials, and buyer connections.

Second, entertainment. Dressrosa's location and beautiful environment make it the perfect kingdom of pleasure.

I'll handle that through my contacts in the Underworld. They're the real experts in this field.

Your people won't have to lift a finger, just collect taxes and rent. If any of your citizens have a good head for business, they can even start ventures of their own."

Ashen had this plan in mind the moment he set foot on Dressrosa.

The Helgrave Pirates had just arrived in the New World, they desperately needed a foothold. Dressrosa was the ideal base.

"But we're affiliated with the World Government. If we cooperate with pirates, we'll be under immense pressure from all sides."

Riku was clearly tempted. He had begun to seriously weigh the consequences of an alliance with the Helgrave Pirates.

"Don't worry about that. Once we partner up, we'll be responsible for security here. Whether pirates or other forces, we'll handle them.

As for the Navy and the World Government, they'll have bigger things to worry about soon.

That's all I'll say for now. You've got two days to think it over."

With that, Ashen rose and left with Tesla and Parnell. At the door, he turned and added one last remark.

"Oh, and… I'm not some bloodthirsty monster, but don't forget. I am a pirate."

…

Corrida Colosseum.

"And he's here. Finally someone who can go toe to toe with Kyros. His name is… Walton."

The announcer shouted with excitement, whipping the crowd into a frenzy as the battle unfolded.

"Heh…. You've got some skill, kid. That slash to my gut actually stings a bit."

Walton slapped his beer belly, and his arms began transforming as he charged at Kyros in his hybrid beast form.

Clang…

Kyros blocked the strike with his sword. But at nineteen, his strength was still developing. After a short clash, he had to leap back, widening the distance between them.

"Phew… The people of this country always saw me as a beast. Didn't expect to run into a real one today."

Adjusting his helmet, Kyros gripped his sword tightly, bracing for Walton's next move.

"Hey. What're you mumbling about? Beast? I'll have you know, I'm a honey badger.

Come on then. I'll show you how fierce a honey badger really is."

Walton thought Kyros was mocking him. He transformed fully into his beast form and charged in again, ready to teach the boy a lesson.

"Bring it. You're number one thousand. Taste my blade."

…

Outside the colosseum, Ashen and his companions watched the live broadcast, closely observing Kyros.

"Captain, look at Walton, what a useless lump. He's been fighting this kid forever and still hasn't won. He's disgracing the entire Helgrave Pirates."

Parnell resumed his usual snarky commentary.

"Still, this Kyros kid's got potential."

Tesla, a master of martial arts handed down through his family, was impressed.

"We'll see. If we can bring him in, great. If not, no big deal.

Our real priority is establishing a stronghold in the New World and expanding our influence.

King Riku's mostly on board. What we lack now are science experts. Without tech, the factories will only produce basic goods."

Ashen placed great importance on those factories. As his crew grew, so would their financial strain.

Advanced tech could not only arm his crew but also bring in huge profits.

"That won't be a problem. I've visited many countries over the years and connected with all sorts of scientists.

Once construction starts, I'll reach out. I'm sure they'll be eager to come."

Tesla was confident. He knew better than anyone how hungry scientists were for funding.

…

Outside a weapon shop, the brothers stepped out into the street.

Salles had purchased two finely crafted Flintlocks, while Lafitte chose a slender rapier, not a famous blade, but agile and well balanced. He liked it instantly.

"Let's go, Lafitte. We should regroup with the captain and the others. I wonder how their negotiations went.

Stop staring at your sword, wait, what the hell? Isn't that your sword?"

Salles, walking ahead, turned back just in time to see Lafitte's newly bought rapier dart off the rooftop on its own.

"What the…?"

Lafitte reached behind his back and felt only the scabbard. Instinctively, he activated his ability and soared into the sky in pursuit.

"Wait, Lafitte."

…

Back outside the arena, the battle between Walton and Kyros had reached its climax.

Ashen was watching with interest when the Den Den Mushi rang.

"Captain. Something weird just happened. Lafitte's new sword was stolen, by something. He flew off too fast and didn't bring his Den Den Mushi. Now we have no idea where he is."

Salles's voice crackled with urgency through the snail.

"Calm down, Salles. Lafitte's fine. That was done by one of the native species of this country.

Actually, I was planning to look for them anyway. Come join us.

There's a large iron bridge in the northwest part of the island, we'll meet you there."

"Got it, Captain. I'll be there as fast as I can."

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