In West Blue, near the central seas, there lay a large island—fertile, with a pleasant climate, and very suitable for human habitation. This island was occupied by the Ilusia Kingdom.
The Ilusia Kingdom was currently ruled by King Thalassa Lucas. As a member nation of the World Government, it had a large population. But many of its nobles were corrupt, constantly oppressing the commoners to fund their struggles for power. Life for ordinary people was harsh.
To expand their influence, nobles often hired gangsters, assassins, or fugitives to fight each other. This resulted in frequent armed conflicts throughout the cities.
Here, there were underworld mafias controlling the black market, pirates colluding with gangs, nobles colluding with pirates, fugitives, and even World Government spies and agents. A tangled web of power and deceit spread across the nation.
In the noble district, at Minister Onis's castle—
"Master, this is this month's tribute from the Capone Family. Two hundred million Berries, twenty beautiful women, and—"
Shfft! Shfft! Two men in suits and dark glasses suddenly appeared mid-report.
Onis, who was being served a meal by several maids at the head of the table, abruptly stood up.
"Who are you?" His guards immediately surrounded the intruders.
One of the men produced a document. "We are World Government officials. Minister Onis, order your men to stand down."
Onis glanced at the papers, then waved for the guards to retreat. Settling back into his seat, he asked, "What business does the World Government have with me?"
"We are pursuing the Devil's Child, Nico Robin. Recently, she has been active within your country. Minister Onis, you control most of the ports and transport routes here, making you well-informed.
We require your assistance in tracking her down. If you succeed, your eldest son's post in Mary Geoise can be finalized."
Philread City, the largest southern city in Ilusia and the kingdom's biggest port.
As a key transit hub for West Blue, its daily import and export volumes were staggering. Naturally, its wealth attracted the envy of many powers, particularly the mafia factions backed by nobles.
At a secluded manor within Philread, the Capone Family's headquarters—
Capone Bege, a cigar in his mouth, listened to his men's reports.
"Boss, news just came in. Several of our strongholds in the city were taken down by the Hog Family. Some of our men even spotted their boss, Hog Mer, entering Philread."
"Boss, how should we retaliate?"
Bege said nothing, drumming his fingers on the table. The Capone Family had grown rapidly in recent years, stirring jealousy among other families.
The Hog Family, in particular, had shown open hostility, and now they had directly attacked his strongholds.
The Capones were eyeing Philread as their next fat prize. The Hogs were in the way. Should he take this chance to wipe them out?
If he succeeded, his family's rise would be meteoric. But to do that, he needed noble support… and a justification.
As Bege puffed thoughtfully on his cigar, silence hung heavy in the room. Then, suddenly, the Den Den Mushi rang.
Pururururu…
"Hello, Bege. This is Onis. I need you to find Nico Robin—preferably alive!"
Bege didn't answer immediately. He thought for a moment, then his eyes lit up. "Minister Onis, I happen to have information. Robin was recently spotted with the Hog Family. But I must confirm if she's working for them or if it was a coincidence.
Still, you know the Hog Family's influence. I'll need your support."
"The Hogs, eh? Hmph. I'll have a word with Duke Rabal Nic. I'll also send two more agents to aid you. But this task must be completed. Understand?"
"Of course, Minister Onis. Expect good news from me soon."
Hanging up, Bege grinned. 'Heaven is actively handing me a free meal. The Capone Family is destined to rise!'
"Boss, what if Robin really isn't with the Hogs?"
Bege's eyes gleamed coldly. "Does it matter? As long as we say she is, then she is."
Meanwhile, after days of sailing, Leno's group finally reached Ilusia, docking at Philread.
"Sugoi! This port is huge, and so many ships!" Chopper exclaimed.
Nami explained, "Philread is Ilusia's largest port, practically the most prosperous city in the kingdom. We must explore properly later."
"Sugoi! Hey, hey, Leno," Chopper turned to him, "Can you please buy and store a lot of Cotton Candy for me this time? Store a little of every flavor, please?"
How could Leno refuse? Besides, money was no issue. "Of course. Not only will I buy you plenty, I'll get you a cotton candy machine. Then we can make any flavor ourselves!"
"Really?!" Chopper hugged his leg. "Thank you, Leno! You're the best!"
After disembarking and storing the ship, Nami asked Leno for some money and went shopping with the others. The crew split up: Leno with Chopper and Carmen, while Nami's group headed off on their own.
Chopper was wide-eyed with excitement. It was his first time seeing such a bustling city, and he looked everywhere as they walked.
"Uh, Leno, where are we going first?"
"Let's hit the food market with Carmen. She's been eager to check it out." Leno glanced at Carmen, who was staring dreamily at the local women's clothes.
Thinking she was envious, he said, "Don't worry, Carmen. Nami and the others will buy you clothes. Or you can buy your own—we've got plenty of money."
Carmen shook her head. "No, no. You misunderstood. I was admiring their figures! So amazing. Compared to them, I'm just… what you'd call 'flat.'" Her face fell in gloom.
"Hah? You're still young! You'll grow more. And besides, can't you research foods that promote growth? Two birds with one stone."
Carmen's eyes sparkled. "Ohohoho… you're right!"
Leno's gaze sharpened suddenly. "I've heard papaya and milk are good for development. Want to try some, Carmen?" (T/N: is it true :o)
"Huh? Is that true? I've never heard of it… but… fine. Let's buy some."
"Good. Then let's go, Chopper—we'll get milk for you too." With that, the three headed toward the food market.