The New World.
The Island of Coins.
This island was once barren and forgotten. But due to its unique position—at the crossroads of several major trade routes in the New World—it gradually developed into a bustling commercial hub, driven by the demands of trade and resupply.
Naturally, such prosperity attracted attention. The island soon became contested by various underground syndicates and pirate crews. After all, the more prosperous a place, the more money, intelligence, and resources circulate—an irresistible pool of profit.
After over a decade of bitter conflict, turf wars, and battles, the island eventually fell into the hands of the underworld's shadow emperor—Lu Feld. Under his aggressive expansion, it rapidly grew into a renowned financial port in the New World.
Banks of all sizes established branches here. News outlets, trade guilds, casinos, and business complexes filled the streets. Towers rose across the skyline.
Due to Lu Feld's relentless land reclamation—earning him the title of the "Loan Shark King"—the island now resembles an enormous coin from the sky. With massive financial flows passing through daily, the island's original name has long been forgotten.
Everyone now simply calls it the "Island of Coins."
…
On the deck of the Marine ship, Darren flipped through the intel files Sengoku had handed him, reviewing information on the distant island gleaming golden on the horizon.
"So, in short… this place is drowning in wealth?"
Darren gave a blunt summary.
Sengoku nodded, voice low.
"'Loan Shark King' Lu Feld… That man controls more than half the underworld's loan-sharking business. His banking network is called the 'Coin Lockers.' There's even a saying in the New World—'Even Lu Feld's shit turns to gold.'"
"Exaggerated, sure—but it speaks to the scale of his wealth and influence."
Darren's eyes shifted, lips curling in a faint, wry smile.
"I'm curious… How does someone that rich manage to survive in the New World?"
Sengoku shook his head and sighed.
"He doesn't just cater to merchants, fleets, or pirates. It's said many World Government member nations work with him. When emergency cash flow is needed, any power might turn to him. That's why—no matter how chaotic the New World becomes—it never touches the Island of Coins."
"That place stands like calm in the heart of a storm. Unshaken."
"Of course, it also draws in plenty of criminals and dark elements."
Darren nodded slowly.
If such ties exist, it explains a lot.
Otherwise, such a rich, juicy target wouldn't have survived long in the New World without being picked clean.
As for the cooperation with World Government members… Darren didn't know the full details, but he had a strong guess—it probably involved the Heavenly Tribute.
Every year, the World Government demands a massive Heavenly Tribute from its affiliated nations.
But not every member state can pay on time. Climate, economic instability, war—any number of issues can impact their tax revenue.
Yet the Government's stance on tribute is absolute. No delays. No excuses.
Which means, when a nation is financially strapped, they mortgage their future tax income to borrow from the Island of Coins—at a steep interest—just to make the payment.
It's crippling. But it buys time.
But from Sengoku's tone…
Darren glanced sideways at him.
Could it be… even the Marines had borrowed from Lu Feld to fund operations?
"What's with that look?"
Sengoku rolled his eyes, clearly annoyed.
He'd noticed Darren's sideways glance, and with a snort, barked:
"The Marines might be broke, but we haven't stooped to borrowing from a loan shark!"
Beside them, Borsalino muttered lazily:
"Yeah… we couldn't afford the interest anyway…"
Darren: …
Sengoku: …
"Ahem… Darren, are we sure this intel is reliable?"
Sengoku cleared his throat, face impassive, shifting the topic smoothly.
"Admiral Sengoku, the intel should be solid."
Darren nodded.
"Though it's a relatively small auction, many powerful factions in the New World received invitations."
At this, his tone chilled slightly.
"But it also means we're likely to run into all sorts of unexpected enemies."
Sengoku's expression darkened. He clearly understood the risk.
An underground auction—especially for something as rare and dangerous as the More-More Fruit—would attract every major power.
With Byrnndi World's reputation as the "World Destroyer," whoever got the fruit would gain a monstrous new asset.
Large pirate crews, syndicates, even nations—this auction wouldn't be peaceful.
And for the Marines… it spelled trouble.
Picture it:
A noisy, crowded auction. Pirates and underworld lords shouting bids—and suddenly the Marines arrive.
Instantly, every eye turns hostile.
The moment things go south, the first target will be the Marines.
Whether they secure the fruit or not is one thing. But if captured by the Marines? That's another matter.
After a long pause, Sengoku exhaled deeply and said:
"No matter what, Darren… our primary target this time is Golden Lion Shiki."
"The More-More Fruit must not fall into his hands."
Darren raised a brow.
"So what are you suggesting?"
Sengoku considered his words.
"If possible, try to secure the fruit through normal channels. There may be representatives from World Government nations present…"
"So we just bid like everyone else?" Darren blinked. "What about funds?"
Sengoku gave him a calm look.
"This task has been entrusted to you because the headquarters is short of funds."
Darren: …
"Admiral Sengoku, I doubt this situation will stay under control."
Darren frowned, then added:
"If Golden Lion's really targeting the fruit, he'll never play fair. He's a pirate. He'll act like one."
Sengoku rubbed his temples, clearly burdened.
He had considered that, too.
"You got any better ideas?"
Darren didn't reply at once.
He flipped through the report again. A cold smile tugged at his lips. Then, suddenly, he asked:
"Is it true the Island of Coins is literally built out of coins?"
"Yes. Lu Feld has that much money to burn… Wait. What are you thinking?!"
Sengoku replied reflexively—then immediately sensed danger in Darren's tone. His face shifted.
Darren smiled faintly.
"Didn't we say the auction would attract tons of pirates and underworld scum?"
"This time… let's take them all down in one go."
---
To be continued…