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The ship had fewer people this time: only Nami, Soi Fon, Kuchiki Rukia, and Matsumoto Rangiku.
A few days later, the ship sailed into the waters near Slippy Island (Silipu Dao). The island housed only one small nation, the Yadaru Kingdom. The entire nation's economy was primarily based on agricultural plantations. The populace consisted mainly of tenant farmers who had essentially sold themselves into service. It was a classic slave nation.
Auguro swept the area with his Observation Haki (Kenbunshoku Haki) and found nothing unusual near the port.
"Let's dock first. We'll go ashore and have a look," Auguro said, turning around. For some reason, even though the entire port looked fine, Auguro felt that something was amiss.
After they disembarked, a man who looked like a small vendor actively approached them, smiling ingratiatingly.
"Good Sirs! Would you like to buy some fruit? Our plantation fruit is the best around!" He carried a shoulder pole with bamboo baskets on both ends filled with apples and pears.
Auguro glanced at them. The quality was decent. He casually bought a bag for the ladies to snack on as they walked. The vendor happily took the money and went off to look for new customers.
"Where was Jabra's last known location?" Auguro asked.
Soi Fon remembered clearly.
"It was a hotel near the Royal Palace. I remember it was called 'Summer Night's Dream'."
The group asked for directions to the hotel and headed straight there. Along the way, Auguro kept his Observation Haki active, but he still saw nothing strange. In fact, it was surprisingly peaceful!
There wasn't even a single petty thief or thug.
"This country seems very well-governed," Auguro commented with some emotion.
Soon, the group arrived at the Summer Night's Dream hotel. Auguro extended his Observation Haki again, but still found no trace of Jabra and his men. Frustrated, he had no choice but to ask the hotel owner.
"Boss, the scenery and public safety here are excellent! You must get a lot of outsiders coming here for tourism and business, right?"
The owner swelled with pride. "
Absolutely! Since King Landt took the throne, our nation has gotten better every day!"
"Just between you and me, only a few days ago, a group of foreigners were planning to buy land and settle here!"
Auguro's eyes flashed, and he smiled.
"Who might that be? Could you introduce me? Maybe I could even partner with them for some business!"
The owner didn't suspect a thing and said directly, "They bought a piece of barren land about twenty li (approx. 10 km) south of the city and are building houses now! Just follow the main road, and you'll see them!"
After thanking the owner, the group immediately flew out of the city. Auguro carried Nami, and the group traveled through the air, quickly arriving at the barren land the owner had mentioned!
A sweep with his Observation Haki, and Auguro couldn't help but chuckle in exasperation. Jabra was actually building a house! He and his six subordinates were utterly busy, scrambling to work!
The group landed on the barren land, and Auguro shouted impatiently.
"Jabra! What in the world are you doing?"
Jabra and his men turned, saw Auguro, and were instantly terrified.
"Greetings, Soul King-sama!" Jabra knelt on one knee respectfully.
"Enough! Explain to me why you are building a house here and why you cut off contact with Water Seven?"
Jabra was initially stunned, then looked embarrassed.
"Reporting to Soul King-sama, I was simply too busy and forgot to make contact!"
Soi Fon immediately flew into a rage.
"Busy? Busy building a house here?"
"What, are you planning to quit the Shadow Dragon Guard and settle down here?"
Jabra panicked, quickly lowering his head.
"Your subordinate would never dare! I was indeed negligent this time! But there was a reason. Please allow me to explain, Soul King-sama!"
"Fine! I'm giving you the chance! Explain properly!"
Auguro sat down on a small stool nearby, listening to Jabra's explanation.
"It is like this: we were ordered to investigate whether the Yadaru Kingdom could be conquered! A few days ago, I happened to encounter the Kingdom's Minister of Agriculture, Perov."
"I told him we were here to invest in business, help them build a large agricultural processing plant, and help boost the price and competitiveness of their produce!"
"Perov was delighted and said that if we could buy this barren land and build a large plantation, he would introduce us to their King!"
"Your subordinate thought this was an excellent opportunity! I've been busy buying land, seeds, hiring people, and so on, preparing to gain an audience with the King, so I temporarily forgot about the fixed communication time!"
Jabra finished speaking, lowering his head to await Auguro's judgment. Although he had an explanation, his negligence was a fact. For an intelligence officer, this was a massive mistake! It could easily lead to a major disaster!
Auguro stared at Jabra, his brows tightly furrowed. The reason wasn't entirely convincing, but it was plausible. But the problem was, Jabra was a veteran of CP9; he shouldn't make such a rookie mistake!
Even if he initially forgot in the hustle, he shouldn't forget for several days straight!
Yet, Auguro had been observing Jabra with his Observation Haki the entire time, and his conclusion was that the guy truly wasn't lying! Was it really just a simple mistake?
Auguro was still wondering when a luxurious carriage suddenly arrived. Jabra looked up and was instantly shocked. He whispered to Auguro, "Soul King-sama, that is Minister Perov's carriage!"
The Minister of Agriculture? Auguro was a bit surprised. What a coincidence!
He had just found Jabra, and the only high-ranking official Jabra had interacted with had arrived!
Auguro did not attempt to avoid him. He wanted to see what the Minister of Agriculture intended to do. And also to see if there was any underlying issue.
Soon, the carriage stopped. A well-built, middle-aged man with a perfectly slicked-back hairstyle and a proud posture walked over.
"Oh! Mr. Jabra, what is this?" Seeing Jabra kneeling on the ground, Perov looked quite surprised.
Jabra replied, "Minister Perov, this is my master, Lord Auguro!"
Perov was immediately thrilled. "Oh! Mr. Auguro! It is so generous of you to send Mr. Jabra to invest in our small nation! Please accept my most sincere gratitude!"
Perov bowed deeply and extended his right hand to Auguro. Auguro shook his hand symbolically, his expression neither warm nor cold.
"Minister Perov, I heard you can recommend us to meet His Majesty the King. When might that be possible?"
Perov chuckled.
"Haha! Mr. Jabra has purchased such a large plot of land. Your sincerity is already very clear to me!"
"Please allow one or two days, and you will certainly hear good news!"
The two exchanged a few pleasantries, and then Perov left, saying he needed to quickly make arrangements for Auguro.
The moment Perov left, Soi Fon immediately stated, "Soul King-sama, this man has a problem. He recognizes you!"