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The Strongest Frost Loli (127)
🕑 Added 2024-09-19 17:00:08 +0000 UTCChapter 127 - Dragon's Request
Four years had passed since Kanata defeated Octavia.
Twilight continued to expand its power, occasionally clashing with the Beasts Pirates and the Big Mom Pirates, but still contributing to maintaining order as a member of the Seven Warlords.
Kanata hadn't neglected her own training while instructing Hiyori and Chiyo, but she was starting to feel that the organization's growth was stagnating.
Then, she received a call.
‘It’s been a while, Kanata. How are you?’
“That’s a surprise. I didn't think you were the type to call regularly. Has it really been that long since Roger’s execution?”
It was Dragon.
He hadn’t contacted her since the night of Roger’s execution, when he had called to inform her of the situation in Loguetown. Surprised by his sudden call, Kanata sat back in her chair, waiting for him to explain his reason.
He wouldn’t have contacted her without a purpose.
‘We have a lot to catch up on, but… Do you have time?’
“Yes, I have no urgent tasks. Go ahead.”
‘Thank you – Are you aware of the strange disease spreading on an island in the North Blue?’
"A disease… in the North? You mean the Amber Lead Syndrome?"
The Kingdom of Flevance, located in the North Blue.
The city was stained white by the Amber Lead mined from the earth, and the country’s economy thrived on the industry surrounding it. It was a fairytale-like city that many admired. But now, it was plagued by a strange disease.
Kanata was aware of the situation. It had been reported in the newspapers, and she had even learned that the royal family was preparing to evacuate with the World Government’s help.
“What about it? Do you want some Amber Lead?”
‘I have no interest in that. But there’s a possibility that the World Government was aware of the lead’s toxicity.’
“They probably were. It’s a type of lead. It’s not surprising that it would cause poisoning.”
They wouldn't have approved the Amber Lead industry without investigating its toxicity. The Celestial Dragons would surely want to keep such a valuable resource for themselves.
Unless, of course, it was poisonous. Despite its known toxicity, they continued to use it for its profitable properties.
‘…You knew?’
“It was a possibility I considered. I thought about trading Amber Lead, but I decided against it after learning it was a type of lead.”
‘I see…’
It would have been a profitable venture, but the risks outweighed the potential rewards.
Dragon fell silent for a moment, then spoke again.
‘…I have a request.’
“That’s unusual. You asking for my help.”
“I realized I couldn’t handle this alone. And I’m hoping you can do something about it. – Please save the people of Flevance.”
“…Do you realize how difficult that is?”
“Yes.”
Many people believed it was a contagious disease, but if Amber Lead was the cause, then it was simply poisoning. It wasn’t contagious.
But even then, the neighboring countries, believing it to be a contagious disease, had closed their borders. Supplies weren't reaching the island. The citizens were growing weaker by the day. Treating them under such conditions would be extremely difficult.
And most importantly – it wasn't profitable.
“Funds, personnel, time, materials… You’ll need everything. You’re asking for my help because you can’t provide them, but even I have my limits. Are you still asking?”
“…Yes. I have no choice but to rely on you. It’s appalling that the World Government is turning a blind eye to their suffering.”
“Fufu… I admire your conviction. Very well.” Kanata agreed. “Consider it a favor. You’ll repay me someday.”
“Thank you, Kanata. Let me know if there’s anything I can do.”
It was a good opportunity to shake the World Government's foundation. The royal family had abandoned the country, and it was only a matter of time before Flevance was expelled from the World Government.
It would be beneficial to spread the news that a pirate had saved the country.
Even a Warlord wasn’t completely on the government’s side.
But first, she had to confirm something.
Kanata ended the call with Dragon and contacted the Five Elders.
‘It’s unusual for you to call. What is it?’
“I have a question about Flevance. Are you planning to keep them as a member of the World Government after evacuating the royal family?”
“Where did you hear about the evacuation…? No, it doesn't matter. They’ve already been expelled.”
They wouldn’t be able to pay the Heavenly Tribute, and they had no ruler. It was impossible for them to remain a member.
That was convenient.
The Seven Warlords were allowed to plunder non-affiliated countries.
If Flevance was no longer a member, then she could take control of it without any objections.
“Are you planning something?”
“I’ll take it if you don’t want it. That’s all.”
Kanata ended the call and contacted Sukura. She needed a doctor to treat the disease. They couldn’t proceed without knowing how many medical personnel were available.
After explaining the situation, Sukura agreed to join them.
“How many medical personnel can we bring?”
“We have plenty of surplus personnel. It’s been relatively peaceful lately, so they’re mostly idle. I’ve been focusing on research and haven’t been treating patients.”
“I see. We have a state-of-the-art hospital ship. I want you to use it to treat the patients.”
“Understood. Amber Lead Syndrome… Fascinating.”
Kanata gave him permission to use the hospital ship, which had rarely been used, and instructed him to select the medical personnel.
She then contacted Scotch, instructing him to prepare as much food, water, and medical supplies as possible. She then summoned Kaie, informing her that she would be in charge of this operation.
Teach, for some reason, was also present, but Kanata ignored him.
“Me? In charge?” Kaie asked, surprised.
“Yes, you’ve gained enough experience. It’s time for you to take on more responsibility. What do you say?”
“…Yes! I’ll do my best!”
She was young, but capable. So far, only veterans had been in charge of such operations, but they needed to train the next generation.
Kanata had been in charge of officer training, and Kaie had excelled in her classes.
