Chapter 60: The Price of Freedom and Other Unpleasant Expenses
There were many things Naruto Uzumaki enjoyed about being stranded in another world.
The food was incredible. The adventures were exciting. The people were interesting, the villains were practically begging to be punched, and the complete absence of Hokage-related paperwork was an unexpected blessing.
There was, however, one thing he hadn't anticipated.
Diplomacy.
Apparently, saving people from terrible governments required an alarming amount of talking.
And not the fun kind of talking, where you insult your opponent's ridiculous hairstyle before introducing their face to a Rasengan.
No.
The boring kind.
The kind involving agreements, financial arrangements, political consequences, and phrases like long-term strategic cooperation.
Naruto had a theory that Shikamaru was secretly enjoying himself.
The evidence was compelling.
For one thing, Shikamaru had voluntarily woken up early.
That alone qualified as a supernatural event.
For another, he'd spent breakfast reviewing documents instead of complaining about how troublesome everything was.
Clearly, something was wrong.
"Shikamaru," Naruto said seriously, examining his friend from across the table. "Are you feeling okay?"
Shikamaru didn't look up.
"Fine."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes."
"Because you're working."
"Very observant."
"Before noon."
"Congratulations. You've discovered the concept of morning."
Naruto leaned toward Kakashi.
"Should we call a medic?"
Kakashi considered the question.
"Perhaps. Voluntary productivity is a concerning symptom in Shikamaru."
"Both of you can shut up," Shikamaru muttered.
Naruto smiled.
Ah.
There was the Shikamaru they knew and loved.
Across the table, Gai was enthusiastically consuming what appeared to be his third serving of breakfast.
"A MAGNIFICENT MORNING! THE PERFECT DAY TO STRENGTHEN INTERNATIONAL FRIENDSHIP THROUGH THE BURNING FLAMES OF YOUTH!"
Asuma slowly lowered his cup.
"Gai."
"YES, ASUMA?!"
"It's breakfast."
"AN EXCELLENT TIME FOR YOUTH!"
"Some of us are still waking up."
"THEN PERHAPS A HUNDRED PUSH-UPS—"
"No."
"FIFTY?"
"No."
"TEN?"
"Gai, I will throw this teapot at you."
Kurenai smiled sweetly.
"Asuma, dear, please don't waste perfectly good tea."
Asuma looked at her.
Then at Gai.
Then sighed.
Marriage, he was discovering, had significantly reduced his freedom to commit minor acts of violence against his colleagues.
Not that he was actually married yet.
But Kurenai had already perfected the expression.
Conis, who had joined them for breakfast, watched the exchange with an amused smile.
She had spent enough time around the shinobi to understand that their apparent madness was largely harmless.
Largely.
There was still Kankuro.
Nobody was entirely certain what counted as harmless when the man considered an island-destroying cannon a reasonable engineering achievement.
Fortunately, Kankuro wasn't accompanying them today.
He was busy aboard the Azure Gale, doing something he described as routine system optimization.
Naruto suspected this translated into installing more things that explode.
A reasonable suspicion.
Still, today's business was important.
Gan Fall and Wyper were waiting.
And Skypiea's future was on the table.
The Meeting of People Who Would Rather Be Somewhere Else
Gan Fall had arranged the meeting in a quiet chamber overlooking the White Sea.
It was a pleasant place.
Large windows allowed sunlight to illuminate the room. A gentle breeze carried the scent of the clouds, and an assortment of refreshments waited on a long wooden table.
The atmosphere was peaceful.
Which was excellent.
Peaceful surroundings were generally preferable when discussing how to prevent an entire civilization from becoming the personal property of rich lunatics.
Gan Fall greeted them warmly.
Conis exchanged a few words with him before introducing the shinobi properly.
Wyper, meanwhile, stood nearby with his arms crossed.
His expression suggested that he had personally declared war on the concept of smiling.
Naruto liked him immediately.
Anyone who could look that angry before lunchtime clearly possessed impressive dedication.
"So," Gan Fall began once everyone had taken their seats, "Conis tells me you have information concerning the World Government."
Gaara nodded.
"Yes."
Wyper glanced between them.
"The Blue Sea government?"
"That's correct," Shikamaru replied.
Gan Fall folded his hands.
"Then please explain."
And so they did.
Not dramatically.
Not with threats or exaggerated declarations.
Just facts.
