With transportation monopolized, profits from trade could reach staggering heights. The Grand Line, isolated by the Calm Belt, left only two options for entry from the four seas: risking life by climbing Reverse Mountain or using the specially maintained passages that lifted and lowered ships.
Meanwhile, the Grand Line's erratic climate resulted in islands experiencing a single season year-round. This, coupled with stark differences in resources between islands, created sharp trade imbalances that kept prices relatively stable only across the four seas with their more temperate weather.
Thus... a business opportunity.
Naturally, the World Government had blocked this path long ago, tightly controlling movement within the Grand Line.
Realizing this, Rem stepped back, startled. "You're getting bolder, Kevin!"
Kevin shook his head. "What if I could guarantee you'd master Haki? This world still only listens to those with power. At Loguetown, I saw the guy everyone called a prodigy in the academy six years ago. Now he's Vice Admiral at HQ, Rem. He rose fast… too fast."
Rem stayed silent, taking it in. He, too, had heard of this 'prodigy' from six years ago, who was none other than Kuzan. Six years on, Kuzan had already become a Vice Admiral and one of the top candidates for Admiral.
An Admiral… the highest-ranking officers in the Navy.
Kevin gave Rem a pat on the shoulder and left for the ship's bow. Mastery of Haki required physical strength and mental discipline, both of which Rem had long developed. The real challenge was that Rem's duties overseeing the Red Line passage had dulled his edge, bringing a sense of calm and complacency that left him without the fire to move forward.
…
The death of Pirate King Roger sent waves throughout the world.
In the West Blue alone, the number of pirates storming Lascar Town in a bid to reach the Grand Line had quadrupled. Navy bases scrambled to keep up, with the 80th branch repeatedly called to aid other posts. Pirates barely hours at sea were getting arrested in droves before they even tasted freedom.
In the meantime, Dragon successfully delivered the thousand custom-made tridents, and Kevin traveled to set space markers with his Flying Thunder God technique. Shortly after, these tridents spread across different parts of the four seas and the Grand Line.
From that day on, two figures would become known throughout the world. One was the dedicated enforcer Kevin in the West Blue town of Lascar, whose execution of Roger earned him his reputation. The other was a masked man called "Ember," who appeared in the Grand Line and poorer nations of the four seas.
…
Six Months Later
South Blue, Sorbet Kingdom, Church on the Outskirts of South Town
"Let's get married, Kuma!"
"W-What? No way!"
"Why not? Don't you love me? I'll make you the happiest man alive!"
"I do love you, but…"
Kuma quickly picked up a newspaper, trying to change the subject, but a familiar voice interrupted.
"Well, well, what's this I hear? Ginny proposing to Kuma?"
Kuma and Ginny froze, eyes wide as they turned toward the voice. Kevin walked into the church, grinning ear-to-ear.
Kuma laughed, reaching out to ruffle Kevin's hair, but Kevin dodged.
"I'm not a kid anymore, Kuma!"
After they hugged, Kevin added with a smirk, "But I'd be thrilled to attend your wedding if it's happening soon."
Kuma looked flustered. "Come on, Kevin, that's…"
Ginny jumped in, changing the subject. "Hey, you brat! Just calling me Ginny like that? I'm four years older than Kuma, you should call me Auntie Ginny!"
Kevin shook his head firmly. "Kuma saved me back then. You were just tagging along for the free food."
"What?! You little brat! Two years away, and you think you can bully me now? Kuma, help me teach him a lesson!"
Kuma watched as Kevin and Ginny bantered and scuffled, shaking his head with a helpless smile. Ever since Kevin was six, it had been like this. Though he was helping with chores by five, Kevin and Ginny sparred and bickered every day.
"Haha! So it's always this lively?" A loud laugh came from the church doorway as Ivankov and Dragon arrived.
Ginny and Kuma both looked up, stunned.
"Iva?!"
"And that's…?!"
While Ginny was surprised to see Ivankov, Kuma's eyes were on Dragon. As someone who kept tabs on the self-styled 'Free Army,' he recognized the man before him.
Kevin stepped forward, beaming. "Allow me to introduce our special guest, the leader of the Revolutionary Army, Monkey D. Dragon. Kuma, the Free Army you've been following was the precursor to the Revolutionary Army."
Dragon nodded and extended a hand to Kuma. "Half a year ago, the Free Army became the Revolutionary Army. I've been gathering allies who share our vision, and both Ivankov and Kevin recommended you."
Kuma shook Dragon's hand. "I've always wanted to help, but I never had the strength on my own."
Ivankov interjected. "With the Paw-Paw Fruit, Kuma, you've got plenty of strength! Come help us change the world!"
It was a simple invitation, devoid of pomp.
Yet Kuma, who had long been interested in the Free Army, didn't hesitate to shake Dragon's hand again, sealing the agreement.
Next to them, Ginny nudged Kevin. "Spill it, you brat. Am I just a tagalong in this deal?"
Though she spoke softly, Dragon clearly heard her and quickly turned to Ginny. "I'm truly sorry if I gave that impression. I heard from Ivankov that you're skilled with communication transponder snails and have considerable combat ability."
"The Revolutionary Army needs allies like you. I can't bring change to this world alone. I need all the help I can get."
...
Read 40+ Chapters ahead of FF:
p.a.t.r.e.o.n.c.o.m / rosewhisky
