The Romnis Empire was a colossal landmass, even by the standards of the New World. The island's climate was split down the middle: the north was a frigid arctic zone buried under eternal snow, while the south enjoyed the cycling seasons of a temperate belt. Though the northern winters were harsh, the southern plains were fertile enough to sustain the entire nation's population. This self-sufficiency, combined with a robust economy, made Romnis one of the New World's premier powers.
Where wealth flowed, business thrived. It was the perfect place to strike a deal.
"So, we're in agreement on the terms?"
"Yeah," the shipyard owner grunted. "If you're supplying the timber, I'd be a fool to say no. That's the finest wood I've seen in forty years."
"Good," Kanata replied. "I'll purchase every ship you produce with it. Contact me as soon as the first hull is laid. But are you sure you won't sell me the firm? It's a hassle to sell you the timber only to buy back the finished product."
"This yard was my father's, and his father's before him," the man said firmly, crossing his calloused arms. "I'm not handing it over to a pirate, no matter how much gold you're carrying."
"We don't need to change the name," Kanata offered. "We would simply act as your silent sponsors."
Her plan was simple: procure Treasure Tree Adam, sell it to a top-tier shipyard to build invincible vessels, and then buy those vessels for her fleet. Controlling the shipyard directly would have been more efficient, but buying a national industry in a country this wealthy required an astronomical sum.
More importantly, the man's professional pride was a wall she couldn't yet climb. Without a dire reason to sell, the owner wasn't interested in a pirate's backing.
Still, the supply chain for her new fleet was finally in place. The Twilight Pirates were growing by the day, and as they expanded into the Underworld's trade routes, their need for cargo capacity was skyrocketing. If they didn't increase the size of their fleet, their profits would hit a ceiling.
Kanata finished the negotiation and turned to George, who was meticulously reviewing the cargo manifests.
"The ships are handled for now," she said. "What's the status on the food and clothing?"
"Almost done," George replied without looking up. "We'll be fully loaded in less than an hour."
The organization was swelling into a true armada, but they were facing a critical shortage of administrative talent. It was easy to find fighters, but finding someone capable of managing a multi-ship logistics network was nearly impossible. Anyone with those skills was usually a government agent or a spy from a rival guild looking to embezzle funds.
A few such "recruits" had already tried to infiltrate the crew, but Feiyun had sniffed them out instantly. They were now at the bottom of the sea, serving as snacks for the local Sea Kings.
"Maybe we should try to scout Tom," Kanata mused.
"That man will never leave Water Seven," George countered. "His pride as a shipwright is tied to that island. Besides, we're doing alright for now. Once we build up enough capital, we can find a yard that's actually for sale."
"Fair enough. We're done for the day. We set sail at dawn."
"Got it. I just have a few more trade confirmations—"
"Big Sis! Big Sis! You've got a visitor!"
The interruption came from Teach, the round-faced boy they had picked up in the Grand Line. He had taken to calling Kanata "Big Sis," and while his formal speech was often clumsy, she let him use the title.
Kanata frowned. She hadn't scheduled any meetings for today. "A visitor? Who is it?"
"Don't know him, ma'am! But he's dressed like one of the local army guys."
"The military?" Kanata's eyes narrowed. "I didn't think we had any business with them."
They were operating near national waters, but they hadn't caused any trouble. Romnis was a member of the World Government; if the local military was involved, the Navy wouldn't be far behind. A confrontation this close to Fullalead was a headache she wanted to avoid.
Teach led her toward the outskirts of the harbor. Waiting for them was a man in a crisp military uniform, his face obscured by a decorative mask. He stood with a rigid, disciplined posture, radiating a level of Haki that would have made a normal civilian's knees buckle.
Kanata stepped forward, her red eyes meeting his gaze through the mask. "I hear you were looking for me. Who are you?"
"First, allow me to apologize for the unannounced visit," the man said, bowing deeply. "And thank you for granting me your time. My name is Nord."
He straightened up and spoke with measured, professional grace.
"My mistress wishes to conduct a private negotiation with you. If you are willing to listen, please return to this spot tomorrow at noon. I will personally escort you to her residence."
"A bit circuitous," Kanata noted.
"The circumstances require absolute discretion," Nord replied.
It was a risk, but the potential reward of an "in" with the Romnis government was too great to ignore. "Very well. I hope the return is worth the effort."
"I assure you, it will be. Until tomorrow."
Nord bowed again and vanished into the bustling crowds of the port. Kanata and Teach turned back toward the ships.
***
The next day, Nord was waiting at the rendezvous point, still in his military regalia. He led Kanata away from the busy docks and into the quieter, more affluent districts of the city.
"You aren't exactly keeping a low profile in that uniform," Kanata remarked as they walked.
"There are thousands of soldiers in this city," Nord replied coolly. "As long as my face remains hidden, my presence is merely a statistic."
In the New World, the line between the law and piracy was often blurred. Kingdoms frequently made back-room deals with powerful pirate crews for protection or resources. As long as it wasn't done in the middle of the town square, the World Government tended to look the other way.
They reached a secluded manor on the outskirts of the district. Nord led her inside, through a series of elegantly appointed rooms, to a private study. A woman was waiting for them, seated behind a mahogany table.
"It is a pleasure to meet you, Kanata... the 'Dragon-Slaying Witch'."
"You're the one who wanted the meeting?" Kanata asked, taking a seat.
"I am. I thank you for coming."
The woman was a stunning beauty with golden hair and the refined air of high nobility. As she sat, Nord moved with practiced ease to pour tea for both of them.
