Chapter 53: Ore from Fish-Man Island
Donald has been feeling quite anxious in recent days.
The enigmatic Director instructed him to return and await further instructions. Consequently, after numerous days of waiting, there has been no communication at all.
Donald's emotions have been tumultuous, initially filled with excitement and now transitioning to a state of panic and unease.
'Surely, nothing can go wrong?'
If the business deal falls through, it remains a minor issue. However, incurring the director's wrath would be catastrophic. There is certainly no chance of escaping from Fish-Man Island.
'Maybe I didn't give enough money?'
Frustratingly, are Fishmen truly not any better than humans? Their greed appears to be no different.
While Donald wrestles with his apprehensions, someone finally approaches him.
"The director requests your presence. "
The fish-man soldier clad in a blue uniform regarded him with indifference, yet this unfeeling demeanor sparked a sense of elation in Donald.
The fact that only one individual was sent for him indicated a lack of hostile intent, did it not?
Otherwise, given the director's authority, he could have simply dispatched several soldiers to eliminate him without expending much effort.
Without excessive preparation, the unshaven Donald departed from his temporary hotel with the fishman soldiers to meet the director.
However, contrary to his expectations, the soldiers did not escort Donald to the headquarters of the Exit-Entry Administration, but rather to the port, where another building had recently been completed.
Upon entering, Donald noticed a fishman positioning a sign outside the structure, although he unfortunately could not discern the text on it.
Inside the building, Donald was surprised to find it surprisingly spacious yet quite vacant, resembling more of a warehouse than an office space.
The ground floor connected directly to the port, with less than half of the building constructed over water. There were even two enormous doors on the opposite wall to facilitate the entry and exit of ships.
After briefly surveying the surroundings, Donald turned his attention to the individual of great significance, the mysterious Director, who stood in the center of the empty warehouse.
The man was located beneath a tall mound piled in the middle of the warehouse. Behind him were a male fishman and a male mermaid.
"Mr. Director! "
A broad smile illuminated Donald's face as he greeted him exuberantly, "May I ask how you deliberated on my previous proposal? "
Before Brett could respond, Arlong had already turned around, casting a scornful glance at Donald. The malevolent gaze was enough to send chills down the spine of Donald, despite his extensive experience with the sea.
Donald felt a twinge of fear.
Although this fish man remained silent, his eyes conveyed a multitude of meanings.
Donald is aware that numerous fishmen harbor animosity towards humans on Fish-Man Island, and this fishman may fall into that category.
"Welcome, Mr. Donald. "
In contrast to Arlong's hostility, Brett exhibited a much more amiable demeanor. He smiled and remarked, "I have reflected thoroughly over the past few days, and I believe your suggestions hold merit. There is indeed a foundation for collaboration between us."
Donald immediately dismissed all previous unpleasant interactions and replied with enthusiasm, "Mr. Director, have you accepted my proposal? "
'Excellent! Isn't this the chance to achieve huge profit?'
Arlong averted his gaze, not wishing to witness the elation on this human's face after obtaining what he desired.
Even though he understood that the development plan designed by Brett was inevitably linked to humans, the prospect of putting it into action made him uneasy.
Fukaboshi, also present, remained considerably more composed, displaying views regarding humans that are notably less extreme than Arlong's.
"There exists such intent. " Brett nodded.
Intent?
Donald's excitement diminished slightly, and he inquired, "Mr. Director, do you have additional inquiries? "
"At a minimum, you must demonstrate that you are capable of collaborating with us, correct? " Brett asserted.
Donald was taken aback for a moment but quickly grasped the situation.
Indeed, the organization has the backing of Fishman Island and a Warlord. To engage with them, one must possess extraordinary capabilities.
Donald understood this.
He then stated, "I see, I will return to the sea at once, and I will bring more merchandise with me upon my next visit! "
It is utterly inconceivable for him alone to fulfill the demands of Fish-Man Island, yet he has numerous acquaintances, and he is confident they will not want to overlook such a lucrative opportunity.
Despite its dangers, it promises considerable rewards.
"No, not in that sense. " Brett shook his head.
Donald observed him retrieve a piece from the mound before him and toss it over.
Carefully catching the item that the director had thrown, Donald lifted it before his eyes for closer examination.
