The quiet after the wedding didn't last long. Three days later, Tiger Roar Island's harbor was busy again. Rayleigh's group was ready to head back, and Karl's long-anticipated Courier Project was finally kicking into motion.
An and Shirahoshi lingered by the pier, clearly reluctant.
"An… Shirahoshi will miss you so much. Will you come visit me at Fish-Man Island?" the princess asked, holding the girl in her palms, pearls of tears glimmering.
"Don't cry, Shirahoshi! You have to miss me too, okay? Uncle said once I'm grown up, I can sail on my own—then I'll come find you!" An promised, hugging her finger.
At last, Shirahoshi boarded the Tiger God, lifted effortlessly by Daphne's clouds. The ship could fly on its own, but nothing was faster—or smoother—than her control.
By afternoon they reached Jaya Island. Adrian had convinced Captain Dylan to let Zoe join them; Karl handed her the huge Bee-Bee Fruit and asked Adrian to oversee her training. Once Karl returned, the Courier Plan would officially start.
Soon after, they ferried Granny Nyon back to Amazon Lily, then stopped at Sabaody Archipelago to drop off Rayleigh and Shakky. With Rayleigh's help, Tiger God received a fresh coating. Next destination: Fish-Man Island, to return Shirahoshi and Jinbe.
"Lord Karl, when will your courier company start formal operations?" Jinbe asked as they prepared to dive.
"In about a month. We need to breed a lot of giant bees first," Daphne replied before Karl could.
"Hm, then once you're ready, Fish-Man Island would like to work with you. I've been hoping to get our island's specialties out into the world," Jinbe said thoughtfully. He planned to set up outlets on various islands and let Karl handle transport.
"Wonderful idea!" Daphne's eyes shone. "Your island's goods will sell out everywhere."
"Hahaha, I think so too. But we'll still need King Neptune's final word," Jinbe chuckled.
Half a day later, Tiger God slid through the undersea gates. Neptune was relieved to see his daughter safe—and heartened that Shirahoshi had come back braver.
Jinbe quickly explained the courier proposal, and Neptune approved it on the spot. Finally, they could export Fish-Man Island's crafts and delicacies openly.
Karl, Daphne, Aili, and Hancock lingered two more days exploring coral streets before heading back. Daphne's heart was already at headquarters on Jaya Island, buried in logistics charts; Aili's experiments were near completion—she was on the brink of replicating Devil Fruits.
Hancock had fewer duties but would soon return to Amazon Lily. Until Aforandrala matured into a proper successor, the Empress couldn't step away for good. The Kuja Pirates now sailed under Aforandrala's command, guided by Granny Nyon.
Back on Jaya Island, Daphne threw herself into work.
From Tiger Roar Island, twenty armament-trained guards had arrived. She combined them with a hundred of Bunsen's trained fighters—dividing the force into ten squads. Each pair of Tiger Roar guards would lead one team to major islands across Paradise: Water Seven, Alabasta, Drum Kingdom, Sabaody, and more.
It was her design—efficient, ambitious, thrilling. Aili barely left her lab, and Hancock, knowing she'd depart soon, clung to Karl whenever she could.
Karl, meanwhile, had gone half-retired: lounging, training occasionally, mostly basking in peace with his wives. Yet he knew: he had to keep growing stronger. Routine training wasn't enough anymore.
That evening, Daphne returned from the office to find him rocking lazily in a chair.
"Karl, stop swaying around. We need to bring down the Shandians from Sky Island, or we'll run short on manpower," she said.
"Already handled," Karl replied. "I contacted their chief two days ago—they're ready to return to the Blue Sea. Three hundred volunteers, all set. When are you free? I'll take you up to fetch them."
"Tomorrow. The sooner the better—we're short on hands. Merchants are flooding Jaya already, and Zoe's bees are ready. What we lack are reliable warehouse workers."
"Tomorrow it is," Karl nodded.
"Sky Island?" Hancock perked up instantly. "Karl darling, I want to go too! I've never seen the sky before!"
"Of course. I'll ask Aili later. Now—dinner time. Two lovely wives, please wait while your chef performs his magic." He hopped up and headed for the kitchen.
"Let me help, Karl darling!" Hancock hurried after him, smiling.
Daphne stayed behind in her room, mapping out the next phase. Her focus was razor-sharp—the aura of a true CEO.
"What's got you so serious, Daphne?" a familiar voice chirped. Karin slipped in silently, making her jump.
"Ah! Karin-chan, you scared me!" Daphne pressed a hand to her chest. "When did you get here? Not a sound!"
"You were too focused! Anyway, I need a shop—big one. I'm opening a Jaya Island Gourmet City!" Karin said with a grin.
"Perfect! I'll get it arranged tomorrow. And the power station project's almost ready—Derek and his apprentices built over a dozen high-capacity generators. Soon the whole island will have electricity. You can run your food city day and night!"
"Really? That's amazing! I missed the lights after leaving Tiger Roar." Karin clapped her hands in delight.
"Want me to design the place for you? I'm something of a professional," Daphne teased. Her mind overflowed with modern mall layouts.
"Of course! Thank you, Daphne! Mwah!" Karin kissed her cheek and ran off, humming.
Daphne laughed softly, shaking her head—then turned back to her papers. The Courier Plan was no longer just a dream; it was becoming an empire.
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