LIGHTNOVELSTORY Chapter 133: 133 Fishing In Troubled Waters
Coincidentally, what Dragon also lacks is time.
He needed to move quickly, moving those places as soon as possible.
That way, even if the World Government found out, the damage would be minimized.
Dragon agreed without hesitation, promising that he would never cause trouble for Lynch again.
Lynch simply listened.
The feud between the two has been forged, with both aiming to first liberate the world and then reach the Grand Line.
If they wanted to free the world, they would eventually face each other.
They both held leverage over the other, creating a fragile balance.
However, the leverage in Lynch's hands was particularly dangerous to Dragon, making him hesitant to act recklessly.
Since there was no direct conflict of interest, they temporarily reached an uneasy cooperation. They couldn't kill each other, so the two sat down calmly once again.
"I have to ask you to make a trip for me. This is a ransom demand in exchange for Celestial Dragons."
The first matter fell apart, and Dragon brought up the second matter.
In truth, this second matter was the Revolutionary Army's main goal this time.
A true hero has no permanent enemies or friends—everything is about profit.
If an important cadre in their hands had not been kidnapped, the Revolutionary Army would not have taken the risk of kidnapping the Celestial Dragons, which would have exposed them to even more severe targeting by the World Government.
Lynch, on the other hand, was just incidental. It would be better if he could successfully blackmail Lynch, but it was fine if not.
Lynch took the second list from Dragon.
Compared to the first one, this second list was much simpler.
There are only three conditions.
Condition 1: 100 billion Baileys.
Condition 2: Ten Devil Fruits.
Condition 3: Release all the Revolutionary troops captured by the World Government in the past few days.
100 billion Baileys isn't much for the World Government, which is a small amount for the Celestial Dragons who rule the world.
It's a pity they kidnapped only an ordinary Celestial Dragon, not one with great power. This ransom is about the price.
The ten Devil Fruits are likely to strengthen the Revolutionary Army.
While Devil Fruits may be rare to others, for the World Government, which has ruled for centuries, they're so plentiful that they are treated like toys by the Celestial Dragons.
Condition 3: Lynch looked at Dragon closely. This was likely his main goal. Dragon had placed it at the end to avoid drawing attention.
The Revolutionary Army's cadres were hidden among the crowd. They needed to complete the transaction quickly before the World Government found out. If discovered, it would deal a heavy blow to the Revolutionary Army.
There was a reason why Dragon was so desperate, even willing to kidnap the Celestial Dragons.
"Okay, I'll pass your conditions to the World Government." Lynch put the paper away and left the island.
There was no reason to refuse, and it worked to his advantage.
"Boss, aren't you worried they'll send Marines to surround us?" Sabo asked, concerned after Lynch had left.
Dragon ruffled Sabo's hair and said, "I'm glad you're thinking about that. Come with me."
Back at Marine Headquarters, Lynch, in charge of the Celestial Dragons' rescue, made his first call to the Five Elders.
"Yes, the other party demands 100 billion beli, ten Devil Fruits, and five sharp swords. They also want the release of all revolutionary troops captured recently."
On the other end of the Den-Den Mushi, the serious and commanding voice of the Five Elders came through.
"Admiral Sun Candle, we are very dissatisfied with your actions this time."
"We need to discuss this ransom for a while. You should reflect on it," the Den-Den Mushi said, closing its eyes and ending the call.
"Tch, these old men really think they're something. So full of themselves," Lynch muttered as he set the Den-Den Mushi down and casually took a seat in Sengoku's chair.
Sengoku, standing by the window, sighed. "You can say that to me, but don't let anyone else hear it."
Sengoku plans to make Lynch the next Marine Fleet Admiral after Aokiji.
However, this mission has left a bad impression with the Five Elders, and he's worried they might support another Admiral to compete for the position.
Holy Land Mariejois.
Five majestic old men sit on the sofa. They are the masters of the world and one of the strongest forces in the world government.
For the past half-minute, the room has been filled with their voices.
"Hmph, Lynch rejected our goodwill last time. Is he really that stupid?"
"This time he has caused such a disaster. He can't even save the Celestial Dragons. What a waste.."
"I think he should be punished as a warning. "
"No, an Admiral should not be insulted so easily. We still need his strength, so why not give him a chance?"
The fat Five Elders interrupted, "It's enough if he's willing to join us, but if not, it's not too late to act."
"This is still the era of Kong. The Marines should be obedient. This year's Marines are too rebellious and have forgotten their place. It's time to show them who's in charge," one of the Five Elders said sternly, holding Shodai Kitetsu in his arms.
In the past, Marines, although they were also arrogant, were still under control and were an obedient dog.
It's nothing like this now
Since Sengoku took office, none of the three new Admirals have been willing to submit to the World Government.
They've tried to recruit the other three Admirals, but it hasn't worked.
Needless to say, Akainu has a bad temper and shows no respect for them.
Aokiji... well, don't even mention it.
Even the lazy Kizaru refused to submit. It's enough to make one angry.
Because of this, the Five Elders have turned their attention to Lynch.
They need someone "one of their own" at the top of the Marines.
A heavy silence filled the room.
After a moment, Saint Marcus Mars said angrily, "The Revolutionary Army is being too greedy. They ask for so much in exchange for just one Celestial Dragon!"
"We can replace such a fool easily. If he wants to die, then let him, but he must face our wrath."
"We must rescue Saint Boluer. Otherwise, what is the point of the World Government's power?"
"If the Celestial Dragons die outside this time, it will cause a serious blow to the prestige of the Celestial Dragons." Another Five Elders gave a different opinion.
This particular Saint Boluer was a descendant of his family.
If it were any other Celestial Dragon, they could be left behind.
But as a member of the Roshwald family, he must be rescued.
The Rothwald family is one of the top three families among the Celestial Dragons. As the leader of the clan, he must ensure the safety of this junior.
"Same old rule, vote"
According to their rules, when there is disagreement, the decision is made by a vote, with the minority following the majority.
"I suggest we rescue him."
"Reject."
"Agree."
"Reject."
The last Elder hesitated and then raised his hand, "I agree, but the ransom should be reduced in part."
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TO BE CONTINUED
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