Chapter 42: Chapter 38 : Five Elders!!
The Goat Mask Agent had gone off to make a phone call, leaving Ian calmly sitting on a cushion, sipping his tea.
Although he had spoken fiercely, Ian was well aware that the World Government was the most terrifying force in this One Piece world.
Even though Vegapunk had not yet invented the Seraphim and the World Government's ultimate weapon was still inactive, the power wielded by the government far surpassed that of the Beasts Pirates.
The Five Elders, the enigmatic Gods' Knights, the Celestial Dragons' strongest shield CP0, and the World King Imu, who had lived for eight centuries, all combined to form a force that was chillingly formidable.
Even the Marines under the government's command were not something the Beasts Pirates could contend with.
The peak period's Sengoku the Buddha and Iron Fist Garp, the now- Admiral Black Arm Zephyr, the seasoned Fleet Admiral Kong, and the now-grown-up Admirals Aokiji, Kizaru, and Akainu—if all these figures were to attack together, even someone as strong as Kaido would struggle to withstand them.
But that was alright.
The government generally only acts directly when something threatens its rule; otherwise, they tend to stay their hand.
The Marines' adversaries are the pirates of the world, and they cannot concentrate all their forces against the Beasts Pirates.
So, there was nothing much to fear.
Soon, the Goat Mask Agent returned from his phone call, sitting back down on the cushion and giving Ian a deep look. "We can agree to your request."
"Excellent."
Ian was not too surprised.
The Rokushiki (Six Styles), while precious, was indeed something tradeable under the right conditions.
The Iron Body (Tekjai) is essentially a degraded form of Armament Haki, and Paper Arts (Kami-e) should be related to Observation Haki. This set of martial arts skills could indeed be considered as preconditions for Haki.
However, to say that it's extraordinarily impressive might be an exaggeration.
For a master, these precondition skills are unnecessary; Rokushiki is just ordinary martial arts to them.
For minor characters, this superhuman martial arts set is beyond their reach due to insufficient physical prowess.
The only useful technique is Moonwalk.
But Moonwalk isn't rare; many of the Charlotte family's officers can perform it.
So, compared to the Sea-Prism Stone, which can only be produced in large quantities in Wano, Rokushiki seems rather insignificant.
Though not unexpected, Ian was still somewhat excited.
After all, Life Return (Seimei Kikan) is one of the derivative techniques of Rokushiki.
Now, he would finally have a systematic method for cultivating willpower.
"Our people will contact the Beasts Pirates later and transmit the Rokushiki information through an image-transmitting snail," the Goat Mask said.
The image-transmitting snail is large and cannot be carried around easily.
"Excellent."
Ian said contentedly, "Now, let's talk business."
The figure with the goat mask breathed a sigh of relief, glad to finally get to the point, and said seriously, "The higher-ups want to increase the procurement of Sea-Prism Stones."
"Increase?"
Ian raised an eyebrow. "By how much?"
"By half!"
The goat-masked figure said solemnly.
"Too much,"
Ian shook his head. "We can't sell all our Sea-Prism Stones to the World Government."
"Then, Your Majesty, what range would be acceptable to you?"
"Twenty percent."
Ian held up his right hand, showing two fingers. He added that after knowing many more farmers would be entering the Udon Region's mines, which would significantly boost the production of Sea-Prism Stones.
"But as compensation, the purchase price must also increase by twenty percent."
Sea-Prism Stones were a very rare mineral.
Even at the largest mining site, Udon Region, where they excavate an entire small hill every day, the amount of Sea-Prism Stones extracted wasn't large.
If the government wanted to increase the procurement, they needed to raise the price as compensation.
The goat-masked figure didn't hesitate. "Acceptable."
There was never any expectation of truly increasing by fifty percent.
"However, we don't need all the funds,"
Ian narrowed his eyes. "The failed specimens from the ancient Giant experiments, the three individuals we bought from you earlier—your side still has stock, right?"
First, they needed to gather the Beast Pirates.
The goat-masked figure was cautious but responded, "Of course, but they aren't cheap."
"Let's stick to the previous transaction price."
Ian said, "We'll take as many as you have."
To the World Government, the failed Giant specimens might not hold much value. After all, compared to the future Seraphim, the failed Giants were practically worthless.
Forget Seraphim, even the mass-produced Pacifistas outclassed the failed Giants in terms of cost-effectiveness.
