A massive library exists on the pirate island of Fullalead.
In Ohara, the place where Kanata had been cared for during her childhood, there was a sanctuary called the Tree of Knowledge that housed documents and materials gathered from across the globe. While the library on Fullalead couldn't quite match that scale, it was still a gargantuan facility where books collected from countless islands were brought together in one place.
Since there are pirates who enjoy reading or understand the vital importance of information, Kanata allowed access to the library, provided the individual had explicit permission. Naturally, they offered a lending service as well.
"Hey, Teach. What are you reading?"
On the way to the North Blue, Kuro—who was bored with nothing to do—had come to the lounge to pester Teach while he was immersed in a book.
Because the Twilight Pirates had grown so large in number, members were relatively free to relax or use the ship's galley as long as they weren't on duty. While training was an option, there was a limit to what one could do on a ship, so most settled for basic weightlifting. Quite a few members spent their breaks reading books they had checked out.
"What is that? The Encyclopedia of Devil Fruits?"
"It's an illustrated guide to Devil Fruits," Teach replied.
He was well-accustomed to Kuro's easygoing nature. Since he had been told before that he didn't need to use formal speech, he treated Kuro like a friend.
The appearance of most Devil Fruits remains unknown, but in rare cases where both the ability and the fruit's shape have been identified, they are compiled into these guides. The commercially available versions have a decent number of pages, but the guide Teach held included additional sketches and notes that Kanata had personally added later.
Since the sketches were copies, there was no fear of losing them—though the librarians would be deathly furious if a book was returned in poor condition.
"Are you interested in Devil Fruits? Let's see... oh, if it isn't the Dark-Dark Fruit."
"They've got a bit of its history summarized in here too. It's actually pretty interesting to read," Teach said.
"Is that so? Man, this brings back memories. It definitely looked like that," Kuro mused.
It had been quite a long time since Kuro ate the Dark-Dark Fruit. Since it ultimately led to him being persecuted on the island where he lived, it probably wasn't a fond memory. However, if he hadn't eaten it, he never would have met Kanata. In that sense, it could be called a fated encounter.
"...Is the Dark-Dark Fruit really that strong?" Teach asked.
"Well... I think it's strong, yeah."
If one were to evaluate it objectively based solely on the ability itself, it certainly possessed a strength worthy of the Logia classification. Considering it granted an absolute advantage over other Power Users, one couldn't possibly call it weak.
Of course, Kuro himself was so surprisingly weak that he was barely drawing out any of the fruit's true potential.
"If there's a specific Devil Fruit you want, you should say so early. Who knows? It might just happen to fall into our hands somewhere."
"...Yeah. You're right."
Teach kept his eyes fixed on Kuro's back as the man wandered off aimlessly again.
+++
This sea has many islands where public order is just as bad, if not worse, than in the West Blue.
While not as clearly defined as the Five Great Families, many underworld power players exist here, and they have been inciting continuous warfare across numerous countries. The wars fought by pirates hired by these nations have raged for over a decade without any sign of stopping.
In this sea, where weapons, food, slaves, and other goods are traded in the underworld, Devil Fruits often change hands. This was a place where one could expect to find various fruits, not just the Op-Op Fruit they were searching for.
...However, naturally, there were more than a few factions that did not welcome the arrival of Kanata and her crew.
"How many ships does that make now?"
"I stopped counting once we hit ten. Individually, they're insignificant, but these back-to-back attacks are getting tedious."
Kanata and Junshi sighed simultaneously.
They had avoided combat as much as possible since their skirmish with the Navy before leaving the New World. But in the North Blue—wherever the information had leaked from—they had been under constant assault ever since crossing the Calm Belt.
There was no force in the North Blue capable of stopping Kanata, but intermittent attacks are certainly effective if the goal is to wear the enemy down. Watching the enemy ships burn and sink, Kanata felt uneasy about the road ahead.
"Quite a violent welcome. Are there people who want to eliminate us that badly?"
"Our names have become quite well-known. There are likely many who don't want us in their territory," Junshi replied.
For now, they would have to dock at a nearby island and start by gathering information. They anchored their three ships at an island that was little more than ruins to decide on their next course of action. Since they had killed and frozen a massive Sea King while passing through the Calm Belt, they wouldn't have to worry about food for a while.
The problem was something else.
"These people who start meddling the moment we enter this sea..."
