"Benson, work those two hundred into shape over the next few days," Karl said. "Anyone who makes it to the Grand Line has some potential."
"Got it, Captain."
"Karin! Food?" Adrian called.
"Served!" Karin's shout floated in from the galley.
They surged into the dining hall. Platers clattered, steam rose, and the table groaned under Karin's craft.
"So lavish today?" Adrian teased.
"When is it not?" Karin arched a brow.
"Heh—just saying your cooking never gets old!"
They ate like pirates who'd seen too much sea and not enough plates.
When the last bone was clean, Karl wiped his hands. "While I'm gone, Daphne's word is law. She's got the experience."
"Aye, Captain."
Karl vaulted over the rail and climbed into the sky on coils of ember-cloud.
Dressrosa, the next day.
A roadside tavern heaped him with meat until the owner, trembling, confessed, "Y-Your Excellency, His Majesty said your bill is paid—double, if you're pleased."
Karl smirked. "I'm pleased."
He headed for the palace—tall, ostentatious, Doflamingo. At the steps, the Heavenly Yaksha and his family waited, smiles lacquered on.
"Honored Karl-dono," Doflamingo sang, sunglasses gleaming, "welcome back to Dressrosa."
Karl waved it off. "Relax. I'm not here for you or your throne. I'm here to borrow a man."
Doffy's grin tightened. Not my family, surely? "Whom?"
"Your Stone-Stone user. I'm building. Need him a few months. Where is he?"
Relief flickered. Refusing wasn't an option anyway. "Pica's within. Diamante—bring him."
"On it, Doffy—!"
Doflamingo lowered his voice. "Ahem. Karl-dono, Pica's… voice isn't the most… pleasant."
Karl chuckled. "I've met stranger."
Pica emerged with Diamante—towering frame, granite glare.
"Shō—Shōcho!" Pica squeaked.
Karl's eyebrow twitched. Hearing was different from knowing.
"Pica, right? You're with me. A few months. Your Young Master's agreed."
Doffy nodded. "Karl-dono needs your talent for construction—go render him your best."
"Yes, Young Master! It's an honor to help Lord Karl!" Pica thumped a fist to chest.
"Good. The sooner we start, the sooner you're back." Ember-cloud wrapped Pica, and the two shot skyward, Dressrosa shrinking to a mosaic below.
As they vanished, Trebol oozed closer. "Doffy~ won't Pica be in danger?"
"He'll be fine. A man like that doesn't need to lie." Doffy's smile returned, colder. "Now—status on the SMILE plant?"
"Complete," Diamante said, pride leaking through. "Production can begin."
"Protect Sugar at all costs," Doffy ordered. "Trebol—you're on her detail. No mistakes."
Two days later — Jaya.
Karl set Pica down on the refurbished street. Former pirates-turned-guards snapped to attention.
"Lord Karl!"
Mock Town lived again—stalls open, laughter returning, fear thinning.
They cut across to the training ground. Benson was drilling a hundred men while another hundred sparred in pairs.
"Benson. This is Pica—find him quarters."
"On it, Captain. Ah—Daphne asked for you."
Karl found her in a makeshift office, sleeves rolled, hair tied, a storm of plans around her. He slid in behind and hugged her waist.
"You're back," she smiled without turning. "Sea charts—and the plan."
She spun a draft toward him: a circular harbor like Marineford's, finger-thick with annotations.
"Fifty-ship capacity main ring. Right wing: rental warehouses for merchants. Left: our master depot. HQ rises beside it. Mock Town's storefronts—rebuild; original tenants reclaim their spots. We keep a share to lease. Staff housing—five floors, grid layout. Forest by the beach becomes our villa zone—three-story homes—and a training base nearby. Thoughts?"
Karl scanned, then grinned. "Perfect. Hire who you need. Those women next door—yours?"
"Mm. Pulled from the pirates; competent hands."
"Good. Once the Shandians come down, you'll breathe easier."
"I'm fine. I was busier in my last life," she said, eyes bright. "When do we break ground?"
"Tomorrow. I brought your miracle mason."
He tipped his chin toward the door. Outside, Pica set his palm to a rubble wall—stone rippled like water.
"Let's build an island," Karl said.
◇ I'll be dropping one bonus chapters for every 10 reviews. comment
◇ One bonus chapter will be released for every 100 Power Stones.
◇ You can read the ahead chapter on P@treon if you're interested:
patreon.com/FicHaven786