"At the very least, we shouldn't entrust the lives of millions to luck—or rather, to the mercy and compassion of that mad bunch of Celestial Dragons."
Daren spoke in an even tone.
"What else is there?"
Cobra's voice suddenly grew hoarse. His expression steadied, and after taking a deep breath, he fixed his gaze on Daren and asked,
"Alabasta is a Member Nation of the World Government. If we don't entrust the safety of our nation and our people to the government's protection, then who else should we rely on?"
"The Navy? But the Navy is also an organization under the government's command."
"Throw ourselves into the arms of pirates? Seek protection from the Shichibukai? Or rely on the great pirate crews of the New World? That would be even more absurd, wouldn't it?"
"Or perhaps…" His eyes narrowed. "You wish to place Alabasta under the protection of the North Blue Fleet?"
Daren shrugged, spreading his hands with a smile.
"I won't deny I've considered it, but I know it's impossible. At least, you wouldn't agree, would you?"
Cobra didn't answer. The truth was self-evident.
The Nefertari clan's ancestor was one of the twenty founding kings of the World Government. As a result, Alabasta's status as a Member Nation was that of true "orthodoxy." Most importantly, Cobra himself doubted whether the North Blue Fleet truly possessed the power to protect the Kingdom of Alabasta.
Not to mention, if Alabasta ever betrayed the World Government and sought Daren's protection, it would certainly invite terrifying retaliation—consequences the kingdom could never endure.
"Since you understand, then don't press this old man, Daren." Cobra sighed softly.
"No, I never intended to force your hand, Your Majesty Cobra."
Daren smiled.
"As everyone knows, though I, Rogers Daren, may be a scoundrel, I'm still a businessman who keeps his word."
"What I want to discuss now is a business deal."
Cobra frowned.
"A business deal?" He instinctively lowered his voice.
Outside the carriage, the sounds grew faint. The rhythm of hooves and wheels softened against the ground. The world beyond was calm and serene, with rays of gentle sunlight filtering in through the window.
It was clear that the carriage had already left the inner city of Mary Geoise and was now passing through the area where most of the Celestial Dragons resided—the Land of the Gods.
Once they crossed this Divine Land, a few more minutes of travel would bring them to the very heart of the World Government's authority—Pangaea Castle, atop the Celestial Stairway.
"Yes, a business deal."
Daren smiled.
"There's a saying in business: 'Don't put all your eggs in one basket'… and now, I'm offering Your Majesty Cobra another basket to place your eggs in."
He paused, his words carrying a heavy implication.
"…A basket independent of the World Government."
Cobra's eyes narrowed sharply, while beside him, Igaram's face turned pale.
"You mean…"
"Exactly."
Daren winked at Cobra.
"Alabasta doesn't need to publicly withdraw from the World Government or swear allegiance to me. You'll remain a core Member Nation, retaining your influence and voice at the Reverie."
"Under this arrangement, should Alabasta one day face a great disaster—or fall under persecution or threat from the Government—your Nefertari family may seek asylum from me… or rather, from the North Blue Fleet."
"Hmm. Captain of the Guard, do you happen to have a coin?"
He suddenly turned his gaze toward Igaram.
Igaram froze, fumbling nervously in his pocket before taking out a silver coin and handing it to Daren.
Daren tossed the coin lightly. As arcs of electricity flickered across his fingertips, the Alabasta coin began to melt and warp under Igaram's stunned gaze, finally reforming into a new coin.
The engravings on its surface were sharp and precise, bearing the letters "NF."
"North Blue Fleet?"
Cobra took the coin Daren handed him, studying the inscription closely before murmuring the words under his breath.
"Indeed. This serves as a token, I suppose."
Daren smiled.
"With this token, the Nefertari clan can use the World Economic News Agency's channels to contact a liaison from the North Blue Fleet."
"Within reasonable limits, they'll do their utmost to fulfill any request you make."
"That's the price I'm offering."
Cobra fell silent, his gaze fixed on the coin in his hand. The lingering warmth on its surface was still intense, yet he seemed completely unaware of it.
"A basket… So this is essentially insurance for Alabasta?" he murmured.
"Exactly!"
Daren chuckled with satisfaction, clearly pleased by Cobra's understanding.
"Even if, one day, Alabasta faces an enemy too powerful to resist—be it a Shichibukai or a legendary pirate from the New World—I believe that as long as you present this coin, They'll show me some respect."
"Of course, if you ever fall out with the World Government, the North Blue Fleet can step in as well… at the very least, they'll be able to protect the millions of people of Alabasta."
As Daren's words sank in, Cobra suddenly felt the small coin in his hand grow unbearably heavy, as if it carried the weight of a mountain—its significance immeasurable.
If any other power had offered him such terms, he would have thought them mad, lost in delusional fantasies.
But the man before him was Rogers Daren.
The "King of the North Blue"—a man even the World Government and the Five Elders couldn't shake in the slightest.
If what he said was true—if presenting this single coin would guarantee the North Blue Fleet's unconditional aid—then there was no doubt about it. Alabasta had just gained a powerful and reliable safeguard.
Whether it was the Shichibukai or the great pirates of the New World, before laying a hand on Alabasta, they would first have to consider the might of the North Blue Fleet and the thunderous wrath of the man who commanded it.
After all, it was well known that Rogers Daren was a vengeful, calculating, and utterly ruthless madman.
Cobra's heartbeat quickened.
He had to admit—it was tempting.
This was an unbelievably favorable deal.
No promises. No allegiance. Not even the appearance of a cost.
"What you need… is just intelligence?" Cobra asked quietly.
"Yes."
Daren smiled.
"All I need is a little intelligence."