Chapter 245: The Blue Demon's Boldness
Boom!
With a thunderous crash, Luo Han descended from the sky, landing directly before the six underworld kings.
"So big…"
The six were visibly startled, completely overshadowed by Luo Han's towering frame. A primal fear surged from deep within them, causing each to involuntarily take a few steps back.
Only Stussy hesitated for a split second before matching the others' reaction.
"Not bad," Luo Han thought to himself, casting a brief glance at the woman named Stussy. "Nice figure too."
Though she was a "black crow" beneath the surface, she had the delicate elegance of a wealthy young lady.
"Speak. What do you want from me?" Luo Han asked bluntly.
He had no intention of wasting time with these people. If Sora hadn't come to fetch him, he wouldn't have bothered at all.
Sensing his impatience, the six exchanged looks before Stussy stepped forward.
"We understand Lord Blue Demon is looking for an administrative chief to oversee Nightless City," she began. "We propose that I assume this role."
"Though I may lack administrative experience, if I become the city's governor, we will pool all our resources to develop Nightless City. Within two years, we guarantee it will be the most prosperous city in the New World."
She bowed slightly. "That is why we've come to see you, my lord. I hope you'll consider our proposal."
All six awaited his response with great anticipation.
Truth be told, they already controlled most of the black market across the Four Seas and the first half of the Grand Line. But that couldn't compare to the New World.
The New World belonged to the strong—full of bloodshed, high-stakes trades, and massive opportunities.
Controlling the underground markets here meant gaining true dominion over the global underworld.
Luo Han didn't keep them waiting.
After a brief pause, he looked directly at Stussy. "I'll allow it. You can be the administrative governor of Nightless City. I'll even give you your own island to develop however you like."
"My only condition—within five years, I want Nightless City to be the center of the New World. The trading hub for everything."
He looked over all six of them.
"If you can do it, stay. Coordinate with Sora. If not, don't waste my time."
"We can do it, Lord Blue Demon!" the six responded in unison, elated.
They hadn't expected him to grant them five years—that gave them more than enough time to deliver results.
They held all the right connections and now, with Blue Demon's protection, their ambitions felt more achievable than ever.
"Alright." Luo Han turned to Sora and Tuck. "I leave the rest to you."
Without sparing the others another glance, Luo Han soared into the sky and returned to Arknight Island.
After his departure, Sora turned to Stussy. "Since you've been approved, all further development falls to you."
"But…"
She grew serious. "While there are many islands within Nightless City, a few require special attention."
Stussy listened intently. They'd spoken briefly before, but hadn't gone into details—because without Luo Han's confirmation, nothing mattered.
"The central island, Arknight Island, is Lord Luo Han's private domain. It's off-limits. Enter only at his invitation."
Sora continued, "Islands One and Eight are under his direct planning."
"Dream Island is under the Red Queen's jurisdiction—she and the Fish-Men manage it independently."
"And…" she hesitated, "Beast King Cole's Gourmet City. You can make suggestions, but any implementation must have his approval."
"That's all you need to know for now. Tuck will assist you—he'll introduce key figures and help you get started."
"Understood," Stussy nodded quickly.
"Tuck, they're yours now. I'm heading back." Sora activated her Mindforce Armor Mode and shot into the sky.
"That ability… isn't that Blue Demon's?" one of the underworld lords muttered, stunned.
The others exchanged surprised glances.
Only Stussy raised an eyebrow. "So that's the 'shared Mindforce Armor Mode' the Five Elders mentioned…"
"Haha!" Tuck laughed, noticing their confusion. "That's one of our boss's abilities. He can share his defensive armor with others."
"If you succeed in building up Nightless City, he might grant it to you as well."
Tuck's grin widened. "That armor can block attacks even from Fleet Admiral Sakazuki and Garp. And you can fly with it, too."
"Tempting, right? In your world, danger is everywhere."
The six exchanged glances again, this time with unconcealed desire in their eyes.
The Blue Demon's legendary defense—an ability that no one had been able to overcome—was part of why they had chosen to ally with him.
After all, what good was developing the city if the man protecting it could be taken out at any moment?
Now, it seemed, they could be protected too.
But then… a chilling thought struck them all.
Unless one was truly loyal to Blue Demon, that "absolute defense" might also be… an absolute prison.
"Ha ha ha!" Tuck laughed again. "Looks like you figured it out. No worries—as long as you don't betray the boss, everything's fine."
"…"
The six fell into an awkward silence. They were only here to cooperate, not to become his subordinates.
Stussy broke the tension. "Let's get to work planning the development of Nightless City."
"Yes—focus on the city," the others echoed quickly, eager to change the subject.
The last thing they needed was for Tuck to get the wrong idea—that they weren't loyal to Blue Demon.
"Good," Tuck nodded. "You decide, I'll just guide the transition."
"…"
The six were stunned. Was Tuck really not here to oversee them?
Had Luo Han truly entrusted them with everything?
Maybe… this was the Blue Demon's boldness.
(END CHAPTER)
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