| Gambler | ||
| Date Started: July 5th, 2024 Date Finished: Ongoing Next Role-Play: Timeline: May, 1620 Setting: New World (Amsterdam Kingdom) Characters Involved: Kyojin, Zhuque Ehuang, Amsterdam Joseph, Tyler Page, Scarface, Jackson, Illisha, Hector Hobbs | ||
| User:JTXP • User:Blackdagger01 • User:MKK977 • User:Wiredsmiles | ||
Risking It[]
The king of Amsterdam sat in a room alone awaiting the arrival of Kyojin and Ehuang. Today was a very important day for the Amsterdam Kingdom. A new contract was to be negotiated, meaning the possible chance of true independence and control of their home. Many moons ago a deal was struck between the Amsterdam Family and the World Government making them long-time allies and partners.
The deal was a simple one, Amsterdam could have the World Government funding needed to build the best ships on the seas, in exchange for stopping supplying world government enemies and other foreign entities. But after recent urges Joseph wanted "more". His thirst for wealth was an endless well, his greed often blinded him, but other times benefited his ambitions. Joseph had recently come into the throne after his father died the previous king. He always urged his father to sever ties with the Marines and become a power of its own, but his father was a fair and wise man. He sought nothing more than peace and his people's prosperity. Oh, what a good king he was.
The room he sat in only was big enough for a few close walls and a large wooden table, finely polished and stained a dark brown. The three chairs were made from solid gold and the seats of red leather. The lighting was dim with yellow overhead lights lighting up the table only while the shadows crept around the room. Joseph just sat in his chair relaxed tapping his foot on the ground in anticipation.
Almost in rhythm with is tapping foot did the distant yet ever growing closer sound of clicking heels begin to echo down the hall leading to the meeting room in question. Closer and closer they grew before coming to a stop on the other side of the door.
A soft knock sounded out, like the beat of a drum when compared to the quiet clicking of shoes that had once been the only sound to occupy the space. The knock was simply a courtesy however as the door opened before any answer could be given. A creak before another sound of heel against wood and the visage of a dark haired woman stepped into view, a marine admiral's coat hung over her shoulders and an unlit cigarette hung from a red lipstick coated mouth. The woman's tired eyes fell upon Joseph and a soft smile crept upon her face. "A pleasure, would it be rude to smoke in here?" She asked, before shaking her head. "Sorry, that was rude of me. I'm Admiral Haitori, the Fleet Admiral will be joining us soon." Her voice was smokey, soft spoken and raspy each word that exited her mouth carried on it a sultry tone.
Stepping further into the room she offered her hand to Joesph to shake, but she knew it was rude to shake hands with someone sitting down and so she withheld it from his reach so that he may stand and greet her.
"You marines and your formalities," Joseph said as he stood to his feet dusting off his all black suit, he extended his right hand and shook her hand regardless, "Smoking is fine, I picked this room for your habits." Joseph moved an ash tray to the middle of the lit table a small black ring of shadow casted on the table.
Joseph then took a seat back down extending his arm for the admiral to join him, "I'm sure it's fine to begin then?"
Ehuang's grin grew a bit wider at his attitude, his distaste for her and everything she stood for was thick in the air. It was not an unfamiliar tension, quite the opposite. "Formalities are the stepping stones of order, Joseph. I think they're worth putting up with for that reason alone, no?" She asked, voice becoming muffled as she covered her mouth to light the cigarette with her own hand.
She took a long drag from it before sitting down and crossing one leg over the other. As she exhaled a cloud of spoke rose between them obscuring both parties from the other. "We may begin. You wish to renegotiate the terms of your nation's contract with the World Government, yes?"
"Is that what it is? Order." Pfft! "Don't make me laugh, you guys are just gangsters running around with masks playing a cop. Times are soon to change Ehuang." Joseph also pulled something out to smoke as well, mint flavored. It was an electronic cigarette, inhaling deep then exhaling out.
"I wish to sell to others in the sea to make more profit. I am not my father, I will not settle for chump change. Our builders and Naval Nation is one of the strongest in the seas when my father was in power. I wish to take on his legacy and push if further, in other words. I Amsterdam needs more money for the quality of work done. That old contract is long overdue for another negotiation."
Flicking away her ashes into the tray between then Ehuang tilted her head as she listened to him, "Oh Joseph, I truly thought you were smarter than that. The 'times will change' people were wiped out during the war. The status quo remains the same, the remaining Yonko crews didn't even bother to take advantage of the fact that the Marines had their hands full with the alliance. Doesn't that speak volumes?" She pointed her cigarette at him before she leaned back in her seat and took another drag.
