[TL/N: New Book -
Anime Group Chat in a Doomsday World!]
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"Gurararara, Roger, I never thought you would have this day!"
"Alright, Teach, put away your Hydreigon."
"Keep fighting, and this island will sink into the deep sea."
"Gurararara..."
In the New World, on a large uninhabited island, the enormous Moby Dick was anchored along the coast.
Nearby, a much smaller ship floated in its shadow.
On its mast flew a pirate flag known across the entire world.
The flag of the Pirate King—Gol D. Roger!
The man who ushered in a new era more than 20 years ago, inspiring countless adventurers to take to the seas…
And now, he was on the verge of losing to a brawny man with an unkempt black beard: Marshall D. Teach!
Teach, the acting captain of the Second Division of the Whitebeard Pirates, stood smugly as the battle turned in his favor.
For reasons unknown, Teach had long refused to accept the official title of Second Division Captain, but this hadn't stopped him from being recognized as one of Whitebeard's sons and a formidable member of his crew.
As Roger struggled against him, a glimmer of greed and ambition flickered in Teach's eyes.
But it vanished in an instant as he broke into a mischievous laugh, feigning humility.
"Zehahaha! I accept your defeat, Senior Roger!"
"Come back, Hydreigon."
With a wave of his hand, Teach reverted his Hydreigon from their MEGA evolution and Gigantamax forms back to their standard appearances, sealing them away in their Poké Balls.
He then obediently returned to Whitebeard's side, projecting an air of innocence.
As acting captain of the Second Division, Teach had spent years plundering Whitebeard Pirates' territories for resources.
His cunning lay in his approach—before each raid, he always informed Whitebeard, Marco, and the others in advance.
To Whitebeard and the rest of the crew, Teach was family.
Even when his actions occasionally bordered on excessive, the crew merely laughed it off. After all, the resources Teach gathered were ultimately converted into points to strengthen himself—and by extension, the Whitebeard Pirates.
This trust gave Teach the freedom to operate as he pleased.
Unbeknownst to anyone, Teach's transactions had outstripped those of most pirates on the sea.
In fact, the points he had quietly amassed far exceeded even Whitebeard's.
Yet Teach, ever the strategist, refrained from spending those points. Instead, he allowed them to accumulate in his balance, waiting for the opportune moment to unleash his ambitions.
---
Teach's true nature—the scheming, power-hungry Blackbeard—remained unchanged despite the evolving world.
Over time, Teach's Hydreigon had reached a terrifying level 80 thanks to the resources he hoarded.
With MEGA evolution, Gigantamaxing, and other boosts, their combined combat power exceeded level 95.
While this wasn't the pinnacle of strength on the seas, it was far beyond what Roger could contend with.
---
Roger's predicament stemmed from his principles. As a "benevolent" pirate, he had claimed significant territory in the New World but had never exploited its resources beyond basic necessities.
Because of this, his Infernape had reached only level 65, relying solely on battles and training instead of external support.
With the added power of bond evolution, Infernape's combat strength exceeded level 70.
In the past, this would have made Roger a formidable force—stronger than even many Shichibukai, such as Moria and Crocodile, who hadn't surpassed level 70.
But in this new Pokémon era, level 70 was merely adequate.
Roger's reliance on his own strength rather than external support ultimately left him at a disadvantage against Teach.
"Alas, it seems I've been left behind by the New Era," Roger sighed.
Though defeated, even by a subordinate of his old rival, Whitebeard, Roger wasn't disheartened.
Having been granted a second chance at life, he had no regrets.
After releasing his bond evolution with Infernape, Roger reflected on the changing times.
Through sheer charisma, he had managed to reorganize his pirate crew.
However, his old companions had long since moved on—some had settled down, while others had even become grandparents. Out of respect for their new lives, Roger chose not to disturb them.
Today's Roger Pirates are just another fledgling crew in the New World.
Except for the Captain, Roger, whose strength sets him apart, the rest of the crew is barely scraping by.
Fortunately, those who make it onto Roger's ship are not of ordinary mind or spirit.
When they saw their captain lose, none of them appeared disheartened.
