Wald received the two brothers, Fulo and Byojack, in the reception room. Byojack observed their expressions and tone, immediately discerning that Fulo was arrogant and quite disdainful of them. However, even though he looked a bit older, the other brother showed great respect for Wald's crew.
After Wald showed them around the mine and the half-built armory, Fulo immediately stated, "Wald, it's undeniable that Winter Island is rich in resources, but because of high transportation costs and the almost saturated arms market in the Underworld, we can only offer 20,000 Berries per gun."
Wald's smile vanished. He stared at Fulo and said, "As far as I know, even in the Underworld, a firearm can sell for over 80,000 Berries. Mr. Fulo, isn't your price a bit low? You should know that once our armory is complete, we can provide you with at least 30,000 firearms and hundreds of cannonballs every month."
Byojack had done his research beforehand; the Ibis Family typically bought firearms for at least 32,000 Berries each, and the iron ore from Winter Island was far superior to what was available on the market. Offering only 20,000 Berries was clearly a rip-off.
Fulo shook his head. "Our Ibis Family acts as a middleman. We handle both transportation costs and buyer negotiations. Furthermore, the World Government is very strict about firearms now, and what we're doing is criminal, after all."
Wald sneered inwardly. The World Government was indeed controlling firearms, but they were also turning a blind eye; otherwise, there wouldn't be so many pirates in the world. To put it simply, the Underworld had existed for hundreds of years for a reason, with all connections—both legitimate and illicit—already established.
If they accepted Fulo's price for 30,000 guns and cannonballs, Wald and his crew would only receive about 800 million Berries per month. After deducting labor and material costs, they would only be left with around 200 million Berries. Fulo's asking price was, to put it mildly, exorbitant.
"If you're not satisfied, we can just call the whole thing off," Fulo said, maintaining a calm, composed demeanor. "However, I'll give you a piece of advice: at the end of the day, you're just pirates. The Marines and the World Government aren't to be trifled with."
"Are you threatening me?" Wald's eyes turned cold as he glared at Fulo.
Fulo showed no fear. "Threatening isn't the word. As a businessman, I look at the long term. I stand by what I said: if Mr. Wald is unwilling to cooperate, there are plenty of others who want to work with the Ibis Family."
"Hahahaha!" Wald burst into laughter, his shoulders shaking. "Fulo, you're way too confident. The Ibis Family is indeed powerful, but... why do you think we wouldn't dare to go down fighting?"
Fulo's expression changed slightly, but he still feigned composure. "Wald, what do you intend to do? Don't say I didn't warn you, I'm with the Ibis Family!"
"In the end, you're just some insignificant family. Do you really think that since I dared to invite you here, I'd be afraid of a little coercion?" Wald's tone was dismissive. Outside the palace, countless soldiers had already surrounded the area.
"You actually dare?!" Fulo's face turned grim.
"Brother, listen to me. Let's buy them at 40,000 Berries per gun," the other brother said in a deep voice. "I've investigated this. Winter Island is rich in mineral resources and can provide a steady supply of firearms. It's also not far from our branch, so we'll save on transportation costs and still make a good profit."
"Do you know what you're saying?!" Fulo looked at him with a murderous gaze.
The brother remained unfazed, meeting Fulo's gaze. "I know exactly what I'm saying. Besides, Father once told me that the Ibis Family has survived this long by relying on win-win cooperation."
Fulo gritted his teeth and said coldly, "Hmph! I'll tell Father exactly what happened today!"
The brother took out a contract and pushed it in front of Wald. "Mr. Wald, if you don't see any problems, please sign here. I believe 40,000 Berries should meet your expectations, right?"
Wald was momentarily stunned, then said happily, "Of course! It's easy to deal with smart people. You're much better than your idiotic brother." He didn't hesitate to mock Fulo.
The negotiations concluded, and both parties agreed to make the first delivery in two months, since the armory was still under construction.
The World Destroyer
With the agreement reached, the Winter Island Armory gradually got on track. This should have been a day worth celebrating, but as the smelting of firearms began, two pirate ships appeared near Winter Island. Wald didn't hesitate and immediately ordered his subordinates to attack.
Soon after, news reports spread throughout the world about the complete annihilation of every pirate crew entering or leaving the vicinity of Winter Island. According to the reports, Wald single-handedly wiped out the crews with ease. A Marine branch Commodore heard the news and sent men to participate in the subjugation, but the Marine branch was ultimately razed to the ground.
Wald destroyed every pirate ship in his sight. The infamous reputation of "The World Destroyer" spread far and wide across the seas. His bounty reached 200 million Berries.
Kaido's Return
By early 1485, Kaido emerged after training in the mountains for over half a year, radiating a sharp aura. His body was even more robust and burly, with dragon scale tattoos appearing on his arms and back.
Wald was overjoyed and immediately told him about the past six months. Monthly profits exceeded 400 million Berries, and they had accumulated a massive amount of capital.
"I can use Armament Haki skillfully now, and my multiplication factor is up to 50 times!" Wald boasted. "Kaido, I'm not kidding, but with how you are now, I might actually be able to... fight you!"
Originally, Wald wanted to say he could "defeat" him, but considering Kaido's terrifying strength and his Devil Fruit, he quickly changed his tone to "might just be able to fight you."
Kaido gladly accepted the challenge. Ten minutes later, Wald lay on the ground, staring blankly at the snowy sky and questioning his life choices.
"How on earth do you train? Why does it feel like the gap between us is getting even bigger?!"
"Worororo! Wald, everything is just beginning. To defeat the World Government, we're still far from launching a war that can change the world's landscape!"
Wald sighed, but it was precisely this side of Kaido that made him worth following.
"The shipping lanes are clear now, and no other ships dare to trespass," Wald said with a grin. "But there's a problem we need to solve right now. Some time ago, an Oren Kingdom royal court ship passed through our route and our people sank it. Now, I hear the Oren Kingdom is organizing its army to attack Winter Island."
Wald paused, a meaningful smile playing on his lips. "It's worth noting that the Oren Kingdom is an allied nation of the World Government."