Return to Availiton

Chapter 147: Return to Availiton

Availiton had taken the right path with the help of Robin and others. Everything was developing as Rodney had envisioned it.

Freedom within an order.

As long as one didn't break the law, nobody would interfere. As long as one didn't infringe upon others' interests, nobody would bother them.

In just a month or two, Availiton had transformed into a place where the happiness of the people was exceptionally high. The residents sang praises for Rodney because he had brought them peace, expelled the pirates, and ensured their safety and well-being.

Children sang rhymes about Rodney, for he had built schools for them to gain knowledge and make companions. They learned from Robin that the world was vast and that they were small in comparison.

After finishing today's lessons, Robin stretched and yawned. Her beautiful smile and graceful figure left the male teachers dumbstruck. She smiled gently and expressed satisfaction with today's teachings. Some of the children were genuinely interested in history.

"Teacher Robin, when is the next class?" 

A plainly dressed girl caught up and looked at Robin with big, expectant eyes.

"Marsha, the next class will be in half a month. I'm quite busy, but isn't Teacher Brook's music class starting soon? Don't you all enjoy his lessons as well?"

Marsha nodded and said, "Teacher Brook might look strange, but he's a really good person. His singing is also beautiful, and we really like it."

The music that struck right into the depths of the soul was what enchanted these children the most.

The Rumbar Pirates' strength was indescribably powerful. Music was suitable for all age groups; it was just that different age groups liked different types. For this group of children, Brook's singing was what touched them the most.

Let them experience the beauty of this world, yearn for a beautiful world, and not grow up in ugliness.

As the saying goes, the environment influences a child's growth. Just as Doflamingo had said: "Children who know not of 'peace' and children who know not of 'war' possess entirely different values!"

Rodney had always strongly agreed with this statement. Different environments and experiences led to different perspectives on matters once the children grew up. Hence, this was why he brought these children out.

Although the children's values had been influenced to some extent by the money-centric values of Gran Tesoro, it wasn't too late to correct them. With some time and effort, they could be steered away from a money-centric mindset. 

However, even if they were corrected, they might still have a stronger inclination towards pursuing wealth compared to their peers.

There was no helping it. As long as they didn't become overly focused on profit like in Tesoro, it was acceptable.

Why had he entrusted these children to Rodney?

Because these children were dispensable to him. They were just the right bargaining chips for him to obtain a considerable benefit.

"Robin, Rodney is back with a group of children," someone suddenly approached and said.

"Finally back, and with guests?" Robin was slightly surprised, but upon thinking about the children, she figured it out. Rodney must have adopted a group of children from somewhere.

That man seemed to be carrying on the will of Queen Otohime and the others.

Not carrying on, but rather acknowledging.

Rodney agreed with their ideas and was prepared to implement them. However, he wouldn't carry on their will.

Their will was better off being carried on by the Fish-Men.

"Alright, let's go then. Let's see who Captain brought back this time." Robin picked up her book and walked towards the port.

At the port, Rodney and Fujitora disembarked. "Mr. Fujitora, welcome to my territory, Avellone. It's the land I've put so much effort into building."

Fujitora looked around at the clean and orderly streets, where people walked with genuine smiles on their faces. Children ran and played freely. After seeing Rodney, the people crowded around, welcoming him.

"Welcome back, Captain Rodney!"

"Yeah, I'm back."

"Captain Rodney, we learned a lot at school today."

"Really? Studying diligently makes you good kids."

"Robin looks so beautiful. I want to marry Teacher Robin!"

"You little rascal, how about you grow some teeth first? Your front teeth were stolen, weren't they?"

Easily blending into the commoners, someone asked, "Rodney, who are these children..."

On the ship, a group of children peeked over the edge, somewhat apprehensive of the people below.

"These are our new residents in Availiton. Children, go and welcome them. They come from a difficult place, so treat them kindly."

"Yes!!" The children chimed in unison.

"Bring some women over to take the children for baths. Then, send them all to the Children's Playground. By the way, is the playground ready?"

The Children's Playground here was actually an orphanage. However, Rodney thought that name was rather unappealing and might disturb the children's nerves, so he changed it. Of course, the place was equipped with some basic amusement facilities.

"Alright, it's ready. We finished setting up the basic facilities shortly after you left. We just needed people to move in," Robin gracefully approached with a smile. 

"Welcome back, Captain!"

"Good, do what needs to be done and send the children over. Robin, give an introduction. This is Mr. Fujitora and Mr. Fujitora, this is my secretary and crew member, Miss Robin."

They exchanged nods to greet each other.

"So, Robin, what happened during the days I was away?"

"Vinsmoke Judge called. He's compromised, so he's asking you to find a place and return his sons to him." Robin smiled and said, "It's not easy to make that stubborn man compromise. It seems you have a way, Captain."

"Hmph! A naive and weak guy like him has nothing to worry about. It's only a matter of time before he compromises." Rodney shook his head. 

Vinsmoke Judge was more suited for research than politics. It was quite normal for him to be deceived. Just like when Germa was about to be assimilated during Sanji's wedding, his inherent weakness was exposed, which was quite comical. 

Negotiating with Big Mom—wasn't that seeking death? Big Mom could devour Vinsmoke Judge and leave not even a bone behind. Wanting to use their power to make Germa rise while being devoured by Big Mom was pure delusion.

Beneath his arrogance lay naivety and weakness.

"Alright, Mr. Fujitora, you're free to roam. I have a lot of work to do too." Rodney waved his hand and left with Robin.

"Is that so? Let me see, Magician Rodney, your justice and breadth of mind." Fujitora walked into the streets of Availiton, beginning his journey.

He wanted to witness Rodney's sense of justice.

After hearing about what happened during his absence from Robin, Rodney nodded and said, "Everything is going according to plan. I've brought Doflamingo and Tesoro here. The weapon factory is about to be established, and the second phase of the plan can begin soon."

"Captain, your plan may prove difficult to implement."

"And so what? Only I can carry out this

 plan. Well, you can too, Robin. Doesn't your Flower-Flower Fruit allow you to use clones?"

"I'm still practicing, but I'm close to mastering it. My ability is far less convenient than yours, Captain."

"In that case, I'll handle the mission personally with the help of my own clone. We just need to wait for the completion of the weapon factory, which will take some time." 

Rodney had a detailed plan. He intended to infiltrate the underworld as an arms dealer, granting himself the authority to speak. His weapon? Well, he had plans for that as well.

"So, what's next? Let's deal with that guy, Vinsmoke Judge. I've been eyeing his Beli and Devil Fruit for a long time." Rodney chuckled. He had spent a considerable amount of time getting under Judge's skin just for this moment.