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Troia Island was almost as famous as Ohara across the world. It was known as the capital of art. Many of the world’s greatest musicians, writers, and painters emerged from this island.
Many of the slave musicians auctioned at the Sabaody Archipelago came from Troia.
The artistically gifted people of Troia were highly favored by the World Nobles. With a broom in hand, they could serve as cleaning attendants. Put the broom down, however, and they could become musicians, performing mesmerizing melodies.
Kojin’s battleship slowly docked at the harbor.
Eveya followed behind him. Meanwhile, Crocodile, Bullet, T. Penn, and the others had been dispatched to suppress the recent unrest in West Blue.
Truthfully, after the initial turbulence, the entire sea had already begun to calm. The only thing giving Kojin a headache was how to obtain the resources needed to sustain such a massive Marine force under his command:
Guns and ammunition. Equipment maintenance. Food. Replacing worn-out clothing.
All of these seemingly trivial things were closely tied to survival. So, he turned his attention to the Five Great Mafia Families of the Four Seas.
The first to catch his eye was naturally Capone Bege.
“The lieutenant commander, Salok, from the Troia branch said he once saw Capone Bege appear on this island. ” Eveya said.
“Mm.” Kojin nodded.
“No need to pay too much attention. A smart man like him would’ve received word the moment we stepped onto the island.”
As he spoke, his eyes lifted slightly.
At the mouth of an alley ahead, several men dressed in black turned pale and hurried away.
“Compared to Capone Bege, I’m more interested in this island’s world-renowned art.” Retracting his gaze, Kojin smiled.
“I’ll take you to see it right away.” Eveya led the way.
Troia’s artistic atmosphere was overwhelming indeed.
From the street bands scattered throughout the roads to unconventional painters holding canvases to the strange architectural layouts of the buildings, everything reflected it.
No matter where one walked, melodious music could be heard. Yet, even in such a culturally rich place, darkness seeped in.
Under the radiation of his field, Kojin could easily see street thugs fighting in shadowy alleys and engaging in illegal activities.
He even spotted an underground black-market boxing arena where the atmosphere roared with excitement.
But he paid little attention to them.
Beneath West Blue’s peaceful and harmonious surface, the Five Great Mafia Families secretly controlled everything.
Naturally, where there is light, there is darkness.
Where sunlight shines, shadows follow. Such is the truth of the world.
After a while, Kojin found a quiet teahouse.
He sat on the second floor. On the first floor, a band played soothing music while wearing blissful expressions.
Across the street, women wearing heavy makeup and revealing outfits frequently pulled men into darkened houses, drawing the curtains behind them.
Eveya blushed at the sight.
Kojin merely glanced over calmly. In his previous life, there was little he hadn’t experienced. His gaze shifted, landing on a building three streets away.
—
“Damn that jinx! That man…he’s actually here!” Taking a drag of his cigar, Capone Bege trembled all over.
But soon, he steadied himself. Since the other party had arrived, hiding was useless. He was one hundred percent certain that the man had come for him.
Otherwise, with so many islands in West Blue, how could he have appeared here by coincidence?
“Prepare a generous gift. A man like him cannot be treated carelessly.”
After adjusting his coat, Capone Bege took a deep breath and stepped out.
In no time, he arrived at the teahouse. When he saw the women across the street, he frowned slightly.
“Tell those people to keep quiet today.”
“Yes, Boss!” A subordinate replied hurriedly.
“Wait here.” Capone Bege nodded and entered the teahouse with a grave expression on his face.
He stepped lightly, barely daring to make a sound.
As a sign of respect and goodwill, he had already removed the pistol from his waist along with his dagger and short blade. He knew that if the other side harbored ill intent, no preparation would save him. Therefore, making every effort to leave a good impression was the wisest choice.
After reaching the second floor, Capone Bege saw a tall, imposing man in loose, casual clothing who was nearly twice his size by the window.
Just one glance was enough to shake him.
The man’s strength was visible to the naked eye; there was no concealment whatsoever. Opposite him sat a refined young woman in a pink dress with a blade at her waist.
“West Blue’s highest commander. The man who captured Pirate King Roger and Golden Lion Shiki.”
“Vice Admiral Kojin.”
“And Colonel Eveya.”
In an instant, all the relevant information flashed through his mind.
His expression grew solemn.
Approaching carefully with restrained respect, Capone Bege slightly bowed.