Speaking as she exhaled she continued, "I will not mock the quality of your work but I don't understand, you wish to sell to others? Why not just renegotiate the prices for your current stock? Trading with pirates and revs, dastardly ilk like that making up your customer base you're sure to lose far more than you could possibly gain. If you're unsatisfied with what we pay for your craft surely we can come to a price we can all agree on can't we?"
"It seems to be that everyone in power is just a bunch of fools, who don't know when to seize and opportunity." He said coldly not being quick to waver under the admiral's presence. "Aie, but like I said Ehuang, times are changing. My people grow sick of the marine presence of the island, the builders are cutting back on work hours. They wish for something more, I wish for something more...Expansion."
"My demands are simple admiral, I wish told hold Amsterdam Kingdom as an independent nation recognized by the world government. I wish for a 
3,200,000,000 Beli Advance for ship production. I also wish for Immunity, among the marines. Anyone who flies under the Amsterdam Flag is protected and pardoned to conduct business in the sea."
Joseph had already asked for a lot, but he needed to.
"Details, Details, Joseph. You're a businessman are you not? Or did that go with your father? The devil is in the details. How many ships will that buy? What sort of business do you want immunity to preform within the sea? You understand I can't agree with blanket statements" She pushed him for more details than his words provided, unsure if he was purposely witholding things from her or not.
Ehuang motioned to the room around them but it was clear she meant more than that with her motion, "You love your country, you love its people, you want what's best for them. Do you think I don't understand that? I'm more than a marine, more than an admiral, I'm a noble woman from Kano Country. I know full well what it means to want the best for your people and the struggle that is to provide for them. We can work with each other here, I'm sure of it. There's wiggle room, don't you agree?"
The doors to the meeting room opened, and the Fleet Admiral walked in, wearing his usual black outfit with the fleet admiral's coat over his shoulders. With a few papers in his hand, he walked passed both Joseph and the admiral, taking a seat at the large table, placing the papers in front of him. Accompanied by two marines, Kyojin wasn't alone, as they both stood behind him, ready to receive any orders.
"Okay, I'm here now. I overheard some of your demands as I was on my way, but please, as admiral Euhang said, details would be appreciated." Kyojin spoke to Joseph without looking at him once, as he kept his eyes focused on the papers in front of him, flipping through them as he read them thoroughly.
He always hated the details of things, they often led to people being tedious of small problems over the bigger ones. But he would continue on the fleet admirals orders.
"The advance is just for the workers union and upgrades of machinery here on the Homefront. The workers are starting to grow restless, and are striking everyone couple weeks. That means the shipbuilding has been slow these past couple of months, that 3.2B Beli can pay off the workers and pay for better labors and machines. Judging off of last year's ship production of 3.2B will just cover the next 3 months of expenses so a yearly increase of 12.8B Beli if my math is correct."
He took another drag of his smoke, "The production on our end would remain the same, with the new building plans the world government fleets will double in size, and ability," Joseph pulled some blueprints and spread them along the table in the light.
It was new fresh plans, of underwater ships, designs that only a shipwright would die to look at.
"As for the independence of my nation, the people wish the marines to settle elsewhere. Although I think the Marines inhabiting the island ensures greater safety, small riots have been happening all over the kingdom in retaliation, they are dragging my name in the dirt. My pride as a King won't allow it. Lastly, the immunity..." Joseph said, pausing for a dramatic effect, "I wish to settle in another place, land. If the government will not give it to me I will take it by force... Of course, possibly being arrested and having my fortune swept under my feet is something. I'd rather not toy with."
"Pride before the fall, Joseph. You should squash these riots with an iron fist, you should have not only the will but the ability. For a leader to be undermined by his own people is... with all due respect, pathetic. You cannot expect a World Government affiliated island to not have a marine presence at least within the vicinity. If there are any nearby islands you're willing to aid in the construction of a marine base on then that is on the table but until then or another compromise is reached, the marine presence must remain." Ehuang laid out his options.
With one last long drag she leaned forward and extinguished the cigarette in the ash tray. "Now, as for your acqusition of islands, so long as your conquest consists solely of non-world government affiliated island I see no issue with it. Kano's Navy act as privateers in the West Blue, so long as we deal with pirates when we run into them we're free to claim any unaffiliated island in the name of Kano. They're in turn added to our territory and under our juristiction. It's perfectly reasonable, and whether its your intention or not, makes the waters a much safer place for merchants and traders."