There were several islands close to their current location, and city lights were visible on that side. There was no doubt people were there. They could surely gather at least some information. However, Kanata didn't think the organization targeting them would show its tail so easily.
"I think we should just crush them all!" Feyyun said, raising her hand.
"That's a bit extreme. We need to wait and see if they are truly our enemies. Denied."
Next to a dejected Feyyun, Kuro raised his hand. "Then let's just torture the next ones who attack and make them talk. I'll handle it."
"You're being extreme too... Besides, your 'torture' just involves dragging people into the Darkness, doesn't it?"
Because Kuro had no restraint, a half-hearted opponent would lose their mind instantly. Since that would make the interrogation pointless, that was also denied. Ignoring a grumbling Kuro, they decided for now to simply capture the next group that attacked.
They had made some preparations in advance, but information is hard to come by when you cross between seas. Kanata knew they would have to investigate locally since they had no contacts in the North Blue, but she hadn't expected them to be this hostile. She needed to adjust her perspective. Regardless, they couldn't move until they gathered more intel.
+++
There had been several more attacks since then. They had attacked the ships just enough to disable them without killing everyone and took prisoners.
Even without torture, Kanata and Feyyun could draw out a certain amount of information using their Observation Haki. It was enough to know to what extent the prisoners were lying in response to questions.
They moved from their temporary base on Minion Island, gathered information on the neighboring Swallow Island, and were currently staying in the Flevance Kingdom. It was a wealthy town that thrived on an industry centered around a lead called Amber Lead, and it was often referred to as the "White Town."
"I wonder what that woman is thinking..."
Kanata was eating breakfast while reading the newspaper. At the table next to her, Kuro and Teach were energetically arguing over a piece of bread.
The clash between Shiki the Golden Lion and Octavia the Resonance had been reported daily, and with Big Momjoining in, the situation had turned chaotic. With few forces left to defend Fullalead, the fact that two hostile organizations were occupied elsewhere was a blessing.
However, Kanata was more concerned about the fact that she couldn't figure out what Octavia was aiming for. She shouldn't be a woman who rampages without a purpose... she thought, but considering Shiki and Linlin's attitude toward Kanata, she couldn't rule out the possibility that those two had simply picked a fight.
It seemed the mother and daughter shared the same talent for attracting trouble.
"I'm sure that's a concern, but is our own problem going to be settled soon?"
Kuro, who had lost the battle for the bread to Teach, spoke up while trying to order more from the hotel staff.
"It won't be settled immediately," Kanata said vaguely.
The attacks themselves had already stopped abruptly. They had discovered that a base for the organization was in a neighboring country, and while crushing it would be quick... she wasn't sure if that would actually stop the interference for good.
After all, they had made enemies of almost all the underworld emperors in the New World. If they were the ones pulling the strings, destroying one or two low-level branches wouldn't mean much. The troublesome thing about these people was that they were connected to the World Government through underworld routes.
"It seems the Navy has caught our scent too. Great Staff Tsuru from Headquarters is heading this way. I'd like to avoid any high-profile movements."
While not on the same level as Garp or Sengoku, Tsuru was a more than capable Marine. Kanata had no desire to actively make an enemy of her. The previous encounter with Berck had been an accident, but this time they were definitely being targeted. Given that Kanata had split her forces to defend Fullalead, the Navy likely judged that they stood a good chance.
"I don't particularly care who the opponent is," Junshi remarked.
"I wouldn't care if the opponent was Garp or Sengoku either, but the crew members wouldn't feel the same way."
Even Kanata found it difficult to tell her subordinates to fight Marines who were among the strongest of the Vice Admirals. Feyyun and Junshi were gaining strength, but Garp and Sengoku were still in a league of their own.
"At any rate, today we'll move to the neighboring country and investigate the organization that's been pestering me. If we can get information on other organizations, great. If not, we'll just wipe them out."
"Since we're in Flevance anyway, aren't you going to buy some Amber Lead goods?"
"Business isn't the goal this time. I don't want to get involved in too many things because it just adds to my workload."
"He-he-he! Well, good luck with that."
"You act like this is someone else's problem."
Kanata finished braiding the hair of a still-sleepy Kaie, finished her meal, and left the hotel. They had been rejected at first because they were pirates, but she had forced her way in by paying triple the market rate. The extra tip she had added must have worked wonders, as the staff's treatment was remarkably different when they checked out. At this rate, they probably wouldn't be refused next time either.
...Of course, there was no room large enough for the giant Feyyun, so she had been asked to stay on the ship to keep watch.