“Capone Bege has come to pay his respects to Vice Admiral Kojin.”
His voice was neither loud nor soft, just loud enough for the two of them to hear without disturbing them.
Eveya turned around immediately.
“And you are?”
Capone Bege quickly forced a smile.
“There are five great mafia families in West Blue. My Capone Family is one of them.”
At that, Eveya frowned.
“Mafia?”
In her mind, the Marines and the Mafia were completely unrelated. Instinctively, she felt a strong sense of disgust.
Seeing her reaction, Capone Bege’s heart skipped a beat. He cautiously glanced at the man sitting opposite her. When he sensed that Kojin showed no particular reaction, he didn’t dare relax. Instead, he hurriedly explained,
“Please rest assured, Colonel Eveya. The Capone Family abandoned many illegal and dark dealings years ago. Now, we are engaged in legitimate business activities.”
He paused briefly.
“Only when dealing with other families do our methods occasionally become… somewhat intense.”
Eveya clearly didn’t believe him. She merely snorted and said nothing more.
Silence returned to the teahouse.
Yet, Capone Bege felt immense pressure, and fine beads of sweat covered his forehead. Even without speaking, the man before him exuded a terrifying sense of oppression. He knew this came from Kojin’s reputation and his overwhelming strength.
Capone felt as insignificant and powerless as an ant in front of him.
After a long while…
“Capone Bege. Two years ago, you sent me a batch of gifts.”
The sudden voice made Capone Bege tremble. He immediately raised his head.
“Yes, Vice Admiral!”
Kojin smiled faintly and looked at him, clearly perceiving the Mafia leader’s tension and fear.
“Don’t be so nervous. I quite liked your gift, so…”
“Capone Bege, first, straighten your back. Then we’ll continue our conversation.”
Capone Bege’s entire body shook. Hesitation flickered in his eyes. But he soon chose to obey and slowly straightened his back.
However, due to the height difference, even though Kojin was seated, Capone still had to look up at him, as if he were inherently inferior.
“Are there Five Great Mafia Families in West Blue?” Kojin asked softly.
“Yes,” Capone replied.
“Then, aside from you, why have the other four never sought me out?” Kojin suddenly asked.
The unexpected question left Capone stunned. For a moment, he didn’t know how to respond.
But Kojin answered it himself.
“Perhaps they never took me seriously. Or maybe you’re a bit more farsighted than they are,” Kojin murmured.
Capone Bege trembled again, sweat pouring down his back. He suspected those words were a test, but he didn’t dare assume too much.
“Vice Admiral, you flatter me.” He spoke with difficulty, his mind racing.
“I intend to establish an organization.” Kojin said suddenly, as if casually mentioning it. “It was just an idea some time ago. Today, I’ve finally made the decision.”
Capone didn’t dare interrupt. He listened carefully. Kojin seemed to ponder briefly before speaking again.
“I’ve decided to bring you into this organization.”
Capone Bege’s eyes widened.
“What?”
“But joining my organization comes with conditions.
“First, I want you to unify the entire underground world of West Blue. The other four mafia families no longer need to exist.”
Kojin said calmly.
“Unify the Underground world?”
“T-This…”
Capone’s pupils contracted.
The man had abruptly drawn him into the organization, leaving no room for refusal. In truth, Capone didn’t dare refuse. But what left him even more speechless was the demand to unify the entire Underground world of West Blue and eliminate the other four Mafia families.
If he were already capable of doing so, would he still be in his current position?
“I will help you accomplish this. In exchange, all expenditures of the West Blue Marines will require your support.”
The words drifted out lightly.
A faint breeze suddenly swept through the second floor of the teahouse.
Capone Bege stood stiffly, his expression shifting.
The words sounded pleasant, but essentially, this Vice Admiral wanted his power and intended to take control of everything.
Decisive. Iron-blooded. Leaving no space for resistance.
He quickly weighed the costs and benefits in his mind: joining this organization versus completing these missions. It didn’t take long for Capone Bege to bow deeply once more, his expression solemn.
“Thank you, Vice Admiral, for granting the Capone Family this opportunity! I will not disappoint you!”
Kojin picked up the hot tea on the table, blew on it lightly, and took a sip.
“May I ask the name of our organization?” Capone asked cautiously.
“Pantheon.”
“And you… will bear the codename: Godfather.”
(End of Chapter)
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