ONE PIECE : Rule the world with power

"How about a couple of drinks together, gentlemen?"

Pulling out a chair, Nia sat across from Rhodes and Nailu, her golden eyes assessing them carefully.

Compared to the pompous navy officer from earlier, these two men were leagues above the rest. Especially the short-haired one—Rhodes. Her instincts screamed that he was monstrously powerful, like a humanoid beast.

Still, if they joined her, this mission would be much smoother.

Taking the glass of wine the bartender brought, Nia pushed it toward Rhodes and Nailu. She motioned for them to speak.

"If you've got something to say, let's get to the point."

Rhodes picked up the glass, took a sip, and frowned slightly.

"Beer's more my style," he muttered before turning his attention back to Nia.

"Exciting news," she began, her voice steady. "I've accepted a commission to deliver someone to Mignon Island. The client's associates will handle everything once we arrive. Safely completing the job nets us a reward of 5 million beli. If you two join, we split the payment evenly."

Mignon Island.

Rhodes mulled over her words. It was close to Feiyan Island—just half a day's journey away. After a moment's thought, he raised his glass to hers.

"Let's get one thing straight," he said firmly. "I don't do kidnappings or human trafficking."

"Relax," Nia replied with a smirk. "I have my principles, too."

"Good." Rhodes clinked his glass against hers. "Then it's a deal."

---

"Is this where the client lives?"

Rhodes raised an eyebrow as he stared at the run-down warehouse in front of them. The place looked like it had been abandoned for years.

"Can someone living here really afford 5 million beli?"

Before Nia could respond, a disheveled man emerged from the shadows. He was in his early thirties, wearing filthy, grease-stained white work clothes and a battered fisherman's hat. His unkempt beard and dark circles under his eyes gave him the appearance of a mad scientist.

"You're here for the commission, right? I'm Gray, a scientist."

Rhodes studied him skeptically.

Does this guy really have the money?

Sensing their doubt, Gray hurriedly explained, "Someone else will pay you when we get to Mignon Island. You just need to get me there safely."

The explanation didn't exactly inspire confidence.

"I'm working with the Felker family," Gray continued, oblivious to their skepticism. "They're a prominent mafia group that recently gained notoriety. One of their higher-ups learned about my expertise and invited me to join them."

Without waiting for questions, he launched into a monologue.

"I've been researching how to make warships traverse windless zones like the Navy does. It's a fascinating challenge, but I've hit a roadblock. The Felker family promised to fund my experiments if I designed weapons for them. I've always wanted to build the ultimate warship! Something even stronger than the ancient weapon Pluton!"

Rhodes sighed. This man wasn't just a scientist; he was a talkative eccentric.

"My goal," Gray rambled on, "is to surpass Pluton. Can you imagine? A battleship that would make the world tremble! I've got ideas, incredible ideas, but materials and resources are so scarce here in the North Blue. If only I'd been born in the South Blue—"

"Hey, is that a gun?"

Gray's eyes lit up as he noticed the firearm hanging from Nailu's waist.

"I've got something for you!" he exclaimed, darting back into the warehouse. He returned moments later with a sleek, black rifle.

"This is a prototype I recently finished, made with the finest materials thanks to the Felker family's support. It's far superior to what you're using now. Consider it a bonus for taking this job."

Nailu accepted the weapon, his eyes gleaming with excitement. He tested its weight, balance, and craftsmanship.

"This is impressive," he admitted, admiration in his tone. "It's clear you're a real talent. I can see why the Felker family recruited you."

Gray beamed at the praise, while Rhodes nodded subtly.

"If you've got nothing else to pack, let's get moving," Rhodes said.

Gray shrugged. "I don't need anything. The important stuff is all in my head. Everything else here is just junk from past experiments. But I'll miss this place. I've spent years here. If only I weren't stuck in a bottleneck…"

As Gray began rambling again, Rhodes rubbed his temples, already regretting the decision. Thankfully, Nailu stepped in to divert Gray's attention by asking questions about firearms.

---

"Where's your ship docked?" Rhodes asked Nia as they prepared to leave.

"West coast," she replied. "The ship's fully stocked with food and water. We can set sail immediately."

As they walked toward the port, Nia couldn't shake an odd feeling. Somehow, Rhodes had naturally taken the lead in their group, giving directions and setting the pace.

Wait a minute… wasn't I the one who invited them?

The strange realization lingered as they reached the dock.

"Here it is," Nia said, gesturing to a simple two-masted sailing ship.

Gray examined the vessel critically, muttering under his breath. "A classic design, but so basic. If it were up to me, I'd add a ram at the bow, upgrade the main gun, and increase firepower with more cannons on each side—"

"Shut up!"

Nia smacked him on the head, her patience finally snapping.

"It's just a ship. If you want upgrades, do it yourself when you've got the money. Now get on board!"

Gray rubbed his head, grumbling under his breath, but obediently followed them onto the ship.

"Set sail!" Nia called, her voice firm.

As the ship left the port, the odd trio began their journey to Mignon Island, each quietly wondering what awaited them.