16 Chapter 16

A moment later, the agent spoke, their voice a cold, mechanical monotone that echoed the detached emotionlessness of their order. "The five elders wish to converse with you, Linlin."

Linlin, her eyes narrowing in suspicion, accepted the Den Den Mushi. The voice that emerged was ancient, rasping, yet imbued with an undeniable authority answered.

"Charlotte Linlin," the voice began, "we have observed your actions with great interest. Your strength is undeniable, your knowledge impressive and we both know your ambition won't stop in the Rocks Pirates." 

Linlin's grip tightened on the Den Den Mushi "And what do you want, Gorosei?" she retorted, her voice laced with defiance.

"We propose a bargain, Linlin," the voice continued, unfazed by her challenge. "During the conflict in the future, we will ask that you stand with us, not against us. In return we will offer you power, influence, and a place in the new world." 

Linlin's mind raced, calculating the risks and rewards of this proposition. Allying herself with the Gorosei was a dangerous gamble, but it also presented an opportunity to secure her own position and shape the future of the world.

"So you want me to betray Rocks?" she inquired, her voice now laced with a hint of interest.

"You were never loyal to Rocks in the first place. He took you ambitious lot by force so how much loyalty could you possibly have?" The old voice chuckled. 

"Pirates still have the law of pirates Gorosei! Betrayal is never a good name to hang on their heads."

"Does that mean you refuse?" The atmosphere suddenly turned very serious and the CP0 tensed up. If they were ordered to kill the woman, they would immediately do so. 

"It means…."

"You have to pay more." Linlin made the ok sign to signal for more money which looked cute and funny.

"..."

"As expected of a pirate." 

After that detailed plans were made by the two and the World government ship left and Linlin continued her harsh training. What exactly was the conversation between the two parties?

Well….

To Be Continued. 

Meanwhile in Linlin's new Totoland ocean area. 

The BIG MOM Pirates faced a daunting task when they took over the new Totoland, a new ocean area under their control. The islands had been ravaged by years of rule under notorious pirates, leaving it in a state of utter neglect. While the pirates themselves enjoyed a decent standard of living, the people of Totoland had been treated like slaves, subjected to exploitation and abuse.

Linlin was determined to change this. She envisioned Totoland as a place of peace and prosperity, where everyone could thrive. However, before any progress could be made, they had to address the island's dire condition.

Under Linlin's orders, Strueson, the efficient and resourceful butler, took charge of organizing the cleanup efforts. The task was immense, but Strueson's meticulous planning and leadership ensured that the work progressed steadily.

Before investing in construction and development on the thirty-five islands that made up Totoland, the BIG MOM Pirates had to establish a robust defensive perimeter. The pirate world was a treacherous place, and they needed to protect their investment from potential threats.

The original Totoland had relied on Territorial Sea Slugs, a monitoring system that proved ineffective due to its high cost and production limitations. Even the Marines, with their vast resources, had not deployed them extensively. As evidence, Whitebeard had managed to move freely underwater during the Paramount War without detection.

The treatment of civilians was another critical issue that demanded immediate attention. The pirates' rule had left the people impoverished, fearful, and devoid of hope. Linlin, despite her intimidating reputation, was determined to rectify this situation. 

Linlin's idea was to rectify the treatment of civilians extended beyond the immediate needs of food, shelter, and security. She recognized that true healing required addressing the deep-seated emotional scars left by years of oppression. After all, what was wrong with inspiring them to work and have a sense of belonging by paying them? As long as the ports were not open to the public, the civilian's money would still be theirs won't it?

But obviously the other pirates who had just joined weren't happy about this. Instead of paying those peasants, why not pay them more? This caused massive backlash both bright and dark which caused the stagnation of the various plans to integrate the civilian population.

"Huh why should those pariahs get money? They can only do what we tell them too. Pirates aren't a charity group!" 

"Brother keep your voice down lest a homie hears something it shouldn't." 

"Hmph! The BIG MOM pirate group is playing house! What if they hear me? There are so many other pirates who think the same as I do. Are they going to kill all of us?" 

Some of them nodded, despite being drunk their brother made sense. Not all of them willingly joined the regiment and now giving money away to those they bullied before felt worse than killing them. 

But little did they know those who did not only were marked into a little black book. 

"No one can stop Mama's plan. Nobody." 

Obviously it wouldn't be good to just kill off your subordinates just because they hold a different opinion, well maybe one or two is fine once in a while but definitely not a whole group. That's definitely a big taboo. 

But that doesn't mean there aren't ways to deal with them. Even pirates have politics, that's the way the world works.