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Before, Noir hadn't realized the sheer number of people he was carrying.
Now, having released nearly twenty thousand people, the reality of his responsibility sunk in.
While this was a small number compared to the world's great powers, it was a significant population for a newly established kingdom.
As for the now-empty Underworld Dimension, Noir planned to repurpose it as a large prison.
He'd also released Hogback and Perona, remnants of Moria's crew whom he'd defeated earlier.
Noir believed Hogback's advanced medical knowledge and research on human anatomy could be useful.
And since his loyalty to Moria was weaker than Perona's, Noir had boldly released him, coercing… ahem, persuading him to assist with research.
As for Perona, she remained fiercely loyal to Moria. She had stayed with Noir for a while now and had only warmed up to some of the women in the Underworld Pirates.
Given the Underworld Pirates' previous kindness to her, and Perona's naturally eccentric personality, this wasn't surprising.
As long as she didn't cause trouble and cooperated with Kuri's research, Noir was content to leave her be.
Starting a new kingdom was a daunting task, and initially, everything was chaotic.
But after a period of intense work, the situation had drastically improved.
Wide, clean streets began to take shape, stretching out in all directions in an organized grid. Unique buildings, unlike anything seen elsewhere in this world, rose from the ground.
Noir had initially overwhelmed his architects with his wild ideas for construction.
They had no idea what he meant by "earthen buildings," "fortified towers," "courtyard houses," or even… "Moorish manors."
Only after many Detailed discussions and clarifications were the architects able to produce a satisfactory design.
High above, Wyper, transformed into a giant winged dragon, circled in the air. Noir sat cross-legged on his back, surveying the city with satisfaction.
While not a perfect replica of his vision, the city had developed its own unique style, avoiding any sense of incongruity.
It was this feeling that made Noir feel increasingly connected to the burgeoning capital of Anel.
In addition to the construction, Noir and his crew had decided to further divide the capital into distinct zones: residential, commercial, entertainment, and so on.
It might seem premature, but with the kingdom's currently small population, there was no need to develop the entire island of Noir just yet. They could focus on creating a high quality of life in the capital.
Moreover, Reha, Kuri, and their group had accumulated advanced living standards over the years, including efficient farming and food production techniques.
Looking at the vibrant new empire taking shape below, Wyper, soaring through the air, remarked, "This country… it feels really good."
Noir focused his senses, feeling the gentle breeze on his face, a hint of nostalgia in his eyes. "It's all thanks to everyone's hard work."
Creating a peaceful haven for these displaced people in this cruel world… it was a good feeling.
Wyper tilted his draconic head, looking back at Noir. "It is. But the kingdom still lacks administrative talent. Mr. Reha has no one to help him."
Noir nodded in agreement. He had been working closely with Reha these days, handling issues that arose and finding solutions.
They were both constantly busy, so much so that even Enel and Lucci had been drafted to help.
Running a kingdom was far more complex. Reha wasn't a seasoned administrator, and Noir was even less so.
Noir sighed. "Luckily, Kalifa and Robin are incredibly capable. They can process mountains of information simultaneously."
Wyper nodded silently, then hesitated, a worried look on his face. "But… we snuck out. Won't Big Sis and Kalifa be angry…?"
Noir swallowed, his voice uncertain. "Probably not."
Wyper's eyes widened. Probably?
He had followed the Captain's suggestion to sneak out for this "undercover inspection" of the kingdom!
"Your Highness! Wyper-sama! We have a situation!"
Wyper's ears twitched. "Someone's calling us."
Noir leaned over, pointing below. "He's calling us."
A man on the ground was waving frantically, shouting something. He appeared to be injured, with blood dripping from his wounds.
They quickly descended. Noir hopped off Wyper's back and asked, "What's going on?"
The man grabbed Noir's arm, gasping for breath. "Someone's invaded The Island's waters! They attacked our scouts!"
Noir's expression hardened. An invasion at a time like this?
After securing ownership of Noitem Island from the World Government, Noir had sent messengers to inform nearby kingdoms of Noitem's re-establishment.
...
...
Wyper helped the man up, frowning. "Who are they? Pirates?"
The man shook his head. "I don't think so… Their ships don't have any Jolly Rogers."
Noir was puzzled. Not pirates? And the Marines and World Government were dealt with. Neither side should be daring enough to provoke him now…
But speculation wouldn't solve anything. Noir turned to Wyper, a fierce glint in his eyes. "Take him to get treated. Then, tell the crew to prepare for battle. I'll go have a look."
Wyper nodded. Golden light enveloped Noir, and he shot into the sky, disappearing in an instant.
On the coastline of The Island, three expensive-looking ships were anchored. A group of men in black stood on the shore.
"Bang!"
A massive sound echoed as one of the scouts was flung through the air by a hulking giant of a man, who was wielding a massive, pillar-like club.
With a single swing, he sent several others flying, the ground trembling under the impact.
The giant sneered, grabbing a young man by the head. "Did that new Warlord, Noir, send you weaklings to die?!"
The young man's skull creaked under the pressure, blood streaming down his face, but his eyes remained defiant.
"Scum like you isn't worthy of speaking our Savior name!" he snarled.
The giant merely scoffed. "A brat who hasn't even grown his first hair dares to talk back?"
He raised his club, a cruel smile on his face. "You can die first, and then…"
"I'll send Noir to join you!"
...
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