"Lvneel Kingdom," Robin said calmly, her appearance already transformed. "It's a household name across the North Blue. The homeland of the tragic dreamer, Montblanc Noland."
They had just arrived at the southern port—one of the busiest cross-sections in the entire North Blue. A natural deepwater harbor, this port served as a major trade hub, bustling with a dizzying flow of goods and ships.
This location wasn't chosen by accident. The intelligence came from Baroque Works.
It was also Crocodile's recommendation that Jin visit this place.
First, it was convenient for bulk procurement of supplies.
Second, it was the best place in the North Blue for sniffing out information.
The Genesis was slowly pulled into harbor by a tugboat, her massive form attracting more than a few curious glances.
But the ship didn't get far.
Blocked.
Too many ships. Not enough docking slots.
Even pirates had to wait for parking?
Robin stepped up to negotiate, only to be met with a sneer.
"Winterhan Kingdom? Never heard of it! Everyone who comes here has some 'kingdom' stamped on their papers. You think you're special?"
"Look around, lady. Every damn ship in view has an official seal. If I let you cut the line, the whole place goes to hell!"
The port official was a petty bureaucrat with an inflated ego. His voice was nasal and condescending, obviously enjoying the minor power he wielded.
"Pirates?" He laughed. "Even more unlikely! What kind of moron sails in broad daylight if they're wanted? That's asking for a Marine execution squad!"
"…But," he said, twisting the tip of his curled mustache slyly, "if you're willing to pay a little 'escort fee' to our noble port office…"
"I can guide you to a more discreet docking zone."
Jin raised an eyebrow. "Black Port?"
"Exactly!" the man grinned. "A little… off the record. Not something I tell just anyone, you know."
Jin glanced at the massive queue ahead.
Fine.
Let it be black.
"We'll pay double," he said with a generous smile, flipping a handful of shiny Berries.
The official's eyes gleamed.
He waved over a subordinate, whispered a few instructions, then boarded the ship himself.
"Thanks for your cooperation," Jin said smoothly.
Though inside, his Observation Haki had already picked up the truth from the man's inner whispers: "Idiots with too much money. Let's clean them out."
The ship sailed out, skirting the coastline toward a rocky outcrop.
They passed a cape—and right there, a pirate ship blocked their path.
A moment later…
It was gone.
The Carrier let out a loud belch.
Thank you for the 35 soul crystals, dear pirate.
Jin calmly retrieved his Berries from the official's limp hands and squeezed out the truth: the exact location of the so-called Black Port.
Where there's light, there's shadow.
The glamorous southern port, so open and bustling, inevitably attracted insects—crooks, smugglers, black-market traders. Everyone knew that land was money here, and everyone wanted a bite.
But with the Marines keeping a watchful eye, most criminal elements didn't dare act openly. Instead, they collaborated with the kingdom's nobility, forming a mutually beneficial underworld network.
The Black Port, hidden on the island's far side, was a stretch of sea cliffs carved by wind and wave. A labyrinth of natural caves formed a perfect hideout for illicit ships.
Just disguise your vessel, slap on a different flag, and suddenly, you were no longer a pirate—you were a legitimate merchant.
Within the nearby cliffs was also a full-fledged black market.
Slave trade. Forbidden goods. Stolen treasures.
And the Marines?
They knew.
Of course they knew.
But they either pretended not to, or worse—were in on it.
"Nice spot," Jin smirked. "Change the flag!"
Flying the Winterhan Kingdom's banner would attract too much attention. It was time to go full disguise.
Fortunately, the Carrier had swallowed dozens of pirate ships. Flags were not in short supply.
"Germa 66?"
The now-underwear-clad former official—stripped clean and tied up like a hog—gasped, "That's their flag over there. Germa's already docked."
And they weren't the only ones.
Black Port was crawling with notorious pirates, killers, and mercenaries.
"This place holds an auction every two weeks," the man spilled. "Rare loot, stolen goods… even Devil Fruits."
"You're just in time."
"There's one up for auction tonight."
Jin's lips curled.
Perfect timing.
"P-please, don't kill me! I've got family! I was just forced into this by pirates, I swear!"
"…Aren't we all?" Jin said flatly.
With a flick of his hand, the man was tossed into the boiler.
Become heat. Light someone else's way.
They passed through a coral-shaped passage, emerging into a shimmering cavern lit by the glint of treasure and oil lamps. Dozens of ships filled the space, jostling for room.
Except one.
Jin immediately spotted the Germa 66 ship.
Not because he had sharp eyes.
But because Germa's snail-ship was absurdly distinct—compact, standardized, and extremely well-crafted.
And it had claimed an entire corner of the cavern for itself.
While other vessels were squeezed side-by-side, almost scraping hulls, this one floated in solitary dominance.
Impossible to ignore.
Jin didn't hesitate. He sailed straight over.
"Oi, who's that?"
"No idea. Never seen that flag. A newbie?"
"Hah! Must be. Only a rookie would get that close without recognizing Germa 66's emblem."
Onshore, several rough-looking men laughed from the shadows, waiting for blood.
Jin activated his Munch-Munch Fruit ability, altering his body shape into a broad-shouldered, muscle-bound brute. His aura changed entirely.
He disembarked, bringing Robin with him.
Maya hated places like this and stayed behind to train on the ship.
They followed a winding, gloomy corridor until a crude stone town opened up before them.
Shops lined the street.
Some sold jewelry, fabrics, weapons, treasure maps, ship logs, compasses—anything you could dream of.
Others pulsed with loud music and neon lights. Women dressed in seductive clothing leaned in doorways, puffing smoke and casting come-hither glances.
Behind the beaded curtains? Shadows moved in rhythmic motion.
Gambling dens roared with shouts of "Big!" and "Small!" while unlucky souls collapsed in despair.
"Yo, boss! Want front-row seats for the auction? Just 1,000 Berries. Comes with exclusive info."
Jin and Robin had barely stepped into town when the scams—sorry, sales pitches—started.
Jin handed over a note with a grin.
"I want information. On Germa 66."
"W-wow!"
The hawker's eyes lit up.
"Germa 66? That's the assassin family! You don't mess with them. You want more info? That'll cost extra."
He held up five fingers.
Jin paid five thousand berries.
"Word is, a woman's here. Traveling alone."
"And for just ten more, I can tell you every pirate captain attending tonight's auction."
Jin paid.
"Basil Hawkins—ever heard of him?"
"The Hyena—Bellamy!"
"Bloodhand Jack…"
Familiar names.
And Devil Fruit users.
Potential targets.
When the man finally finished, Jin asked one last thing. "Do you know which Fruit is being auctioned tonight?"
"You came to the right guy."
He grinned, holding out his hand.
Jin paid again.
"Paramecia. The Spring-Spring Fruit."
The one Bellamy would eat?
Wait…
Devil Fruit auctions…
Why did this feel so familiar?
Could it be…?
Was the man behind this… Doflamingo?
"Anything else you need, boss?" the peddler asked, eyes gleaming with greed.
"No," Jin smiled.
"I'll even throw in two free tickets for the auction!"
He turned down an alley, counting his berries with a chuckle.
"Sucker. Ripe for a second squeeze."
Suddenly, a hand tapped his shoulder.
He turned.
The two were right behind him.
"Need more info, sir?" he laughed.
Jin's smile was easy.
"Robbery."
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