However, for the Beasts Pirates, the failed Giants were a valuable addition to their combat strength.
After all, without Smile Fruits and the Six Powers, compared to the captains of the Whitebeard Pirates and the numerous siblings of the Charlotte family, the Beasts Pirates were lacking in mid-tier strength.
"No problem."
The goat-masked figure also breathed a sigh of relief.
Seems like it went smoothly?
The meeting went very smoothly, and both parties were satisfied with the results.
After agreeing on the time for the next transaction, the meeting came to an end.
They had initially planned to invite CP0 to dinner as a gesture of hospitality, but CP0 had no intention of staying long. Once they confirmed that the Six Powers information had been transmitted from above, they quickly took their leave.
Even though they were agents of the Celestial Dragons, they preferred to avoid excessive involvement with pirates.
While Ian excitedly flipped through the recently printed Six Powers information, he was unaware that, on the other side of the world, above the Red Line, in the center of the world, Mariejois, those who held the highest authority in the world had taken notice of him.
"Is it Ian?"
Standing by the window, a man with a small black hat, white curly hair, and a thick, fluffy white beard, one of the Five Elders, Saint Jaygarcia Saturn, spoke, "At only eight years old, he has become the ruler of Wano, reportedly defeating an army single-handedly. Kaido has found himself a monster."
"Kaido also has an unusually remarkable daughter,"
The tall, slender man with long beard and hair, Saint Marcus Mars, remarked, "Will the Beasts Pirates grow into a second Rocks Pirates?"
"It's too early to say they'll be like Rocks," The only Five Elder in a kimono, a bald man wearing glasses, Saint Ethanbaron V. Nusjuro, wiped his sword, "But for now, it's not a bad thing because it means the Whitebeard Pirates can be kept in check. After all, Whitebeard and Kaido have an enmity because of Oden."
"Then we'll just observe," The bald Five Elder with two prominent, thick mustaches, Saint Topman Warcury, concluded decisively, "As long as there's no second Roger, let them make their moves."
"The New World is their playground anyway."
---
On Onigashima.
After concluding the business with CP0, the Beasts Pirates returned to Onigashima.
However, it was only the officers who went back; most of the Beasts Pirates members were still scattered across Wano, preparing for potential unrest.
The "Abolition of Sword Decree" and land reclamation were being carried out simultaneously. Ian wouldn't be surprised if a riot broke out, so preparations for suppression were necessary.
On the plaza outside the main building of Onigashima, Ian, who had activated his offline mode, was flashing around swiftly.
"So this is Shave?"
On the sidelines, Black Maria was amazed, "It seems very useful; Ian's speed has become so fast."
"Yeah."
Jack nodded, eyes gleaming, "But I think Iron Body might be even more impressive."
With the Mammoth's defense combined with Iron Body, he couldn't even imagine how tough it would be!
"If you think it's impressive, then work hard to learn it," Ian encouraged.
Ian stopped in front of them. "These techniques are quite practical."
While the Rokushiki techniques might be looked down upon by masters and are too advanced for fodder, they're just right for his companions.
They might even help them master Haki more quickly.
"Look! Ian!"
The voice of Yamato, now in her wolf form, came from behind, full of excitement.
Ian turned around.
He saw Yamato, now in her Human-Beast Form, flashing around with impressive speed.
"I've learned it too!"
Ian wasn't surprised. It was just Soru (Shave), and with a bit of practice and study, it was something that could be quickly mastered.
Although Yamato's physical capabilities were still catching up, her new form made up for it.
"Good!"
Jack, seeing that Yamato had already mastered Soru, became resolute. "We need to push ourselves too!"
"Oh? Oh!"
Black Maria chimed in with a small cheer, encouraging herself.
Meanwhile, in a certain sea area of the New World.
A small boat was being tossed around by the wind and waves.
"Mother! I'm scared!"
A small girl clung to her mother's embrace.
"Don't be afraid, Hiyori, don't be afraid,"
Her mother hugged her tightly, whispering comfortingly, "You are the daughter of the invincible Kozuki Oden. No matter what happens, you must never be afraid."
"Mother," The little girl looked up. "Where are we going?"
Her mother paused for a moment. "To atone."
The little girl looked on, somewhat understanding.
In any case, the children were growing up.
Five years passed just like that.
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