Chapter 54: Unexpected people, Pirates in Action
Donald's companions did not hesitate for long.
One of them remarked, "Donald, even if what you assert about high-quality iron ore being discovered on Fishman Island is true, it is still located in the deep sea. We lack the bravery to risk our lives merely for the sake of profit as you do."
Donald expressed a proud grin, stating, "I have contemplated this for quite some time, which is why I have already mentioned it. I have established an agreement with the Director of the Exit and Entry Administration of Fishman Island. Provided that I can bring sufficient goods and merchants, he will dispatch soldiers from Fishman Island to escort us through the deep sea! "
In truth, the director had made no such assurance, yet this did not hinder Donald from boasting.
His objective was simply to deceive these guys and subsequently negotiate with the director based on their terms. Donald had devised a sound strategy.
"You have not witnessed it firsthand, hence your ignorance! " Donald exclaimed vocally. "The director commands an army of sea beasts. If they escort us, as long as we avoid provoking the sea kings, we can traverse the deep sea without impediment! "
His companions shuddered and exchanged glances.
At this juncture, they could not even contemplate backing out.
They nodded emphatically, "In that case, let us proceed! "
"Excellent! "
Donald enthusiastically pumped his fist. The more merchants he could attract to Fishman Island, the better his chances of arranging favorable terms with the director.
"We may not manage this on our own, so endeavor to rally your friends! However, keep in mind that no one involved in the slave trade should be part of this! "
"We understand! "
His friends were not naïve. "We aren't foolish enough to jeopardize our lives by engaging in trades with Fishman Island in the depths. "
Thus, the friends dispersed to leverage their networks and identify additional partners.
It was unfeasible for them to dominate the entire Fishman Island enterprise with their limited numbers, necessitating recruitment of more individuals to join their efforts.
This is how capital power is cultivated.
Approximately two days passed as the merchants discreetly attracted another group of individuals.
During this time, Donald had already sold that initial batch of iron ore. Unsurprisingly, the sale was straightforward, achieving even higher prices than the market average due to the exceptional quality of the ore.
The buyer candidly informed Donald that should such ore be available in the future, he was to reach out at any time for as much as he desired.
His friends felt increasingly assured as they recognized that they had indeed stumbled upon a significant business opportunity.
As the initiator, after gauging that he had almost amassed sufficient manpower, Donald convened everyone and prepared to set out for Fishman Island together.
However, upon gathering, Donald noticed the presence of an unfamiliar person.
He held a vague understanding of his friends' acquaintances, yet he had no recognition of this person. The man was strikingly unfamiliar.
The individual had green hair, adorned a pink suit, and possessed a notably attractive face, yet the slight smirk on his face always imparted an unsettling feeling.
"Who might you be? " Donald inquired.
"Oh, he's a partner I recently encountered," a friend replied with a grin, "His financial resources are quite substantial! "
"Apologies for my unannounced visit. "
The newcomer displayed a rather pleasant demeanor. He smiled and remarked, "I may lack other advantages, but I do have some capital. "
"Oh! It appears he is a new acquaintance! "
Donald nodded vigorously, as the presence of wealth was of utmost importance to him, stating, "May I ask your name? "
"Gild Tesoro, simply refer to me as Tesoro. "
Fishman Island.
Within the director's office situated on the top floor of the Immigration and Entry Administration headquarters, Brett observed through the window as yet another merchant vessel departed from the harbor in the distance.
"Is this the third ship? "
Fukaboshi sighed from behind, "Director, these human traders truly show great enthusiasm for the ore we produce. "
"As long as there is profit to be made, their enthusiasm will persist," Brett remarked nonchalantly.
Naturally, he was not inclined to place all his resources into a single venture. He anticipated Donald's actions, but he recognized that other entrepreneurs should not be overlooked.
Numerous businesspeople recognized opportunities akin to Donald's.
Brett meticulously selected several merchants who frequently visited Fish-Man Island and had maintained a history of no conflicts, subsequently presenting them with the freshly mined ore; their reactions mirrored Donald's almost identically.
"Isn't it natural, hahahaha? "
Arlong chuckled, "Who wouldn't have an interest in money? "
Arlong also exhibited a fervor for wealth.
Brett stretched his limbs and stated, "That concludes our engagement with the merchants for now. It is time to prepare for battle. "
"Battle? "
Arlong was momentarily taken aback, "What battle? "
Fukaboshi also expressed shock, "Director, are you suggesting that humans intend to attack us? "
"Are you not aware yet? " Brett asked in astonishment.
"How could you know? " Arlong was skeptical. "Haven't we been collaborating these past couple of days? Was it a prophecy from Shyarly? "
He recalled his beloved sister.
"Do you not read the newspapers? "
Brett approached the desk and picked up a newspaper, saying, "That is not a good habit. "
Arlong and Fukaboshi took the newspapers, their expressions reflecting confusion.
"Pirates from Sabaody are assembling, with Fish-Man Island as their target. "
This was the headline emblazoned on the front page of the newspaper.
Meanwhile, while Donald and his companions were preoccupied with forging additional partnerships, a confrontation between two factions had just concluded in a clearing within the anarchic zone.
"Hey, you seem pretty strong, don't you? "
The tall, robust man, adorned with a mane-like beard reminiscent of a lion surrounding his cheeks, wielded a substantial sword. He wiped the blood from the edge of his mouth and remarked with a grin, "Throughout the entirety of the Grand Line, you are the very first person to challenge me in this manner. "
Facing him was a significantly shorter and slender man, who gazed at the injury on his chest and replied with composure.
"You have arrived here solely because you sought a fight with me, is that right?."
The man brandishing the sword maintained his smile, responding, "What purpose does it serve? "
"Are you planning to head to the New World next? " inquired the tall and lean man.
"Absolutely! Isn't that where all the formidable people reside? "
The warrior with the sword's eyes sparkled as he laughed exuberantly, declaring, "Only by conquering that domain can one truly be deemed a pirate king! "
"Is that so? "
The tall and lanky man nodded, a sadistic grin forming, "So, prior to entering the New World, are you interested in creating quite a stir? "
"Oh? What do you mean? " The sword-wielding man found himself intrigued.
"Would you care to join me in taking down a Warlord? "
The tall, slender man spoke earnestly, "You are aware of Fish-Man Island, right? Are you willing to comply with the regulations of Fish-Man Island outright? "
The sword-bearing man scowled.
"Or, will you be deterred from setting foot on Fish-Man Island due to the threat posed by the fish-men and make your way directly to the New World? " The tall and lanky man expressed a degree of disdain, "As a pirate traversing the seas, do you wish to submit to such coercion? "
"Alright, I understand your meaning. "
The man with the sword smirked, "This proposition is quite appealing. Should we assault Fish-Man Island and overcome that guy Jinbei, we would gain instantaneous global notoriety! "
"Furthermore," the tall, thin man extended his crimson tongue to lick the blood from the edge of his mouth, "If we successfully invade Fish-Man Island and claim all the mermaids there, you should understand the immense wealth that would entail! "
The man with the sword flushed and his breathing intensified.
In Archipelago, female mermaids can fetch prices in the tens of millions of berries, and if they are youthful and attractive, they could exceed over 100 million.
"But we are merely two pirates? " The sword-wielding man felt tempted yet still harbored reservations.
"Hahaha, have no fear, numerous pirates lust after Fish-Man Island. They merely require someone to rally them! And we shall be those to take the lead! "