the fires of Isle Chimera had mostly burned themselves out, leaving behind a jagged, smoking husk of an island, a scar on the East Blue. The Solaris, relatively unscathed thanks to Luffy and Zoro's ferocious defense, rode at anchor a safe distance away, its crew watching as the last of Commodore Brannigan's battered Marine vessels ferried weary, wounded soldiers and captured pirates.
Agent Viper, recovering in the ship's small infirmary under Nami's surprisingly gentle care (her medical knowledge, boosted by Alex's System providing her with advanced texts, was proving invaluable), had relayed everything he knew. Kael's brutal regime, the insect consignments for "Lord S" (Shiki), Portia's ruthless efficiency, the Gate, and, crucially, Kael's burgeoning, unsanctioned plan to use the desperate "Crimson Reaver" pirates to seize control of Goa Kingdom.
Alex processed this information, his expression unreadable. The destruction of the Gate and Kael's main East Blue hub was a significant blow to Shiki. The heavy losses sustained by Brannigan's Marine flotilla were… an unfortunate but necessary catalyst.
His crimson smartphone chimed. A secure, encrypted call from Commodore Brannigan.
"Guild Master Alex," Brannigan's voice was rough, exhausted, but held a new note of grudging respect. "Your… tactical input was… decisive. Kael is dead. Most of his top lieutenants too. We've taken heavy losses, damn near a third of my fleet crippled, but Isle Chimera is neutralized." He paused. "The official report will commend your Guild's timely warning and 'limited support actions.' The bounties for Kael and his confirmed officers will be substantial."
"Commodore," Alex replied, his voice smooth and calm, "the Straw Hat Guild is merely pleased to have contributed to peace and stability in the East Blue. Tragic events often pave the way for new beginnings. Speaking of which, the intelligence Agent Viper provided regarding the Crimson Reavers and their intent towards Goa Kingdom is… alarming. A destabilized Goa would be a catastrophe for regional trade."
Brannigan sighed, a sound heavy with weariness. "Goa… damn it all. With Smoker's unit gone, and my forces in this state, we lack the immediate manpower to garrison Goa effectively against a determined Grand Line crew like the Reavers, even if they are weakened."
"Perhaps, Commodore," Alex said, a subtle shift in his tone, "a collaborative approach is warranted. My Guild has resources. Operatives. And a vested interest in a stable East Blue. If the Marines were to… formally request our assistance in neutralizing the threat to Goa, and perhaps in bolstering security in other… vulnerable sectors, the Straw Hat Guild would be prepared to offer a comprehensive support package."
There was a long silence on the other end. Then, Brannigan: "What kind of 'support package,' Alex? I'm not an idiot. You're not running a charity."
"Of course not, Commodore. We are a business," Alex affirmed. "A business that believes in mutually beneficial partnerships. The Guild can provide:
Rapid Deployment Force: To intercept the Crimson Reavers before they reach Goa. Our methods are… efficient.
Goa Kingdom Security Enhancement: Once the immediate threat is neutralized, we can offer Goa a contract for advanced defensive systems, training for their royal guard, and secure communication infrastructure – all Guild proprietary technology, of course. This ensures their long-term security… and their loyalty.
East Blue Reconstruction & Logistics Initiative: My Guild possesses unique access to skilled artisans, shipwrights, and logisticians. We can help rebuild damaged Marine outposts, refit crippled vessels, and even establish more efficient supply lines throughout the East Blue. Our 'smartphones,' for instance, could revolutionize Marine communications and coordination, for a modest licensing fee.
Economic Revitalization Programs: For islands affected by piracy, the Guild can offer investment, establish secure trade routes, and create new industries. Prosperous islands are peaceful islands, Commodore. And grateful ones."
Alex let the implications hang. He wasn't asking for permission; he was offering a solution that Brannigan, in his current weakened state and under pressure from Marine HQ to restore order fast, would find very difficult to refuse.
"...You'd essentially be privatizing half the East Blue's security and economy," Brannigan finally said, his voice flat.
"I'd be ensuring its stability and growth, Commodore," Alex countered. "The World Government flag will still fly. Taxes will still be paid. But the efficiency of operations, the security of its citizens, and the flow of commerce will be… significantly enhanced. Consider the Straw Hat Guild your… specialized auxiliary force. We handle the problems you're currently ill-equipped for. You reap the benefits of a peaceful sea and report successes to your superiors. A win-win."