The World Government controlled a substantial portion of the Blue Sea's political and military structure. Its influence extended across numerous kingdoms, and its Marines possessed extraordinary resources.
Its upper military ranks included individuals with abilities that exceeded anything Skypiea could reasonably defend against.
And then there were the Celestial Dragons.
That particular explanation made the room considerably less pleasant.
Gan Fall's expression darkened.
Wyper's jaw tightened.
"You're telling me," Wyper said slowly, "that these people collect humans as slaves?"
"Yes," Gaara replied.
"And they consider themselves superior to everyone else?"
"Unfortunately."
"And their government protects them?"
"That's the problem," Shikamaru said.
Wyper's fingers curled into fists.
"Then why should we join them?"
Naruto leaned back in his chair.
"Because picking a fight with an enemy you can't beat isn't courage. It's just a very expensive way of losing."
Wyper looked at him sharply.
Naruto met his gaze without the slightest discomfort.
He wasn't joking.
Not this time.
"There are plenty of enemies worth fighting," Naruto continued. "But you've got people to protect. Families. Children. Villages. If charging into battle gets them killed, what exactly have you accomplished?"
Wyper said nothing.
He didn't like the answer.
That didn't make it wrong.
Gan Fall nodded thoughtfully.
"An unpleasant truth."
"Very," Shikamaru agreed. "But understanding the situation gives you options."
He proceeded to explain the balance of power between the Marines, the Yonko, and the World Government.
The existence of an Admiral capable of transforming into light drew particular attention.
Gan Fall frowned.
"Light?"
"Literally," Kakashi confirmed.
Wyper looked unimpressed.
"We've dealt with someone who could become lightning."
"Yes," Shikamaru replied. "And Enel was dangerous because your people lacked effective counters to his abilities. Now imagine an organization with multiple powerful fighters, enormous resources, and the ability to send reinforcements."
That earned a moment of silence.
"Furthermore," Gaara continued, "the World Government already has considerable interest in Skypiea. Refusing negotiations could invite a response you aren't prepared to handle."
Gan Fall sighed.
He was no fool.
He'd governed Skypiea long enough to recognize a situation where pride could become fatal.
He didn't like the World Government.
He liked the Celestial Dragons considerably less.
But he also understood that the lives of his people mattered more than his personal disgust.
"I see," he said finally. "Then some form of cooperation may indeed be necessary."
Wyper turned toward him.
"Gan Fall!"
"Calm yourself, Wyper."
"You're willing to hand our freedom to these people?"
"No," Gan Fall replied. "I'm willing to consider an arrangement that prevents our people from being slaughtered."
Wyper fell silent.
Gan Fall continued.
"Freedom means very little to those who are dead."
Naruto nodded approvingly.
He liked the old man.
Smart.
Reasonable.
And apparently capable of delivering devastatingly sensible statements without raising his voice.
A rare talent.
"Besides," Gan Fall added, "we've only recently achieved peace between the Skypieans and Shandians. I have no desire to see another war destroy everything we've rebuilt."
Wyper looked away.
That argument struck considerably closer to home.
He had fought for years.
Lost friends.
Lost comrades.
Watched people die in a conflict that had consumed generations.
The idea of immediately entering another war was not appealing.
Especially against an enemy they barely understood.
Still...
Something bothered him.
And unlike certain politicians, Wyper wasn't inclined to pretend otherwise.
The Problem with Wandering Heroes
"There's something you're not telling us," Wyper said.
Shikamaru raised an eyebrow.
"Oh?"
"You keep talking about protection. About how dangerous the government is. About why we should cooperate."
He leaned forward.
"But what happens when they decide cooperation isn't enough?"
The room grew quiet.
"Suppose they discover our wings are valuable," Wyper continued. "Suppose one of these Celestial Dragons decides he wants a Skypiean slave."
Conis lowered her eyes.
Gan Fall's expression tightened.
"What then?" Wyper demanded. "Do we simply hand someone over?"
"No," Gaara replied immediately.
Wyper looked at him.
"Then we fight?"
"If necessary."
"And who protects us?"
Gaara didn't answer immediately.
Wyper continued.
"You?"
"That is our intention."
"Your intention," Wyper repeated.
He looked around the table.
"You're travelers. Wanderers. You don't have a kingdom here. You don't command a permanent army stationed in Skypiea. And unless I've misunderstood, you're trying to find a way back to your own homeland."
Nobody contradicted him.
"Then what happens when you leave?"