+++
There is a port town called Spider Miles. It is an island in the North Blue where industry is thriving, located quite far on the outskirts.
Over several days, they had moved toward this point, destroying several organizations along the way and taking care to avoid any encounters with Navy warships. Unfortunately, they hadn't found any Devil Fruits during this expedition, but they had discovered that a massive market existed. This would be a task for the future.
Since they had achieved some results, she was thinking this would be the end of the expedition, and this was the last island they stopped at. Simply because its main focus was industry, it wasn't much different from other islands. If there was one thing that stood out—it was that the public safety was incredibly poor.
"...There's a shocking number of thugs on this island."
Even Kanata couldn't help but be appalled.
Being an industrial hub, there were many factories, but people were forced to work without rest for low wages until their health failed and they lost their jobs. It was a sight Kanata knew all too well.
She had seen similar scenes on the island she used to call home, but after Kanata hired those people for her rapidly expanding company, the safety there improved dramatically. Now, that island was nothing but scorched earth thanks to a Buster Call... It was a nostalgic memory, but one she didn't care to recall too often.
That island was where the families of Jorge, Scotch, and Samuel had once lived.
"...Those who can't earn a living should come with me. I have work for you."
Lately, she had been developing several islands for food production. She wanted as many hands as she could get. Even if that wasn't the case, they wouldn't struggle with food. After all, a single hunt of a large Sea King could provide an immediate supply.
"Honestly, picking up more strange people again..."
"Hehe... I think that side of you is great, Kanata!"
Junshi was exasperated that his master hadn't changed, while Feyyun laughed. Just the presence of giants was enough to keep people from attacking, but there were still those watching from a distance. Pickpockets might have been eyeing them, but they would be dealt with in an instant.
They were likely desperate to find a way to eat. If one wondered what they were making in these factories with such desperation, the answer was clear—weapons.
"I imagine factories like these are being built all over the North Blue."
"There are a lot of islands at war, after all. A never-ending war... not like it's any fun," Kuro remarked.
Kuro looked up at the factory with a rare expression of boredom. After walking through the town, they returned to the port. Whether they had gathered by calling out to each other, a significant number of town thugs were waiting for Kanata with suspicious looks as she returned.
Some were captivated by her beauty. Some looked pale, perhaps knowing the amount of her bounty. Some had resolved themselves, having reached their limit. Many people had gathered.
"I'll give you a chance."
Kanata addressed the gathered thugs calmly. "I'm not telling you to join the pirate trade, but you will have to work. It's the task of developing uninhabited islands."
It was grueling work, but it wasn't as if they would have to do everything from scratch by themselves. They would have the help of giants like Feyyun. Supplies would be delivered periodically. She would station a minimum force for maintaining order and defending against outside enemies.
There's no way there's such a sweet deal. Some thought that, and some even spoke up. However, the food grown on the developed islands wouldn't just be for self-sufficiency; it would be used as trade goods.
"Whether you think this is a trap or not is up to you. If you don't want to come, that's fine too."
They were short on hands, but not so much that she needed to conscript people by force. If necessary, she could just increase her subordinates again. The pirates who had become her subordinates probably never expected they'd be forced to develop islands.
"...I-I'll go!"
"Me too! There's no future if I stay on this island!"
"I'll do it!"
This might be a convenient lie to deceive them into slavery. But even so. Humans are the kind of beings who cannot completely abandon their dreams. The excitement continued to spread, and those with no education and no power boarded the ships, dreaming of the New World. Whether the destination was hell or not was something to look forward to after they arrived.
"We've secured the labor. We can figure out the discipline as we go."
"You've become quite good at inciting people."
"Fufu... if you spend this long as a pirate captain, you get used to it. Want to switch places?"
"No thanks. I have no interest in status."
"I thought as much. My long-time subordinates are all like that, which is quite a headache."
Kanata shrugged and was about to head back to the ship with her crew when she suddenly turned around. Junshi was drawn to look as well, and he saw several men watching them, led by a boy with short blonde hair and sunglasses.
Almost all of them were of an age where they could be called boys. He thought they might have missed the ship, but they showed no sign of wanting to board.
"The Dragon-Killer Witch...!"
"Oh? Do you have business with me?"
Kanata's infamy now echoed throughout the world. It wouldn't be strange for her name to be known even in a rural corner of the North Blue. However, the atmosphere wasn't quite like that.
"You're quite young. Are you a pirate?"