In fact, some of them even mingled with the Whitebeard Pirates, marveling at their Pokémon.
However...
At this very moment!
The Rotom mobile phones held by all the traders suddenly soared into the sky.
Each phone seemed to take its designated place, projecting a virtual image high above.
In the image...
A man identified as Leo Drago, the Dimensional Merchant, sat at a magnificent desk, smiling warmly.
"Good afternoon to all traders in the pirate world," Leo greeted in the virtual projection.
"I apologize for interrupting your day," he continued, "but I have exciting news to share~"
"The headquarters of the Transdimensional Chamber of Commerce has just issued a directive: we are recruiting a new batch of interns in the pirate world that I oversee."
"The positions include Trainee Dimensional Merchants and Trainee Dimensional Investigators," Leo explained.
"In addition, to encourage development and stability across various dimensions, we are also recruiting Dimensional Interactors as auxiliary members of the Transdimensional Chamber of Commerce."
"The number of recruits is flexible, and salaries and benefits will vary based on the role. Details have been sent to your Rotom mobile phones."
"Interested individuals can apply for an interview through their Rotom devices. Successful candidates will be granted an opportunity to join the Transdimensional Chamber of Commerce."
"That's all for now."
"Best wishes to everyone!"
With a whoosh, the virtual projection dissipated as quickly as it had appeared, and all the Rotom mobile phones returned to their owners.
However...
The once-lively coast, where a grand celebration had been planned, fell into an eerie silence.
Everyone stared at one another, eyes wide with shock, unable to believe what they had just witnessed.
What just happened?!
The Transdimensional Chamber of Commerce is recruiting new members?!
Since Kaido and Big Mom were privately recruited by Leo, the rest of the world remained unaware that these two were now Dimensional Merchants. Enel, similarly, had been taken directly from Skypiea by Leo.
To the majority of the pirate world, Ace—the champion of the first Pokémon League Conference—was the only known member of the Transdimensional Chamber of Commerce.
But now, after several years, the Chamber was openly recruiting again.
And from the tone of the announcement, it seemed like this recruitment would involve a significant number of people!
All at once!
The seas erupted into chaos after a brief moment of stunned silence.
The Revolutionary Army, the Navy, the World Government, and countless pirate crews—every faction began to move.
---
In the Holy Land of Mariejois, the atmosphere was electric.
The Five Elders sat on their advanced, floating chairs, each holding a Rotom mobile phone, their expressions a mix of shock and intrigue.
Finally, the bald elder with a rounded head spoke, his voice tinged with excitement.
"Imu-sama... there haven't been any unusual movements from him, have there?"
"Rest assured," another elder replied. "Although the day of reckoning approaches, Imu-sama is more focused than ever."
"For him, the passage of time changes nothing. As long as we keep this information hidden, he will never realize the arrival of a new era!"
"That's good," the bald elder murmured.
A glimmer of unusual determination flashed in the eyes of the Five Elders.
Despite their youthful appearances and extended lifespans—augmented to over 200 years—they continued to maintain the guise of old age. This was a calculated move, a disguise to hide their true strength from Imu.
It wasn't a matter of inability; after centuries of investment and preparation, their power had far surpassed their former limits.
Had it not been for the restrictions of their world, the Revolutionary Army would have stood no chance against them. They had only tolerated its growth because the time for a decisive confrontation had not yet arrived.
Imu's existence serves as a cornerstone for the unity of the 19 Celestial Dragon royal families.
If something were to happen to Imu, the world government established by the Celestial Dragons would collapse instantly.
At that point, the Revolutionary Army would seize the opportunity to achieve total victory.
However, after hearing the recruitment announcement from the Transdimensional Chamber of Commerce, the Five Elders were visibly invigorated.
Although there's an old saying, "Better to be the head of a chicken than the tail of a phoenix," the revelation of higher, more noble beings looming above them unsettled their sense of superiority.
For those accustomed to standing at the pinnacle of power, the thought of remaining subordinate was intolerable.
To the Five Elders, joining the Transdimensional Chamber of Commerce wasn't merely an opportunity—it was a necessity they couldn't afford to miss.
