During the month they stayed on the moon, the group successfully transformed the ancient city of Birka into the Blood Dawn Pirates' true sky base. The Skypiea base? Not important. The foundation that made this base on the moon possible was the fact that these four little robots could reach the moon with balloons.
Rhett: If you want to argue that this isn't scientific, explain to me first how they got to the moon with four balloons. In this cover story, Rhett's logic was simply unbeatable.
The four little robots — Lieutenant Spaccy and his three companions — were officially appointed as governors of the moon. They were responsible for the daily operation of this ancient city.
"Listen up, you little runts!" Enel sat cross-legged on his gold throne, electricity dancing on his fingertips. "If this god finds out you've been slacking off—"
"We would never! God Boss!" The four little ones saluted in unison. Loyalty shone in their electronic eyes. "We will polish the circuit boards every day! Maintain the 'God's Relics'!"
Enel nodded with satisfaction. He casually shot out a few bolts of lightning to charge them. "That's more like it! Don't lose the dignity of a god's servants."
"Yes, God Boss!!"
......
On the other side, Witte had completely integrated into the crew's life. The happiest person about this was probably Tesoro. Because Witte could skillfully help him organize financial reports. Even though they were from different timelines, their understanding of financial management was essentially the same.
Tesoro only needed to teach Witte the current market situation, prices, and other related issues. Then Witte could give him accurate and useful advice.
Someone might ask, "Hey, Rhett, doesn't Tesoro have capable subordinates? Why is he the happiest?"
This came down to the issue of equal status. No matter how capable or smart Tesoro's subordinates were, they were still subordinates.
Witte's status was vice captain, the same level as him. What Witte gave were suggestions. What Tesoro's subordinates gave were requests for instructions. The final decision still belonged to Tesoro. Witte had the ability to take responsibility. That was the main point.
"Vice Captain Witte—" Perona floated beside her. Her plushie bear rubbed against Witte's cheek. "You're really amazing!"
"Just call me big sister." Witte patted her head. Her ice-blue eyes were full of gentleness.
......
Rhett stood on the deck of the Ark Maxim. Blood mist swirled around his fingertips. He looked at the "moon dawn" slowly lighting up in the distance and frowned slightly.
"Captain, still thinking about those murals?" Tesoro walked to his side. His gold-rimmed glasses reflected the cold light.
"Yeah." Rhett nodded. "The history of the moon people, those circuit patterns, Witte's appearance... I feel like the me in the future did something very important."
Tesoro pushed up his glasses. "Do you want me to send someone to investigate?"
"No." Rhett shook his head. The blood mist slowly retracted. "What I need to know, I'll find out eventually. If it comes to it, I'll go myself."
Just then, Witte's voice came from behind. "Everyone—breakfast is ready!"
The long table on the deck was covered with food. Pumpkin soup from Skypiea. Grilled fish with moon spices. And Witte's special "Rose Honey Syrup Pancakes."
"Woo—! (Want to eat!)"
"Alright, alright. Here's the biggest piece for you!" Witte smiled and cut a piece of pancake, bringing it to Laboon's mouth.
Rhett watched this scene. The corners of his mouth curled up without him realizing it. He turned and walked to the helm. The blood mist in his palm condensed into a compass. "Everyone, after you finish eating, get ready. We're setting sail back to the Blue Sea!"
"Yeah—!!!" Everyone cheered together.
......
The Ark Maxim's engine roared. The golden ship slowly rose into the air. The four little robots and the thousands of "little old men" lined up on the moon's surface to see them off. Tears sparkled in their electronic eyes.
"Farewell, God Boss—! Farewell, Blood Dawn—!"
Rhett: ??? How did the company culture spread here?
Enel stood at the stern. For once, he waved seriously. "Take good care of the place! This god will come back to inspect!"
Rhett stared at Enel. He knew it. There was definitely someone behind this.
Perona floated to Rhett's side. Her plushie bear pointed at the vast starry sky outside the window. "Lord Rhett, where are we going next?"
Rhett's gaze fell on the distant blue planet. His blood mist cloak fluttered in the cosmic wind.
"Home."
......
The moment the Ark Maxim broke through the clouds and descended onto the Blue Sea, the gold Den Den Mushi in Tesoro's pocket suddenly screamed.
"Brubrubrubru—"
"Hello?" Tesoro answered lazily. The next second, he straightened up. "...Nakata, what is it?"
The deck fell silent. Even Enel, who had been fighting Laboon over pancakes, stopped. It wasn't that the matter was particularly serious or that Nakata's words were especially important. It was simply that they were bored. There was nothing to do while sailing on the sea. You could fight Sea Kings, but the trip back from the moon had been very long. So when something happened, they perked up their ears.
Rhett's blood mist stirred slightly. "Put it on speaker."
The Den Den Mushi immediately turned into a round, silly-looking gold beetle. A very respectful voice came out.
"Boss, the World Government wants to invite us to the World Conference. Should I take the call?"
Tesoro looked at Rhett. Rhett nodded.
"Put them through."
Another voice came on the line. "The World Government sincerely invites His Majesty 'Mist Lord' Rhett to attend the upcoming World Conference. However, after searching your entire territory, we could not find Your Majesty. Contacting Mr. Nakata was a last resort. The Five Elders specifically instructed—"
"Huh?" Rhett laughed out loud. "Did those old bastards take the wrong medicine? Are they really coming to me? Have they gone crazy?"
The Den Den Mushi's forehead broke out in a cold sweat. "Your Majesty jest. As the king of the largest member nation, you naturally have the right to attend. Th-This conference will discuss the abolition of the slave system, the revision of member nation regulations, and other major issues... Considering the Blood Kingdom's special status in the New World..."
The Den Den Mushi passed out with a snap. Tesoro hung up. He had seen his captain's expression and already knew the answer.
Perona floated to Witte's side and whispered, "Are we really going? There are so many hateful Celestial Dragons there..."
Rhett smiled. "Yes. Why wouldn't we go? I want to see what a World Conference looks like. It's going to be so much fun."
And Rhett remembered something even more fun.