When they first set sail, the Beasts Pirates’ ship was only a small vessel, with just a handful of people aboard. That ship has long since fulfilled its mission and has been placed in the dockyard as a memento.
Later, they obtained a large ship. Although Kaido merely treated those underlings as tools to operate the ship, and deaths constantly occurred during battles, those who survived gradually formed many bonds.
Mandrell and Babanuki were both veterans who had come through that era together.
After entering the New World, the Beasts Pirates gained their first territory. Though it was much larger, it was still just a single island, so they could still meet each other in daily life.
When the Beasts Pirates took control of Wano Country, their territory became interconnected. The number of those original veterans further decreased, and opportunities to meet became fewer.
As of today, the Beasts Pirates have become the pirate crew with the largest territorial domain. In other words, aside from the World Government and the Marines, they are the most powerful warlord force on the seas.
Those veterans from back then have either died in battle, become officers, or are now living retired lives here. Being scattered and rarely seeing each other has become the norm; opportunities to gather like this only happen once or twice a year.
Whenever such times come, banquets become a key moment. Even before nightfall, they had already lit bonfires and begun their banquet.
Meanwhile, Tesoro and Kojiro had also finished explaining their matters.
“Everyone, I believe our intentions have been made sufficiently clear. We hope that the currency known as Berry will disappear from your nations as soon as possible, to be replaced by our currency.
“Of course, this is not a discussion, it is an order from Lord Arceus and Governor-General Kaido.”
Tesoro tossed several coins in his hand, special coins created through Gholdengo’s ability.
“This is our currency. As for the paper money, it looks like this. You all have good eyesight, you can see that there is plenty of blank space on these notes. Perhaps one day, you yourselves could become the figures printed on them, passed down forever.”
Printing paper money was not difficult for the Beasts Pirates, and their anti-counterfeiting measures were quite unique. The coins contained Gholdengo’s power, while the paper notes contained Diancie’s power.
Using her ability to compress elemental components in the air, she embedded a new elemental structure into the material of the paper. Combined with the anti-counterfeiting structure developed by Acier based on this element, the key security features were easily completed.
The notes displayed simple numbers, with Thousand Arms forming the central frame of the bill. The designs mainly featured scenery and Pokémon, with no portraits yet. This was a reserved “honor” meant to entice others.
“Is this really necessary?”
“Of course. This is for your own good. After all, Berry may soon become nothing more than worthless paper.”
“I have a question, when will you be able to make this currency universally accepted across the world?
“If it’s only within the Beasts Pirates’ territory, that’s fine. But we still need to trade with passing merchant ships and purchase supplies from other islands. If they can’t use it…”
This royal spoke the thoughts of everyone present. Berry is currently the universal currency of the world—whether affiliated nations or non-affiliated nations, pirates or Marines, even in Sky Island, Berry can be used.
If they switched currencies and the new one couldn’t function as a global currency, it would cause major trouble.
“It won’t take long. And we will give you ample time, we won’t demand that you complete this in a day or two.
“I can personally assure you that before that day arrives, the mandatory replacement order can be postponed.”
In truth, Tesoro had already begun doing this, starting on Gran Tesoro. He first replaced casino chips with this currency, making rare items only exchangeable through these chips.
At the same time, he ensured that these chips could be used to purchase goods at Beasts Fruits stores across the world. His massive enterprise and vast gold reserves were enough to guarantee the currency’s value. However, achieving this goal still requires a considerable amount of time for development.
“Consider this currency as operating funds. After all, Berry is no longer in circulation within Wano Country. Without this currency, you would have to rely on precious metals like gold and silver.”
Wano Country also served as a testing ground for many of the Beasts Pirates’ policies. The exchange offices established by Kojiro had long been providing such services, and so far, everything had been progressing smoothly.
“That concludes today’s meeting. If you wish to leave, you may go to the rooftop of Onigashima and find Miss Olga, also known as Phantom. She will arrange your return.”
“You may also choose to stay here for a few days and look around, we guarantee absolute safety.”
……
“Their plan…”
“It’s huge. If they promote their own currency within their territory, as the issuer they’ll gain better control over our domestic economies. But in the end, it doesn’t make much difference. After all, when it comes down to strength, they still have the final say.