"I cannot bring myself to harm the people who have served us for all this time. The riots are to be dealt with, but they would not have to if the marine presence was long gone. But I do think having access to us at all times will be useful, for both parties. I will construct a sea train, and begin production. That requires to use a little more cash, but we can have another base up and running in no time. I think it would be nice if a new "Police Force" can be formed, that way it can be marine run while still keeping an eye on the city and its saftey."
"When it comes to taking land, I will donate a portion of the spoils back to you guys in exchange for immunity. If casualties happen, there will be a price. I need your word that you can guarantee Immunity."
Ehuang nodded her head, raising her hand to her chin and taking a moment to think. Tapping a her index finger to her red lipsticked mouth she let out an exhale of amusement. "A sea train is an interesting idea, I'm not against it. Once the base is operational the marine forces can me moved from your island to there and your people can settle down. As for the acqusition of non-government affiliated islands, so long as your hostile actions remain focused on said non-affiliated islands and your tribute is paid in proportion to these newly gained resources I see no issue with granting you immunity. Those who affiliate themselves with pirates or revolutionaries or simply choose to remain independent are free for you to attack, raid, butcher, and claim to your hearts content. Does that sound reasonable, Fleet Admiral, Sir?"
"I'm afraid not..." Raising his head off the paperwork in front of him, Kyojin looked at Joseph. "Joseph, your father was a reasonable man, he knew what he could and couldn't do. And you being here shows me that you're nothing like your father, which in itself has some..." Kyojin hesitated to find the word. "Pros and cons..." Putting the papers aside, Kyojin gave Joseph his entire focus. "Here's the problem with what you're requesting here. You want to kill and steal under the protection of the world government, at the same time you want us to remove our marines from your territory entirely. And in return, we get... What? A sea train?"
Standing up, Kyojin walked towards a small table sat near the meeting table. It had an already prepared set of black tea, made specifically for the fleet admiral. Pouring himself a cup, he turned his head around to face the admiral and the guest. "Anyone want a cup of tea?" Yet before anyone could answer him, he simply continued on his response, as if he didn't care whether they wanted any tea or not.
"That goes without mentioning how high of a price we pay for each ship you produce for us, which even though they are one of the best in the market, one can't say that they are the best." Taking a sip of his tea, Kyojin made his way back to his seat at the table. "So here's my counter offer. I will not give you immunity, but I will give you the bounty hunter treatment. If you happen to kill someone who's a criminal, someone who is out there to ruin your operation or harm your business in any way. Then by all means, it's a dangerous world and it requires dangerous people to live in it." Placing his cup of tea at the table, Kyojin raised his finger to issue a warning. "But I will never give you the power to attack others, steal their land, and murder their families so you can expand your business under my own protection!"
"With that being said..." Kyojin took another sip of his tea, it seems to be taking an effect as he seems a bit calmer than he was when he first walked into the room. "Here's my offer. One unit will stay on your island and represent the marines, they will eat, drink and sleep in their own small base. They won't bother the citizens nor will they interact with them, they will simply be there. As for immunity, you're not allowed to attack or reign wars on anyone. If you're in a stance where you're forced to defend yourself or your business, then by all means. And even then, I would prefer you use the marines we appointed to protect the business in the first place. You're a business owner, you don't need to go out and use your hands in that manner."
Picking up the papers, Kyojin pushes them in front of Joseph. "This is a new contract for our partnership, our earlier contract placed the price of a ship at 350,000,000. This was for two ships a month, so twenty four ships a year, placing our contract at 8,400,000,000. This new contract however benefits both of us, it's an amount of money that you can't get anywhere else, but you will have to compromise. The price for a ship will be set at 300,000,000 a ship, for ten ships a month, making a hundred and twenty ships a year for 36,000,000,000 in total." Leaning forward in his chair, Kyojin rested his elbows on the table. "You asked for a pay upfront, it will be set at 10,000,000,000 then another at half the year, then the rest at the end of the year."
"As for you selling to others, I have included a line in the contract. The moment you sell one ship to anyone but the world government, the contract will be voided, and you will have to pay us for the full year, regardless of what we've paid you thus far." Kyojin leaned back in his chair, picking up his cup of tea, he took a sip. "I suggest you sign it..."
Ehuang's expression fell a bit upon hearing the offer Kyojin gave, "Fleet Admiral, Sir. As generous an offer as that sounds I don't believe that signing it will get to the route of the issue and why this meeting was called." She spoke up, looking to Joseph.
"Joseph's father was a smart businessman and for that reason the island has prospered. However, in order to make that possible he had to bend to the will of the government much to the dissatisfaction of his people. I don't think this has much to do with beri though I doubt he would deny such a sum if he had no other option. I believe that Joseph wishes to have his cake and eat it too, to be greater than his father. To have all the advantages with none of the disadvantages, the protection and money brought in by the marines as well as love and admiration of his people. Rather than being about money, this is about ambition."
