Falling into the Cheering Sleepy Ancient Town

After arranging everything, Locke found Rheinhardt. Unknowingly, half a month had passed since he arrived on this island, and Locke was now preparing to leave for Punk Hazard.

In a restaurant, Locke encountered Rheinhardt. "Hello, Captain Locke," Rheinhardt greeted politely.

"Hmm," Locke replied calmly, contrasting Rheinhardt's polite greeting.

"Since we've met here, it's a good opportunity to talk," Locke said. "I'm planning to leave this island, but I'll leave Aeneas behind. I've already had my flag hung prominently in the harbour."

"Captain Locke, are you leaving so soon?" Rheinhardt asked, surprised. Although he knew Locke couldn't stay on the island for long, he was still taken aback by his departure after just half a month.

"Well, that's all I have to say. You can start looking for the country or island you're interested in. Once you've decided, let me know, and I'll send someone to assist you," Locke said calmly before turning and leaving.

Rheinhardt watched Locke's departing figure, a smile playing on his lips. "He's such a decisive man. But I do like men like him."

"Maria, inform those people to gather information on large islands suitable for our new nation. At the same time, have the Dark World contacts purchase a batch of firearms," 

Rheinhardt instructed Maria, who promptly left the restaurant to carry out the orders.

"Hehehe, my long-awaited dream is finally within my grasp. Indeed, I am the most outstanding among the generations of my family." Feast Cathedral.

"Aeneas, I'm entrusting this island to you. Remember, even if you have to risk your life, protect this cathedral for me. It's crucial for the future of our pirate crew," Locke earnestly instructed Aeneas.

"Ah, Captain Locke, rest assured. I'll guard this place with my life. No one will dare to cause trouble on this island with me here," Aeneas confidently assured.

Seeing Aeneas's confidence, Lox nodded in resignation. He had no doubts about Aeneas. After all, he had nurtured Aeneas from a young age. Aeneas was a natural-type Devil Fruit user and was compelling in both Haki and martial arts.

"Alright, I trust you with this," Lox said. With that, Locke didn't linger any longer. He had a lot on his plate.

An hour later, Locke left Sleepy Town on a pirate ship, disappearing into the Sleepy Town Sea, heading for the deep sea.

Rheinhardt finished his afternoon tea and, accompanied by Sister Maria, made his way to the town's central square.

"Maria, you can start." Upon Rheinhardt's command, Maria rang the large bell in the centre of the square.

"Dong!!!!" The loud sound of the bell instantly spread to every corner of the town.

"The assembly bell is ringing! Quick, to the central square!"

"Is something major happening? Is Count Rheinhardt going to announce something?"

"Stop chattering and get to the square, or you might end up in prison." All the town's residents, regardless of age or gender, put down what they were doing and headed toward the central square. 

In a matter of moments, tens of thousands of residents had gathered at the court, looking up at the platform where Count Rheinhardt stood. They waited for his announcement.

Rheinhardt nodded in satisfaction, observing the thousands of residents below. The feeling of controlling the lives of so many, being feared and admired by all, was truly incredible.

"So, this is power," Rheinhardt thought to himself.

"Everyone, quiet!" After savouring the moment, Rheinhardt raised his voice and silenced the murmurs below.

The previously noisy square fell into complete silence. Not even a pin drop could be heard.

Rheinhardt nodded in approval. 

"My beloved subjects, we have gathered here today because I have an important announcement to make."

"We, Sleepy Town, are about to conquer the next large island and establish a new nation!"

As Rheinhardt's words echoed through the square, the already quiet square became quieter.

"Oh?"

"Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh!"

"Hahaha! Is it true?"

"Long live Count Rheinhardt!" Within seconds, the previously silent square erupted into joyous cheers. All the residents of Sleepy Town were ecstatic.

They shouted their leader's name at the top of their lungs. They all eagerly anticipated the establishment of a new nation.

"Cheer! Rejoice! My subjects! With me, you shall rebuild the glory of the Francias Empire from eight hundred years ago!"

"Oh, oh, oh!"

"Long live! Long live!"

"Long live Count Rheinhardt!" The entire Sleepy Town plunged into a frenzy of celebration.

Feast Cathedral. Aeneas sat on the cathedral's roof, watching the town below celebrating.

"These guys are hopeless," he muttered. "But the more hopeless they become, the easier it is for our Locke Pirates to succeed." After watching, Aeneas jumped from the cathedral roof and entered the building.

"Hehehe, the dawn of a new era is not far away!" Rheinhardt, sensing something, glanced in the direction of the cathedral.

"Hehe, people's hearts can be quite useful." At sea, Locke's pirate ship sailed swiftly on the ocean waves.

"I have a feeling that the journey ahead will be even more interesting," Locke mused.