One Piece: Please Call Me Godfather!

Reinhardt returned to the estate just as Jackson had not yet gone to rest, and he was waiting for him.

"Rein, what's the situation?"

As soon as Jackson saw Reinhardt return, he couldn't wait to ask.

Tonight, Reinhardt acted decisively, outlining the future direction of the entire Ulysses family.

If Francklin insisted on making the family his enemy, then the family would likely follow Bartolomeo's suggestion and deal with Francklin by sending him out to sea to become a pirate.

However, if the Godfather's plan succeeds, then—

"The seed has been sown," Reinhardt calmly said. "Now, we just wait for it to take root and sprout."

"Just as expected from you, Rein."

Jackson clenched his fists in excitement. Since Reinhardt said it like that, the chances of success must be very high.

"Uncle Jackson, we've got to keep an eye on the Navy. I think they'll start acting soon."

"Understood."

Inside Francklin's home, it was still a mess. Francklin stood in the room in shock, the dim light casting shadows on him, revealing his ever-changing expression.

A long time passed before he finally pulled out the Den Den Mushi and made a call.

"Yes, it's me."

"Which branch of the Navy is around Syrup Village?"

"Good, notify them to quietly send someone to investigate if there's a butler named Klahadore in Syrup Village."

"Why? I suspect that Kuro didn't die, he's just hiding."

The seed was quietly sprouting.

At the Ulysses estate, Reinhardt, rare in his casual clothes, was basking in the sun in the garden behind the manor.

"Godfather, you're looking for me?"

Bartolomeo approached, somewhat confused by the appearance.

Reinhardt pushed his sunglasses up, smiled, and said, "Bartolomeo, you completed the mission beautifully. I should reward you well."

"That, that…"

Bartolomeo scratched his head, noticeably without hair gel, yet his rooster-like hairstyle remained perfectly in place. "It's just my duty, no need for a reward."

"Humility is a good thing, but there's no need to refuse a reward because of it."

Reinhardt stood up, stretched, and basked in the warm sunlight, which always made one feel lazy. He patted Bartolomeo on the shoulder.

"If everyone were to refuse praise and rewards for their achievements, who would still be willing to forge ahead, making progress and establishing their career?"

Bartolomeo seemed to be thinking, then nodded seriously. "I understand. Please reward me, Godfather!"

"Earlier, I said I'd teach you something after you completed the mission. Starting from today, let's begin."

"Great! I'm ready! Godfather, what are you going to teach me?" Bartolomeo eagerly asked.

Reinhardt raised his right hand, dark material emerged from his elbow, covering his entire forearm and clothing.

"We should value power, Barto, just like we value family and friends. You may not flaunt it, but it's something you must have. Without power, one can only be manipulated by it."

"I can teach you this kind of power."

"This—"

Bartolomeo stared, "What is this?"

This was definitely not the power of a Devil Fruit! Godfather's abilities were not like this.

"Remember, Barto, this is called—"

"Haki."

Bartolomeo was a very promising individual. His chances of becoming a top-tier powerhouse were slim, but with a bit of effort, reaching the standard of a skilled Lieutenant General would be stable. If he were to get lucky, even the level of a Shichibukai might not be impossible.

Having him master Haki sooner rather than later wasn't a bad thing.

Two days passed as Reinhardt continued teaching. At a naval base, Francklin answered a phone call.

"Yes, it's me."

"What? A review?"

"Alright, I'll come immediately. But before I arrive, you must not act recklessly. That man is an extremely dangerous extremist."

Francklin hung up the phone, his expression complicated.

Just as the person had said, Kuro wasn't dead; he had just found a place to hide.

The earlier execution was merely a decoy. Fortunately, Marine Morgan had only been manipulated by others.

At this moment, Francklin's expression remained conflicted, his emotions even more complicated.

The complexity wasn't because Kuro was alive, but because the information had come from someone he found utterly annoying.

However, this was something he couldn't just ignore.

One, because it was the Navy's responsibility.

Two, because Kuro was the second or third most dangerous pirate in the East Blue, and he couldn't deny that he had made notable contributions.

"Hah—"

Francklin hesitated for a long time, and finally called his subordinate. "Prepare the warship. We're heading to Syrup Village!"

"Godfather, Francklin is setting out on the warship."

The Navy had just left Loguetown, and Jackson had already found Reinhardt.

"Very good."

Reinhardt clapped his hands. "It seems that Lieutenant Colonel will soon become our friend."

"However, before that, we don't need to be idle. Uncle Jackson, bring all our friends here," Reinhardt said with a smile. "I think it's time to host a grand banquet."

"I understand."

Jackson nodded and said, "How about setting the time for tomorrow night?"

"That works. Oh, and Uncle Jackson, could you help me prepare a formal suit?"

"Of course, I'll immediately ask Old John."

"I remember him. He made my Godfather's suit."

"Yes, he's also an old family friend."

"Then don't forget to invite him tomorrow."

"Of course."

The next evening, the outside of the Ulysses estate suddenly became bustling with activity.

Carriages lined up outside the estate.

Occasionally, passersby would stop and stare at the scene, astonished.

"Hey, isn't that Mr. Tulum, president of the Tulum Trading Association?"

"And the Sikali family's young master and miss?"

"Hey, is that Ronald's family? They're here too!"

Prominent figures from Loguetown gathered here. It could be said that if Ulysses estate were attacked tonight, all of Loguetown would be paralyzed.

Someone sighed, "The Ulysses family really lives up to their name. Besides the Navy, everyone else fears them."

Someone else interjected, "You don't know? I have a brother in the underworld, and he told me that nearly all the underground forces in Loguetown have surrendered to the Ulysses family. Now, Godfather Reinhardt is truly deserving of the title."

"King of Loguetown!"