Trader In The World Of Pirates!!!

(Please add it to your Library! Please send Power Stones! Thank you! 

For more chapters, visit my patreon.com/LazySeeker)

---

Three days later.

On an uninhabited island in the New World.

"Ugh…"

With a groan of pain, Big Mom, who had been unconscious for three days, slowly opened her eyes.

"Where… is this?"

As she glanced at the clear sky, watching a few unfamiliar birds fly by, Big Mom furrowed her brow in confusion.

"You're finally awake, Linlin."

A deep, resonant voice echoed from nearby.

'Thud.'

A bag of wild fruit dropped in front of her.

The next moment, a towering figure, several meters tall, emerged from the forest.

"Kaido…"

Big Mom's eyes were dazed, her memory seemingly fragmented from the overuse of her soul powers.

She asked in confusion, "Why are we… in this place?"

"Did you forget?"

Kaido frowned, pointing at the scar on her body.

After enduring Zoro's full-powered strike, even a world-class powerhouse like Big Mom had not recovered easily.

Although three days had passed, the wounds on her body still showed little improvement.

Without external intervention, this injury would likely leave a permanent scar, just like the one Oden had left on Kaido all those years ago.

In fact…

It could be even worse.

After all, Zoro's attack was in a league of its own, far more deadly than Oden's.

At Kaido's words, sharp pain shot through Big Mom's body, reminding her of her injuries.

"This…"

She touched the large wound that had been hastily bandaged—a deep gash running diagonally across her torso. As she moved, fresh blood oozed from the wound.

But neither Big Mom nor Kaido flinched at the sight of such a horrific injury.

For them, veterans of the old era, scars and pain were simply part of life's struggle.

After a moment, Big Mom seemed to recall something, and a flash of fear crossed her eyes.

She quickly scanned her surroundings, and after confirming they were no longer in Wano, she turned to Kaido and asked,

"So… we lost, didn't we?"

"…"

Kaido remained silent, but his heavy sigh told her everything. He sat down on the ground, picked up a wild fruit, and began to eat.

Seeing this, Big Mom's expression grew solemn.

As rulers of the seas for decades and two of the Four Emperors, neither had ever imagined they would one day face such a crushing defeat.

Big Mom picked up the fruit in front of her, gazing out at the endless sea, and spoke quietly:

"Where are my children… and your men?"

"They… should all be dead," Kaido replied, his voice filled with depression.

"I see."

Big Mom bit into the fruit, her teeth sinking deep with a loud 'crunch'.

Juice splattered everywhere.

But neither of them spoke again.

The two emperors sat on the shore in silence, staring out at the vast horizon.

It wasn't until the sun had drifted from overhead to the edge of the sea that Kaido finally broke the silence again:

"Linlin… do you think…"

"Are we really getting old?"

"Old?"

Big Mom let out a strange chuckle.

"That old fool Whitebeard is still playing around out there…"

"Compared to him, we're nowhere near 'old.'"

"You're right."

Kaido sighed deeply.

"It's just…"

"This time, it feels like we're no longer riding the crest of the era's wave."

After witnessing Zoro's power, Kaido had come to a stark realization—this world had evolved into something far beyond what he once understood.

A major part of his obsession with Wano stemmed from an ancient prophecy he had heard long ago...

It foretold that Joy Boy, a figure destined to change the world, would appear in Wano.

At first, Kaido was convinced that 'he' would be the Joy Boy of prophecy.

But over time, as his knowledge of history deepened, Kaido came to understand...

The "Joy Boy" of prophecy was not him.

Yet, this realization did not disturb him much.

If the prophecy wasn't about him, he could simply choose not to believe in it.

Through his dealings with Orochi, Kaido learned many of Wano's hidden secrets, and he grew certain that the country held some profound mystery. That's why he had led the Beasts Pirates to settle there.

But unexpectedly…

Instead of finding Joy Boy, he was greeted by the dimensional merchant's arrival and Doflamingo's treachery.

With the spread of dimensional trade, the entire world had changed irreversibly.

The wheel of time had mercilessly crushed him—an old remnant of a bygone era—beneath its weight.

