With the number of orphans growing, Hina and the staff couldn't manage everything alone. I recruited widows from Loguetown to help at the orphanage and give them jobs as well.
Of course, I only hired those who passed a check with [Mind Intrusion]—I read their memories and selected people with no issues. The Marines also stationed themselves nearby for a while and kept pirates away from the area.
Production volume increased, and there was a lot of physical labor. The women and children couldn't handle it all. Since the Marines were providing security for the time being, I reassigned all the drones to packaging. I taught the staff to take orders, guide visiting merchants, and handle reception.
Naturally, I kept the drones hidden. They were packed with tech that didn't exist in the One Piece world, and a leak would be disastrous. I warned the staff in advance, and I never disclosed the production facility to the Marines, citing it as classified.
Aokiji showed no intention of leaving. He was lying on the beach in swim trunks, so I walked over and asked him.
"Aren't you going back? Vice Admiral Garp asked you to deliver liquor. How are you going to deal with the fallout?"
"Huh! Right. I was supposed to deliver the liquor."
He scrambled to get ready and boarded his warship. I had already loaded the liquor and sausages beforehand. The other Marines snapped out of it and rushed their preparations too.
After that, I had some breathing room and began selling ingredients and liquor to nearby restaurants and the Marines.
I priced everything a bit higher than market rate to avoid undercutting local vendors, but the quality was excellent, so it still sold well. The liquor was especially popular. Word spread, and merchants began arriving in droves with their ships to buy it.
Excessive sales could become a problem, so I divided the liquor into Regular, Premium, and Supreme grades. Regular was expensive, Premium was beyond the reach of ordinary people, and Supreme was produced in extremely limited quantities and was very hard to obtain. The taste differed too. Regular was aged 20 years, Premium was aged 40 years, and Supreme was modeled after a 62-year Dalmore after I analyzed it.
As I kept researching ingredients and cooking, I awakened the [Cook-Cook Fruit] before I knew it. Now I could use the [Cook-Cook Fruit] ability and simply touch an object to transform it into whatever ingredient I imagined, making mass production easy.
One problem remained: Transponder Snails didn't have much range. So I used nanotech to analyze their signals and decided to launch a satellite to enable communication across the Grand Line.
Construction was quick because I used various parts I'd brought from the MCU, and I solved the energy issue by building it with an arc reactor. Launching it was easy with the Talaria camper van.
The satellite wasn't just for communication—I needed it to map the One Piece world, so it was essential. I built the satellite, flew into space with the Talaria camper van, deployed it, and returned.
I then linked it with my AI to begin secretly mapping the world. I kept the whole operation covert. If the World Government found out, they'd do something insane to steal the technology. Frankly, Vegapunk's tech level was laughable in comparison.
With preparations complete, I decided the base staff could handle selling only liquor for now, and I would personally travel and sell ingredients. I asked Hina to contact me if anything happened at the base.
My first destination was Marineford, the Marine Headquarters. I had a map, but I didn't know place names, so I pulled out [Jack Sparrow's Compass] again to check the direction and set off.
Whenever I saw a town or city along the way, I stopped briefly, asked locals for the name, and continued. The teleportation ability I got from Jumper had one drawback—I couldn't go anywhere I hadn't visited before, so this was the only way.
I avoided using Mystic Arts because they were too flashy and might cause problems if someone saw them.
After traveling like that, I finally arrived at Marineford. Just like in the original, there was a huge white building with the kanji for "Marines" on it. Several warships were docked at the port.
The moment I teleported to the Marineford entrance, Marines were startled and aimed their guns at me, but a Marine from Aokiji's ship recognized me and guided me in. Garp greeted me warmly.
"Oh~ Taejin! Welcome. The liquor and sausages you gave us last time were delicious."
"It's been a while, Vice Admiral Garp."
"And I heard about the kids from Kuzan. He said their faces have gotten much brighter."
"Yes. Giving them good food and building playground equipment has really improved the atmosphere."
"That's good to hear."
"If more orphans show up, please send them over. We still have plenty of room at the facility."
"Got it."
"There's something I'd like to propose to the Fleet Admiral. Could you introduce me?"
"Oh? What is it?"
"I plan to do mobile sales as well. If Headquarters gives me approximate locations, I can deliver directly to your ships."