Ehuang pulled another cigarette from her coat pocket and placed the unlit tube into her mouth. "I think that ambition can benefit both parties if tempered and reigned in. The island has been so closely affiliated with and loyal to the World Government for so long I think its well within their right to ask for and be trusted with a shorter leash. The marines remain nearby to keep a hold on that leash. Joseph gets to win over his people through the taking of territory with greater resources for his people, the world government benefits from having unaffiliated and possibly currently non-hostile islands we otherwise might be unable to justify marine presence or take over on brought under its flag preventing them from being taken over and used to bolster the power and influence of pirates that might otherwise move in."
Holding the tip of the cigarette between her fingers did she light it with her devil fruit powers, exhaling smoke through her nose before continuing. "More resources, more tribute, island acquisition without any chance of the loss of marine lives, Joseph continues to sell only to the World Government, and should he take advantage of our good graces and attempt to bite the hand that feeds him and his people? Well... I don't think it would be a difficult task to tighten the leash again and make an example out of our good friend here. Don't you at least think that's worth considering? Fleet Admiral? Joseph?"
"Is that so?" Kyojin took another sip of his tea, remembering how he used to conduct business with the former admirals. He always needed them to guide him through such deals, as he wasn't one to allow for any negotiation. "So you think it would benefit us, the World Government if we give Joseph here immunity to go kill and maim under our own protection?" Turning to Joseph, Kyojin addressed him regarding this as well. "Why exactly do you want such an immunity, Joseph?"
Joseph sat quietly in his chair, listening carefully to what was being told. Ehuang had agreed with his terms while Kyojin opposed them. Joseph couldn't help himself to roll his eyes, "You speak as though the marines don't act in the same manner. When seeing a resource you fly to recoup it, adding it to the machine which is the World Government. I wish to merely do the same, after all, if I wish to make more ships, I need more land, don't I? I will place a world government flag in every place taken in my name. Your numbers will grow by the thousands, and your reach will grow further. Isn't that what you want? Control...I just wish to grow my company."
Leaning forward in his chair, Kyojin took a serious tone as he addressed Joseph. "You need to be careful of your words, Joseph! It is not for you to decide how the World Government decides to do business, and we're not a bunch of criminals who go around terrorizing people for their land. Every island the world government associates itself with receives our protection, true and real protection from scum that are scattered all over the world." Kyojin was tired of Joseph's attitude, he owed those sitting in front of him some respect, and yet he talked to them as if they were his own workers.
"We reigned wars and lost countless souls to ensure the world can be a safer place for people like you who are simply after money and land. Your people dislike us being on your island, but it is us that allow you to sleep safely at night! It's our sacrifice that allows you to roam the world freely!" Kyojin's hostile aura could be sensed by those present, he was reaching his limit of kindness. "So you either continue with respect, or I can teach you some manners while I'm here!"
The two marines who accompanied the fleet admiral were already nervous at this point, one of them stepped behind the fleet admiral right away, massaging his shoulders. "Calm down sir! He's just negotiating, he doesn't mean any disrespect..."
Letting out a sigh, Kyojin crossed his arms. "Still, my marines didn't sacrifice their lives, staying countless miles away from their families, living on canned food, just to ensure the safety of Joseph's people. Only to be looked down upon, hated, and now kicked out from their own missions?" Turning his head to Euhang. "Euhang is right! It's your job to control your people, Joseph! If they won't listen to you on this, what guarantees them listening to you in the future, when the load of the work becomes too much for them? Or are we looking at a riot in the making?"
"Joseph... You forget yourself. What the World Government does or doesn't do is none of your concern. Attempting to compare yourself to it will do you no good. Like comparing apples to oranges. It's in your best interest to think before you speak from now on." She spoke, the look she gave him was stern but concerned, letting him know that she meant what she said for his own sake.
Ehuang pulled the unlit cigarette from her mouth, holding it close to her hand before it ignited and she replaced it between her teeth. She took a short drag but it was clear she wanted to take a longer one. Exhaling she closed her eyes before opening them to look to Joseph once more. "Whether you believe it or not, the marines have your best intrests at heart. Not only yours but everyones. The world is large, most people will go their entire lives not knowing more than their own island, but as someone who creates ships, the means through which those vast distances are bridged, surely you understand just how many lives beyond those of your people that have to be taken into consideration. You ask for a lot, and then you nip at the hand that feeds. You don't know the way the world works like your father did. You can only be forgiven for that once. Calm yourself and watch your tongue."