Even as a trader, he couldn't escape the fate of his defeat.

This time, it wasn't just his own downfall.

He had dragged the Big Mom Pirates and his own crew into this collapse.

That was why Kaido spoke with such emotion now...

Perhaps, after all, he was too old to step into the new era.

Still, he pitied the loyal followers who had sailed with him for so long.

Kaido knew that after this battle, Doflamingo would never give him another chance. His subordinates were surely in grave danger now.

Kaido didn't place too much blame on Doflamingo or Zoro for what happened.

After all, he had been the one to initiate the attack on Wano. It was just that the enemy was more skilled and had outmatched them. In the same way that Kaido had treated countless challengers on the seas before, victory belonged to the strong, and only the winner had the right to claim everything.

Kaido had come to terms with reality and had completely given up on pursuing the secrets hidden within Wano. Now, all he wanted was to gather enough strength to earn points and resurrect his fallen subordinates.

But…

"The price for Ho-Oh's Feather is 5,000 points, and a Devil Fruit is worth less than 2,000. Can I really resurrect all my subordinates before my time runs out?"

Kaido thought helplessly.

Suddenly…

A strange male voice echoed in his mind.

"Don't worry."

Kaido: ???

"Who's there?!"

Kaido shot to his feet, looking around in panic, fearing that Doflamingo had found them.

But in the next instant, to his shock, a voice materialized before him like a stream of light, gradually forming a figure.

"Good afternoon, Mr. Kaido, Mrs. Linlin."

Under the golden glow of the setting sun, Leo appeared, bowing elegantly before Kaido and Big Mom.

"You… you're…"

Big Mom's weathered face suddenly twisted in shock as she exclaimed, "The Dimensional Merchant Leo?!"

Even though Big Mom had never personally dealt with Leo in the past—having conducted all her trades through Enel—there wasn't a soul in the seas who didn't recognize Leo's identity by now.

Immediately, Big Mom, despite her serious injuries, became visibly excited, ignoring the deep wound that had nearly split her in two as she rose to her feet. 

Even though Big Mom stood at 8.8 meters and Kaido at 7.1 meters, they both felt like children before a strict headmaster in the presence of Leo.

"Yes, that's me."

Leo smiled, confirming his identity with a nod.

Kaido, unable to contain his excitement, quickly asked, "To what do we owe the honor of your presence, Sir Leo?"

Since Leo had begun traveling the world years ago, very few had seen him. Even when Leo returned to the pirate world, he spent most of his time vacationing, leaving all dimensional transactions to his subordinates like Enel and the Rocket Trio. With their help, the Pokémon League and dimensional commerce operated smoothly, allowing Leo to relax and enjoy his time.

Yet despite his leisurely lifestyle, Leo's mobile Rotoms had kept him informed of everything significant happening in the world. No one in the pirate world understood the importance of intelligence better than Leo.

That's why when Kaido was preparing his assault on Wano, Leo already knew about it. The outcome of this unexpected war didn't surprise him in the least.

After twice receiving the life essence's blessings, Zoro's talent had skyrocketed to world-class levels, surpassing the boundaries of the pirate world. In a few years, Zoro would likely surpass even legends like Rayleigh and Roger. Combined with the power of Pokémon abilities, it was entirely possible for him to defeat the most vulnerable of the Four Emperors—Big Mom.

This was precisely why Leo had decided to interrupt his vacation and shift his attention to this situation.

As for the reason why…

Leo was planning to recruit capable individuals from the pirate world to join his "Transdimensional Chamber of Commerce" and help expand his influence across different worlds.

Both Kaido and Big Mom, with their immense strength and experience, were prime candidates. They had suffered a crushing defeat, but that defeat had also awakened something in them—a mental clarity and an eagerness to rise again. And with the deaths of their subordinates and children, they had a strong motivation to earn points.

With the right cultivation, these two could become excellent dimensional merchants.

Leo got straight to the point, smiling as he explained his proposition to Kaido and Big Mom.

But…

Upon hearing that Leo was inviting them to join the Transdimensional Chamber of Commerce and become merchants who transcended worlds, both of their expressions twisted into one of disbelief.