"Is this iron ore? " Donald exclaimed in astonishment, "And it appears to be high-quality iron ore! "
He looked up in astonishment. So, are all these hills comprised of iron ore?
"A substantial iron mine has been located near Fish-Man Island, and the quality is indeed commendable. "
Brett stated calmly, suggesting that these iron ores should indeed be of good quality, as their duration of deposition likely exceeds that of the mineral deposits found at the surface. "Mr. Donald, do you believe these iron ores can be marketed as products? If our selling price is lower than the prevailing market rate…"
"That's incredible! "
Donald expressed his excitement, "Mr. Director, as you are aware, the seas are currently chaotic, and there is an incessant demand for weapons! Moreover, iron ore, a critical raw material for weaponry, is also scarce! "
For prominent arms dealers, and indeed for the world government, iron ore is an essential commodity that is in limited supply.
As long as the product reaches the market, there are no guarantees it cannot be sold.
"I understand, Mr. Director! "
Donald's face flushed crimson. He grasped the ore firmly with both hands, nearly shattering the stone. "You require my assistance to establish the market for this ore, correct? "
"Rest assured, it will be my responsibility! I can assure you that, provided the ore production from Fish-Man Island remains consistent, iron ore of this quality will drive all merchants to seek it eagerly! "
Brett's mouth formed a slight smile.
Conversations with intelligent individuals are straightforward.
"Then, I shall await your results, Mr. Donald. " Brett beamed.
Donald nodded emphatically, filled with confidence that he would manage to impress numerous businessmen.
"Mr. Director, may I purchase this batch of ore? I believe other businessmen might require some samples. "
"Certainly. "
Brett shrugged.
Donald procured the ore and promptly loaded it onto the vessel. Following inspection, he applied a protective coating and departed Fish-Man Island.
He was eager to return to the Sabaody.
Brett did not dispatch anyone for his escort. In any case, if one opportunity was missed, another would arise.
However, Donald's journey was surprisingly uneventful. He faced no assaults from sea beast or pirates, successfully navigating through the waters and reaching Sabaody.
Upon docking the ship, Donald swiftly instructed his crew to transport a box of ore to land. He convened with his acquaintances in a private room at a restaurant located in the Chambord Islands.
"Donald, you're back safe once again? "
His companions expressed astonishment at his incredible fortune.
While ordinary people might narrowly escape perils when visiting Fish-Man Island, this man managed to return unscathed every time.
"We'll discuss that later. "
Donald disregarded the banter entirely and waved his hands nonchalantly, "Come and see what I brought back from Fish-Man Island! "
He opened the box to display its contents.
"Is this iron ore? "
All present were capable businessmen, who immediately recognized the contents of the box and laughed, stating, "I assumed you had returned with a mermaid—"
"Be quiet! "
Donald retorted with annoyance, "No joking about this! "
Engaging in business with Fish-Man Island presented challenges for Donald, as he could not locate fishmen associated with the human trade.
"Donald, is this the reason you requested to show me the ore? " The friends expressed their discontent.
"Examine this! Take a good look at the quality of these ores! "
Donald presented a piece of ore personally, suppressing his enthusiasm.
A knowledgeable companion nodded in agreement, saying, "Indeed, the iron content is significantly higher than that of typical iron ore, and it is indeed a superior ore."
"However, it is ultimately just ore."
"Correct, it is still ordinary ore."
Donald smiled broadly, stating, "The distinction lies in the fact that it originates from Fish-Man Island, where an enormous iron mine has been uncovered! "
"What! ! "
All the friends were intrigued.
Fish-Man Island is in close proximity to Sabaody Archipelago in a straight line.
"You are also aware of the current circumstances in Fish-Man Island. I made an arrangement with the director of their Exit-Entry Administration Bureau,"
Donald endeavored to boost his own image, saying, "He requested that we deliver supplies to Fish-Man Island, and in return, they will offer us iron ore at a discounted price! "
The friends exchanged glances and swallowed at the same time.
If what Donald said holds true, then this undoubtedly represents a significant business opportunity.
Noticing the hesitance among his friends, Donald picked up a piece of ore and struck it against the table. The fragments dispersed, and he exclaimed, "What are you still pondering? Haven't you yet recognized the quality of these ores? "