"Huh? That's possible?"
"It is. I use a vessel I built that can fly. And…"
I demonstrated my inventory ability to Garp by pulling out an item.
"Oh~ so you're a Devil Fruit user."
This world had so many strange Fruits that it was easy to convince him.
"That's right. So I can supply fresh ingredients anywhere. The price will be a bit higher, though."
Garp thought for a moment, then said,
"Not having to return due to food shortages would be nice. Wait here a moment."
Garp walked off. I sat in a chair and waited. While I waited, Kuzan approached and greeted me cheerfully.
"Taejin, nice to see you. When did you get here?"
"Just now. Did you get scolded by Vice Admiral Garp?"
"Ahaha… Well, about that. I got punched for being late. I'll visit again sometime."
"You're welcome anytime."
Then Sakazuki, who was behind Kuzan, spoke up.
"So you're the merchant named Taejin. That liquor was delicious. I enjoyed it."
"Nice to meet you, Vice Admiral Sakazuki. I'm Taejin, a merchant."
"Can we place orders?"
"That's actually what I came to ask the Fleet Admiral about."
"That's excellent news. He'll approve. Your liquor was that good."
"You flatter me."
It was the first time I'd seen Sakazuki with a pleasant expression. In the original, he was always scowling.
At that moment, Garp returned and said,
"Fleet Admiral Kong approved. He said he wants to see your ability in person."
"Understood."
I followed Garp into the Fleet Admiral's office. Fleet Admiral Kong was sitting there, working on documents, just like in the anime.
"Oh~ so you're the merchant Taejin. I enjoyed your liquor. It was delicious. Great aroma."
"Nice to meet you, Fleet Admiral."
To demonstrate my ability, I pulled a bottle of premium liquor I'd made at the base from my inventory and placed it on the table. Since it was premium, the bottle was beautifully designed.
"This is a gift."
"Thank you for the gift. And that's your ability, I see."
"That's right."
"Honestly, I thought Garp was senile and spouting nonsense. Now I can believe it. Good. When we need supplies, we'll contact the Merchant's Island."
"Understood."
It seemed the base I built was now officially called 'Merchant's Island.' Then Garp cut in.
"What about me? I introduced you, didn't I?"
I already sent you so much, and you're asking for more? I pulled out another bottle and handed it to Garp.
"Bwahahaha! Much obliged."
With that, I secured another client. I left Marine Headquarters, boarded the Talaria, and headed for the New World. My goal was Whitebeard's ship, the Moby Dick.
I planned to sell to pirates too, of course—only the reasonable ones I could talk to. As before, I stopped at cities and villages along the way, asked for names, and kept moving.
After about five hours, the Moby Dick came into view. Since they'd seen me before, the crew didn't act hostile and waved, welcoming me warmly.
"Taejin, it's been a while! Rumor's going around that you're selling liquor now. Heard it's amazing."
Thatch greeted me first. The other crew members were the same. Word had already spread this far.
"Good to see you all again. I came to promote the liquor, and I bought a Transponder Snail so we can keep in touch now."
"Oh~ so we get to drink that famous liquor?"
I immediately pulled ten barrels of liquor from my inventory.
"This is a free promotional giveaway."
Wooo~~~!!
Everyone cheered at the word "free." Thatch quickly told the crew,
"Go tell Pops we're having a banquet!"
"Got it!"
Whitebeard and the resting crew members all came out after hearing the news.
"Oh~ so this is the liquor from the rumors. Taejin, you made this yourself?"
"Yes. It's a new product from our Merchant's Island. Please try it."
Whitebeard poured the liquor into a large cup and savored the aroma.
"Hmm~ excellent. Let's see."
Gulp, gulp.
The other crew members swallowed hard as they waited.
"Gurarara~ Good. Delicious. This is the first time I've had liquor like this. Alright! We're having a banquet today!"
Woooo~~~!!
Thatch kept bringing out food, and the crew laughed, talked, and drank. Then Whitebeard said to me,
"I heard you've been taking in war orphans on your island, feeding them and teaching them."
"Yes. You should share what you earn."
That was my line, but there were other reasons. It was more reliable to raise employees than hire strangers, and it helped circulate funds. If money only came in and never went out, all sorts of problems would arise. This was one of my preventive measures.