That was the question.
The important one.
Gan Fall looked toward the shinobi.
"I must admit, I've been wondering the same thing."
He wasn't accusing them of dishonesty.
Conis trusted them.
Their assistance to other people spoke well of their intentions.
But intentions alone didn't protect nations.
Even good people eventually moved on.
The Straw Hats had helped liberate Skypiea.
And then they had left.
That was the nature of adventurers.
They arrived.
Changed everything.
Then disappeared over the horizon in search of their next ridiculous adventure.
Naruto, unfortunately, understood the problem perfectly.
He had absolutely no intention of spending the rest of his life sitting on Skypiea waiting for someone to start trouble.
There was an entire world to explore.
People to meet.
Adventures to enjoy.
And, eventually, a home to return to.
He couldn't promise to remain on the island forever.
Nor would such a promise be necessary if they created a better arrangement.
Which was why Shikamaru had prepared an actual plan.
A very good plan.
One that Naruto had helped develop.
Though Shikamaru had firmly rejected his suggestion to title the document Operation: Don't Let the Rich Weirdos Steal the Angels.
A tragic loss for creative naming.
"You're right," Shikamaru said calmly.
Wyper blinked.
He hadn't expected that.
"We're travelers. We can't guarantee that someone will always be physically present here. And relying entirely on our goodwill would be irresponsible."
Gan Fall nodded.
"Then what do you propose?"
Gaara placed a document on the table.
"A defensive agreement."
Wyper frowned.
"Explain."
"First," Gaara said, "Naruto will establish a permanent protective barrier around Skypiea."
Naruto raised one finger.
"Already got the basic structure working. I'll upgrade it."
Gan Fall looked interested.
"A barrier?"
"Chakra-based," Naruto explained. "Layered defensive sealing. It can detect intrusions, withstand powerful attacks, and alert us when someone tries to breach it."
He grinned.
"And I'm adding an invisibility function."
Conis blinked.
"Invisibility?"
"Yup. Concealment. The barrier can hide the protected area from ordinary outside observation when activated."
Wyper's eyebrows rose.
"You can hide entire islands?"
"With enough preparation and a stable power supply, yes."
Gan Fall leaned back.
"Remarkable."
"Not foolproof, though," Naruto added. "Strong enough enemies might eventually find ways around it. But it would make getting to your people considerably more difficult."
Shikamaru nodded.
"The important thing is that the barrier gives you time. It detects threats and delays attackers long enough for defensive measures to activate."
Wyper considered that.
Then frowned.
"And if the enemy breaks through?"
Gaara glanced toward Shikamaru.
"Then we proceed to the second part of the agreement."
"Evacuation," Shikamaru said.
Gan Fall looked thoughtful.
"Evacuation?"
"Not merely moving people to another island. We want to provide Skypiea with the ability to leave the White Sea entirely if necessary."
Wyper's expression became skeptical.
"How?"
"Vehicles."
A pause.
"Vehicles?" Gan Fall repeated.
"Submersible vessels," Gaara clarified. "Capable of descending from the sky, entering the Blue Sea, and operating underwater."
Conis's eyes widened.
"Underwater?"
"Exactly," Naruto said. "Think of them as ships that can go beneath the ocean."
Gan Fall stroked his beard.
"An interesting concept."
Kakashi nodded.
"The idea is to create an evacuation system that doesn't depend on ordinary routes. If the World Government attacks, the population would have an alternative escape path."
"And once they're underwater?" Wyper asked.
"They remain concealed," Shikamaru answered. "The vessels would be designed for extended underwater travel, with life-support systems, defensive capabilities, and enough capacity to transport civilians and supplies."
Asuma leaned forward.
"Kankuro can handle much of the mechanical engineering. Tenten can work on sealing systems, storage, reinforcement, and other specialized components."
Kurenai added, "They won't build everything alone. They'll work with your craftsmen and engineers so your people learn to maintain and operate the vehicles themselves."
That was important.
Very important.
The goal wasn't to create another dependency where Skypiea had to call the shinobi every time a machine made an unpleasant noise.
The goal was to give the island its own defensive infrastructure.
Its own evacuation capability.
Its own trained personnel.
Naruto grinned.
"Besides, your people already build boats out of clouds. I think they'll figure out submarines."
Gan Fall gave him a bemused look.
"Submarines?"
"That's what we're calling them."
"Is that a technical term?"
"Absolutely."
