The Trade Hub of Gildveil
Few places in the New World existed in that gray line between "open port" and "pirate haven" quite like Gildveil. It was a sprawling chain of floating platforms and massive barges linked by steel bridges, its skyline a jagged mixture of market stalls, brothels, gambling dens, and private mansions built on old ship hulls.
It was the place you went when you wanted anything — rare weapons, illegal Devil Fruits, information too dangerous for official channels — and wanted to pay in gold without anyone asking questions.
Heaven's Embrace coasted into the harbor like a swan among vultures. Even with the ship's runes dimmed to hide most of its power, every set of eyes in the port turned toward it.
Landing in Style
Bell-mère lit a cigarette and leaned over the rail. "Feels like home. If home was a crime-ridden cesspool with decent rum."
Reiju smirked. "You do have a talent for selling places."
The crew disembarked in groups:
Vegito, Robin, and Lysandra heading for the high-value auction district.
Bell-mère, Nami, and Nojiko sweeping the docks for information.
Reiju and Kuina scouting the blacksmith alleys.
Carrot, Wanda, and Tristan vanishing toward the Mink quarter with suspiciously mischievous smiles.
The Underworld's First Impression
In the auction house, the local underworld boss — a thin man with silver teeth named Marcon Vale — met Vegito at the door. His gaze flicked from the Saiyan's tail to the two women flanking him.
"You're… not exactly low-profile, Captain."
"Good," Vegito said. "Makes negotiations faster."
Inside, the auction was already in motion. Vegito scanned the lots: rare metals, exotic pets, a stolen World Government cipher pol… and then his eyes landed on a Devil Fruit.
The vendor's card read: Model unknown. Class: Paramecia.
The Disruption
Before Vegito could bid, the auction was interrupted by an explosion in the back — three rival underworld crews stormed in, weapons drawn. The leader, a broad-shouldered fishman with jagged scars, shouted, "This port belongs to the Black Tides now!"
The room erupted into chaos. Civilians ducked for cover, guards drew weapons, and Vegito sighed.
Robin's voice was cool as ever. "How loud do you want to be?"
"Loud enough they remember us," Vegito replied.
Black Tides, Meet Gold Fist
The first wave of Black Tides rushed him — and Vegito didn't move. His God Ki aura flared just enough to freeze them mid-charge, weapons rattling in their hands.
"You interrupted my shopping," he said, and then moved.
In three blindingly fast strikes, the fishman leader and his top lieutenants were knocked through three walls, landing in the street outside in a daze.
The Underworld's Reaction
Marcon Vale stepped forward, clapping slowly. "Well. I suppose the Embrace Alliance has just made its debut in Gildveil."
"Not officially," Vegito said with a grin. "I'm just here to shop. But if trouble keeps finding me, I might start charging rent."
A Fruit for the Future
Once the chaos died down, the auction resumed. Vegito placed a single bid for the Paramecia fruit — one so high the rest of the room went silent.
Robin leaned in. "Who's it for?"
Vegito smirked. "Not telling. But when we reach the right arc, let's just say… a certain future crew member is going to owe me big time."
The Mink Quarter's Side Story
Meanwhile, Carrot, Wanda, and Tristan had convinced a half-dozen Mink dockworkers to join them in a rooftop race — which somehow turned into an impromptu bar crawl.
By the time they stumbled back toward the ship, Carrot was carrying a stolen barrel of ale on her shoulder, laughing so hard she nearly tripped over her own feet.
Bell-mère caught sight of them and groaned. "I'm not cleaning up after this."
Underworld Negotiations
Later that evening, Marcon Vale hosted Vegito in his private lounge.
"You've made enemies today," Vale said, swirling his drink. "The Black Tides have connections to the Donquixote remnants. You might be seeing them again."
"I hope so," Vegito replied. "I still need to finish my shopping list."
Vale studied him for a moment before smirking. "You're dangerous. But I like dangerous. Consider Gildveil open to the Alliance."
Back on Deck
As Heaven's Embrace departed under cover of night, Robin stood beside Vegito at the rail.
"You're not just collecting territory," she said. "You're collecting people."
"That's how you build something that lasts," Vegito replied. "Not just land. Bonds."
Robin's gaze lingered on him for a moment longer than necessary before she turned away.
Foreshadowing
In Sorbet, Ventross, and Rosevale, three queens sat in their private chambers, each touching their stomachs and smiling faintly. Their attendants noticed subtle changes — softer moods, strange cravings, and the quiet knowledge that something new had taken root.
The news hadn't reached Vegito yet. But when it did, it would send ripples through both his crew… and the Alliance.
[World State Updated]
Underworld Presence: Embrace Alliance recognized in Gildveil.
Enemy Threat: Black Tides pirate syndicate marked for retaliation.
Secret Development: Queens Amara, Serenya, and Liora — pregnant.
Next Destination: The crew receives intel on a major arms deal between the Black Tides and a World Government weapons contractor — and Vegito decides to crash it in very public fashion.