Germa's inner sanctum proved even more impressive than the exterior displays had suggested.
Beyond the distinctive clone soldiers maintaining perfect formations throughout the massive complex, Oboro observed numerous white-coated researchers moving between laboratories with purposeful efficiency. These scientists represented the kingdom's true foundation, the intellectual architects whose innovations had elevated the Vinsmoke Family from ambitious nobles to technological supremacy.
Science commanded respect throughout the pirate world, often determining the difference between regional influence and global dominance. The advanced capabilities displayed by Dr. Vegapunk, Caesar Clown, and Judge himself demonstrated how theoretical knowledge could reshape entire political landscapes when properly applied.
The group proceeded through interconnected corridors until Judge pushed open ornate doors, revealing a palatial hall that embodied the Vinsmoke Family's overwhelming pride.
"Quite narcissistic," Oboro observed with dry amusement.
The chamber's walls displayed dozens of self-portraits featuring Judge in various heroic poses, serious expressions, majestic bearing, commanding presence that projected absolute authority. The sheer quantity suggested someone whose ego demanded constant visual reinforcement.
As they entered the hall proper, Yonji closed the doors behind them with deliberate finality. The sound seemed to serve as a prearranged signal, immediately, all four Vinsmoke siblings launched coordinated attacks from different vectors, their enhanced capabilities creating a pincer movement designed to overwhelm their guest through synchronized assault.
However, before any of them could close the distance, compressed airflow materialized around their positions like invisible chains. Their genetically enhanced physiques, capable of shattering stone and deflecting bullets, proved utterly helpless against atmospheric manipulation that operated beyond conventional understanding.
"Testing me?" Oboro inquired with predatory amusement, his gaze finding Judge's imposing form.
The supreme commander of Germa descended red-carpeted stairs with theatrical dignity, each step calculated to project the kind of absolute authority that brooked no challenge. His ornate spear and distinctive yellow cape created a silhouette that commanded attention throughout the opulent chamber.
Judge settled onto his throne without acknowledging the scene of his children's failed ambush. His enhanced vision processed the tactical data, Reiju and her siblings remained completely immobilized despite their technological augmentations operating at moderate output levels.
"I warned you this bastard possessed extraordinary capabilities!" Yonji grinned with perverse appreciation despite his helpless situation.
The energy readings from their combat suits suggested they hadn't deployed maximum power, a deliberate limitation that confirmed this had been evaluation rather than genuine assault.
After studying the display for several moments, Oboro released his atmospheric control, allowing the Vinsmoke siblings to regain their freedom of movement.
"You're the first person I've encountered in the North Blue with such... interesting abilities," Reiju observed as her combat aura subsided. She and her brothers moved to claim seats arranged throughout the hall, though her tone carried implications that suggested deeper analysis.
With casual precision, Oboro gestured toward the floor where Reiju had been standing. A pool of purple venom materialized on the stone surface, immediately beginning to corrode the reinforced materials while releasing wisps of toxic vapor.
"Your poison has no effect on me," he replied with knowing satisfaction.
During their handshake, his enhanced perception had detected Reiju's subtle attempt at chemical assassination, toxins transmitted through skin contact that should have paralyzed or killed ordinary opponents within moments. But his Qi Refining techniques provided supernatural awareness of any foreign substances entering his system, along with the capability to isolate and expel such threats before they could cause harm.
The demonstration drew visible tension from Reiju despite her maintained smile. Her eyes hardened with recognition that traditional Vinsmoke tactics would prove useless against this particular opponent.
"Not everyone qualifies for business discussions with Germa," Judge declared with aristocratic disdain, "especially low-ranking pirates like yourself."
The insult was delivered with calculated precision, a reminder of the vast gulf that separated the Vinsmoke Family's international influence from the Hell Pirates' regional notoriety.
"Although Doflamingo serves as your intermediary," Judge continued with obvious satisfaction, "whether cooperation proceeds depends entirely on our assessment."
So that's how this happened!
Understanding crystallized in Oboro's analytical mind. Doflamingo had orchestrated this introduction, using his existing relationship with Germa to facilitate contact that would otherwise have proven impossible. The Heavenly Demon was positioning himself as an indispensable broker while demonstrating his commitment to their previous negotiations.
Joker's growing impatient, Oboro realized with dark amusement. He wants access to new power sources more urgently than I anticipated.
Judge's arrogant demeanor failed to trigger any emotional response. The old man's pride bordered on delusion, but his technological capabilities commanded genuine respect. If Germa lacked strategic value for future operations, even their entire evil army wouldn't guarantee Judge's survival should circumstances turn hostile.
"Naturally," Oboro replied with diplomatic calm. "Cooperation implies mutual choice, both parties possess valid reasons for acceptance or refusal."