Kakashi nodded.
"For once, it actually is."
Naruto looked offended.
"Why does everyone keep acting surprised when I know things?"
"Historical evidence," Shikamaru replied.
"Rude."
Conis giggled.
Wyper, however, remained focused.
"Where would these vessels go?"
Gaara answered.
"We'll help establish an emergency refuge near Little Garden."
Gan Fall tilted his head.
"Little Garden?"
"An island in the Blue Sea," Kakashi explained. "We've visited it before. We know the region, and it offers useful geographical conditions."
Shikamaru unfolded a map.
"More specifically, we're proposing an underwater refuge in a suitable location near Little Garden. Concealed, protected, and capable of housing evacuees temporarily."
Wyper studied the map.
"You're proposing to build an entire settlement beneath the ocean?"
"An emergency shelter," Shikamaru corrected. "Not another kingdom. At least not initially."
Naruto smiled.
"Though if we end up making it really nice, I wouldn't complain."
Kakashi glanced toward him.
"You're imagining underwater restaurants, aren't you?"
"Obviously."
"Of course."
"Think about it! Fresh seafood! Amazing views! No annoying birds stealing your food!"
"Assuming the fish don't steal it instead."
Naruto paused.
"...That's a valid concern."
Asuma chuckled.
Gan Fall was beginning to appreciate something about these people.
They discussed extraordinary engineering projects with the same casual confidence that ordinary citizens might use when planning a new road.
And then interrupted themselves to debate the security of underwater ramen.
A strange combination.
But not necessarily a bad one.
"Would these shelters be capable of supporting our people?" Gan Fall asked.
"That depends on the population, available resources, and construction time," Shikamaru answered. "We'll need a proper assessment before determining capacity."
"Food supplies, water systems, ventilation, medical facilities, maintenance, emergency power," Kurenai added. "All of those would be essential."
Asuma nodded.
"And we'd need to train crews. Evacuation procedures are useless if everyone panics and doesn't know where to go."
Gai clenched his fist.
"THEN WE SHALL TRAIN THEM WITH THE BURNING PASSION OF YOUTH!"
Wyper stared at him.
"...Train them how?"
Gai smiled.
"WITH DISCIPLINE! ENDURANCE! AND A THOUSAND—"
"Emergency evacuation drills," Kakashi interrupted smoothly.
"YES! THOSE TOO!"
Naruto leaned toward Conis.
"Don't worry. We'll make sure Gai-sensei doesn't require everyone to swim to Little Garden."
Conis laughed.
Gai looked genuinely disappointed.
"But imagine the character development!"
Asuma sighed.
"Pregnant women, children, and elderly people, Gai."
"AH! AN EXCELLENT POINT!"
Gan Fall slowly rubbed his forehead.
He was beginning to understand why Conis had described the visitors as unusual.
That was possibly the understatement of the century.
Gan Fall studied the documents for several minutes.
Then he looked up.
"Let me understand this correctly."
Gaara nodded.
"You'll construct a protective barrier around Skypiea, help establish an evacuation fleet, train our people to operate it, and build an underwater emergency refuge."
"Yes."
"You'll also provide continuing assistance if a major threat emerges."
"Under the terms of the agreement," Shikamaru confirmed.
Gan Fall sat back.
Wyper frowned.
Conis smiled hopefully.
Then Gan Fall asked the question that had apparently been sitting in his mind since the beginning.
"And you're offering all of this... for free?"
Naruto burst out laughing.
Not because the question was foolish.
Quite the opposite.
It was exactly the question he'd been waiting for.
"Free?" Naruto repeated. "Old man, do you have any idea how much Kankuro complains about the cost of building things?"
Gan Fall blinked.
"Well, I—"
"Last week, he gave me a twenty-minute lecture because I used one of his precision tools to open a stubborn jar."
Kakashi nodded.
"A tragic incident."
"It worked!"
"You bent the tool."
"The jar was defeated!"
Shikamaru cleared his throat.
"Naruto."
"Right. Business."
Gaara continued calmly.
"No. We aren't proposing free protection."
Wyper's eyes narrowed.
"Then what do you want?"
"Payment."
The blunt answer caught both leaders by surprise.
Gaara explained.
"Skypiea will pay for the construction, training, maintenance, and defensive services. We'll establish a formal contract outlining our responsibilities."
Shikamaru nodded.
"The contract will include ongoing support, periodic inspections, equipment maintenance, emergency response arrangements, and future defensive improvements."