"Gurarara~ My instincts were right. Liquor made by someone like you tastes even better."
"Hahaha, you honor me."
We talked happily with the crew and drank until the next day. We ran out of liquor midway, so I pulled out ten more barrels. Thatch stopped cooking and joined the drinking.
The next day, the crew was sprawled across the deck, and only a few people were still conscious. Just the commanders were sitting, drinking and eating while talking.
Vista said,
"Whew~ Taejin, thanks for the liquor. It's been a while since I drank myself to death."
Marco agreed with him.
"It's so smooth it just goes down, yoi."
"I'm glad you all like it."
I had [Status Ailment Immunity], so I didn't get drunk. But these people were monsters. The liquor was quite strong, yet they drank all night and were still coherent. Drunk, but coherent.
"Alright, sons, let's rest now. And you."
"Yes."
"Sell us some liquor. I'll pay generously. And stay the night."
"Understood."
I was relieved Whitebeard liked it. I was assigned a room and went to sleep. When I woke up, I could hear the crew groaning from hangovers everywhere.
"Urgh… water…"
"Ugh… my head…"
I went to the mess hall and saw everyone shuffling around like zombies. After drinking until morning, it was only natural. Thatch spotted me and spoke.
"Taejin, you really can hold your liquor. I'm dying here."
"Ahaha… I have a constitution for it."
"I see. We have a lot of heavy drinkers here, but seeing you drink, we have to admit defeat."
Thatch handed me soup while nursing his hangover. I took a spoonful, and as expected, his cooking was excellent.
"Zehahahaha Taejin, you drank well last night!"
Teach came into the mess hall, sat across from me, and ate soup.
"Oh, right! I got a Devil Fruit. Want to see it?"
"Oh~ really?"
I pulled a Devil Fruit from my inventory and showed it to Teach. I already knew what it was. Teach examined it closely. He had memorized every Fruit, just in case he needed to steal one.
"Hmm… this is the Cat-Cat Fruit, Model: Black Cat."
"I see."
"Too bad, it's a useless one. If you find another, bring it. I'll appraise it for you."
"Will do."
I knew Teach's dark intentions, so I planned to only show him worthless Fruits occasionally. Anyway, we laughed and talked, and when it seemed time to go, I went up to the deck. They said they'd buy 40 barrels of liquor, so I pulled them out. Thatch paid, and he gave me more than I asked for.
"Pops said to buy candy for the kids with the extra."
"I see. Please thank him for me."
"Got it. Now that we can contact each other, we'll see each other often. Travel safe."
"Oh right! A service gift."
I pulled out a few bags of candy and handed them over.
"Right, this candy is delicious too."
"Eat too much and your teeth will rot. Have it only when you're bored."
"Hahaha, got it."
"See you next time."
"See you then."
I boarded the Talaria, flew to a nearby island, then teleported back to the base. The staff saw me arrive and rushed over.
"Boss Taejin, we have a problem. We're out of liquor. The merchants are all waiting in the lounge."
"That can't be? I made 500 barrels for sure."
"The thing is, Mariejois took 300 barrels at once… They bought out all the premium liquor too."
"Ah… the Celestial Dragons took it. Can't be helped."
I pulled the 300 barrels I had in my inventory and put them in the warehouse. That day we sold regular liquor, but we stopped selling premium. The merchants protested, but when they heard Mariejois took it, they all gave up.
The next day, I spent the entire day turning seawater into liquor with [Matter Manipulation]. I did it in my research lab, so there was no risk of exposure. I stored 1,000 barrels in the warehouse and 2,000 barrels in my inventory. I also made 500 bottles of premium liquor.
Then I went to the orphanage and told the kids this was a gift from a cool grandpa—Whitebeard—and handed out the candy. The kids immediately tried to tear open the wrappers, but Hina shouted,
"You brats! You should thank the grandpa who gave you candy!"
At that, the kids stopped and shouted in unison, "Thank you, Grandpa!" before eating. Hina watched with a warm smile and said,
"Hina's moved! I didn't know there were such good people. The world still has warmth."
"Y-yeah…"
Hina would faint if she found out that person was the Yonko Whitebeard.