One Piece:The Merchant King of Grand Line

The Merchant King of the Grand Line

Chapter 5: A Noble Connection

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The Power Behind the Curtain

A noble family funding secret Devil Fruit research.

That wasn't just interesting—it was dangerous.

The World Government had an iron grip on technology, especially anything related to Devil Fruits. If some high-ranking noble was secretly investing in this, it meant one of two things:

1. They were acting outside the Government's knowledge, which meant they had something to hide.

2. They had permission, meaning this wasn't just some private experiment—it was a controlled project.

Either way, I needed to find them.

And Garrick, being the information broker that he was, had already set up a way for me to do so.

"There's an exclusive auction happening in two weeks," he told me. "High society, private attendees only. The kind of people who don't mix with pirates or warlords. One of the families involved in this Devil Fruit business will be there."

I leaned back, considering. "And how exactly do I get in?"

Garrick smirked. "That's the easy part. You buy your way in."

I smirked back. That's my specialty.

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Entering the World of Nobility

The auction was being held on Crescent Isle, a small, privately owned island deep in the Grand Line.

It wasn't a black-market auction like the one before. This was high society—wealthy merchants, nobility, and people who operated behind the scenes.

I couldn't walk in as a rising criminal entrepreneur. No, I needed to play the part of a respectable businessman.

Which meant:

A new identity: I adjusted my background to be a distant heir of a powerful but obscure trade house.

Proper attire: Nobles didn't deal with people who dressed like pirates. A custom-tailored suit, black and gold, exuding power but not arrogance.

A valuable offer: If I wanted high-ranking connections, I needed to offer something they couldn't ignore.

So I prepared something special: a shipment of ultra-rare Seastone jewelry, crafted from pure Seastone dust infused into platinum.

A luxury product with practical use—something that would be desirable to the right kind of people.

With all that in place, I set sail.

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The Auction of Kings and Shadows

Crescent Isle was a fortress disguised as a paradise. The moment I arrived, I was greeted by a security detail that made it clear—this wasn't just a casual trade event.

Nobles, secret brokers, and even rogue Cipher Pol agents mingled in an environment where deals were made with whispers, not swords.

I played my role perfectly—not too eager, not too arrogant. Just another rich merchant looking for profitable alliances.

But my real goal?

To identify the noble family connected to Dr. Kreig.

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The Wrong Kind of Attention

It didn't take long.

During a high-stakes private bidding session, I overheard a conversation that caught my interest.

A nobleman—Lord Dorian Rensfeld—was discussing a recent acquisition with another guest.

"The samples have been promising," Rensfeld murmured. "Our researcher says we're close to stabilizing the formula."

That was it.

I casually approached the table, taking a seat across from him, sipping my wine as if I belonged there. "Apologies for the interruption, Lord Rensfeld," I said smoothly. "But I couldn't help overhearing something fascinating."

His eyes narrowed slightly. "And you are?"

I introduced myself as Victor Lancaster, heir to a powerful but distant trade family.

"I deal in rare and exotic goods," I continued, lowering my voice slightly. "And I happen to be quite interested in breakthroughs regarding… certain unique biological enhancements."

Rensfeld's expression didn't change, but I knew I had his attention.

"I assume you're well-informed enough to know that certain… projects are not up for discussion," he said coldly.

I smiled. "I don't need details. Just an opportunity. I'm in the business of investments, after all."

There was a moment of tense silence.

Then, surprisingly, he smirked. "You're either very bold or very foolish, Mr. Lancaster."

I leaned forward slightly. "I prefer the term ambitious."

Rensfeld chuckled. "Very well. Perhaps we should continue this conversation… privately."

Bingo.

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The Invitation to Secrets

Later that night, I was escorted to a private chamber within the estate. The atmosphere had shifted—this was no longer an auction, but something far more dangerous.

Rensfeld poured himself a drink, motioning for me to sit. "You wish to invest in our… project?"

I nodded. "But not blindly. I prefer to know what I'm funding."

He studied me for a long moment. "You must understand, Mr. Lancaster, the research we're engaged in is… delicate. Many would not approve."

I smirked. "Innovation is rarely approved of. Especially when it threatens the existing power structures."

His eyes gleamed. That was the right answer.

He set his drink down. "We are working to create a superior form of Devil Fruit. One that does not rely on the… uncertainties of nature."

Artificial Devil Fruits. The real deal.

"Of course," he continued, "true perfection requires time and… resources."

That was his way of saying they needed money.

I leaned back, pretending to consider. "And if I were to provide said resources?"

Rensfeld smiled. "Then, my dear Mr. Lancaster, you would be investing in the future of power itself."

I pretended to think, but in reality?

I had already won.

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Why This Was My Biggest Score Yet

I now had direct access to the people funding Devil Fruit research.

I had gained their trust by presenting myself as a fellow investor.

This meant I could control the flow of their funding.

And if I controlled the funding?

I controlled their research.

Rensfeld didn't realize it yet, but he had just let a wolf into his den.

I wasn't just going to invest in their project.

I was going to own it.

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Next Chapter: The Scientist Behind the Curtain

(Victor meets Dr. Kreig and begins manipulating the research from within.)