Gan Fall listened carefully.
"And how would we fund this?"
"Through an agreed portion of your annual tax revenue," Shikamaru replied. "A regular service charge."
Wyper leaned forward.
"So we'd be paying you every year?"
"Yes."
"For protection?"
"And maintenance, technical support, training, and access to the defensive systems we develop together."
Gaara folded his hands.
"That makes this a professional arrangement rather than a personal favor."
Gan Fall considered the distinction.
It was significant.
Very significant.
A group of wandering adventurers promising to help because they liked someone was reassuring.
But it was also fragile.
Friendships could endure.
Promises could be sincere.
Yet circumstances changed.
People traveled.
Responsibilities shifted.
Emergencies occurred elsewhere.
A properly structured contract, however, created expectations on both sides.
Skypiea would pay for services.
The shinobi would be responsible for delivering those services.
It wasn't perfect.
No contract could guarantee that an overwhelming enemy would be defeated.
But it transformed a vague promise into something measurable.
"Interesting," Gan Fall murmured.
Wyper looked thoughtful.
"And what guarantees do we have that you'll honor the agreement?"
"Written terms," Shikamaru answered. "Defined obligations, response procedures, maintenance schedules, and provisions for what happens if either party cannot fulfill its responsibilities."
Kakashi nodded.
"We would also train your people to operate much of the equipment independently. Skypiea shouldn't become helpless whenever we aren't physically present."
"And Naruto has a teleportation marker here," Gaara added.
Wyper looked at the blond.
"So you can return instantly?"
"To a functioning marker, yes," Naruto answered. "Distance isn't normally the problem."
He paused.
"Different dimensions are another matter, though. And markers can be interfered with or destroyed. That's why we don't want your entire defensive strategy depending on me appearing at the last second."
Shikamaru nodded approvingly.
Exactly.
Naruto's teleportation was an extraordinary advantage.
It wasn't a substitute for an actual defensive infrastructure.
Wyper's expression relaxed slightly.
Not much.
The man possessed approximately three facial expressions, and two of them involved threatening violence.
But it was progress.
"And if you eventually return to your homeland?" Gan Fall asked.
Gaara answered.
"Then the contract would need provisions for that possibility. We won't promise capabilities we cannot guarantee."
Naruto nodded.
"We're working on a way home, and when we find it, we're going. But we can still build things that keep working without us. That's the entire point."
Gan Fall smiled faintly.
An honest answer.
Not the most comforting answer.
But honest.
And perhaps more valuable because of it.
Conis looked toward Gaara with quiet admiration.
He hadn't promised to remain on Skypiea forever.
He hadn't made some grand declaration about personally defeating every enemy in existence.
Instead, he was helping create something that could protect her people even when he wasn't there.
That meant more than she could easily explain.
Wyper noticed her expression.
He also noticed how Gaara glanced at her occasionally.
Then how Conis immediately looked away whenever their eyes met.
Ah.
So that was how things stood.
Interesting.
Very interesting.
Gan Fall noticed too.
The old knight had lived long enough to recognize young affection when it practically arrived wearing a signboard.
He wisely kept his observations to himself.
For now.
After another round of questions, Gan Fall finally placed the documents on the table.
"I believe we understand your proposal."
Gaara nodded.
"Good."
"It's a substantial commitment," Gan Fall continued. "Politically, financially, and strategically."
"Of course," Shikamaru replied.
"We'll need to discuss it further."
Wyper folded his arms.
"And we'd need to consult our people. Especially if we're committing part of our tax revenue to this agreement."
"That's reasonable," Kakashi said.
Gan Fall looked toward Conis.
"You've given us much to consider."
Conis smiled.
"I understand."
Naruto stood and stretched.
"Excellent! A productive meeting!"
Shikamaru looked at him.
"You barely spoke."
"Exactly. I demonstrated remarkable diplomatic restraint."
Asuma chuckled.
Kakashi nodded gravely.
"A historic achievement."
Gai clapped Naruto on the shoulder.
"YOUR SELF-CONTROL HAS TRULY BLOSSOMED, MY YOUTHFUL FRIEND!"
"Thank you, Gai-sensei!"
Shikamaru stared at them.
"They're congratulating him for not interrupting a meeting."
Kurenai smiled.
"Positive reinforcement."
"He's seventeen."
"And apparently it works."
Naruto grinned.