"You… you're serious, Sir Leo?!"

Kaido's eyes blazed with excitement, his heart pounding in his chest.

Though Kaido was known for his brute strength, his cunning mind was one of the sharpest in the seas, second only to perhaps Shanks. The same went for Big Mom beside him.

To possess supreme power above the world and transcend into other dimensions?

Such an opportunity was irresistible!

No one would turn it down.

"Of course I'm serious," Leo responded casually.

But to Big Mom and Kaido, Leo's words were like a divine proclamation, leaving their minds reeling with excitement.

Life, as it often does, had thrown them to their lowest point—only to present them with the greatest opportunity of their lives.

Without a moment's hesitation, Kaido and Big Mom exchanged a glance, then immediately nodded in unison, saying:

"We accept!!!"

Leo laughed. "A wise decision!"

"But…" 

Leo's tone shifted, and instantly, both Kaido and Big Mom were on edge, hanging on his every word.

Leo continued, "Although I believe both of you have great potential to become exceptional dimensional merchants..." 

"But before you officially take on the role, I'll need to put you through some training and tests."

"If you can't pass them, then I'm afraid I'll have to say my regrets to both of you."

"This..." 

Kaido and Big Mom immediately tensed up and asked in unison, "What are the details of this training and these tests, Sir Leo?"

"Is there a strength assessment? Can we pass with our current abilities?"

Having witnessed Zoro's immense power, their former pride as the world's top powerhouses had taken a hit. Both feared that Leo might present them with an impossibly difficult challenge, causing them to miss out on this rare opportunity.

"Hahaha, don't worry." 

Leo chuckled, sensing their concern. He reassured them, "The training and tests have nothing to do with your physical strength. They are primarily focused on the skills needed for dimensional transactions."

"Of course, there will be some requirements around behavior, demeanor, and etiquette, but don't worry—these are basic rules that almost everyone can pass."

"The training will last about a year. If you successfully complete it, you'll become qualified dimensional merchants!"

Hearing this, Kaido was relieved. He glanced at Big Mom, then immediately knelt on one knee, lowering his proud head, and said, "Rest assured, Sir Leo, I will pass the test and become a qualified dimensional merchant in your eyes!"

"Me... me too!" 

Big Mom followed suit, kneeling as well, though her injury and large frame made her movements rather awkward.

Seeing them take the bait, Leo's smile widened slightly. With a wave of his hand, a mysterious energy enveloped Kaido and Big Mom.

"In that case," Leo said, "let's begin the training right now!"

As soon as he spoke, Kaido and Big Mom felt their vision blur. In the next moment, they found themselves transported away from the desolate island and into a strange, all-white space.

Huh?

Leo's figure appeared behind them, and under their confused gazes, he explained with a smile, "This is the Hyperbolic Time Chamber, a magical space where a year here equates to only one month in the pirate world. It's perfect for you two to learn everything you need to know about becoming dimensional merchants."

"And furthermore..." 

Leo waved his hand again, and suddenly Jessie, from the Team Rocket Trio, appeared beside him.

Jessie was dressed in an elegant gown that accentuated her graceful figure. Her long pink hair cascaded down her back, and she held a black gothic-style parasol.

Mature, alluring, intellectual, and enchanting—all these qualities combined seamlessly in her appearance. 

However, among those present, the only woman was Big Mom, and Leo and Kaido had long since moved beyond such concerns, leaving no one to truly appreciate Jessie's professional look.

Leo introduced her, "This is my assistant, Miss Jessie. I'm sure you've heard of her."

"She'll be staying in the Hyperbolic Time Chamber with you for the next year, guiding you both through the training. I hope you study hard, and I look forward to seeing your progress."

Kaido and Big Mom exchanged glances before responding in unison, "Rest assured, Sir Leo! We will study diligently and meet your expectations!!!"

"Hahaha... I'm counting on it..." 

With a laugh, Leo's figure faded from the chamber.

As he disappeared, Jessie pulled out a pointer that appeared out of thin air, signaling that the training for the prospective dimensional merchants had officially begun!