Nagato in One Piece - Chapter 14
“The 110 billion Berries from the gold exchange will be managed entirely by you!”
Nagato’s statement was unexpected.
However, after a brief surge of excitement, Hanks calmed himself and asked, “What are your orders?”
Nagato was pleased with Hanks’s composure and said, “This money should not be used for investments, as I will need to deploy it soon.”
Hanks, though puzzled, continued to listen. “Water 7’s Galley-La Company is the world’s best shipbuilding company. First, I need you to place an order with Galley-La for ten large ships, modeled after the Navy’s warships.”
This time, Hanks couldn’t suppress the pounding of his heart. Ten ships were built to warship specifications. What was Nagato planning?
Piracy?
The thought crossed Hanks’s mind…
After a couple of heartbeats, Hanks took a deep breath, clearing his mind of distractions. “Are you planning to set sail?” he asked decisively.
Hanks had made up his mind quickly. As long as Nagato’s previous offers were valid and the plan was feasible, he was willing to take the risk, even if it meant becoming a pirate.
“Sailing? Pirates can hardly be called a ‘career’; at best, it’s just a game of pride,” Nagato replied firmly. “What I’m offering you is a career a hundred times more rewarding than your current job!”
Nagato didn’t want Hanks to feel coerced into joining him. Such feelings could undermine Hanks’s motivation and potentially lead to resistance, which would be detrimental to his plans. So, he was clear in his response.
“Then what are these ten ships for?” Hanks couldn’t help but ask.
“To conquer a country!”
The revelation was shocking.
The gentle spring breeze on the balcony carried the soothing sound of the city’s fountains.
After a long silence, Hanks recovered and asked, “What is your target…?”
Nagato remained silent, indicating that this information was not yet for Hanks to know. However, to reassure him, Nagato added, “You won’t be involved in the actual operation, meaning there’s no risk for you.”
While this wasn’t the most comforting news, it alleviated some of Hanks’s anxiety. He was about to pledge his loyalty, but Nagato interrupted him. “Don’t overthink it. Your talents are needed for administrative work.”
With Nagato’s clarification, Hanks felt relieved.
Nagato continued, “According to my plan, this ship order must remain confidential, which is why I’ve assigned it to you.”
Hanks nodded, listening intently.
“I won’t be involved directly, and neither should you. Find a way to place the orders anonymously or under various names. The ships must be completed within a month.”
Given the manpower and relatively simple shipbuilding techniques of this world, building ten warship-sized vessels in a month was a formidable task. Furthermore, the orders couldn’t be placed openly or in one batch, adding to the complexity. Despite his deep roots in Water 7, Hanks knew this would be challenging.
He felt the weight of the task.
“But it’s not impossible!” Hanks agreed unconditionally. “I will ensure that ten ‘warships’ are ready for you within a month.”
“Excellent!” Nagato was pleased. “This is your only task. Additionally, ensure the money is well-guarded.”
“In cash,” Nagato emphasized again.
With their discussion concluded, the lawyer, having finished reviewing the agreement, reminded Nagato to sign. He and Hanks returned to the house, and the transaction was officially completed with Nagato’s signature.
A new era was brewing…!
Meanwhile, the Straw Hat Pirates had descended from Skypiea, traversed Long Ring Long Land, and sailed for three days to reach Water 7.
“Wooowww—!”
“Incredible!”
“What a huge fountain!”
“Wow! This place is so grand… It’s like an industrial city!”
After their initial amazement at Water 7, the crew prepared to disembark and explore the city.
Unlike their usual routine, the entire crew gathered to discuss who would stay with the ship this time.
“Besides the gold, there’s another treasure that needs guarding,” Usopp said, scratching his head. “I don’t feel comfortable taking that thing into the city.”
“We need to exchange Berries, and I must be there. I can’t trust you idiots with such an important task,” Nami said first.
“I want to see if there are any new medical books in the city…” Chopper added softly.
“We’re out of food supplies. I need to stock up,” Sanji said, smoking a cigarette.
“I want to eat meat!” Luffy said bluntly, only to be knocked down by Nami’s karate chop.
“…” Robin didn’t need to speak; her presence alone made it clear she wasn’t staying behind.
“To make use of the materials and dials we got from Skypiea, I need to buy some tools,” Usopp explained. “Honestly, I don’t feel confident guarding that thing on the ship.”
Nami agreed with Usopp—better safe than sorry.
“I’ll stay and guard the ship,” Zoro suggested.
“You, green algae head? Who’d trust you with such a treasure?” Sanji sneered, half-choking on his cigarette. “Any random thief could steal it while you nap.”
“What did you say, you dumb cook?” Zoro retorted, grabbing his sword.
Bang! Bang!
Two karate chops from Nami left the ship’s two strongest fighters on the floor.
“We’ll restock supplies later,” Nami decided, fluttering her eyelashes at Sanji. “I’m counting on you, Sanji-kun~”
“No problem, Nami-san~!” Sanji’s adoration turned him into a whirlwind. He taunted Zoro, “Nami trusts me the most, after all.”
“Who cares about that?” Zoro shouted.
After much debate, the crew decided Sanji would stay behind while the rest went into Water 7 for their respective tasks.
They soon heard about the man who had brought down a giant golden bell, causing a citywide sensation. Despite lingering fears and reluctance, the crew was too preoccupied to confront Nagato again.
The next day:
“Extra! Extra!”
“An assassin’s hand reaches out to the hero of Water 7, Mayor Iceburg!”
“An unforgivable criminal! What is their motive—money or power?”
“The elusive assassin—who are they?”
Early in the morning, a city newspaper was delivered to Nagato’s table.
“They’ve arrived… Then…” Nagato tossed the paper into the trash after reading the headline.
“The time has come, CP9!”
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