"The question has been put forth. If you cannot control your people as you are now, how will you control multiple islands more you're seeking to expand to? Are we to keep our marines off of those as well to placate your people? It sounds as though they have no respect for you, no trust in your leadership. Do you think that will change by shooing away the World Government? It won't, they'll just ask for more and more. Give an inch and they take a mile. You have the potential to be a strong and intelligent leader, Joseph, bending the knee now after everything your father built will only show them that you're a pushover. Your father stood his ground, he knew what was right and what was best for Amsterdam even if the people didn't realize it." Ehuang spoke, leaning in to speak with the man as though she were telling him a secret.
Joseph did not waver in this intense moment, he stood up and placed his hands on the table leaning his weight forward.
"Do you think your threats scare me? They just prove my point fleet admiral. The Marines going about puffing your chest out in the name of justice. I'm sure there are plenty in the world that would agree, wouldn't you think Ehuang? The world government's actions have everything to do with me and it's my right to speak on it as I wish." This question was a true statement, one they all knew the answer to.
"You talk about sacrifice? Kyojin no matter how much you wash those hands of yours, the blood you spilled will forever stain your fingernails. To me it's only words of a hypocrite..."
Joseph wouldn't be bullied in the presence of the admirals, although they were far superior in strength, Josephs courage and will stood among them.
"You talk about control, but the truth is all an illusion we paint. My people have needs, rebellion is natural when people are tired of the system. I don't mean to bruise egos and bump shoulders, but my people are already aware of the consequences that will arise if this labor stops. We can drop the act of caring about the thousands you raised to die on the front lines of your so-called peace. These seas are in turmoil, a new age is upon us. The war broke many powers apart, leaving many spots to be filled within the bracket. My expansion will only lead to more marine power. Two birds one stone. I'm not asking to wage war on the innocent. I'm asking for permission to take back the seas...For the sailors of course."
Joseph spoke true, the seas were indeed a mess. Two vacant spots of power needed to be filled and many pirates would look to do so. For the marines having the free help in occupying territories in the new world could bolster strength and numbers. They could cover a vast array of sea and patrol routes, not to mention the ship production would be huge.
The small lump sum would only triple...
"Joseph, you're nothing but an ignorant fool! Your father knew his place, and he benefited from it well... You don't know your place, you're arrogant, and you will be the bringer of your own kingdom's doom!" Slamming his hand on the table in front of him, it broke in two, even though Kyojin didn't use any of his strength at all on it. "My words are of a hypocrite? The blood on my hands? If I'm such a monster, perhaps you should have watched your words in my presence!"
Facing Euhang, Kyojin issued an order that would change the life of Joseph forever. "Euhang, summon Hobbs, he will now be in charge of this island! Since we're such monsters who take over islands by force, then what's one more island? Right?" Standing up, Kyojin took a few steps, standing right in front of Joseph. "Euhang... Arrest the entire royal family and transport them to our HQ." Leaning forward towards Joseph, Kyojin's expression was that of the true devil he was. "Joseph... Try to do anything, and I will simply kill every last one of your people and erase your island from existence!"
Kyojin was now in fight mode, he wasn't about to tolerate Joseph any further. Not when Joseph just spat in Kyojin's face, after Kyojin provided him with a contract that was just too generous. His eyes sparked black lightning before an intensely dense wave of haoshoku haki was released, causing everyone within a radius of at least a small town to faint and lose conscious. The situation simply escalated way too quickly, but Joseph had it coming, he kept poking the bear, until the bear had to remind him of his truth. Kyojin's haki was more than enough to drop everyone not related to the marines down, including Joseph, as this level of haki exposure was a bit too extreme for someone who wasn't a warrior.
Ehuang let out a sigh, leaning forward and putting out her cigarette before standing up and looking at the unconscious Joseph. "Aye Sir, I'll contact Hobbs immediately and see to the arrest of the royal family within short." The woman responded, turning her head from Joseph and leaving the room.
Once outside she commanded her marines to begin their march toward the home of the royal family while she pulled out her Den Den Mushi and called the Vice Admiral.
Consequences[]
At the bottom of a large ship, a man sat in a monitor room. The room was full of gadgets and gizmos rigged with the finest radios and frequency equipment. The room was dark, only lit by a singular candle lamp, sitting at the monitor desk was a silhouetted figure, the light only conveying a large scar along his face.
BZZZZ ZZZZTTTTT BZZZZZZ
"What what just happened?" He said, confused about what happened to the signal. "Did the rest of you catch that, the bastard sure has a weird way of doing things."
