One Piece: Groudon of Beast Pirates

Time passed day by day.

As news of the upcoming launch of Hachinosu Island's community hit the newspapers, forces from all sides began to gather, especially the Underworld Emperors who had caught the scent of opportunity.

The name of the community was officially decided—

Fortuna Community.

On the walls flanking the community's entrance, myths of Fortuna were specially engraved, particularly those of the Two Gods of Fortuna.

Thousands of years ago,

The evil Sea God Kyogre raised towering waves in an attempt to drown the land, while the righteous Land God Groudon emerged from the volcanoes to wage a desperate battle against Kyogre, protecting humanity's home.

In the end, the righteous Groudon triumphed over the evil Kyogre!

As for Caterpie—it had no role in this story.

"Groudon..."

Stussy stood beneath the city wall, gazing at the mythological tale carved into the stone. The image of Groudon, identical to Gurd's transformed state, finally resolved the doubts in her heart.

Though she didn't know which region this myth originated from, it didn't matter—there were far too many ancient legends across the world.

The important thing was that she now understood Gurd's ability.

Dragon-Dragon Fruit, Mythical Zoan, Groudon Form!

Based on initial judgment, Groudon's appearance closely resembled that of a dinosaur, so classifying it under the Dragon-Dragon Fruit shouldn't be an issue.

Stussy felt considerably more at ease.

Regarding intelligence on Gurd, especially his abilities, she had gathered nearly everything. The only missing piece was his interpersonal relationships.

From her investigations, Gurd held an exceptionally high position within the Beasts Pirates—not just high, but extraordinarily so.

He might even be the vice-captain!

Even "King the Conflagration" personally paid his respects.

But she had no intention of digging further into this. The information she already had was more than enough to fulfill her mission.

She wanted to go home.

Stussy shook off her thoughts and stepped into the community.

"I wonder what this is about."

Gurd had called her, saying there was something important to discuss, but the grand opening of Fortuna Community was still days away.

What could that man possibly want?

"Oh, what a beautiful place!"

Walking beneath the dense shade of trees, Stussy admired the lush greenery and blooming flowers lining the pathways, her mood lifting instantly.

It was an exceptionally beautiful community.

Even with her discerning eye, she couldn't find a single flaw. In fact, she was utterly astonished—it was hard to believe such a place had been built by a rough man like Gurd.

Clean, elegant, thoughtfully designed, and equipped with numerous convenient public facilities—it almost rivaled Mary Geoise.

Having traveled extensively, she had rarely seen residential areas that prioritized greenery and public amenities, let alone executed them so flawlessly.

For a moment, she even felt the urge to settle down here.

"Could Gurd really be this meticulous?"

Stussy was skeptical.

She knew Gurd wasn't as crude as he appeared—that was merely a facade. The real Gurd was shrewd and calculating.

The more she learned about him, the more she realized what a formidable man he was. But something as specialized as urban planning was hard to associate with pirates.

"Lady Stussy!"

Chikara jogged up to Stussy, panting heavily. After catching her breath, she bowed respectfully. "Lady Stussy, Lord Gurd sent me to escort you."

"Chikara."

Stussy looked at Chikara, a genuine smile gracing her lips.

"Let's go."

"Yes, Lady Stussy."

The two strolled along the main path.

Suddenly, Stussy spoke up.

"Chikara, how is your mother?"

"Mother... Mother has already passed away from illness."

Chikara's eyes reddened.

A few years ago, she and her mother had been expelled from the Holy Land to the lower world, then captured by pirates and sold to a human auction house. However, the auction house didn't dare to sell them, and in the end, she was sent to the Slave Arena on Champion Island.

During that time, her mother passed away from illness.

"I'm sorry."

Stussy wore an apologetic expression.

Back in the Holy Land, she had met Chikara and her mother and knew the exact reason they had been cast down. Compared to other slaves, the two had been relatively fortunate.

"It's alright, Lady Stussy."

Chikara shook her head, forcing a smile.

She couldn't let her sorrow show.

After walking for a while, the two stopped in front of an imposing three-story building, towering at fifty meters tall.

Fortuna Community Property Management Office!

"Lady Stussy, we've arrived."

Chikara gave a slight bow. "Lord Gurd is currently meeting with guests. Please wait in the lounge for a while. I'll prepare tea for you."

"Thank you."

Stussy sat down, crossing her fair legs, her gaze subtly drifting toward the other side of the hall.

There were several giants there.

"The New Giant Warrior Pirates?"

Currently, the only active giants in the New World were those led by Hajrudin of the New Giant Warrior Pirates. Their captain, Hajrudin, was known as the strongest mercenary, traveling between major battlefields.

It seemed the guest Gurd was entertaining was Hajrudin.

Could it be that the Beasts Pirates were seeking an alliance with the giants?

Stussy's expression grew more serious.

It was fortunate she had come. The World Government had no knowledge of such crucial intelligence. If the Beasts Pirates gained the strength of the giants, they would undoubtedly become the strongest pirate crew.

Even if it wasn't an alliance, allowing the Beasts to make contact with the giants couldn't be ignored.

First floor, reception room.

Hajrudin sat on a sofa—a couch large enough to seat ten people—yet beneath him, it looked like a tiny stool.

Hajrudin stared down at Gurd and asked gravely, "Mr. Gurd, tell me—where did you learn the Elbaf Spear?"

"Ah, that."

Gurd didn't hide it, explaining how Big Mom had taught it to Kaido, who in turn had taught it to him.

"So it was Linlin!"

Hajrudin's heart sank.

He had already suspected this outcome. The only human who could have learned the Elbaf Spear was Linlin, who had once lived in Elbaf.

In truth, the Elbaf Spear was a combat technique unique to the giants. Ordinary humans could never master it.

But clearly, the man before him was no ordinary human. Like Linlin, he possessed strength rivaling that of the giants.

After a long silence, Hajrudin asked,

"What do you want from me?"

"I want you to join the Beasts Pirates!"

Gurd answered honestly.

Hajrudin immediately shook his head in refusal.

"Sorry, but I will never serve under anyone!"

"Fair enough."

Gurd shrugged, having expected Hajrudin's reaction.

Every major faction had tried to recruit the giants. If Hajrudin had agreed just because he asked, that would have been strange.

He had no favors to call in with Hajrudin, nor a "God Usopp" to save the day. Replicating the Dressrosa situation was impossible.

That was the protagonist's unique charm, after all.

Best to take it slow. No need to rush.

"Hajrudin, you're a mercenary, right?"

"That's right."

Hajrudin nodded.

After forming the New Giant Warrior Pirates and setting sail, the first problem he faced was money. In the world of humans, everything required funds.

Now his team had four members, and just food and drink alone were a huge expense. They had no money and found it difficult to adapt to living among humans.

With no other choice, they could only become mercenaries to earn money.

Gurd's smile faded as his expression turned serious.

"Hajrudin, I want to hire you!"

"Hire me?"

Hajrudin perked up immediately.

Business had arrived!

Gurd took out a briefcase and poured stacks of Berries onto the table, a sinister smirk curling at the corner of his mouth.

"Not just you—I plan to hire your entire team for a major job!"

"Money is no object!"

--Support me in Patreon for more chapters 35+ chapters in there 

patreon.com/GoddessTL

Thanks!