At the same time, in a lavish and seductive hotel at Grove number 76 in Sabaody...
Saint Rosward was lying on a newly acquired iron bed, thoroughly enjoying the combination of modern technology and feminine pleasure.
"Wonderful! Whoever made this bed is a true genius!"
A masked figure immediately appeared in the room.
It was none other than a CP0 agent, the personal guard of the Celestial Dragons.
"Dontari, find me the creator of this bed. I want to bring him back to Mary Geoise!"
"Have him make me more fascinating toys!"
Dontari was stunned for a moment but quickly nodded and disappeared from the room.
Meanwhile, Hammer, who was feeling quite pleased with himself, had no idea that he had just been marked by someone, a Celestial Dragon no less.
He pulled out a lot of wood and crafted a completely blue scabbard for the Forsbane Sword.
A famous sword deserves a worthy scabbard. Hammer felt very satisfied.
He had a strong feeling that if this sword were in his original world, it would instantly become a world-famous blade.
Even here, it was bound to become a rare and famous sword.
The only uncertain factor was the forging methods used in this world.
Traditional Japanese sword forging often uses clay tempering, which creates beautiful hamon (blade patterns).
But Hammer had always disliked blade patterns.
He believed that swords should be flawless and polished. The cleaner and sharper, the more perfect.
Besides, as a former master of Chinese bladesmithing master, why would he settle for imitating Japanese katana?
Aren't the Ten Legendary Swords enough?
After spending a night in Sabaody, Hammer was ready to set sail.
Just as he was about to leave, Sabaody Branch Commander, Lieutenant Commander McKenzie, came looking for him with a serious face.
"Captain Lance, Alabasta has issued a distress signal, claiming that a large group of pirates has stormed the port city of Nanohana."
"They're asking for support from nearby branches to suppress the threat."
"Since our base commander hasn't returned yet, I hope Rear Admiral Hammer can help with the rescue."
"Wait, McKenzie, I'm just a blacksmith. You want me to take down pirates?"
McKenzie gave a slight smile.
"Hammer, we're old acquaintances. You think that excuse will work on me?"
Hammer felt awkward. Right, his past was well known here; they knew all about him.
"I have other duties. I need to return to Marineford immediately."
McKenzie still smiled.
"This is an order from Admiral Sengoku. Are you going to refuse it?"
Hammer: '… Damn you, Sengoku!'
Suddenly, the Den Den Mushi in Hammer's pocket started ringing.
He picked it up without looking.
He didn't notice that the Den Den Mushi instantly took on a serious, glasses-wearing expression.
"Hello? Who is this!?"
Already in a foul mood, Hammer's tone was grumpy and clearly unhappy.
"Hmph, it's Sengoku!"
Hammer: '...What the, speak of the devil... did he hear me cursing him?'
"Oh, Admiral Sengoku! This is Hammer. Any orders?"
A brief silence on the other end.
"Alright, drop the act. You've heard from Lt. Com. McKenzie, haven't you?"
"Alabasta sent out a distress call. You're already near Sabaody, so head over."
"Come on, Alabasta's a huge country. Can't they handle a few little pirates?"
"According to intel, the pirates this time are pretty strong. One of them is a Logia-type Devil Fruit user. You understand what that means, right?"
"What? Then send the dog, the monkey, or the dragon! I'm just a blacksmith!"
Hammer was speechless. He didn't want to go. A Logia user? That's terrifying! But Sengoku's next words made him accept instantly.
"Dragon is with Garp. Borsalino is here with me. Sakazuki is escorting prisoners to Impel Down. Right now, you're the only one on the Grand Line capable of handling a Logia user."
Hammer: '...What the f***!'
"What about the Vice Admirals? I'm just a Rear Admiral, how am I supposed to compare with them?"
"All the Vice Admirals are out stabilizing the chaos in the New World. Anyone capable from HQ is out. Otherwise, why would I ask you?"
"If you complete this mission, you won't have to pay for the damages to the weapons factory. All the money from your sales is yours to keep!"
The moment he heard that, Hammer perked right up!
"Really. I swear on it!"
"Alright! I'm off, then! Don't worry!"
Without giving Sengoku a chance to respond, Hammer excitedly hung up.
'A billion Berries, saved!'
'Oh yeah! Money makes him happy!'
"Lance! Get the eternal pose to Alabasta, check the weapons and gunpowder, and prepare to set sail!"
With that, Hammer ran straight toward his small military ship.
Leaving Lieutenant Commander McKenzie shaking his head in disbelief.
He thought: 'Hammer changed so much after going to Marineford... Could Zephyr's training camp also dig deep into a person's psyche?'
"Hammer, do you know anything about Alabasta?"
On the deck of the ship, Hammer, for once, wasn't forging. Instead, he was gazing out at the endless sea.
"Yeah, I know it. A place I really admire."
"A massive country with rich land and resources, far away from the sea. No risk of falling in and drowning."
Lance looked at him, stunned and speechless.
Was that the answer he was looking for? Really?
"Hahaha, calm down, Lance. I'm just kidding."
"Alabasta, one of the superpowers of the Grand Line. Ruled by the royal family, Nefertari, nobles among nobles."
"One of the original twenty royal families that founded the World Government 800 years ago."
Hammer's words left Lance frozen.
"The Twenty Kings? Doesn't that mean they're Celestial Dragons?"
"No, no. The Nefertari family didn't move to Mary Geoise. They stayed in Alabasta."
"They're not as despicable as the Celestial Dragons."
Hammer didn't reveal everything he knew. After all, some things are deeply hidden.
'Nefertari... Nefertari D...'
'Sigh... what a wicked world.'
Forget it. Just complete the mission and go back to living a chill life.
Alabasta Port City: Nanohana
"Prince Cobra, the distress call has been sent. The Marines should have received it by now."
Cobra, full name Nefertari Cobra, is currently 18 years old.
He looked gallant and full of charisma, but right now, his face was full of tension.
"Alright. Order the guards to evacuate the civilians quickly and wait for the Marine reinforcements!"
A few hundred meters in front of him, a pirate flag featuring a flaming skull fluttered in the wind.
If you enjoy the story, my p@treon is 15 chapters ahead.
[email protected]/DaoistJinzu