He wore a headset that spoke with a few others over a phone line.
"Joseph is indeed a sly dog, I've never seen an admiral so out of character, let alone a fleet admiral. Wild, but not surprised." A woman responded on the phone.
"Just like that Amsterdam is government property. I can't believe he'd risk the island like that," another young man said.
"It's tragic we couldn't get the remainder of that conversation but, I think we have far more than enough." The scarred man said.
"What about Amsterdam? What about the people?" Another spoke.
He leaned back in his chair and just smiled showing off his yellow and silver teeth, "I've been transmitting the call the entire time. Everyone who is important in listening in..."
Sitting in his office was Tyler Page the head builder of Amsterdam, someone had been transmitting a call to him through his snail, some sort of frequency hacking. He listened in to the entire meeting and was shocked, Page wasn't alone either many of the builders who also worked the island were listening.
"Did he say he was going to kill us?"
"T-that's the Marines!"
"Destroy the island! Maybe they are pirates!"
After the call ended everyone went into a panic, Page remained calm crossing his hands and fists thinking of what to do next. "Alright! We are clearly fucked. Grab all the boats you can and head off the island, our safety is at risk."
Jackson sat on the edge of his seat, his head hanging low between his shoulders hearing the news.
"Joseph you bastard. Why is it that your younger brother always has to do the heavy lifting? All these letters and blueprints are finally starting to make sense...What are you up to?"
The room was still, the broadcast playing for all in attendance to see. Some were shaken, others glancing about desperately trying to find an answer to what they had just witnessed. Further down, a grey skinned woman remained silent. Her pointed ears flicked while her slender fingers tapped against the table.
It was impossible to read what was on her mind, a mink gulped before speaking up. “Illisha, do you think maybe..” Her hand rose, rays of the screen reflecting off of her golden jewelry. Silencing the rabbit softly, her eyebrows reflected frustration that couldn't be seen past her red tinted glasses. “This is enough. We've spent enough time establishing our resources, and I can't stop sitting back seeing what the world has come to.” Her words, laced with venom, commanded all eyes to lay on her.
Raising from her seat, her sister arm rose with its gauntlet shining a brilliant hue as purple glowed from its core. She had overtaken islands from disparity much like this, having seen the horrors of the World Government’s cruel underbelly. Some only prayed to play the system to have a chance at being recognized for their efforts, only to be casted out much in the same fashion that she had just witnessed.
Waves of silken snow cascaded down her shoulders and spine, framing the face of their leader. “Who brought this in again? I want to speak to them directly.” She turned from her seat, the sounds of the broadcast looping through her head as it’s light beamed down her backside.
The shadow of the supreme commander etched itself against the wall. Her horns perked up atop, but something shuddered through its silhouette.
With heavy breaths, she refused to let her composure be shattered by such a disgusting display. “It seems they have forgotten they have more enemies than mere pirates.” Illisha snarled, fangs growing as she stepped outside of the room. She had plans to make, matters to handle.
Hobbs arrived quickly at his superior's demand. Luckily he was in the area during this time, not to mention it was his day off but it sounded urgent. The clicking of the heels on the floor toward the door rang in the silent hallway although it was full of noisy marines. "All of you back to work at once! This is a private meeting. I should have you all work the shipyard tonight!"
Quickly the bystanders went back to work and continued on with their day. Hobbs fixed his clothes and took a deep breath in and out, standing in front of the door was intimidating he could feel from behind the door, the hostility coming from Kyojin "What could have made him that mad?" He wondered as he reached for the knob of the door.
Swinging it open the Vice Admiral greeted his superiors, "Admiral Ehuang, Admiral Kyojin." He said saluting them as a sign of respect, although Hobbs had some sway here on the island, but he never let it affect his ego. He glanced around the room and saw Joseph was passed out foaming at the mouth, "What in the world? Is that the king?" Hobbs stated out loud shocked and forgot who was in the room.
His eyes darted around shaking for a moment as he panicked but regained resolve, "Apologize, I was summoned?"
Turning around to face Hobbs, Kyojin was pissed, not because of what happened during this meeting, but because of things that happened way before it. "Hobbs, can you tell me why the people of this kingdom are opposing the presence of the marines? And why were we not made aware of it? Wasn't it your job to report everything back to us?"
"Well sir, there's a lot of background information you probably aren't aware, even myself I'm not so sure about the facts. Since the mummers of the people we've been keeping things under wraps. I conducted a mass investigation on the royals and the workers. Planting informants and skilled phycologists to figure out why and dig deep. If what I was told is true, then we have much bigger problems." Hobbs pulled a cigar from his pocket and lit it.
