Half a month later, at Oden Castle in Kuri.
Beneath the gloomy sky, the once magnificent castle was now shrouded in a murderous atmosphere. Inside the castle hall, flickering candlelight cast shifting patterns of light and shadow on the mottled walls. Several men in white suits, led by members of the Beasts Pirates, walked forward with measured steps. Their faces were concealed by uniformly styled white masks, and their synchronized footsteps gave them an exceptionally mysterious air.
"Mr. Kaidou, I have come on behalf of the World Government to complete the transaction," the lead CP0 agent said with a slight bow, his voice emerging from behind the mask with a mechanical coldness. He raised his hand gently, and two subordinates immediately stepped forward, one holding an exquisite box and the other a stack of yellowed documents.
"This is the Zoan-Type Ancient Cat-Cat Fruit, Saber-Toothed Tiger Form," the agent indicated the box in his left subordinate's hands, inside which lay a strange fruit covered in spiral patterns. Then he pointed to the documents in his right subordinate's hands: "And the training methods for the Navy Six Styles and Life Return you requested."
"Wororororo," Kaidou's massive frame shifted in the shadows as he let out his signature laugh. He waved his hand casually, and two pirates immediately stepped forward to receive the items. "The World Government's sincerity has been received."
"Then, regarding our future cooperation..." the CP0 agent cautiously began.
"Cooperation?" Kaidou's laughter cut off abruptly, a dangerous glint flashing in his draconic eyes. "What makes you think you're worthy of discussing transactions with me?"
Before the words had fully faded, a terrifying wave of Conqueror's Haki swept through the hall like a tidal wave. The CP0 agents staggered as if struck by lightning, with the lead man retreating several steps, his face turning deathly pale beneath the mask.
The candlelights in the hall flickered violently, as if they might extinguish at any moment. The air was thick with suffocating pressure as the CP0 agents struggled to remain standing, their knees trembling uncontrollably. Kaidou's tall figure cast an enormous shadow in the candlelight, completely enveloping the agents.
"If you want to discuss cooperation with me, you're not qualified. Have those five old fossils come talk to me themselves," Kaidou stated directly.
Hearing Kaidou's words, the lead masked man paused as if in thought, then nodded after a moment before producing a red Den Den Mushi from behind him. Kaidou looked at the Den Den Mushi with some surprise, never expecting that such an ordinary creature wouldn't faint under his Conqueror's Haki. It seemed the World Government had some tricks up their sleeve.
Buru buru buru buru...
Soon, the Den Den Mushi connected.
The Den Den Mushi's eyes suddenly widened, emitting an eerie red light. Kaidou leaned back in his throne, his thick fingers lightly tapping the armrest, a playful smile playing on his lips.
"So you've answered this call. It appears you intend to make an enemy of the World Government, Kaidou," came a hoarse, deep voice from the other end of the Den Den Mushi, like a demon whispering from the depths of hell.
Kaidou raised an eyebrow slightly, a ferocious grin twisting his lips: "Worororo... If it isn't the Science and Defense God Knight, Jaygarcia Saturn. Surprised your old bones haven't turned to dust yet."
The Den Den Mushi's expression instantly darkened, the very air around them seeming to freeze: "Kaidou, I have no interest in word games with a pirate. State your terms, but remember—the price for toying with the World Government is beyond your ability to pay."
Kaidou threw his head back with booming laughter that made the hall's candle flames flicker violently, causing wall ornaments to clatter softly: "Don't be so serious, Saturn. Let me think... last time we met was at God Valley—"
"Silence!" The Den Den Mushi cut him off sharply, its voice carrying undeniable authority. "Even entrenched in Wano Country, you're merely a larger insect in the eyes of the World Government. Do not test my patience."
Kaidou's grin vanished abruptly, a dangerous red glint flashing in his eyes as the temperature in the hall seemed to drop: "Worororo! Then come try! I'll be waiting here in Wano for you to 'erase' me. If you lack the courage, you're nothing but a complete coward!"
The Den Den Mushi fell into prolonged silence, only the faint crackling of candle flames disturbing the heavy atmosphere. After a long pause, Saturn's voice returned, now carrying a hint of compromise: "State your terms, Kaidou."
"Now that's more like it, Saturn. Since this is a transaction, both parties should deal as equals. You're not qualified to put on airs with me." Kaidou stated bluntly.
This time the Den Den Mushi remained silent, seemingly waiting for him to continue.
"You can have the Sea Stone—we can trade most of Wano's Sea Stone production. But the price increases by thirty percent, and annually the World Government must provide ten additional Zoan-Type Devil Fruits to offset part of the payment. Furthermore, you'll be responsible for delivering all research equipment my subordinate Queen requires." Kaidou laid out all his conditions in one breath.
Dead silence fell over the hall, broken only by the echo of Kaidou's fingers tapping against his armrest. After three full minutes, the Den Den Mushi finally spoke: "The price is acceptable, but no more than two Devil Fruits."
Kaidou's fingers stilled abruptly, a cold light flashing in his eyes as his presence intensified: "Five. Not one less. Wano's Sea Stone has the world's highest purity—I won't lack for buyers."
"Three ordinary types. That's my final offer." Saturn's voice was piercingly cold, each word seeming squeezed through clenched teeth. "And they must be ordinary types—Ancient Zoan and Mythical Zoan are not part of this deal."
Kaidou narrowed his eyes before suddenly grinning, baring his white teeth: "Deal. But regarding the equipment list—not a single screw can be missing."
"Agreed." Saturn responded curtly, then shifted tone, his voice carrying warning: "But remember—the World Government has never recognized your claim over Wano Country. The Kouzuki Clan is—"
"Worororo," Kaidou waved dismissively, his massive hand stirring a gust of wind, "Say what you will, old man. Just deliver the goods on time—the rest means nothing to me."
The Den Den Mushi's expression turned ferocious, its voice distorted: "Kaidou, don't think this transaction means anything. If I discover you making any suspicious moves..."
"Enough!" Kaidou slammed the armrest with such force that the entire hall trembled, dust cascading from the walls. "The deal is done. Get out!"
The Den Den Mushi's eyes instantly lost their light as its head drooped limply. Several CP0 agents swiftly retrieved the communication device, bowing their heads as they hurried toward the exit, not daring to make a sound. Their retreating figures soon vanished into the corridor's shadows, leaving Kaidou alone on his throne, a meaningful smile playing on his lips.
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