“Tesoro was able to grow Beasts Fruits to such a scale, so he clearly understands economics. As long as they don’t recklessly print money, everything is negotiable.”
They could all see what the Beasts Pirates were trying to do, yet they had no power to refuse. Judging from Tesoro’s current approach, their goal was long-term development, not a one-time deal. This was at least good news.
As long as the Beasts Pirates could win in the coming war, they too would become beneficiaries.
“So, will anyone be leaving first? Or would you all like to take a look around? Perhaps we could go together.”
“No, I think we’ll look around on our own.”
No one chose to leave immediately. Viewing the Beasts Pirates’ territory as a whole, Wano Country was their capital. From the state of its development, one could more or less infer their plans for the future.
These kings all had their own thoughts, and immediately led their people in different directions toward Wano Country.
A few chose to remain on Onigashima, watching the reveling pirates with curiosity. This kind of wild celebration felt very distant from them.
Moreover, those whom they regarded as people of high status showed not the slightest bit of arrogance.
“Tesoro! Tesoro! Tesoro!”
The Emperor of Finance in the Underworld, the master of Gran Tesoro, the CEO of Beasts Fruits—this man with many titles was now, under the pirates’ urging, performing like a rapper and showing off his singing voice.
Apoo naturally became his DJ, while as for Queen…
He was still worrying about his future. It seemed he wouldn’t recover until midway through the banquet.
While the Beasts Pirates were holding their banquet, several Den Den Mushi also began transmitting messages. The playful grin had disappeared from Red Hair’s face, replaced by a serious expression.
On the other end of the Den Den Mushi, Beckman also stopped reprimanding Shanks. Normally they joked around, but when it came to serious matters, he would still follow Shanks’s orders.
“Shanks, are you sure about this decision?”
“I’m sure. This is probably my last big gamble.”
“You’ve made up your mind, so what can I say? Have you confirmed the location?”
“Of course. It’s that island, you should have its Eternal Pose, right?”
“Not hard to find. Don’t worry, I’ll bring everyone there on time.”
There was no way their captain would go alone for something like this. At the very least, he needed a few men to back him up. Beckman had already understood Shanks’s intentions. After hanging up, he gathered the rest of the crew.
“Everyone! Boss has a new order, prepare to set sail!”
“Uncle Beckman, can you take me with you? I’m already 18! I want to sail with Shanks too!”
“Wait until you’re 80 before talking. You’re a Giant. At 18, you’re still just a kid.”
A young Giant, clearly longing for a pirate’s life, wanted to go with Beckman, but was mercilessly refused.
“Gyagagaga! That’s right, kid. You’ve still got a hundred years before you can set out to sea. Don’t cause trouble for the adults.”
Dorry, who had returned to Elbaf, picked up the Giant child in front of him and carried him away, then watched as the Red Hair Pirates departed from Elbaf.
In the sky, Katakuri, who had yet to return to the territory, had already called Charlotte Linlin.
“Mama, I’m on my way back. I’ll be there soon.”
“What’s the situation with the Beasts Pirates?”
“They’re strong, unimaginably strong.”
“Mamamama Mamamama That brat from back then has finally grown up. It seems I’ll have to make good use of this favor.”
“Mama, things are actually more complicated. Let’s discuss it in person after I return.”
Some things couldn’t be explained in just a few words. Katakuri was worried that Charlotte Linlin might become unstable if she got too excited, and others wouldn’t be able to handle it, so he decided to speak with her face to face after returning.
“Hurry.”
“I understand, Mama. I won’t delay you for the alliance meeting.”
At the Marines’ Intelligence Branch, the monitoring unit once again confirmed the island where the major event was about to occur and dispatched their elite team. Meanwhile, in an unknown stretch of airspace, Morgans put down his Den Den Mushi.
Arceus’s divine blessing only applied within his territory. Since those kings had not yet returned to their lands, the news had not begun to spread. Morgans was focused on the event a few days later.
“Three pirates standing at the pinnacle of the seas are planning to form an alliance. What a big piece of news!
“Miss Wednesday, you should feel honored.
“To have this as your very first interview in your journalism career, this is something that can never be replicated in the industry.”
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