"I'll start with names," Kanata said.
"Of course," the woman smiled. "You may call me Diana."
Whether it was her real name or a pseudonym didn't matter. Kanata got straight to the point. "What do you want to buy?"
"Your military might."
Diana's answer was blunt. She took a sip of her tea, her gaze never wavering from Kanata's.
"This nation is wealthy and powerful," Diana began, "but in this sea, wealth is merely a target. We are surrounded by monsters like Big Mom and Shiki. If we ever truly anger them, our army will be nothing more than grass beneath their feet."
She explained that while Roger and Whitebeard weren't known for raiding kingdoms, they were unpredictable variables. Roger, in particular, had a reputation for leveling nations on a whim.
"To ensure our continued prosperity, we need a deterrent that isn't bound by international law. We need you."
"I see... but your country is a member of the World Government," Kanata pointed out. "If your ties to a pirate crew are discovered, you'll be expelled."
"On paper, we will remain enemies," Diana replied. "But many member nations keep 'privateers' in the shadows. The Flower Country is the most obvious example. We simply wish for the Twilight Pirates to be our sword in the dark."
"Our base at Fullalead is close," Kanata mused. "It's a logical partnership."
"Exactly. The funding alone would be substantial."
Kanata's fleet was self-sufficient, but since they didn't rely on mindless looting, their income was lower than the other Emperors'. Building Fullalead into a true fortress would require a massive influx of berries. This was a perfect opportunity.
"What specifically would you use us for?" Kanata asked.
"Escorting authorized merchant vessels. Transporting 'sensitive' cargo. And, should a conflict arise with a neighboring state... acting as the vanguard to end the war quickly."
"So, you want us to be your mercenaries," Kanata summarized. "My crew doesn't usually target civilians."
"If you accept the contract," Diana noted, "it is in your best interest that this nation remains stable. A crippled Romnis is of no use to you."
"Or I could just take over the country once it's weakened," Kanata challenged.
"Fufu... a terrifying thought," Diana laughed, showing not a hint of actual fear.
Kanata watched her through her Observation Haki. Diana's emotions were perfectly steady—cold, calculated, and entirely focused. She was sitting across from a woman who could take her head in a microsecond, yet she showed only a bewitching, confident smile.
"I don't even know your true standing in this country," Kanata said. "How do I know this deal is legitimate?"
"A fair question."
Diana signaled to Nord. He left the room, returning moments later with two heavy leather cases. He set them on the table and flicked the latches. Inside were stacks of high-denomination Beli notes, packed to the brim.
"This contract is a personal request from me," Diana explained. "It is not a formal decree of the state."
"I see."
"This is the down payment. Two hundred million berries. If you agree to the terms, further financing will be made available as needed."
By making it a personal contract, Diana was providing the state with an insurance policy. If the deal was ever exposed, the government could claim she was acting alone and execute her as a traitor to save the kingdom's reputation.
Kanata didn't care. She had no reputation left to lose, and if the Romnis Empire fell, it wouldn't affect her.
"Fine. It's a mutually beneficial arrangement. I accept."
"Wonderful. I was worried you might refuse."
Diana's voice was light, but Kanata knew the woman had never doubted the outcome. Two hundred million was a drop in the bucket for a woman like this, but for Kanata, it was the start of a new era of expansion.
"How do we stay in touch?"
"We will use a dedicated Transponder Snail," Diana said. "We will use pre-arranged codes to bypass eavesdropping. All I need is to be able to request a specific number of ships for specific tasks."
They exchanged frequencies and parted ways.
***
Kanata returned to the ship, carrying the two cases of cash as if they were groceries.
"Welcome back," George called out from the deck. "How was the 'business'?"
"Productive. It's a good deal for us."
She briefed George on the essentials, handing over the two hundred million to be added to the treasury. She wanted to head back to Fullalead immediately, but the sun was already low. Sailing the New World at night was a gamble they didn't need to take.
"What was she like?" George asked.
"A blonde girl. Very beautiful."
"Man, I wish I'd gone," George joked. "Scotch is gonna be jealous."
"Don't let him near her," Kanata warned. "That kind of woman is a femme fatale. She'd have him eating out of her hand in five minutes."
George gave her a strange, knowing look. "What?" she asked.
"Nothing. I just don't think you're one to talk about women who ruin men's lives."
Kanata chose to ignore the comment.
"Oh, by the way," George added. "We got a message from Roger."
"Roger? What does he want?"
"Actually, it was a message from Oden through Roger. He says, 'I know I was supposed to be back in two years, but I'm not ready to come home yet. Tell my old man for me.'"
"That hopeless man..." Kanata sighed, rubbing her temples. "He can't even keep a simple promise."
She knew Sukiyaki's health was failing. If Oden was going to be a delinquent and stay at sea, the least she could do was relay the message in person. It would also give her a chance to check on the Shogun's condition.
"We're heading to Wano after we drop anchor at Fullalead," Kanata decided. "Zen will want to see his home again anyway. We'll deliver the message from the 'good-for-nothing' heir ourselves."
"Should we bring Skura?"
"If the Shogun allows it. But he's a head of state; they probably have the best doctors in the country watching him. We'll have to play it by ear."
"Oden also said to 'give my regards to my retainers,'" George added.
"What am I, his personal secretary?!" Kanata snapped.
She grumbled as she looked out toward the setting sun. The journey to Wano was long, but in this sea, a promise was the only thing more valuable than gold.
***
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