"...Yeah, I'm a pirate! I bet you don't even remember me...!!"
"Hmm? ...I don't recall seeing the face of a child like you."
He had characteristic sunglasses, and even without them, Kanata had a good memory; once she learned a face, she rarely forgot it. Since Kanata said she didn't recognize him, they likely hadn't met directly. Junshi had no interest in the weak, so he barely remembered anyone. He left the handling of the situation entirely to Kanata.
"Have you forgotten the name Donquixote...?!"
At those words, Kanata couldn't help but frown. The fact that the name came up meant he was either related to the man she killed or to his brother.
"Chrysaor or Homing. Which one are you related to?"
"Homing!! Because of you, I...!!"
He likely had many things to say. Whether it was Saint Chrysaor or Saint Homing, there was no doubt Kanata was involved. However, while she had directly killed the former, she shouldn't have had any major connection to the latter. They had only spoken two or three times at most.
The boy pointing the handgun at Kanata put his finger on the trigger, his eyes filled with hatred.
"I have no memory of that. That hatred is misplaced."
"—!! You...!!!"
He pulled the trigger repeatedly, and lead bullets pierced Kanata. Naturally, such things were useless against a Logia body; her fluid form simply let the bullets pass through.
"Trebol, Pica, Diamante, Corazon!! Let's do it! We kill that woman right here!!!"
The four men standing behind him moved out, rushing forward alongside the blonde boy. The difference in power was clear. She didn't think they failed to understand that... was their hatred truly that much stronger?
Regardless, that side of things didn't matter to Kanata. Even when searching with Haki, their strength was exactly as it appeared. She didn't even intend to fight them herself.
"Teach, deal with them. This will be good practice."
"Zehahahaha! Yeah, leave it to me, Boss!"
"The four in the back... Kaie, how about you?"
"...I don't mind."
"You can use your ability. It's good practice for learning how to hold back."
"Damn! ...Are you mocking us?!"
Kaie stood in the path of the angry men—revealing her form transformed by her ability. Even in her hybrid form, her stature was several times that of a human. As long as Feyyun and Junshi were behind her if things got dangerous, she could afford to be a bit reckless.
Taking on the four of them at once, she took the instruction to "practice holding back" as an order to "defeat them without killing them" and began the battle.
As for Kanata, she headed back toward the ship with an air of indifference after giving her orders. The boy—Donquixote Doflamingo—tried to chase after her, only to be struck hard from the side by Teach.
"Zehahahahaha!! If you want to chase her, you'll have to get through me first!"
"Damn... I have no use for small fry!!"
Doflamingo tried to ensnare and slice Teach using strings generated from his fingertips... but Teach easily dodged and delivered another heavy punch to Doflamingo's face.
Teach let out an exasperated voice to a staggering Doflamingo who had taken two direct hits to the face. "You're weak. You think you can challenge the Boss with that? Even if you beat me, there are still two executives left, you know?"
The two people watching the fight between Teach and Kaie had bounties that combined for over a billion. For the still-young Doflamingo and his group, they were opponents they couldn't hope to beat even if they stood on their heads.
Doflamingo and the others, overwhelmed by the two youngsters Teach and Kaie, realized they couldn't possibly win at this rate and decided to retreat. It seemed the sight of their own blood had cooled their heads a little.
"Running away? Yeah, fine by me. It'll be more interesting if I let you go!"
"Teach, if you keep playing around, I'll be the one to crush you."
"Whoa, scary. But that's what she meant by 'holding back,' right, Kaie?!"
If Kanata had intended to kill them, she would have ordered it from the start. However, she only said it was good practice and to hold back. It was okay to let them escape. Teach claimed she had been saying as much between the lines.
They had achieved some results in the North Blue. While they would have to search the underworld markets for Devil Fruits periodically from now on, she likely decided this was enough for this trip. She had no need for the heads of thugs who didn't even have bounties—even if they were former Celestial Dragons.
"Damn it—remember this. I'll definitely pay you back for this debt...!"
"Zehahahahaha, you've certainly got a big mouth...! Yeah, I'll take you on again. You'd better get a whole lot stronger!"
Watching Doflamingo retreat while bleeding, Teach laughed. They probably wouldn't become subordinates. But looking at that hatred, he certainly had the potential to become strong.
Kanata likes strong people. If they get stronger and appear before Kanata in the future, she will likely face them then.
Though, I might just crush them myself before that happens, Teach thought to himself.
***
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