Over the course of a month on the Moon, the crew successfully transformed the ancient city of Birka into the true aerial stronghold of the Crimson Dawn Pirates.
They were not particularly familiar with operating sky island–style bases.
The only reason the lunar base could exist at all was because four small fellows could somehow reach the Moon using balloons.
Reid: If you want to argue that this is not scientific, then please explain first how they managed to reach the Moon with four balloons.
On matters like this, Reid's understanding was simply unmatched.
The four little robots, Lieutenant Spacey and his three companions whose names no one could quite remember, were formally appointed as the Governors of the Moon. They were placed in charge of the daily operation and maintenance of the ancient city.
"Listen up, little guys!" Enel sat cross-legged on the golden throne, lightning crackling at his fingertips. "If this god catches any of you slacking off…"
"That will never happen, Boss God!" the four of them shouted in unison, snapping into a salute. Their eyes gleamed with absolute loyalty. "We will polish our circuits every day! We will protect the Sacred Ruins properly!"
Enel nodded in satisfaction and casually flicked a few arcs of lightning to recharge them. "That is more like it. Do not disgrace the dignity of divine servants."
"Yes, Boss!"
On the other side, Vette had completely融入 the rhythm of the crew's life. Among everyone, Tesoro was probably the happiest.
That was because Vette could effortlessly assist him in organizing financial reports.
Although the two of them came from different timelines, their approaches to financial management were remarkably similar.
Tesoro only needed to brief Vette on current market conditions, pricing, and a few points that required caution. In return, Vette could offer precise and highly practical advice.
Someone might ask, "Hey Reid, Tesoro already has plenty of capable subordinates. Why is he the happiest one here?"
In the end, it came down to equality.
No matter how capable or intelligent Tesoro's subordinates were, they were still subordinates.
Vette, however, held the position of first mate. She stood on equal footing with him.
What Vette offered were suggestions. What Tesoro's subordinates submitted were requests that required approval.
The final decision always rested with Tesoro.
Most importantly, Vette possessed the ability to shoulder responsibility.
"First Mate Vette!" Perona floated over, her stuffed bear rubbing affectionately against Vette's cheek. "You are amazing!"
"Just call me 'Big Sister,'" Vette said with a smile, gently patting Perona's hair. Her ice-blue eyes were filled with warmth.
Reid stood on the deck of the Ark Maxim, blood mist rolling lazily around his fingertips.
He stared at the gradually brightening Moon Dawn in the distance, his brow slightly furrowed.
"Captain, are you still thinking about those murals?" Tesoro asked as he walked over, the gold rims of his glasses reflecting a cold gleam.
"Yes," Reid nodded. "The history of the Moon people, those circuit patterns, and Vette's appearance. I have a feeling that my future self did something incredibly important."
Tesoro adjusted his glasses. "Do you want me to send people to investigate?"
"No need," Reid replied, shaking his head as the blood mist slowly dissipated. "What I am meant to know, I will know eventually."
At worst, I will go see it myself.
Just then, Vette's voice rang out from behind them. "Everyone, breakfast is ready!"
A long table on the deck was laden with food. Skypiea-style pumpkin soup, grilled fish seasoned with lunar spices, and Vette's specialty, rose honey scones.
"Ooooh!" Laboon cried out eagerly.
"All right, all right. This one is the biggest piece for you," Vette laughed as she cut off a scone and handed it to him.
Reid watched the scene and could not help but smile.
He turned toward the helm. The blood mist gathered in his palm, forming a compass. "All right, kids. Once breakfast is done, get ready. We are heading back to the Blue Sea!"
(For clarification, the Blue Sea in One Piece is not Qinghai City.)
(Qinghai City has people from Qinghai.)
"Yeahhhh!" the crew cheered in unison.
The engines of the Ark Maxim roared as its golden hull slowly lifted into the air.
The four little robots stood in formation on the Moon, along with countless small figures, all seeing them off with tears shining in their eyes.
"Farewell, divine boss! Farewell, Crimson Dawn!"
Reid: How did industrial culture even spread to this place?
Enel stood at the stern, uncharacteristically serious as he waved. "Take good care of this place! This god will come back to inspect it next time!"
Reid stared fixedly at Enel.
He knew someone had to be pulling strings behind the scenes.
Perona floated beside Reid, her stuffed bear pointing out the window at the vast sea of stars. "Lord Reid, where are we going next?"
Reid turned his gaze toward the distant blue planet. His blood mist cloak fluttered in the cosmic winds.
"Home."
As the Ark Maxim pierced through the clouds and splashed down into the blue sea, the golden Den Den Mushi in Tesoro's arms suddenly let out a shrill cry.
"Zzzzt!"
"Hello?" Tesoro answered lazily. In the next second, he sat bolt upright. "Mr. Tanaka? Did something happen?"
The deck instantly fell silent. Even Enel, who had been fighting Laboon over a scone, stopped moving.
It was not that the matter sounded particularly serious, nor was Tanaka's name especially important.
Everyone was simply bored.
On a voyage like this, aside from fighting Sea Kings, there was nothing to do.
The return trip from the Moon was long, and there was far too much idle time.
Naturally, when something happened, everyone listened.
Reid's blood mist stirred gently. "Put it on speaker."
The Den Den Mushi instantly transformed into a round, comical golden beetle and spoke respectfully.
"Boss, the World Government would like to invite us to attend the World Council."
Should I answer?
Tesoro looked at Reid. Reid nodded.
"Hand it over to me."
Another voice came through. "The World Government sincerely invites the Lord of the Mist, Reid, to attend this session of the World Council. However, we were unable to locate Your Majesty anywhere within your territories."
Finding Mr. Tanaka was truly an act of desperation.
The Five Elders have given explicit instructions
"Huh?" Reid burst out laughing. "Did those old guys take the wrong medicine? They want to see me? Have they lost their minds?"
The Den Den Mushi broke into a cold sweat. "Your Majesty is joking."
As the ruler of the largest affiliated state, you naturally have the right to attend.
This council will address major issues such as the abolition of slavery and revisions to affiliated nation regulations. Given the special position of the Crimson Kingdom in the New World
The Den Den Mushi suddenly collapsed with a thud. Tesoro immediately hung up.
Judging by the captain's expression, he already knew the answer.
Perona drifted over to Vette and whispered, "Are we really going? There are so many annoying Celestial Dragons there…"
Reid smiled. "Yes. Why not? I want to see what the World Council is really like."
"That sounds like it will be very interesting."
And Reid had just thought of something even more interesting.