Without hesitation, they carefully reviewed the descriptions of the three positions and clicked on the button labeled [Apply: Dimensional Merchant].
As a "Please wait patiently" window appeared on their screens, their minds raced with possibilities.
---
Wano Country
"The Transdimensional Chamber of Commerce is recruiting new Dimensional Merchants?!"
Doflamingo sat regally on his throne, staring intently at the descriptions of Dimensional Merchants, Investigators, and Dimensional Interactors displayed on his Rotom mobile phone. Excitement filled his entire being, but his gaze was contemplative.
Having overthrown the forces of the Four Emperors, Kaido and Big Mom, alongside Zoro, Doflamingo had firmly cemented his status as one of the new Emperors of the Sea.
Without the constraints of those two colossal forces, his once-dormant underground business had flourished once more.
The Donquixote Family, bolstered by a close partnership with a mercenary organization, now monopolized the logistics industry of the New World.
This had ushered in an unprecedented period of stability and prosperity for his empire.
Yet...
"Trebol, what do you think?"
Doflamingo turned to Trebol, his loyal subordinate, who stood at his side.
"This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, Doffy!" Trebol exclaimed, his usually squinting eyes suddenly sharp with resolve as he studied the same screen.
"I don't know what kind of existence lies beyond the pirate world…" Trebol admitted, "but a king like you shouldn't be confined to a single realm!"
He leaned closer, his voice intense: "You shouldn't even be limited by us!"
Doflamingo remained silent, his hesitation evident. Trebol, however, understood his young master's inner conflict without further prompting.
Over the years, the prestige of the Donquixote Family had grown immeasurably. Yet, that prestige rested solely on Doflamingo's shoulders.
Becoming a Dimensional Merchant would mean leaving the pirate world behind—a move that could leave his empire vulnerable, leaderless.
This was the source of his reluctance, his refusal to press the [Apply] button.
But Trebol wasn't finished.
"Young Master, you're a king—a born conqueror!" Trebol declared.
"The seas of today no longer offer room for your ambition. Instead of remaining stagnant, take this bold step. Who knows what new possibilities might emerge?"
"And more importantly…" Trebol added, his voice dropping to a persuasive whisper.
"Becoming a Dimensional Merchant will elevate your existence beyond that of any creature in the pirate world. You'll transcend the limits of this realm."
"At that point, you won't just play by the rules of others—you'll be the one moving the chess pieces on a grander board!"
Silence fell over the castle in Wano as Trebol's words resonated deeply with Doflamingo.
A visible shiver ran through Doflamingo's body. It wasn't fear—it was a deep, unshakable desire for power.
Until now, he had focused only on the path to becoming a Dimensional Merchant. But Trebol's words opened his eyes to what lay beyond: a future where he could wield unparalleled influence across dimensions.
"You're right, Trebol," Doflamingo finally said, exhaling deeply.
With a decisive motion, he pressed the [Apply] button. A sly, expectant grin spread across his face, filled with arrogance and anticipation for what lay ahead.
---
Meanwhile...
Across the world, traders from all walks of life—pirates, revolutionaries, and even civilians—rushed to submit their applications to the Transdimensional Chamber of Commerce via their Rotom mobile phones.
Figures such as Nami, Robin, Crocodile, and others who had caught Leo's attention also applied.
Interestingly, most applicants sought the Dimensional Merchant role, with few applying to be Investigators.
According to the Rotom's descriptions:
- Dimensional Merchants were the backbone of the Chamber of Commerce. Through trade, they could climb the ranks and potentially become high-level members.
- Dimensional Investigators were warriors serving under the merchants. They were subordinates whose progress depended entirely on their assigned merchant, leaving them little autonomy.
- Dimensional Interactors, the least popular choice, represented their worlds on interdimensional adventures. Though their role was akin to Investigators, they lacked the backing of the Chamber and had to pay significant costs for cross-dimensional transactions.
In essence, becoming an Interactor meant giving up everything in the pirate world to explore uncharted dimensions. What they might gain would depend entirely on fate.
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[Note: Example; Under the setting he created, Leo is a [Dimension Merchant] while Ace is his [Dimensional Investigator].]
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