The Den Den Mushi clicked shut with a soft buzz, ending the call between Argus and Newgate. They had spoken of the vessel—no, the flagship—that would carry the weight of their legacies. Newgate wanted something massive, powerful, a symbol. Argus agreed, but suggested two options:
"Either we convince Tom," he'd said, stroking his chin, "or we find Magnus. The old master might be retired, but the ocean never forgets genius."
Newgate had laughed, heartily. "GURARARA! I'll ask around in Water 7. Let's see which legend we wake."
Then the brothers went their separate ways.
Back in Totto Land, Argus buried himself in work. He rarely left the estate now, the weight of his growing domain pressing on his shoulders like tectonic plates.
Thirty-five islands under his name. Thirty-five.
Each island demanded security, governance, logistics—an entire network of needs. Serena's advice about seeking scholars and academics echoed in his mind. He tapped a finger on a file labeled "O'hara."
"Diplomatic offer," he muttered. "Or threat. If that doesn't work, I'll send Newgate."
He grinned darkly at the idea.
If the scholars came, he could breathe again. Perhaps even sleep.
But that wasn't his only burden. His brothers kept returning from sea, their ships packed with more than treasure. Former slaves, nomads, people chewed and spat out by the world. Argus took them all in.
No papers. No pasts. Just a future.
He built a defensive fleet. Not pirates. Guardians.
Piracy was a fool's mask. The World Government had no tolerance for masks. Sovereignty—true sovereignty—demanded permanence. Order. Structure.
"We're not pirates," Argus said aloud as he walked the estate gardens. "We're builders. We're kings."
He modeled Totto Land loosely after Wano's Flower Capital—but where Wano descended into madness, Argus laid bricks of order. Where Big Mom ruled with hunger and fear, he offered purpose.
Serena had become his quiet pillar, settling into motherhood with unnerving grace. Sally and Shella were next—both nearing birth. March would be busy.
---
The courtyard echoed with the slap of bare feet.
Artoria, six months old, tore across the marble courtyard like a comet. A streak of golden hair and shrieking laughter.
Argus walked leisurely behind her, hands clasped behind his back.
She turned and charged. "Father! I want to learn swordsmanship!"
Argus blinked. "You want to what?"
She beamed. Her movements were precise—too precise. He'd seen her toss a table. She was built like a child, but moved like a weapon.
"It suits me! Hehehe~"
He studied her.
S+ genetics. Red Dragon bloodline. It wasn't just instinct—it was predestination.
He sat cross-legged. "Fine. Your uncle's back soon. I'll find you a proper teacher."
Artoria clapped gleefully. Argus couldn't help but smile.
---
Serena watched from the balcony, heart full. This was their future. Artoria wasn't just their child—she was the cornerstone of an empire.
Soon, Argus promised, there would be a wedding. Not concubine. Empress.
The world might scoff. He didn't care.
She joined them in the courtyard. Argus swept her into his arms, spinning her gently. She laughed, and he planted a kiss on her forehead. Artoria demanded the same treatment, squealing as she was lifted into the air.
Together, they played.
A family becoming legend.
---
In the garden tower, Kureha finished her examination.
She raised a brow. "Strong beyond her years," she muttered. "Skeletal density, muscle tone... it's like checking that of someone years-older. She'll break toys—and maybe ribs."
Argus only nodded. "Monitor her. She's not ordinary."
"Tch. As if anything you make ever is."
---
In another chamber, Argus sat beside Sally.
She reclined peacefully, her hand resting on her growing stomach.
"Do you want anything?" he asked.
"After this? I want to help. Infrastructure, taxes, delegation," she said without hesitation.
Argus blinked. Then smiled. "You're the only woman I've met who finds tax policy romantic."
He kissed her gently. "I'd be honored."
---
With Shella, the tone was different. She sat near a window, watching the sky.
"Are you thinking about your clan?" Argus asked.
She hesitated. "Maybe. If they're still out there. After the birth... I might want to look."
He squeezed her hand. "Then we'll look."
She smiled. No words.
Just warmth.
---
Meanwhile, across the seas, Whitebeard's laughter cracked the air.
"GURARARA! You call that a punch, Jozu? AGAIN!"
The training grounds on the captured island were a mess of debris and bruises.
Hiroshi and Doma flanked Jozu, the three drilling together under Newgate's guidance.
"Strength isn't just muscle," Newgate boomed. "It's will! Heart! And timing!"
Nearby, engineers sketched blueprints.
A ship. No—an ark. Something worthy of the Edward banner.
"We need Water 7," Doma said.
"Yeah," Hiroshi agreed. "Only the best can make this."
Newgate grinned. "Then let's go find the best."
---
Bounty Updates:
Edward Newgate (Whitebeard): 700,000,000 Berries
Hiroshi & Doma: 200M + 150M [Duo Terror]
Jozu: 60M [Little Terror]
---
Back at the estate, the atmosphere buzzed.
Servants whispered of Artoria's strength. Maids gossiped about Serena's upcoming wedding. Soldiers polished armor. Midwives stood ready.
This wasn't a pirate hideout.
It was a kingdom.
---
Argus stood at the edge of a terrace, overlooking a pool where great serpentine shapes moved beneath the surface.
Sea Kings—snake-breed, bred for stealth and siege.
They were Shella's project. For now, paused.
Pregnancy demanded patience.
"Soon," Argus whispered. "The oceans will obey."
He turned toward the east.
Kuja Island.
A piece of the puzzle.
His mind raced. But his heart remained steady.
He returned inside, where Sally and Shella waited. He slid between them, pulling them close. Whispered reassurances. Gentle laughter. The soft comfort of shared warmth.
They weren't just lovers. They were co-founders of a new world.
He would not fail them.
Outside, the waves rolled endlessly.
The world was changing.
And the Edward Dynasty would stand at its center.
(CHAPTER END)