The hall's interior reflected the Vinsmoke Family's obsession with hierarchy and display. Luxurious furnishings exceeded most royal palaces in both quality and ostentation, yet the seating arrangement emphasized Judge's supremacy. Four ornate chairs faced each other below the raised throne, accommodating Reiju, Iji, Niji, and Yonji in order of their established precedence.
No fifth chair existed. Sanji had been systematically erased from family recognition.
Within the Germa Kingdom, Judge's will represented the only authority that mattered.
"Speak," Judge commanded with casual indifference, resting his chin on one hand while assuming a posture that projected boredom. "What proposition brings you here?"
No invitation was extended for Oboro to sit, a deliberate breach of diplomatic courtesy designed to emphasize their respective positions.
"I want to purchase five hundred genetically modified soldiers," Oboro stated without preamble.
The request sent visible shock through the assembled Vinsmoke siblings. Germa's clone soldiers represented military assets that had never been sold to external forces, their enhanced capabilities, fearless psychology, and absolute loyalty made them invaluable strategic resources that the kingdom guarded jealously.
"Our Hell Pirates remain in early developmental stages," Oboro continued with matter-of-fact honesty. "Recent recruitment has expanded our numbers, but we lack the time necessary to properly train conventional personnel to acceptable standards. After careful consideration, I concluded that... unconventional solutions were required."
Five hundred clone soldiers represented a modest fraction of Germa's total forces, yet their significance transcended mere numbers. These warriors possessed supernatural durability, enhanced reflexes, and most importantly, complete immunity to psychological warfare, intimidation, or moral corruption. They would charge against Marine Admirals or Four Emperors with identical determination, making them perfect expendable assets for the most dangerous operations.
"Before birth, every soldier receives genetic programming that ensures absolute obedience to the Germa Kingdom," Judge replied with cold finality. "Death before disobedience represents their fundamental nature. Transferring such loyalty to pirates is impossible."
His tone carried the dismissive authority of someone explaining natural law to children.
"I understand," Oboro nodded with apparent acceptance. "Consider it temporary transfer of command authority. I'm requesting a one-year lease of five hundred personnel. Should any survive their service period, they'll be returned unharmed. The compensation I'm offering reflects full purchase value, you'll profit substantially from what amounts to extended military contracting."
He paused to ensure Judge processed the strategic implications before continuing.
"Our Hell Pirates lack genetic modification technology, and if Germa's core secrets were easily compromised through simple study, the Vinsmoke Family wouldn't command their current international influence. Therefore, security concerns shouldn't factor into your decision."
"This represents a straightforward business transaction, we need capable personnel, your soldiers exceed our requirements."
"Hmm." Judge's satisfaction with Oboro's rational approach was evident despite his maintained stern expression.
Throughout the maritime world, only a handful of individuals truly understood bloodline factor technology. Each researcher had pursued different applications and refinements, creating specialized knowledge that couldn't be easily replicated. Judge's confidence in his scientific supremacy was well-founded, if duplication were possible, Germa wouldn't maintain its technological monopoly.
"Price," Judge stated with imperial brevity.
Oboro calmly recited a figure that drew visible surprise from Reiju.
The amount far exceeded expected compensation for military contracting, approaching what might be demanded for permanent transfer of valuable strategic assets. The Hell Pirates' recent wealth accumulation was well-documented throughout the North Blue, but this generous offer suggested motivations beyond simple business efficiency.
He's deliberately overpaying, Reiju realized with growing analytical interest. This isn't about acquiring soldiers, he wants to establish favorable relations with our family.
"However," Oboro raised one finger with theatrical precision, "I require certain conditions regarding our arrangement."
"Since you maintain World Government membership and enjoy special privileges, our cooperation must remain completely confidential. Marine and governmental authorities cannot learn of these transactions... As you noted, I am a pirate. They consider me their enemy."
His smile carried predatory amusement as he continued.
"Eventually, discovery becomes inevitable. When Germa soldiers appear aboard pirate vessels fighting against Marine forces, the World Government will certainly contact you for explanations. You should prepare appropriate responses."
The observation was strategically sound. Germa's elevated status within governmental hierarchies stemmed partly from their willingness to share certain technological innovations, excluding core secrets, with World Government research divisions. Their North Blue influence also served important political functions, maintaining regional balance that prevented complete chaos.
Any other power would refuse such arrangements regardless of offered compensation. But Germa's unique position, combined with Judge's businessman mentality and overwhelming arrogance, created opportunities that more cautious organizations would never consider.
Additionally, Doflamingo's intermediary role had provided crucial legitimacy for these negotiations.