"You see the Amsterdam name is just a front. There is no such thing such thing as the Amsterdam Family. One of my agents reported that they were actually a crime family. Underworld traders. There's a few moles in the family as we speak, but they are kept under wraps for safety reasons. There is not a thing about this island I don't know sir. We the marines have eyes and ears everywhere, and it only doubled starting when Joseph came into power."
He drew from his breath again, "They are clean, that's the problem. Most of these crime stories come from before the world government deal. Asking around we figured out the actual name of these guys. The Gotti Family, there were some big showtimes back in the day they went quiet after the government checks started to clear its been clean since. There is reasons to believe that the Gotti Family has something else in mind, Joseph in my theory is a puppet, and it seems like we've been put on stage."
"As of yesterday, we've intercepted a member of the Gotti family. We have him in custody." Hobbs finished dragging a deep inhale.
Ehuang bit down upon her thumb nail upon hearing what Hobbs had to say. The day was turning out far more complicated than she had assumed it would and while it was something she was used to by now it was not less frustrating considering the circumstances.
Letting go of her painted nail she let out a soft sigh, "Tell me, Vice Admiral Hobbs, what is the identity of this family member and why are we only hearing out this now. Do you feel that information was not important to go into this meeting knowing? Ill-preparedness can cost lives, even among the best of us. But I will not attribute malice to what can easily be explained through incompetence. Please explain yourself, Vice-Admiral."
"Yes Admiral, the suspect's name is Maximus, he is a hitman for a gangster group with the symbol of "G". Logic dictates he's with the Gotti's. Again, this investigation was under strict protocols, nobody outside of the islands day to day personnel would know about it. But with that being said, gangsters wanting to emerge when the seas are open for the taking seems unsettling. Especially since the Gotti's created one of the most powerful shipbuilding companies in the world. Government funded, government blueprints, government cash. We were scheduled to have a meeting about this with Joseph but it seems like he beat me to it."
"We have detailed reports of the investigations, I can send them to HQ right away. But you guys still haven't explained what happened him."
"Send them now?" Kyojin looked puzzled, he couldn't tell if it was something in the water or if the entire kingdom of Amsterdam was under some type of spell, but everyone here seemed to have a weird sense about them. "Vice Admiral Hobbs, are you not aware of your duties? Have you forgotten about your marine training?" Kyojin's tone was right between calm yet confused, none of this made any sense to him anymore. First it was Joseph's weird attitude, and now Hobbs seems to be living on his own planet. He not only failed to carry his own duties as a marine officer, making mistakes that even ensigns wouldn't, and now he's questioning the top two officers in the entire marine force.
Scratching the back of his head, Kyojin didn't know what was what anymore, but he now was onto something. Something was indeed wrong with this kingdom, none of this is normal. "Joseph had to be put to sleep for now, he needed a moment to calm down and relax..." Kyojin looked at Euhang, still baffled by this entire shit show. "Do you sense it too? Or am I being paranoid here?" He had hoped that Euhang would have shared his suspicion of this incident, but he wasn't one to depend on feelings. His eyes shined in red as his mind raced through the entire kingdom in an instant, scanning the island as if it was a small room. Seeing the faces of every creature, humans and animals alike, their energy, intents, thoughts, and even their souls. Something was wrong here, and he made it his mission to find it, which he indeed did as his eyes went slightly wide, before his expression went back to his calm natural state with a slight grin on his face.
"So that's how it is..." Looking at the unconscious Joseph from the corner of his eyes, Kyojin sighed, he had realized it all, but it was a bit too late.
"No. Something indeed seems out of place. We arrived here ignorant of the situation and now we're having to put it all together on the spot. It's sloppy, even with the marines in the state that they are it's unacceptable. It's as though we walked into a trap of some kind." Ehuang responded, taking in a deep breath and letting out a huff before calming herself and looking to Hobbs, "Would you kindly gather your reports and bring them here immeditately." She spoke before turning to the lower ranked marines, "Search the room and Joseph's person for anything we may have missed. If there's a larger plan in motion here than we can't leave anything to chance. What a headache..."
"Yes Admiral!" Hobbs said as he lifted his wrist that had a mechanical watch, "Contact the research department and send over the reports over the last few weeks. NOW!"
It was a communication device that didn't require a den den mushi.
The other lower-ranking marines followed suit on Ehuang's orders, as they searched one of the marines patted Joseph down, and behold, a wire connected to a transmitter device. It had been destroyed by Kyojin's Haki attack.
