After arriving at the cluster of floating islands Shiki called "Strong World," the two airships flew directly toward the largest island in the center.
Sherwin stood at the bow, surveying the surroundings.
The differences between the islands guarding the perimeter were quite stark. Although most were covered in dense forests, the vegetation on each island was distinctly different, and even the seasons varied Sherwin even spotted one "Autumn Island" that was entirely golden.
Could it be that the strange single-season islands of the Pirate World maintained their properties even after being separated and removed from their original geographical environments?
Such an unscientific phenomenon was truly peak Pirate World logic.
Aside from these distinct forest islands, several others were completely covered by seawater, and there was even a desert island that looked as if it had been transplanted directly from Alabasta.
Sherwin surmised that either the creatures were sorted onto different islands based on their habits, or these satellite islands served as individual experimental bases to test the evolutionary directions of animals within different ecological environments. Given Shiki style of operation, the second possibility felt more likely.
The main island was different, featuring a mix of almost every geographical environment: deserts, plains, forests, oceans... there was even a snow-capped mountain at the island highest point.
Additionally, there was a very conspicuous palace on the main island, as well as...
"Villages?"
Sherwin turned his head toward Shiki and asked with feigned curiosity, "You have ordinary people on this island?"
"Jiehahahaha! You always need people to handle the chores," Shiki replied without any attempt at concealment, speaking quite candidly. "Actually, these people are the original inhabitants of this island. I kidnapped them along with the land to work for me."
Before Sherwin could frown, Shiki continued, "I only make them work for me, which is already quite merciful among pirates. However, Sherwin, if you find it distasteful, I can send them away—but only after we go to war with the World Government. I'm worried they might leak secrets."
Shiki spoke with absolute sincerity, and he truly meant every word.
He was willing to give away his own personal swords, so what did he care about a mere group of laborers? In the movie, Shiki forced Nami to join and had no intention of keeping his word because Nami lacked the power to resist him. However, when it came to Sherwin, Shiki never even considered playing petty tricks.
It was just like when he sought to partner with Roger back then, Shiki genuinely wanted to rule the world alongside him.
Simply put, it was the mindset that only those with strength earned a seat at the table, while those as weak as Nami were only fit to be used.
Sherwin actually understood Shiki logic well enough, but this version of the man—so completely different from his own perception—was making it hard for him to keep a straight face.
Because...
This was way too much like a damn simp!
A rather disgusting metaphor suddenly popped into Sherwin mind.
"Eww—"
The moment the thought surfaced, Sherwin got goosebumps all over from the sheer revulsion.
Revulsion aside, the attitude Shiki displayed could be described as so full of sincerity that it bordered on humble. If Sherwin hadn't already known what the situation was, he might have actually allied with him. Even without an alliance, he likely would have maintained a friendly relationship.
"Wah! It stinks meow!"
(=`艸=)
Just as Sherwin was silently marveling at the situation, all the Felynes on the ship covered their noses.
The few Felynes who had experienced something similar in the Alabasta Kingdom quickly pulled out gas masks made by Haibara Meow and put them on.
"Ah... sorry, that was my oversight."
Shiki hurriedly explained, "There is a type of tree on this island called Daft Green. It emits a unique odor that only beasts and humans with a sensitive sense of smell can detect..."
As he spoke, he pointed toward the ring of peculiar trees planted around the palace, which looked like giant radishes. "Look, those little cuties right there."
Then he said to Sherwin and the Felynes: "Endure it just a bit longer. The scent of Daft-Green has a limited range once we fly inside, it will be fine."
Just as he finished speaking, Suika Meow was the first to lower her paws. She quickly picked up the Ibuki Gourd she had tossed aside earlier, pulled out the stopper, and took a massive gulp.
"Thank goodness, the sake didn't spill, meow!"
(●)
The little drunk cat wiped the leftover sake from the corner of her mouth and then quickly licked her paws clean, muttering with a look of relief.
After taking off her gas mask and sniffing the air sharply a few times, Haibara Meow questioned with a look of displeasure: "Is there something special about this kind of tree? Why plant so many around? And if I'm not mistaken, that village from before seemed to be surrounded by these stinky trees too, meow."
In truth, Haibara Meow had already noticed that besides being unbearably foul, Daft-Green also possessed a significant toxicity. However, considering that Sherwin didn't actually intend to ally with Shiki, and since Klee Meow had already expressed her dislike for the man, the shrewd little kitten chose not to mention it in front of him.
"Jiehahahaha! That has everything to do with what I'm about to show you."
The two flying ships landed one after another at the main island pier. Shiki led them toward his palace, showing off his trump cards and strength to Sherwin as they walked.
"A plant called IQ can cause animals to evolve. Through research, my subordinates have created IQ,' which steers their evolution toward combat and makes their temperaments far more ferocious. After nearly twenty years of continuous iterative evolution, the strength of the animals on these islands is now completely on par with most pirates today, and their destructive power is far superior. With their help, completely destroying Marine bases or Mary Geoise won't be difficult at all."
Other than withholding his plan to destroy the East Blue and shock the world, Shiki had essentially laid out all his "advantages" to Sherwin.
After introducing his trump cards, Shiki looked like an entrepreneur desperate for franchisees and investors, staring intently at Sherwin while awaiting his response.
Of course, if Sherwin still refused to agree, Shiki was prepared to turn hostile at a moment notice.
Sherwin was all too familiar with this kind of scene back on Earth, when he was running sales and negotiating deals, he had encountered similar situations many times.
Thus, mimicking the manner of an investment manager, he said unhurriedly: "This is merely your side of the story. As for the ferocious beasts you mentioned, I'll have to inspect them first before I can give you a definitive answer."
"Jiehahahaha! That is no problem at all! I believe you will be satisfied with them!"
Not only was Shiki not annoyed by Sherwin cautious attitude, but he became even more optimistic about him joining up.
After all...
If Sherwin didn't have the intention of agreeing to an alliance, why would he go through the extra trouble of inspecting the strength of the beasts on the island? Aside from Oto and Kogarashi, Shiki didn't seem to have anything else Sherwin would covet there was absolutely no reason for Sherwin to put on an act here.
Since Sherwin wasn't acting, Shiki—who had full confidence in the beasts on the island—naturally had no reason not to be optimistic.
He firmly believed that with the strength of the beasts on this island, Sherwin would surely make up his mind to ally with him.
Furthermore, according to Dr. Indigo predictions, it would actually take a few more years before his army of beasts was fully formed.
Therefore, Shiki was in no hurry at all.