"Germa maintains extensive commercial relationships," Judge replied with dismissive confidence. "The World Government acknowledges our business practices. We accept payment for services rendered, subsequent applications remain beyond our concern."
He extended two fingers with predatory satisfaction. "Double."
The demand was delivered with absolute certainty, twice the already generous amount Oboro had proposed.
"If you agree, we have an arrangement."
"Agreed," Oboro responded without hesitation.
Such immediate acceptance drew visible surprise from the assembled siblings. Most negotiators would have demanded time for consideration or attempted counter-proposals when faced with unexpected price increases.
"Guards will escort you out," Judge declared, rising from his throne with theatrical flourish.
The supreme commander departed through a side entrance, his cape billowing dramatically as he vanished into the palace's deeper recesses. Iji, Niji, and Yonji followed without acknowledging their guest's continued presence, behavior that would have been insulting under normal diplomatic circumstances.
"Are all pirates so wealthy nowadays?" Niji's voice echoed through the hall as the brothers departed.
"Don't be ridiculous," Iji replied with casual dismissal. "Among all pirates currently active in the North Blue, he's probably the only one capable of such payments. Though I'll admit, his wealth accumulation has been remarkable..."
"Spending such enormous sums for five hundred soldiers?" Yonji added with obvious confusion. "We could provide five thousand without difficulty. I expected something significant!"
Their conversation faded as distance muffled the voices.
"Please excuse them," Reiju said with diplomatic grace, rising from her seat with fluid elegance. "Their social skills require development."
She had removed her combat suit, revealing casual clothing that emphasized her natural beauty rather than technological enhancement.
"I'll escort you to your vessel."
"Thank you," Oboro replied with genuine appreciation.
They retraced their route through the palace's interconnected corridors, their footsteps echoing off polished surfaces that reflected the afternoon light filtering through decorative windows.
"Excluding that Shichibukai, you're the first pirate my father has met personally for business discussions," Reiju observed as they walked.
"I'm honored," Oboro responded with diplomatic courtesy.
His analytical gaze noted the combat equipment she'd stored in what appeared to be a compressed container, advanced technology that allowed for rapid deployment and concealment of complex systems.
"Before meeting you, I assumed you'd resemble other pirates I've encountered," Reiju continued, producing a cigarette and lighting it with practiced ease.
She inhaled thoughtfully before continuing. "Your presentation defied those expectations."
"Don't I seem like a pirate?" Oboro asked with amused curiosity.
Watching Reiju smoke triggered memories of canonical knowledge, specifically, her brother Sanji's similar habits and distinctive appearance. The family resemblance was unmistakable despite their vastly different circumstances.
"No," Reiju replied with honest assessment.
"Then I'll accept that as a compliment."
After reaching the castle's exterior, Reiju paused while studying the Hell Pirates' vessel anchored in the distance. Her smile maintained its diplomatic warmth, though subtle tension suggested deeper thoughts.
"I believe you can manage the return journey independently."
Before departing, Oboro posed a deliberately casual question. "Are there only four children in the Vinsmoke Family? No other descendants?"
The inquiry triggered visible tension despite Reiju's maintained composure. Several heartbeats of silence passed before she responded.
"No. Just the four of us."
"You differ from your brothers," Oboro observed with calculated precision. "You retain genuine human emotions while they seem to lack such... warmth. I know someone who resembles you remarkably, particularly the eyebrow configuration. Originally, I dismissed the similarity as coincidence, but your emotional capacity suggests that perhaps not all Vinsmoke family members conform to the same pattern..."
Reiju's smile grew noticeably strained as recognition of where his observations were leading became apparent. Tension radiated from her form despite her efforts at maintaining casual demeanor.
"You can leave now," she interrupted with notably cooler tone. "We'll contact you regarding the modified soldiers. They'll be delivered to a designated location for pickup."
"Understood," Oboro acknowledged while preparing for departure.
"Wait," Reiju called as he began ascending into the air.
He paused, studying her expression with enhanced perception.
"You haven't mentioned these... observations to Niji or Yonji?"
"No," Oboro replied with reassuring honesty. "I only made the connection after meeting you personally."
He withdrew a Den Den Mushi from his coat and extended it toward her. "Your secret remains safe."
After a moment's hesitation, Reiju accepted the communication device.
"Goodbye," Oboro said with finality, launching himself skyward toward his waiting vessel.
The transaction was complete, but the implications would echo far beyond simple military contracting. Five hundred Germa soldiers would soon serve under the Hell Pirates' banner, while new alliances formed that would reshape the North Blue's delicate political balance.
Most significantly, seeds had been planted that might eventually bear fruit in the form of contact with a brother who had been erased from family memory, assuming circumstances ever permitted such dangerous revelations.