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Noir and Wyper, who had snuck out to play, were eventually and inevitably caught and dragged back.
While Noir had the popular support, he knew his limitations when it came to administrative tasks. He was better at setting the overall direction and leaving the details to the experts.
After all, even a leader needed to delegate. He couldn't handle every single detail, or he'd work himself to death.
Besides Robin, Kalifa had also resumed her old profession, becoming Noir's secretary, just like when she had infiltrated Iceberg's organization in Water 7.
On the sky island, within the rapidly developing Cloud Palace, Noir and his inner circle were handling official business.
Noir struggled to keep his eyes open, the endless stream of documents inducing a powerful drowsiness.
Kalifa sat opposite him, her slender figure accentuated by a form-fitting skirt suit and gold-rimmed glasses perched on her nose, a truly captivating sight.
Just as Noir's head was about to hit the desk, salvation arrived.
Two knocks sounded on the door. Noir instantly perked up, while Kalifa, frowning slightly, went to answer it.
Reha's aged face peered in, his voice filled with excitement. "Your Highness! Kuri has completed the Air Door!"
Noir's eyes lit up. He shoved the table aside and jumped to his feet, roaring with laughter, "Let's go take a look!"
Kalifa sighed helplessly and adjusted her glasses.
There was still a lot to do today, but she decided to let him have his way for now.
...
The three of them flew down from the sky island and made their way to the ruins of the former royal palace.
Kuri and her research team had converted the area into a makeshift lab, intending to use it as the access point to the sky island.
As soon as Noir entered the old palace, a petite figure hurtled towards him, latching onto his head.
Kuri hugged Noir's head tightly, her voice filled with childish glee. "Your Highness, Your Highness! I did it!"
Noir, struggling to pry the little girl off, said exasperatedly, "You nearly suffocated me!"
"Where's this Air Door?"
Kuri led Noir and the others deeper into the palace, where a massive, ornate gate stood before them.
The frame was made of white gem, inlaid with gold, diamonds, and other precious gems. It was a truly imposing sight.
The gate's interior, however, was a swirling, opaque white void. It was impossible to see what lay beyond, or where it might lead.
Kuri proudly patted the jade frame. "I studied Uncle Blueno's powers, extended and stabilized the Devil Fruit's wavelength, and created a continuously operational Teleportation Gate!"
Noir scratched his head, slightly bewildered. "I don't really get it, but it works, right?"
Kuri nodded vigorously. She stepped into the swirling white void without hesitation. Noir quickly followed.
After a brief moment of dizziness, Noir opened his eyes to find himself standing before a gate on the sky island.
He marveled, "Impressive! To finish it so quickly!"
Kuri puffed out her chest, her nose practically touching the sky. "Of course!"
"It's just that we were pressed for time. The maximum range is probably limited to a single island, and it requires a lot of complicated setup on both ends…"
Noir nodded in understanding. He'd already considered that.
If it were so easy to install portals all over the world, he could conquer entire nations without breaking a sweat.
It was a work in progress, but he was patient. He turned his attention to another project he'd assigned to Kuri.
He ruffled Kuri's hair and asked, "What about the armor designs I gave you? Have you made any progress?"
Kuri's expression turned downcast. "I understand some of it, but the rest is completely beyond me. I need more time."
In other words, she hadn't succeeded yet.
Noir stroked his chin thoughtfully. Even with Kuri's talent, her isolated upbringing in Noitem had limited her knowledge and experience.
It would be great if she had a mentor, a scientific veteran to guide her…
If only he knew where to find him, Noir would have kidnapped Vegapunk by now.
And within Noitem itself, even the most brilliant Kuri had received a limited education. What about the general populace?
He needed to establish proper educational institutions to guide talent for the kingdom.
'There's so much this kingdom lacks…'
Noir rubbed his temples, a slight headache forming.
If only he had an ally who could provide technical and personnel support, Noitem's development could be greatly accelerated.
...
A thought struck him. He had been planning to visit Doflamingo anyway.
Doflamingo's Dressrosa, or rather, the former King Riku's Dressrosa, had stood strong in the perilous New World for years. They must have had their strengths.
Currently, Dressrosa was no less powerful than many of the world's great powers.
Perhaps he could visit Doflamingo to inquire about the Underworld incident and discuss matters of state while he was at it?
Noir reassured Kuri and casually offered a few suggestions before sending her off. Then he turned to Kalifa.
"How far are we from Dressrosa?"
Kalifa produced a large sea chart from seemingly nowhere and pointed to a location. "Not close, but with a fast ship, we could probably reach it in two or three days."
Two or three days was nothing for a pirate accustomed to life at sea.
Noir grinned and patted her shoulder. "Make the arrangements. I want to pay them a visit."
Kalifa tilted her head, a questioning look in her eyes. "Dressrosa is Doflamingo's territory. What do you intend to do there?"
Noir chuckled. "Investigate the Underworld business, of course. And see what benefits his kingdom can offer us."
Kalifa seemed to understand. "You want to establish trade or some form of cooperation with Dressrosa to help Noitem through its initial development?"
Noir snapped his fingers, pointing at her with a smile. "Exactly! We're just starting out. Having allies wouldn't hurt."
Kalifa stared at Noir for a moment, then said thoughtfully, "If you're looking for allies, there are better options."
"Like the people you've befriended: Boa Hancock, the Empress of Amazon Lily, or Jinbe, the 'Knight of the Sea,' of Fish-Man Island."
"Or, with a bit more effort, you could seek help from the mayor of Water 7 in Paradise."
Kalifa counted them off on her fingers. Noir was surprised to realize that he actually had quite a few friends besides his enemies.
...
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