Besides, this operation would primarily involve the medical team. Kaie’s role was to relay information between the medical team and Kanata and to compile a list of necessary supplies.
They would also need an escort fleet to maintain order, but Kaie wouldn't have to participate in combat directly.
“Zehahahaha! You’re finally in charge! But why not me, Big Sis?!”
“You can only destroy things. You’re not suited for this operation.”
“I can be an escort too.”
“Flevance is located in the North Blue. We’re going to treat their citizens, who are suffering from a disease. It might be contagious. We can’t afford to bring someone like you, who doesn’t listen to instructions.”
Kanata had instructed Scotch to select personnel who would follow orders. This mission was too delicate for recklessness.
They would be sending one hospital ship and two escort warships. They would have to cross the Calm Belt and navigate the North Blue.
The neighboring countries, believing it to be a contagious disease, had closed their borders, so tensions were high. They couldn’t afford to be careless with their defenses.
“Kaie can handle it,” Kanata said, trusting her judgment. She was at least better than Teach.
“We’ll depart in three days. Prepare yourselves.”
“Yes. How long do you think this will take?”
“It depends on the disease… but at least a month. I’ll have you return every six months to report.”
It was difficult to estimate, but they would need to replenish their supplies regularly. Personnel could be rotated as needed.
Kaie nodded and left the room to begin preparations.
Teach, seemingly dismissed, was about to leave when Kanata called out to him.
“I have another task for you. This one is more your style.”
“Zehaha! My style? That sounds interesting!”
Kanata explained the task, and Teach’s expression darkened.
It was a mission that could cause problems if the World Government found out.
“…Are you sure? This could be troublesome if we get caught.”
“Make sure you don’t get caught. Don’t forget your Den Den Mushi jammer.”
She was serious. She had even given him permission to use a Den Den Mushi jammer to prevent their communication from being intercepted.
Teach chuckled.
“Leave it to me!” he said, leaving the room to begin preparations.
He was strong, but reckless. She would assign him a supervisor.
She hadn't told either Kaie or Teach who had requested their help.
Dragon had once been a member of her crew, but that was over ten years ago. Only the veterans knew about it.
Kaie and Teach hadn't been present at the time.
Dragon was currently in hiding, and it was best to keep their relationship a secret.
She didn’t know who might be leaking information. It seemed the World Government had spies within Twilight.
***
Hiyori now went by the name Komurasaki and wore a fox mask to conceal her identity. She also had a replica of Octavia’s gaudy mask, but she refused to wear it.
She had changed her name and appearance to prevent potential betrayers from targeting her. It was a precautionary measure to minimize the risks of Oden’s retainers betraying them.
It was a hassle, but Komurasaki understood and cooperated. She rarely interacted with others.
Kanata had given her freedom outside of training, but under Izo’s guidance, she and Chiyo spent most of their time studying in the library.
“It’s hot… Can’t we do something about this heat?” Chiyo complained.
“Hachinosu is a summer island, unlike Wano. It’s warm all year round. And it’s summer now. There’s nothing we can do,” Komurasaki replied.
Kanata’s office was always cold because she hated the heat, but they couldn't just barge in without a reason.
She didn't have air conditioning. She simply manipulated the air to keep it cold.
“We just have to endure it with this fan that Caterina made,” Komurasaki sighed.
“Even with this fan, it’s just blowing hot air at us…”
They had an endless supply of electricity thanks to Komurasaki’s Devil Fruit ability, so Caterina often gave them various inventions to test. The fan was one of them.
It wasn't an ordinary fan. It was a bladeless fan, the latest model.
“Well, it’s better than nothing… Hm?”
Chiyo was trying to cool herself with the fan when she noticed Robin, who was making a mountain of books on the other side of the room.
Robin wasn’t the type to approach others, but Chiyo was the opposite. They had a connection, though their conversations rarely made sense.
“Robin! What are you studying?”
“Oh, Chiyo. I’m writing a report about the Road Poneglyphs that have been discovered so far. What about you? Are you studying too?”
“Yeah, Izo’s been putting us through our paces.”
“Fufu, he’s been quite enthusiastic about teaching.”
Pirates these days couldn’t afford to be uneducated. Twilight was also a merchant organization, so knowledge was essential for advancement.
They had a school for the children, but Komurasaki and Chiyo, being family of the executives, were receiving private lessons from Izo.
Izo, as Oden’s retainer, had learned a wide variety of things, so he was a capable teacher.
Robin had occasionally seen him teaching, and it was clear that he put more effort into Komurasaki and Chiyo’s lessons.
“Road Poneglyphs… archaeology, huh?”
“Yes, texts written in an ancient language, left behind for future generations. I’m interested in what happened during the Void Century.”
“The Void Century that happened about 800 years ago? My mother said she was born around that time.”
Komurasaki recalled the stories Toki had told her as bedtime stories.
She had traveled through time using her Devil Fruit ability. She had initially been accompanied by others, but she had lost contact with them about 500 years ago.
They were probably dead, but Toki had said, “One of them might still be alive. They were special,” with a distant look in her eyes.
“…That sounds interesting. Can you tell me more?”
“Sure, but I don’t remember much…”
They were just bedtime stories, and she had last heard them several years ago.
She didn’t remember the details.
“It doesn't matter!”
“Um…”
Robin, prepared with a notepad, was ready to take notes. Komurasaki, on the other hand, struggled to recall the stories.
“I think… she traveled through time with someone called ‘Dark Moon’ and ‘The Dragon Who Dams’.”
