The Kingdom of Rexter on Cyprus Island: The Gray Pearl of the West Blue!
In the central waters of the West Blue lies a unique island nation—the Kingdom of Rexter. This geographically advantaged kingdom is not only a member nation of the World Government but also one of the most influential trade hubs in the West Blue. However, what truly makes Rexter renowned worldwide is its thriving underground economic system.
The port of the Kingdom of Rexter welcomes merchant ships from all over the world every day, carrying cargoes of dubious origins. From stolen royal jewels to artifacts looted from archaeological sites, from wanted artworks to lost precious texts—as long as one can afford the price, there is almost nothing that cannot be bought in Rexter's underground market. This unique commercial environment has earned Rexter the nickname "The West Blue's Fencing Hub."
The kingdom's government is well aware of this gray economy but chooses to turn a blind eye. These underground transactions bring enormous tax revenues to the kingdom every year, sustaining its prosperity. In addition to the trade in stolen goods, Rexter also hosts the largest black market in the West Blue, where one can easily acquire all kinds of contraband: weapons banned by the World Government, dangerous biochemical products, and even information about Devil Fruits.
One morning, on the seas of the West Blue, a massive pirate ship flying the flag of the Beasts Pirates was cutting through the waves. On the deck, Queen, the chief scientist of the Beasts Pirates, was carefully studying a nautical chart. He adjusted his sunglasses, and his eyes suddenly lit up.
"Boss Kaidou," Queen hurried toward the captain, who was drinking, "according to my calculations, we're less than half a day away from the Kingdom of Rexter. I need some special materials there, and we also need a suitable channel to liquidate the gold we have on hand."
Kaidou set down his gourd, his bell-like eyes turning to Queen, and said, "Wororororo... Interesting. Let's go take a look then."
With Kaidou's command, the flagship of the Beasts Pirates changed course and headed at full speed toward the Kingdom of Rexter.
As the massive pirate ship slowly sailed into Rexter's port, it immediately caused a huge commotion. The crowd on the docks scattered like startled fish, vendors frantically packed up their stalls, and the port guards nervously gripped their weapons but dared not act rashly.
Kaidou's enormous figure was the first to appear at the ship's railing. He looked down at the port, a playful smile on his lips. When he stepped off the ship, his heavy footsteps made the entire dock tremble.
The port commander steeled himself and stepped forward, sweat glistening on his forehead under the sunlight. "L-Lord Kaidou," he stammered, "may I ask what brings you to the Kingdom of Rexter?"
Kaidou narrowed his eyes, and a dangerous aura instantly enveloped the commander. "Are you questioning me?"
The commander waved his hands in panic, nearly falling to the ground. "N-No! I just wanted to ask if there's anything I can do for you."
Unexpectedly, Kaidou burst into laughter, his voice echoing like thunder across the port. "Wororororo... Don't worry. I'm just here to buy some things with my crew."
"I see, Mr. Kaidou." The commander wiped sweat from his forehead. "When your ship docked earlier, our king immediately contacted me via Den Den Mushi. His Majesty wishes to invite you to the palace for a discussion and would like to personally host you."
Kaidou raised his thick eyebrows, showing clear interest in the invitation. He turned to give orders to his Executives behind him: "Queen, take some men to convert our goods into money and purchase what you need."
"Understood, Boss Kaidou." Queen nodded in acknowledgment, already mentally calculating his shopping list.
Kaidou continued assigning tasks: "Gavin, take some men to procure daily supplies on this island. Enel, you go assist him."
"Yes, Captain." Gavin and Enel responded simultaneously. Gavin immediately began observing the port's surroundings for potential procurement points, while Enel yawned lazily, clearly uninterested in such missions.
"Sebastian, you and your men remain on the ship." Kaidou addressed his first mate.
"As you command." Sebastian nodded steadily.
Finally, Kaidou looked toward his most capable subordinates: "King, Bullet, Urouge - you three come with me to meet this country's king. I'm rather curious about what he wants with me."
Following the commander's lead, Kaidou set off toward the palace with King, Bullet, Urouge, and several elite pirates. As they passed through the streets, pedestrians scrambled out of their way and shops hurriedly closed their doors. The entire capital had fallen into an peculiar state of tension due to the arrival of this legendary pirate.
Meanwhile, Queen had already led a team of pirates to the underground market. He held a detailed procurement list filled with various rare materials and contraband items. Gavin and Enel began searching the city for suitable suppliers to replenish the ship's daily supplies.
The underground market of the Rex Kingdom proved more extensive than expected. Queen navigated through maze-like alleys flanked by shops displaying all manner of strange merchandise. Masked merchants peddled unknown potions, veiled women displayed ancient artifacts, and burly men hawked various weapons.
"Looking for something, customer?" A hunchbacked old man blocked Queen's path, his murky eyes glinting with shrewdness.
Queen adjusted his sunglasses and produced a list from his coat. "Can you get these items?"
The old man took the list, squinting at it for a long moment before suddenly showing surprise. "These are all contraband... However, in Rex, nothing is unavailable." He smiled mysteriously. "Though the price..."
"Money isn't an issue," Queen interrupted impatiently. "As long as the goods are genuine."
While Queen busied himself with procurement, Gavin and Enel searched for daily supplies in the city's marketplace. Unlike the shadowy underground market, all transactions here were legal, with orderly shops lining the streets and hawkers' cries rising and falling around them.
"Such a boring mission," Enel yawned. "Why do I have to do this sort of thing?"
Gavin ignored the little boy's complaints, focusing intently on inspecting the quality of the goods. "Just complete the task assigned by the captain properly."