New World, Peach Spring.
The enormous conference room in Shandora, the capital of the Xia Kingdom.
It was packed with people.
Apart from Lott, Robin, and Kuro, everyone present was a leader of one of the many nations and islands.
Of course, the three newcomers from Golden Island were there too.
Lott sat at the head of the table, looking at everyone in the conference room with a touch of wistfulness.
He had never expected that, in just over a year, his two-person team would grow into such a large family.
"Peach Spring is now on track and developing steadily. None of this would have been possible without everyone's efforts."
At Lott's words, everyone responded modestly.
"Not at all. We're only doing our own work."
"It's all because Lord Lott's ideas are so far ahead of their time."
"The members of the Lott Pirates have contributed the most."
"You're too modest, Lord Lott. You're the one working hardest."
Lott was unimpressed by all this flattery.
He waved a hand and said, "Actually, we haven't done all that well.
"I'm sure your countries all have their own customs, and some kingdoms with different customs have ended up right next to each other.
"You've had to put up with a lot."
With that, Lott bowed to everyone.
Everyone froze at the sight.
Although they were all leaders of a country or an island, they now belonged to Peach Spring.
And as the ruler of Peach Spring, Lott was naturally their superior.
Even setting that aside, Lott was also the world's strongest pirate, its strongest man.
Yet he had actually bowed to them.
Cobra, Umbel, Tesoro, and the others were especially shaken by the sight.
They also felt fortunate that they had chosen to join Peach Spring.
With a leader who did not