One Piece: Reborn in God's Valley

Two days later, in the royal palace of Dressrosa.

Inside the central high tower, a five way meeting had just begun.

"Let me introduce these two to you. This is Lu Feld of the Underworld, known for running casinos and loan shark businesses.

And this is Umit, whose shipping empire now spans across all the seas."

Feld and Umit were seated to Ashen's right. Across from them sat Riku and Gancho.

As the organizer of this meeting, Ashen naturally took the central seat.

He began by introducing Umit and Feld to Riku and Gancho. Though both men were notorious in the Underworld, few people in official circles had met them in person.

"No need for introductions for King Riku. Ashen, this gentleman must be the King of Tontatta Kingdom?"

Although Umit wasn't usually one for public appearances, a businessman who could expand his operations across all seas and the Grand Line had to know how to play his part.

Gancho and Riku greeted them warmly. Though they were kings in name and status, forming ties with such powerful figures from the shadows was more than worthwhile.

"Now that everyone is acquainted, let me lay out my plan…"

Although the four already had a rough idea of what this partnership entailed, it was only in broad strokes. 

So as Ashen began explaining in detail, they all listened intently, this was directly tied to their own interests.

….

"Well, that's the plan. Any questions?"

About ten minutes later, Ashen wrapped up his proposal, looking at the others with calm confidence.

"No objections from me," Feld said first. "Give me some time, and Dressrosa will become the entertainment capital of this entire sea.

Especially that Corrida Colosseum, just a little remodeling, and it'll be the perfect gambling hub."

He'd made up his mind the moment he arrived in Dressrosa and saw its location and environment. He knew this was his big chance.

"I'm in as well," Umit chimed in. "My shipping fleets are ready to go at any time. But the port here is a little small… would it be possible…?"

He trailed off and looked toward Riku, gauging his thoughts.

"As for the port, I'll arrange for construction to begin right away. It should be finished in about two months.

What I'm more concerned about is security. Once we start bringing in this much wealth and people, how do we ensure the safety of Dressrosa?

And, Ashen-san, what I care about most is whether my citizens can gain stable employment from this. We're taking a huge risk here, and it's mostly for them."

Riku laid it all on the line for the sake of his people.

"I feel the same," Gancho added. 

"For years, the dwarves of Tontatta have relied on Dressrosa for basic necessities. 

Although King Riku convinced the people these were gifts from the fairies and avoided trouble, if we could make our own living, we'd certainly prefer not to resort to stealing."

He gave Riku a grateful look, standing united with him.

"I completely understand your concerns," Ashen replied sincerely. "First, about security. Once Dressrosa starts thriving, it's only natural it'll attract attention from all sides. That's expected.

But like I've said before, since the Jolly Roger of the Helgrave Pirates now flies here, security is our responsibility. 

I've already sent word to our people in the West Blue to head over, and I've begun recruiting in the New World. We'll have a force assembled soon."

He spoke with complete confidence in his pirate crew.

"Second, income shouldn't be a concern.

As the entertainment industry flourishes, commerce will follow. Countless merchants will set up shop. 

Those with property can rent it out or run their own businesses. Even those without assets will find jobs easily.

As for the Tontatta tribe, you're more than welcome to join my factory. Your people are uniquely gifted in precision craftsmanship, an irreplaceable talent."

As he spoke, Ashen pulled out a medium-sized visual Den Den Mushi, placing it on the table and activating it.

The snail's large eyes glowed, projecting an image onto the wall.

"Since we're all here, let me show you the latest breakthrough from the Helgrave Pirates."

He looked proudly at the image where Tesla stood, everything ready for the demonstration.

…

In an abandoned underground factory in Dressrosa. Though long unused, it offered more than enough space.

Tesla stood in front of the visual Den Den Mushi. Behind him was a model ship freshly built over the past two days.

"Gentlemen, this is our latest innovation, a ship we've named the Paddle Steamer, personally named by Captain.

Now, allow me to demonstrate."

With a few deft movements from Tesla, the meter long model ship began accelerating in the indoor pool.

In less than half a minute, it had reached the other side, where Lafitte awaited. He turned it around, and the ship sped back.

"This is just a prototype, so it's still relatively slow. Once I make some adjustments and add sails, the real ship will be much faster.

However, this kind of vessel requires a large amount of fuel, takes up space, and will be more costly."

Tesla halted the model and began explaining the paddle steamer's advantages and limitations.

…

Back in the palace, the group watched the projected footage with growing excitement.

When the demonstration ended, they finally processed what they had seen and began voicing their thoughts.

"Ashen, that ship is impressive, no doubt. But the cost must be high, and it's only a bit faster than a regular sailing ship. 

Plus, needing that much fuel, who'd actually buy it?" Umit, a seasoned expert in shipping, voiced the most obvious concerns.

"I agree, Ashen-san. As things stand, there's probably no market for it," added Riku.

"Heh… of course not. Not like this.

But, what if I told you it could sail straight through the Calm Belt, no problem?"

Ashen let out a low chuckle and casually dropped the bombshell.

"What? Through the Calm Belt?"

…

Half an hour later, the palace doors swung open. The five men walked out together, looking very pleased.

"Captain, how'd the talks go?" Salles, who'd been waiting anxiously, asked the moment he saw Ashen.

"No worries. This place is now the first official base of the Helgrave Pirates in the New World."

He paused. "By the way, where's the Roger Pirates now?"

Ever since Oden had joined, Ashen had been unusually keen on tracking the Roger Pirates' movements.

"This morning, Morgans sent word, they arrived in Water 7 two days ago.

Ulysses confirmed the same. So it's most likely accurate."

Salles gave a full report on the Roger Pirates' recent movements.

"Good. Let the crew rest for a few days. Then we set off."

"Huh? Another journey? Where are we going this time?"

"Ten thousand meters beneath the sea."

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