On a large luxury liner anchored at the resort district of the Sabaody Archipelago, two men sat in a private lounge, a strange fruit and an encyclopedia spread out on the table between them.
"Yeah, there's no mistake. This is definitely the Goro Goro no Mi."
Krieg spoke with certainty as he cross-referenced the fruit Tesoro had won at the auction with the Devil Fruit Encyclopedia.
"A Paramecia type... the 'Gold-Gold Fruit.' Its property is the manipulation of gold, huh?" Tesoro leaned back, looking skeptical. "It doesn't actually create gold? Then is it really worth the fortune we spent?"
"Don't underestimate it. This fruit allows you to manipulate gold as a fluid. For both offense and defense, it's incredibly versatile.
My theory is that once you reach 'Awakening,' you might even be able to turn your entire surroundings into gold."
"But who's going to eat it? You, Krieg?"
"No, not me."
"Then who... wait, you've got to be joking. You want me to eat it?"
"Exactly. It's based on that 'knowledge' I told you about. You're the right man for the job."
Tesoro sighed, rubbing his temples. "Whether I agree to that or not is one thing... but reaching this 'Awakening' sounds like it takes years. And if it only 'manipulates' gold, I'll need a massive amount of the stuff to be effective. Where am I supposed to get that much?"
"I have a few leads on that. You'll have to accompany me when I have some free time."
"Hey, don't tell me you're planning to turn my personal assets into liquid gold. Even though you covered half the cost of the auction, that was still a staggering amount of Berries!"
"Relax, I've got a plan. Anyway, how's the tour with Maria Napole looking?"
"It's looking good. Her voice is truly haunting. Between her talent and the novelty of her being from the Ryugu Kingdom, I expect the turnout will be massive."
The two had been planning a new venture: a grand tour across the first half of the Grand Line. With ships and personnel finally ready, they were just days away from departure.
The core of the plan was a traveling show of music and dance, featuring the "Diva of the Deep," Maria Napole, as the star attraction.
The company they formed, Stella Productions, was owned by Tesoro, with his partner Stella serving as Vice President.
The artistic direction and vocal coaching were handled by the former legendary stage actress, Victoria Cindry. The rest of the staff was comprised of people Krieg had sheltered during the Mary Geoise incident—outcasts with nowhere else to go. Their loyalty was absolute.
"I'll leave the tour details to you," Krieg said. "I'm just a silent partner. If a Marine is seen too closely with a specific entertainment mogul, it might raise unnecessary eyebrows.
By the way, what's the word on that doctor who wanted to work under Ms. Cindry? Any red flags?"
"Well, he looks suspicious as hell, but I had him vetted. He's definitely Dr. Hogback. A genius surgeon who has performed countless medical miracles. He had all the fame and wealth a doctor could ask for before he vanished. Rumors said he was kidnapped, but..."
"...But he threw it all away for the woman he loves, huh?" Krieg finished the thought. "A surgeon of that caliber is rare. Are you adding him to the roster?"
"If he wants in. Having a doctor of his skill as the ship's surgeon isn't a bad idea, especially for a first-time tour where anything could happen. Did you need him for something?"
"Yeah. I was wondering if his skills could help with the patients over on Faus Island. But that conversation can wait until the tour is over. For now, should I take charge of the Devil Fruit?"
"Yeah, you keep it for now. I feel a lot safer with it in your hands than mine," Tesoro decided, handing over the fruit.
They continued discussing the finer points of the operation until Stella eventually knocked on the door, announcing that dinner was served.
Rear Admiral Krieg was currently deep within the East Blue.
The Navy's massive "Four Blue Hegemony" personnel relocation plan was in motion, and he needed a specific person's help to smooth out the regional adjustments.
When he had tried to contact her via Den Den Mushi, he learned she had already resigned from the service. So, he had taken his leave to visit her in person.
This was Cocoyasi Village on the Conomi Islands—a peaceful place thriving on agriculture and fishing. After asking the locals, Krieg was directed to a house on the outskirts of the village.
"And what business do you have with her?"
A man who appeared to be the local law enforcement officer asked suspiciously. Krieg was in plain clothes, which probably didn't help his case. A pinwheel on his hat... this must be 'Gen-san', Krieg noted.
"Pardon me, I should have introduced myself. I am Rear Admiral Krieg of Marine Headquarters. I'm here on personal leave to ask a favor of a former Marine colleague."
"Headquarters...? My apologies. Things have been a bit restless lately, you see," Genzo replied, relaxing his posture.
"Don't worry about it. You're just doing your job. Safe travels."
Krieg gave a polite nod and continued toward the house. Maybe I should have worn the Marine coat after all, he mused. I know I've got a bit of a 'villainous' face...
As he approached, a small house came into view, though it was almost entirely overshadowed by the sprawling tangerine grove surrounding it.
"Quite an impressive grove..."
Krieg reached out to touch one of the vibrant orange fruits glistening in the sunlight. But then...
"BELLE-MERE-SAN!!! A TANGERINE THIEF!!!"
The shrill voice of a child rang out, followed immediately by a woman's roar from the house.
"HEY! I don't care who you are, stay right where you are!!!"
A woman with a very distinctive hairstyle came charging out, clutching a gold-plated pistol in her left hand—a gift Krieg had given her years ago.
"You seem as energetic as ever, Lieutenant Belle-mere," Krieg called out.
"Krieg!? What on earth are you doing here...?"
"I have a favor to ask. Are those children yours, Lieutenant?"
Behind Belle-mere, two young girls—one with light blue hair and the other with orange—were peeking out cautiously. So those are Nami and Nojiko. They're so tiny... Krieg thought.
"They aren't related by blood, but they're my daughters and the most important things in the world to me. And Krieg? I've quit the Navy. I don't have a rank anymore."
Just as I thought, Krieg noted. This conversation needed to be private.
"I'd like to talk to you about that. Now, you two," Krieg said, turning to the girls. He pulled out 500 Berries for each of them. "Why don't you take this and go play in the village for a bit?"
"Whoa! Really!?"
"Thank you! Your face is scary, but you're a nice guy!!"
Their eyes sparkled. After getting a nod of approval from Belle-mere, they sprinted off toward the village.
"...Is my face really that scary?"
"Hard to say... but you definitely don't look like a Marine in those clothes," Belle-mere remarked, the tension in the air easing slightly. "But come inside. I'll at least make some tea."
Krieg followed her in, and once they were settled with their tea, he got down to business.
"So, what's this 'favor'?"
"I'm heading a project called 'Four Blue Hegemony'. As part of it, we're restructuring the branches here in the East Blue. I'm planning to establish a small Marine station—a sub-post, really—right here in Cocoyasi Village."
"Uh-huh. And why tell me?"
"I want you, former Lieutenant Belle-mere, to be the officer in charge. You'd have one or two subordinates stationed under you."
"I don't know, Krieg. I have the grove to look after, and Nami and Nojiko need me here..."
"If I may be so bold... Belle-mere, are you eating properly?"
She flinched.
"I thought as much. Running a tangerine farm alone while trying to raise two growing girls is no easy feat. This post would only require you to check in two or three times a week.
The main branch handles the heavy sea patrols; your job would be coastal lookout. You'd never have to leave home for long periods. You'll get a steady salary and full benefits. What do you say?"
Krieg leaned back, using his position as the project leader to craft a deal that Belle-mere—and her family—desperately needed.
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