Smoothie crossed her long legs, her posture both lazy and noble while holding a glass of crimson red wine that shimmered under the light with an alluring glow, like fresh blood.
Bullet sat casually opposite her, his burly arms resting on the sofa's armrests, his large frame occupying most of the sofa.
His gaze occasionally drifted toward the several blood samples placed on the coffee table, emitting an eerie glow, his eyes revealing a hint of curiosity and desire.
"So..." Bullet's eyes fixed intently on one of the silver-glowing blood samples, his Adam's apple unconsciously bobbing—a natural reaction to formidable power.
"Is this really Bryndy World's blood?"
"That guy is notoriously tough to deal with, and his Devil Fruit ability is indeed impressive."
Smoothie's red lips curved slightly as she gently swirled her wine glass, treating it like a delicate work of art.
With her movement, the wine rippled in circles inside the glass.
"True. Mama went through the trouble of breaking into the Underwater Great Prison to obtain it. Weren't you also fortunate enough to escape thanks to Mama? If it weren't for Mama's immense efforts, who knows where you'd be rotting right now."
Bullet snorted coldly, a trace of disdain flashing across his face. "I was brought out by Ron, and I've got nothing to do with your Big Mom."
"Ron is the one with real capability. He saw potential in me, and that's why I'm where I am today. Your Big Mom Pirates just got lucky obtaining this blood sample."
Smoothie tilted her head back slightly, a faint, elusive smile playing on her lips, as if she'd anticipated Bullet's reaction and didn't take his silence to heart.
Then, she added meaningfully, "The power of the Moa Moa Fruit isn't to be underestimated."
Bullet frowned.
Smoothie continued, "Think about it. At a critical moment in battle, if you can maximize its ability, using it well could be like throwing a massive boulder into a calm lake—instantly shattering the stalemate and turning the tide of battle to your favor."
"After all, in this ever-changing battlefield, even the slightest advantage can become the decisive factor in victory or defeat."
Bullet's pupils contracted slightly, like ripples disturbing a tranquil lake, as his mind began simulating scenarios after obtaining the ability.
He envisioned himself dominating the battlefield, his formidable Armament Haki swirling around him like surging waves, combined with the astonishing hundredfold amplification of the Moa Moa Fruit.
Every punch he threw seemed to carry the force of a thousand giant.
With a single punch, that immense power erupted like a volcanic explosion, capable of sinking even the sturdiest of islands into the ocean depths, stirring towering waves and billowing clouds of dust.
Thinking of Jozu, that arrogant bastard who's always flaunting his top-tier Armament Haki in front of him, Bullet's fists involuntarily clenched, his knuckles cracking as if to vent all his pent-up frustration and resentment through the tightening grip.
Perhaps with the power of the Moa Moa Fruit, he could rival—or even overwhelm—Jozu's top-tier Armament Haki!
After all, they'd only obtained Armament Haki for a short time—too short to delve deeply into its mysteries and master its essence.
They merely grasped an empty shell, like a novice martial artist with flashy moves but no inner strength to support them.
"What? Tempted?" Smoothie keenly caught his reaction, a flicker of allure in her eyes as if she could see right through his thoughts.
"With the power of the Moa Moa Fruit combined with your own strength, who on the seas could rival you?"
Bullet took a deep breath, forcing himself to calm down. His rugged face showed a rare seriousness.
"It's indeed a remarkable ability."
He paused, his gaze turning resolute. "However, the specifics of the deal must wait for Lord Ron's return to decide. After all, this is no small matter—it concerns the future direction of our Eternal Divine Kingdom. We must proceed with caution."
The two continued discussing information about other Devil Fruit users. During their conversation, Bullet realized Smoothie's understanding of the Eternal Divine Kingdom far exceeded his expectations.
From the bargaining chips for Devil Fruit trades to the division of labor among the captains, she seemed to have conducted thorough research.
Every question hit the mark, and every statement revealed her deep insight into the Eternal Divine Kingdom.
"You've prepared thoroughly this time," Bullet remarked meaningfully, a hint of wariness and suspicion in his eyes.
He began reevaluating the seemingly alluring woman before him, wondering how many more secrets she held.
Smoothie chuckled lightly, placing her glass on the coffee table.
The crisp clinking sound echoed in the quiet room.
"After all… we've come with sincerity," she said, glancing pointedly at the bottle of silver-glowing blood.
"Mother values the cooperation with the Eternal Divine Kingdom greatly. This bottle of blood is a symbol of our sincerity."
"We hope to establish a long-term, stable partnership with the Eternal Divine Kingdom."
As their conversation deepened, Bullet's guard against Smoothie gradually eased.
Recalling that the Big Mom Pirates had indeed engaged in multiple successful trades with them—each transaction smooth and reassuring—and considering the generous gift before him, the precious blood shimmering temptingly, he couldn't help but regard Smoothie as "one of their own," the last traces of vigilance slowly fading away.
"Actually, there's no need for you to rush."
Bullet heartily slapped the coffee table, the force causing the glasses to jump and clatter noisily.
"Lord Ron and the others have set out with the Eternal Divine Kingdom's most elite forces."
He grinned, revealing a row of stark white teeth, his smile brimming with unwavering confidence.
"With Kaido's meager strength, he'll probably be wiped out soon enough. Our Eternal Divine Kingdom's power isn't something those small fries can compare to."
A strange glint flashed in Smoothie's eyes, but she quickly regained her composure: "Oh? Has Lord Ron personally taken to the field?"
Her tone carried just the right amount of surprise and concern. "Then it seems this operation is determined to succeed. I wonder how Lord Ron and the others are faring now?"
"Not sure, but without any mishaps, the Divine Lord took Enel, Crocodile, and the others to the Land of Wano," Bullet replied without suspicion, speaking casually.
"If I weren't tasked with guarding the headquarters, I'd have joined in on the excitement."
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