After the crisis ended, the massive steel behemoth on the sea vanished once more, returning to its original appearance as an island.
Mork continued lounging on his beach chair, basking in the sunlight.
Hearing the system's voice in his mind, he curled his lip casually. "Recycle."
As soon as the words fell, the pirate ship debris floating nearby was instantly absorbed by the steel fortress—almost as if nothing had ever happened.
At the same time, the system's voice echoed in Mork's mind:
"Pirate ship wreckage absorbed."
"Main cannon power enhanced."
"Steel defenses enhanced."
"..."
One notification after another rang out, but Mork, still lying lazily on his chair, paid them no mind.
He grabbed the fruit juice beside him and downed it in one go.
After finishing, he clicked his tongue in disappointment. "Shame it's not cold. If it were chilled, that'd be perfect."
"Well, whatever. I'll build an ice room when I get the chance."
With the God-Tier Construction System, building a cold storage room was child's play.
As a transmigrator, having a "system" was the standard package—and thanks to that system, Mork had transformed this island into the most fortified stronghold in the world.
Upgrading buildings was simple and brutal:
First, by devouring other buildings.
Second, by devouring pirate ships.
It could infinitely consume and infinitely evolve.
After finishing his transformation of the sea's "steel behemoth," Mork chose to lie flat.
After all, even with the system, he was still just an ordinary human. The One Piece world was full of terrifying monsters—why would he go out there?
It was far better to hole up in his safe house, quietly be a salted fish, grow some crops, raise some chickens… now that was proper living.
Having grown up in a peaceful world, Mork hated fighting and killing.
Of course—if someone insisted on coming to die, Mork wouldn't hold back.
If they don't offend me, I won't offend them.
After lounging awhile, he stretched. "Never mind, might as well build that ice room now. I'll want chilled drinks later."
Muttering to himself, he got up and left the beach.
Meanwhile, across the vast ocean—
Dressrosa Kingdom.
Inside the palace, Trebol hobbled over to Doflamingo on his golden cane.
His snot-covered face showed irritation. "Young Master, something has gone wrong with one of our arms deals."
Doflamingo—experienced "news junkie"—folded his newspaper and frowned. "What happened?"
Trebol complained, "The transaction was supposed to happen on the hour, but when the time passed, there wasn't a single person in the underground port."
"Call them. Tell them anyone who deals with the Donquixote Family must be punctual. Otherwise, they can forget about getting arms from us."
Doflamingo spoke decisively. Arms dealing was the foundation of the Donquixote Family's power—it was something he valued greatly.
"I called…"
Trebol groaned, "But they didn't pick up. It's infuriating!"
"I waited in that underground port early in the morning. If it weren't a large transaction, I wouldn't have bothered meeting them myself."
His wobbling nose swung with every word.
Doflamingo set his newspaper aside and straightened his posture.
His brows knitted. After a moment of thought, he turned to Baby 5 and Buffalo.
"You two go scout the situation. If you sense anything off, don't act rashly. Return immediately and report."
"Understood, Young Master!" both responded in unison.
To the Donquixote Family, Doflamingo's word was absolute.
Watching them leave, Trebol couldn't help asking, "Young Master, you're thinking…?"
Doflamingo glanced at him and smirked. "There's an old hag in the Marines who's always trying to arrest me…"
Trebol instantly understood and said no more.
Although Doflamingo suspected their client had likely been intercepted by the Marines, he wasn't particularly worried.
He picked up his newspaper again and resumed reading.
Meanwhile, Baby 5 sat sideways on Buffalo's back as they sped through the sky, her fair legs swinging back and forth.
With an unlit cigarette hanging from her lips, she said, "I think Young Master suspects our client got intercepted. That's probably why he sent us."
Buffalo glanced at her and replied, "Most likely. And there are only a few who'd dare interfere with our deals…"
"Could be the Marines. Or maybe the Revolutionary Army."
"We'll know once we take a look."
The two chatted casually as they flew.
But across the vast sea, they didn't see a single ship, which left them puzzled.
After some time, an island appeared on the horizon.
Baby 5 frowned. "Buffalo, was there always an island here?"
"I don't think so. Young Master sends me out a lot—I know these waters well. I'm sure there wasn't an island here."
The two exchanged puzzled, curious looks and decided to investigate.
Meanwhile, on the island—
Mork was constructing a cold storage room near the beach so he wouldn't have to walk far for ice while sunbathing.
Suddenly, the system's voice rang in his mind:
"Host, new individuals detected approaching by air."
Mork blinked in surprise. "How is it today? Visitors again?"
Even while complaining, he stopped working and asked who it was.
Moments later, the system identified them—Baby 5 and the "propeller guy."
Mork recognized them immediately as Doflamingo's subordinates.
"So someone noteworthy finally shows up."
The Donquixote Family was a major power in this world. Mork had no intention of getting entangled with Doflamingo—it would ruin his peaceful lifestyle.
So he decided merely to issue a warning to Baby 5 and Buffalo.
In midair, Baby 5 and Buffalo approached the island. As they prepared to circle overhead—
A mechanical voice boomed out:
"This is the territory of Caesar Mork. Do not approach."
"Or we will open fire."
The sudden announcement startled Baby 5 and Buffalo.
They exchanged wide-eyed looks, completely dumbfounded…