"A-admiral, look!" The marine pulled the device from its hidden state and revealed it to them on the description it said "BR".
Grabbing the communication device, Kyojin's arm darkened with the power of his Devil Fruit as he entered a partial hybrid form. Energy flowed into the device and it began to take on life in a dark and twisted state. "Little tool connected to the broadcast, find where it started from," spoked Kyojin. The demon leapt from Kyojin and began leading a path to the source.
Looking at Ehuang and Hobbs, Kyojin seemed unamused. "BR? Find out what it means quickly. This headache is only seeming to get worst..." Kyojin reached into his kimono and pulled out a wrapped dumpling for a snack. Immediately biting into it, he looked over at the unconscious Joseph.
"Yes, Fleet Admiral," Hobbs said. He turned and exited the room, down the hall his booming voice faded into the background as he commanded units to assign the information.
The Thorn In My Side[]
Hobbs stood on the balcony ledge, overlooking Amsterdam. He was in a more casual attire, a white tee shirt tucked into his black dress pants. Interlocked between his index finger and middle finger was a cigar. A needed relaxer after the transpired events.
"You messed up big time big guy...Got lazy." He said to himself, puffing out a deep breath of smoke. This evening he was meeting with Ehuang to discuss the situation's final mandates, but Hobbs had a surprise from some local leads.
The opening of the balcony's sliding door could be heard followed by a familiar set of heels clicking against the ground. Smoke would be the first thing Hobbs would see from his peripheral, a sight that often followed the Admiral on or off duty.
The woman herself followed soon after, a red turtle neck sweater, long sleeved even in the temperate climate of the day. Between her two red lips a cigarette poked out, leaning against the railing she didn't even acknowledge Hobbs at first.
"I wanted it to turn out different from this, you know?" She spoke as clear as day without removing the stick her mouth, clearly a practiced skill. "I joined the marines to help people but..." She didn't continue her words, tired eyes falling upon the Vice Admiral. "But it is what it is, no? Tell me what you've found, why you shouldn't be demoted?" Her tone became chill again, the saddness in her former words may very well have never existed.
Hobbs took a deep breath in, "I wish the same Ehuang, but the past is already set, nothing more we can do now but prepare for the future. I will accept responsibility for the fault here. I'm not really the one to beg for ranks, it could relieve some stress, huhuhu" He puffed another big breath of his cigar, "Here," he said handing Ehuang a complete file on everything they know.
"We've located two major factions at play. There is an underworld crime family known as the Gotti Family. Turns out that's who's been extorting Amsterdam for the last little bit now, we've even apprehended a few moles within the camp working for them. That transmitter device was built by private company known as Blackrock. Digging into the place they have their hands in a little bit of everything, science, money, media, land, and medical industries. For the most part they are squeaky clean, but there are a few chairmen with some questionable pasts."
"There is a man on Metropolis named Scarface, he owns the Blackrock Press. My team came to the conclusion that he was most likely behind the broadcast. We are tasking together a team to head over there and figure out more about him."
Ehuang took a moment to think over what Hobbs had just told her, pulling the cigarette from her mouth she flicked the ashes over the side of the balcony before rolling it between her fingers. "I've heard of the Gotti Family, as vile as any other criminal organization... Have the moles interrogated, I'll authorize torture if it's deemed necessary. Now as for the team, who are you putting together? I'd recommend Cipher Pol, I'd like to keep this as under the radar as possible. The Marines are trying to brand themselves in a better light following the war. We need new blood, new recruits, they'll only join if they believe what we're doing is right." She spoke with a breathy quickness that one would not expect from a chainsmoker. "It is a delicate balance, our actions here paint us in a bad light. I'll have no further bad press. I want the headlines to read something along the lines of 'Amsterdam freed from crime family!' If possible." Ehuang continued before taking a long drag.
"Can I trust you to make that happen?" Smoke bellowed from her mouth as she spoke.
"Of course Admiral Ehuang, I've already shipped the paperwork over to Cipher Pol. It's in their hands now, my ranking still doesn't have all the strings needed to make cogs turn. I am just a simple tool. Thank you again Ehuang." He stuck his hand out for a good shake.
Ehuang looked from Hobbs to his hand, then back to Hobbs again, a clear hesitation but in the moment she raised her eyes to meet his again a resolve was shown in her caramel-colored eyes. Popping the cigarette back into her mouth she extended her hand and shook his. "May the devil never know we're there." She commented before breaking off the handshake and turning towards the door.
"I believe that concludes my business here on Amsterdam? If so, I'll leave the rest here to you. You're more familiar with the place, see to it that it cleans up nicely. Godspeed."