"See? Kurenai-sensei understands me."
"Unfortunately," she replied.
Conis laughed.
Even Wyper's mouth twitched.
Barely.
But enough.
The shinobi exchanged farewells and departed, leaving Gan Fall and Wyper to discuss Skypiea's future in private.
Conis remained behind.
Which, as it turned out, was exactly what the two leaders wanted.
Gan Fall watched the visitors disappear down the corridor.
For several moments, he said nothing.
Then he sighed.
"Well."
Wyper folded his arms.
"Well."
Gan Fall looked at him.
"An interesting group."
"That's one way to describe them."
"Powerful, apparently."
"Conis seems convinced."
Both turned toward the young woman.
Conis straightened.
"They are powerful."
Gan Fall smiled.
"So you've told us."
"No, I mean..." She paused, searching for the right words. "You don't understand. I've seen what they can do."
Wyper raised an eyebrow.
"Have you?"
She nodded eagerly.
"Their ship can destroy mountains! Kakashi can manipulate space! Gai can create enormous attacks just by punching! And Naruto..."
She stopped.
Then shook her head.
"Naruto can create hundreds of himself, teleport, use incredibly powerful sealing techniques, and destroy entire islands."
Gan Fall blinked.
Wyper slowly unfolded his arms.
Conis continued.
"And Gaara can manipulate enough sand to cover a city. He can create enormous barriers, protect whole areas, and stop attacks from almost any direction!"
Her eyes brightened.
"He showed me how he could defend villages. It was incredible! And he was so calm about everything. He didn't even seem to think it was particularly special!"
Gan Fall exchanged a glance with Wyper.
Ah.
There it was.
Conis continued enthusiastically.
"And he's very thoughtful! He listens carefully, and he never makes promises without considering whether he can keep them. He really cares about people, even if he doesn't always know how to express it!"
Wyper raised an eyebrow.
Gan Fall's smile grew.
"And he's very kind," Conis added.
"Of course," Gan Fall replied.
"And dependable!"
"Naturally."
"And intelligent!"
"Undoubtedly."
"And—"
"Conis," Wyper interrupted.
She blinked.
"Yes?"
"Does this report eventually return to the defensive agreement, or are we discussing Gaara's personal qualities for the rest of the afternoon?"
Silence.
Conis turned red.
Very red.
"I-I wasn't—!"
Gan Fall chuckled.
"My dear, there's nothing wrong with admiring a good young man."
"THAT'S NOT—!"
Wyper looked toward the ceiling.
"She's worse than the Straw Hats."
Gan Fall laughed.
Conis covered her face.
This was terrible.
Horrible.
Absolutely unfair.
She had come here to discuss the future of her people, and somehow the conversation had turned into a personal interrogation.
Clearly, the shinobi weren't the only ones capable of making perfectly reasonable situations ridiculous.
Gan Fall eventually took pity on her.
"All teasing aside, Conis, you genuinely trust these people?"
She lowered her hands.
Then nodded.
"Yes."
"Even though you've known them only a short while?"
"Yes."
Wyper studied her.
"Why?"
Conis considered the question carefully.
Then smiled.
"Because they're good people."
Gan Fall waited.
"They're strange," she admitted.
Wyper snorted.
"That's obvious."
"And they joke about ridiculous things. Naruto keeps teasing Gaara, Kankuro seems obsessed with his ship, and Gai is..."
She paused.
"...Gai."
Gan Fall laughed.
"But they're kind," Conis continued. "They help people without expecting them to be important or wealthy. They don't look down on us because we live in the sky."
Her expression softened.
"They remind me of the Straw Hats."
That earned both men's attention.
"The Straw Hats were strange too," Conis said. "Loud, reckless, sometimes completely ridiculous. But when people needed help, they were there."
Gan Fall nodded slowly.
He remembered those young pirates.
Especially their rubber-bodied captain.
A boy who had challenged a self-proclaimed god because he couldn't tolerate the suffering around him.
Not because there was money involved.
Not because it would make him famous.
But because it was the right thing to do.
"And you believe these shinobi are the same?" Gan Fall asked.
Conis smiled.
"Yes."
Wyper looked thoughtful.
He remembered the Straw Hats too.
Especially their captain.
A complete idiot, at first glance.
A ridiculously powerful idiot who had changed the fate of Skypiea.
The shinobi were different in many ways.
More organized.
More technically sophisticated.
Far more experienced in warfare and strategy.
