Wasn’t Michion’s purpose here to ally? Why suddenly shift to cooperation? What about establishing diplomatic relations?
The moment Michion came in person, the alliance was already set. Or rather, when Gaius informed Cobra via Den Den Mushi, everything left was just a formality.
Now, they were discussing more important matters, such as Michion explaining the various impacts of the alliance to Cobra. They also discussed mutually beneficial arrangements to strengthen their relationship and seek better development.
Despite it being Michion’s first time in such negotiations, he was an adult, and the politics of this world, due to various reasons, were not as convoluted and dirty as in his previous life. Thus, the straightforward approach made the discussions entirely satisfactory.
Since Cobra had been generous with benefits, Michion reciprocated in kind. He offered nothing extravagant but rather the “honey ants” he had seen back in Anluya.
As another desert kingdom, Michion sampled many of Alabasta’s specialties during his stay. However, honey ants were absent, which piqued his interest after he talked with the maids and learned they didn’t exist here.
While seemingly insignificant, Honey ants could produce honey, which was excellent for Alabasta. This was especially beneficial as brewing alcohol is grain-intensive, and historically, banning alcohol during tight times was to conserve grain. So, having honey ants to produce honey for brewing could save grain and create a unique product for trade.
Understanding the importance, Cobra assured Michion they would handle it carefully, citing local creatures that could potentially control the honey ants. This reassured Michion, as honey ants weren’t particularly invasive and were edible, so the risk of them becoming a problem was low.
With the alliance and understanding, Michion spent a few days leisurely touring Alabasta before heading eagerly to Jaya Island to start his plan.
Despite Adolph’s attempts to dissuade him, Michion seized the chance to proceed with his plan while Yujimura was away, reluctantly allowing Adolph to agree to the trip to Mock Town.
Michion had prepared well, gathering detailed information from Cobra about the current state of Mock Town. Unlike the chaotic haven for failed pirates it would later become, Mock Town was just an ordinary island. This was good news, as it meant fewer complications.
The journey was unusually calm, possibly due to the previous days when Yujimura’s fleet, with its tempting cargo, had already drawn and cleared out many pirates.
Adolph was persuaded by the relative safety, knowing the Marine fleet’s capabilities and the Vice Admiral’s secret supervision to suppress any significant pirate threats quickly.
Typically, Vice Admirals wouldn’t handle “clean-up” tasks, as their targets were usually the notorious pirates. But in the chaotic era of the Great Pirate Era, resources were stretched thin, and multitasking became necessary.
Convoying grain ships was a deliberate strategy to attract pirates, allowing the Vice Admiral to eliminate them efficiently. While not flawless, this quick and decisive method was adequate.
As the island of Jaya came into view, Michion’s excitement grew.
Sky Island.
It is a unique island in the world of pirates, floating thousands of meters above, with solid clouds to stand on, unique creatures in the White-White Sea, and exceptional cuisine made from them.
The main goal was to recruit a companion. However, if Enel had already become a headstrong, arrogant youth, Michion would have had to adjust his approach.
Enel had significant potential for developing observation haki. With proper guidance, his observation haki could reach the monstrous levels of Fujitora or Katakuri.
Recognizing his smallness might drive Enel to grow stronger. Michion was full of expectations but knew it all depended on whether Enel would join him.
The heat was intense upon arriving, with the desert’s dry air feeling omnipresent.
After bidding farewell to Yujimura, who was heading to Marine Headquarters, Michion and his group set foot on Alabasta’s dry land.
Adolph informed Michion that a reception team from Alabasta was on its way. Michion nodded, curious about the Karoo Duck Squad.
After docking and preparing, the Karoo Duck Squad arrived. The large, yellow-feathered ducks stood there, curious and intelligent.
“Welcome, Prince Michion,” greeted a middle-aged man, who looked tanned and stepped forward to meet Michion. The others behind him followed suit.
“No need for formalities. For anything, communicate with Adolph,” Michion said, pointing to Adolph.
Understanding Michion’s distaste for excessive formalities, Adolph handled the negotiations, allowing Michion to observe the Karoo Ducks.
Michion noted the ducks’ intelligence and responded to their curious looks with a friendly pat.
Adolph handed Michion a white robe, explaining it was to protect against the desert sun and sand. With the robe on, Michion and his group rode the Karoo Ducks toward Alabasta’s capital, Alubarna.
In the palace, maids gathered and discussed the arrival of Prince Michion, who had been in the palace for two days. They found him kind and without arrogance, piquing their curiosity.
Unaware of the gossip, Michion was busy negotiating with Cobra, explaining the benefits of their alliance.
In summary, Michion prepared, informed and embarked on his journey to Sky Island, aiming to recruit Enel while navigating the political and physical landscapes of the Grand Line.
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