The promise of generous pay, solid benefits, and top-notch security at the new shipyard in East Blue, and just like that, everyone from the Franky Family put their names on the contracts right there on the spot.
Their leader, Franky, was the most touched of all. Tears welled up in his eyes as he grabbed the papers from the table and signed without a second thought.
He even vowed to throw himself into the work, training up a solid crew of shipwrights to keep the place running strong.
The interview concluded perfectly, with both sides more than satisfied.
As Dante and Robin left, the Franky Family watched them go, reluctant to see them leave, their eyes following the pair until they were out of sight.
"Big Bro Franky," Zambai said, shooting him a uncertain look, "you sure about this? Working here for real?"
"..."
'You think I want to?' Franky kept his gaze fixed on the direction Dante had disappeared, as he frowned in thought. 'How does that guy know my secrets? What is he after? Is it the blueprints?'
But that was a problem for another time.
His crew was still standing there, shifting on their feet, full of nerves and questions. As their big brother, how could he let his own doubts drag them down right now?
"Everything is SUPER!" Franky spun around, striking his classic pose with a flash. One side of his mouth tugged up in a grin, his teeth catching the light. "Don't sweat it! With me, Franky, on board..."
But before he could wrap up the pep talk-
He blinked in surprise. His crew wasn't huddled around him anymore, they'd all swarmed the table up front. With a frown, he called out, "What are you all looking at?"
"Look at all this money!"
"Quiet, this is our pay we're talking about!"
"This is insane! Not just an advance, but this much right off the bat? We'd never pull in numbers like this, even as full-fledged shipwrights back in Water 7."
Franky could only stare, bewildered.
Then, two more voices drifted down from the second floor.
"It's so big and beautiful! Kiwi, we finally don't have to squeeze into one bed anymore."
"You're right, Mozu."
The Square Sisters looked at each other, their faces bright with excitement.
A moment later, the sisters and the rest of the crew all turned to Franky with pleading eyes. "Big Bro... can we please just work here?"
'These bastards...' Franky thought. 'You've betrayed me already?'
--**--**
Meanwhile, with the Franky Family settled, Dante moved on to his next interview.
The shipwrights were locked in, but the shipyard needed to get up and running, start pulling in some real berry, and fast.
With a bottomless pit like Vegapunk burning through funds... money was tighter than ever.
He reached the next spot.
Right on cue, a fresh bear paw print etched itself into the empty patch of ground.
"Boss!"
"BOSS!"
Kuma and Mock had made it back.
With them was a slightly stooped old man who was looking around in confusion, much like the Franky Family had when they first arrived. He seemed to be wondering where he was, why he was here, and why his neck ached.
His gaze eventually landed on Dante. From the way the other two addressed him, the old man, Wolf, figured the young man must be the one who wanted to see him. (E/N: For those who don't know Wolf is a scientist from North Blue in Swallow Island. Character from One Piece: Law's Story. He is mentor type figure of Law. And Law's submarine is actually given to him by Wolf.)
But before he could get a word out, Dante strode over with a warm smile and clasped his hand. "Welcome, Mr. Wolf!"
"And you are?" Wolf eyed him steadily, then paused as if something clicked. "Wait, no, why'd you bring me here?"
"Hm? What did we bring you here for?" Dante looked at him in surprise. "Didn't Mock tell you?"
"I told him! I even gave the old man a recruitment notice!"
"Recruitment notice?" Wolf looked stunned for a moment, then his expression soured. "Are you talking about that notice with no contact information and no interview location?"
Anyone could see that thing wasn't a legitimate job offer. Besides, who recruits people like this? He had been in the middle of his work when, before he knew it, someone had grabbed him and he was flying through the air.
"Wasn't it written down? Well, that's not important." Dante tightened his grip on Wolf's hand. "Anyway, welcome to the team!"
"I haven't agreed to anything!" Wolf kept his scowl in place. "I don't care who you think you are, send me back. Now."
"You really don't want to join? We don't bring just anyone on board, we spot talent like yours from afar." Dante said while frowning, as he studied him. "Join up, and you could be our Second Scientist the moment you join. The pay is excellent, and you'll get a share of the profits."
"Second Scientist? Then who's the first? Wait, why am I asking this?" Wolf sighed to himself and looked at Dante. "I appreciate the offer, but I'm sorry. I'd still like to go back."
"Is that so?" Dante's frown deepened as he gave Mock a subtle look. Instantly, Mock and Kuma started to move in behind Wolf.
'He's already here,' Dante thought. 'There's no way we're letting him go.'
Just as they were about to drag the man off by force, a familiar voice cut in.
"Perhaps you should let me handle this."
Everyone turned.
A figure with a giant, lightbulb-shaped head was walking toward them.
"I caught the tail end on the monitors and figured I'd step in," Vegapunk said to Dante, his long tongue flopping out as he spoke. "Can you leave this to me?"
"Go for it. You're running the science side of things." Dante eased back, giving him space. "I'll leave it in your hands, then."
"Don't worry. I believe my name still carries some weight." Vegapunk smiled at Dante's trust, then turned to the confused and suspicious Wolf. "As you can see, I am the First Scientist here. You can call me Vegapunk! To be honest, I've been so busy lately that my head is about to explode. I hope you'll join us. It's quite nice here."
Wolf stared, his jaw slack with disbelief.
'This man... is the missing Vegapunk?' he thought. 'The world's greatest scientist, the one who disappeared, is right here? And he's recruiting me?'
--**--**
"Boss, should I just knock him out and take him away?" Mock whispered.
"No need. Leave it to Vegapunk," Dante replied, waving a hand. "I'm sure he'll convince him."
'And if that doesn't work,' he added silently, 'we can just knock him out and lock him in a dark room.'
'Finally settled,' Dante thought with an internal sigh of relief, then looked at Mock. "By the way, did you take care of that other thing I asked you to do?"
"It's done!" Mock grinned. "Wahaha, once that guy sees it, I'm sure he'll come running!"
A few days later, on the Grand Line, near the entrance to the East Blue, a submarine flying a uniquely shaped pirate flag was slowly approaching the calm waters.
"Law, we're about to enter the East Blue. Don't worry, Mr. Wolf will be fine."
"I know," the man in the spotted hat, Law, nodded, his tone flat. "Let's go."
In his left hand, he gripped a katana nearly as tall as he was, propped against his shoulder. With his right, he fished a crumpled slip of paper from his pocket, the one he'd found back in the lab. His forehead creased as he scanned the words again.
On it was a single, taunting line of text:
[Wolf is with me. If you want him back, come to the East Blue. I'll be waiting]
[-The Overlord of the East Blue]
Law's eyes narrowed. "Overlord of the East Blue," he repeated, his voice cold.
===============
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