But the underlying attitude felt familiar.
A group of powerful travelers who enjoyed their adventures and couldn't seem to ignore people in trouble.
Wyper sighed.
"Wonderful. More wandering lunatics."
Gan Fall chuckled.
"At least these ones brought a business proposal."
That was the part that interested him most.
The financial arrangement.
Charging for their services might initially sound less generous than offering everything freely.
But Gan Fall understood the importance of formal obligations.
A gift could be withdrawn.
A favor could be forgotten.
A promise could become impossible to fulfill.
A contract, meanwhile, established expectations and responsibilities that could be examined, negotiated, and enforced to the extent circumstances allowed.
And the proposed defensive infrastructure would eventually belong, at least in practical operation, to Skypiea's own people.
That was much more reassuring than simply trusting a powerful stranger to appear whenever trouble arrived.
Wyper seemed to have reached a similar conclusion.
"The barrier interests me," he admitted.
Gan Fall nodded.
"And the evacuation vessels."
"Especially those."
Wyper looked toward the White Sea.
"If the government ever attacks, being able to move our people somewhere they can't easily find them could save thousands of lives."
"Indeed."
"Though I don't like the idea of paying outsiders for protection."
Gan Fall smiled faintly.
"Would you prefer relying on their charity?"
Wyper grimaced.
"...No."
"Neither would I."
The old knight folded his hands.
"Paying for services gives us a voice in how those services are provided. It also allows us to demand accountability."
Wyper nodded slowly.
"Better than hoping they remember us."
"Precisely."
The two men exchanged a thoughtful look.
There were still many questions.
Costs.
Construction schedules.
Technical feasibility.
What would happen if the shinobi left this world?
How much independence could Skypiea retain after joining the World Government?
And whether the proposed protection would be sufficient if powerful enemies came looking for them.
But for the first time, there was something tangible to discuss.
Not just faith.
Not just promises.
A plan.
Gan Fall turned toward Conis.
"Thank you, my dear."
She smiled.
"Of course."
"We'll consider everything carefully."
Wyper nodded.
"And we'll choose what's best for our people."
Conis relaxed.
"Thank you."
Gan Fall gave her a warm smile.
"Now, I believe you've done enough diplomacy for one day."
Conis blinked.
"Oh?"
"Yes."
He glanced toward the doorway.
"Why don't you go find that young man of yours?"
Conis froze.
"...What?"
Wyper smirked.
"Gaara."
"HE'S NOT—!"
Gan Fall laughed.
"Of course, of course."
"We're just friends!"
"Naturally."
"Really!"
"Then I'm sure he'll be delighted to see his friend."
Conis stared at them.
Both men looked far too pleased with themselves.
She narrowed her eyes.
For a brief moment, she seriously considered whether Gaara might be willing to demonstrate his sand burial technique on two particularly annoying leaders.
Then she remembered that she was supposed to be the responsible one.
"...I'll be going now."
"Enjoy yourself!" Gan Fall called.
Wyper added, "Try not to spend the entire afternoon describing how wonderful he is."
"WYPER!"
She fled.
Gan Fall burst out laughing.
Wyper shook his head.
"She's completely gone."
"Young love," Gan Fall replied fondly.
"She barely knows him."
"And yet she seems happier than I've seen her in quite some time."
Wyper considered that.
Then shrugged.
"At least the boy seems decent."
Gan Fall smiled.
"Indeed."
The two returned their attention to the documents.
For several moments, the room was quiet.
Then Wyper spoke.
"You know..."
"Hmm?"
"If we accept this agreement, we'll be paying an annual fee to a group of people who can apparently destroy islands."
Gan Fall nodded.
"Yes."
Wyper frowned.
"That's a strange sentence."
"An exceptionally strange sentence."
"And somehow, it's still better than the alternatives."
Gan Fall sighed.
"Unfortunately."
He picked up the proposal again.
Skypiea's future wouldn't be decided by affection, optimism, or the impressive ability of a young man to make Conis blush.
It would be decided through careful negotiations, practical preparation, and a willingness to face unpleasant realities.
Still, Gan Fall couldn't help smiling.
The Straw Hats had brought freedom to Skypiea.
Perhaps these strange shinobi could help them keep it.
For a price, apparently.
Which, considering the circumstances, seemed entirely reasonable.
After all, maintaining world peace was expensive.
And judging by the specifications attached to the proposal, so were underwater submarines.