In addition, they gave an extra five hundred million Belly to express their gratitude for saving their lives.
With him as a model, the other merchants also took a portion from the recovered stolen funds to present as a gift of thanks.
As for the small portion belonging to those who were murdered, their money cannot be returned and must be accepted in full.
All in all, we gained a total of four billion Belly this time, and the previous compensation of forty-two billion Celestial Gold from the Five Elders remains unused.
Altogether, that amounts to eighty-two billion Belly!
Eighty-two billion Belly is an astronomical figure for any country in the world and cannot be raised in the short term.
It's more than enough to build the headquarters.
"Everyone, the matters here are left to you."
Shano glanced around with a grin, "I'll be taking a break as the manager, hoping that when I return from Whitebeard's side, our flags will be flying over these five unclaimed islands in the Purple Vine Sea Region."
"Rest assured, Captain!"
"Leave it to us!"
The crew had already prepared and responded with smiles.
The five unclaimed islands in this war buffer zone have largely turned into lawless areas, inevitably with some unsavory matters.
To become the master of the house, one must first clean it up.
As for the people cleaning...
There are certainly enough.
Although the number of people at the Endgame Headquarters is less–including two pets, there are barely ten individuals, and they need to discount two who only get in the way.
But that doesn't mean Shano lacks people capable of working for him.
There are plenty of the Liku Royal Army and the Dwarves Race from Dressrosa willing to leave Tokushima Island to follow him. Forces can be drawn from them at any time.
And on those isolated, pearl-like Agatha Islands.
There are thousands of adult warriors adept in Haki, all following his lead!
Now.
It's time to make full use of them.
...
...
Five days later.
On a sunny sea region, aboard the White Whale.
The story of Flower Sword and Widibai being ambushed and lying at death's door, later saved by the newly appointed Sea Emperor Shano, spread across the White Whale several days ago.
And the news that the man named Shano is about to return with Vista to visit Whitebeard has sent the entire White Whale into a frenzy.
"Hey! Is it today, is Captain Vista coming back today?"
"I guess so, didn't you see the captains returning since last night? Seems like they, like us, want to see this Shano-sama in person!"
"No kidding, who wouldn't want to? He's a super rookie who could stand alongside Dad after just entering the New World for half a year!"
"Shh, don't mention rookie. Apart from Dad being easy-going, those who stand at the world's peak have quirky tempers, so don't offend them…"
"I know, I know, do you take me for an idiot…"
On the deck, pirates gathered in groups, excitedly discussing.
Some were polishing weapons, some tidying themselves up; even the laziest and scruffiest among them got energized.
For many years...
It's been ages since a Sea Emperor-level presence visited the White Whale, and the relations between them were quite friendly too.
These people must present their best side and absolutely not shame Dad!
"Gurararara, silly sons, it's rare for everyone to be so happy!"
A hearty laugh echoed from the center of the deck. Sitting on a specially made giant chair, Whitebeard held a gigantic glass cup and joyfully drank it all down.
"Dad!"
Marco walked over, shook his head helplessly, "What are you doing? This is prepared for distinguished guests; obviously, they haven't arrived yet. Why are you sneaking a drink alone?"
Can't deal with this capricious old man!
"Stop nagging!"
Whitebeard's old face turned red, but he immediately snorted, "These are wines aged for over a dozen years. I'm testing them first to see if they're sour and spoilt, so what?"
He then tilted his head, gulping it down in one go.
He even guardedly peeked between his arms at Marco to fend against any attempts to seize it.
"..."
Aged wine?
Even if it's aged wine, how could it spoil?
Marco's forehead beaded with sweat; just when he was about to persuade further, a lookout post shouted excitedly:
"Here they come! Dad, Captain Marco! Look toward the three o'clock direction, it's Captain Vista's ship! They're heading this way!"