Another pause. "Draft a formal proposal, Alex. I'll… review it with my remaining staff. And with what's left of the East Blue command. But if you think you can just waltz in and take over…"
"Take over, Commodore?" Alex's voice was laced with faint surprise. "We are merely offering our expertise. To serve. The decision, of course, remains with the esteemed Marine Corps." But they both knew it was a decision made under duress, a choice between Alex's "cooperation" and utter chaos.
Over the next few weeks, things moved with astonishing speed.
The Crimson Reavers: Alex, using intel from Viper and his own network, tracked the Crimson Reavers to their temporary hideout. The Straw Hat Guild – with Luffy, Zoro, and Sanji now significantly more battle-hardened from Isle Chimera and equipped with some early "System-enhanced" gear prototypes Alex provided (e.g., Zoro testing swords with slightly better balance and edge retention, Sanji with reinforced boots, Usopp with more potent ammo) – descended upon them. The fight was brutal but swift. The Reavers, expecting to terrorize a weakened kingdom, found themselves facing a crew that fought with the ferocity and coordination of Grand Line veterans. Their threat to Goa was permanently neutralized.
Goa Kingdom "Alliance": Alex, presenting himself as the "savior" of Goa, met with its terrified nobility. He didn't demand surrender. He offered a "Treaty of Mutual Protection and Economic Development." Goa would receive Guild protection, advanced technology (including a secure smartphone network for the Royal Guard and administration), and investments to modernize its industries. In return, the Guild would get preferential trade agreements, rights to establish a major logistical hub in Goa's port, and a "consultative role" in its governance. Goa became the first jewel in Alex's East Blue crown, a prosperous puppet state tied inextricably to the Guild.
The Marine "Partnership": Commodore Brannigan, seeing the "efficiency" with which the Guild handled the Crimson Reavers and facing immense pressure to show results, reluctantly signed off on Alex's "East Blue Stability Initiative." Guild-affiliated companies began repairing Marine vessels, installing smartphone communication systems in their bases (giving Alex a subtle backdoor into their comms), and Guild "Security Patrols" started "assisting" the Marines in policing volatile shipping lanes. The flow of Beri for these "services" began to fill the Guild's coffers.
Expansion of Influence: Using Goa as a model, Alex and his rapidly expanding Guild (now with an influx of new recruits attracted by their power and wealth, all managed through a sophisticated smartphone app-based quest and ranking system) began approaching other East Blue kingdoms and major islands. Some, seeing Goa's newfound (if Guild-dependent) prosperity and security, signed similar deals eagerly. Others, more resistant, found their trade routes strangely disrupted, their local pirate problems suddenly escalating, or their neighbors suddenly flush with Guild-backed resources… until they too saw the "wisdom" of cooperation. Alex never needed to fire a shot at them; economic pressure and strategic encirclement were far more effective.
The Solaris, now refitted and subtly upgraded with Alex's System-derived technology (better engines, enhanced hull plating, a sophisticated sensor suite), sailed towards the Reverse Mountain. The Straw Hats were stronger, their reputation (as a powerful, enigmatic Guild that got things done) was spreading like wildfire. Alex's personal wealth, and that of the Guild, had skyrocketed into the billions, fueling his System's capabilities.
Luffy was still blissfully focused on meat, adventure, and becoming King of the Pirates. He saw the Guild as a cool way to get stronger and have more allies. Nami was ecstatic with the Guild's treasury. Zoro and Sanji were enjoying the tougher fights and better resources. Usopp was a legend in his own mind, his tales of Isle Chimera growing with each telling.
Only Alex knew the true extent of the game he was playing. The East Blue was not conquered, not in the traditional sense. It was being… assimilated. Managed. Made dependent. A vast network of trade, information, and power, all flowing towards one central point: the Straw Hat Guild, and its quiet, calculating Guild Master.
As they approached the Twin Capes, a new notification pinged on Alex's crimson smartphone. A deep-space Guild satellite (another "System" investment) had detected an anomalous energy signature near their entry point to the Grand Line. Something ancient. Something… powerful.