"This is the Gorosei. I agree to your conditions, but we have some of our own," the long-bearded Gorosei said, taking the Den Den Mushi from Sengoku's hand.
"Ho ho ho~ The Gorosei themselves! What an honor to speak with you!" Aeridar, on the other end of the line, was surprised to hear the Gorosei identify themselves. These were men with even more authority than the Yonko.
"For you to personally propose conditions to me, I'll have to give this some serious thought," Aeridar said cryptically through the Den Den Mushi.
"Don't get ahead of yourself. Things from the World Government aren't so easy to get," the long-bearded Gorosei said coldly.
"Of course, of course. Go on, tell me your conditions," Aeridar said, stroking his chin with an expressionless face from his base on Sabaody Archipelago.
"We have two CP0 agents' Vivre Cards. One has already been burned away, and the other is half-burned. Of course, we won't pursue that matter any further," the blonde Gorosei suddenly interjected.
"CP0 agents' Vivre Cards?!" Aeridar's eyebrows shot up as he remembered the two guys who had infiltrated his research base. One was sliced in half by Enrod, and the other was beaten into a vegetable by Otto and was now being used as a human guinea pig for experiments.
"Is that so? I haven't seen any CP0 agents, just two thieves," Aeridar said, his eyes narrowing slightly. As he spoke, Aeridar was already planning to kill the living one to prevent anyone from using his Vivre Card to track them down later.
"Hmph~ Let's not dwell on the past. We can suppress the Celestial Dragon incident for you," the fluffy-bearded Gorosei scoffed, sounding resolute. "But our condition is that you provide the World Government and the Marines with no less than a thousand doses of the SS drug annually."
"Whoa, whoa, whoa~ 'The past'? That's cold. And Gorosei, a thousand doses of the SS drug? Your appetite is a little too big, isn't it?" Aeridar said, sounding displeased. Seriously, why is everyone so greedy?
Without waiting for a response, Aeridar continued, "I remember the World Government had a plan for a human giantification gene experiment, but it failed. So you should know that gene-related biology is extremely complex."
"Hmph~ What are you getting at?" The Gorosei scoffed but didn't seem concerned that Aeridar knew about this secret government project. They all knew that the former World Government scientist, Switch Dalt, was now working for Aeridar. This world-class scientist had been one of the lead researchers for the World Government's biological weapons program and knew a thing or two about the giantification experiments.
Thinking about this, the Gorosei exchanged glances. Switch Dalt was a renowned bio-scientist specializing in human gene enhancement and modification, which was precisely why the government had invited him to join in the first place. That must be it. The SS drug must have been his creation, which would also explain Aeridar's connection to it.
"The SS drug contains many rare raw ingredients, including a number of natural herbs. That's why I proposed the second condition to you. Its production is very complicated and cumbersome, so the output can't possibly meet a demand that high," Aeridar explained patiently, a dark look on his face.
"How many can you provide, then?" the bald, curved-mustache Gorosei asked directly, without any more nonsense.
"..." Aeridar frowned, pondering for a moment before saying, "Five hundred doses. Five hundred is the absolute maximum I can provide. However, you won't get them until next year. And this year, you'll need to provide me with a batch of raw materials. The cost of those materials can be deducted from next year's purchase."
"Only five hundred..." The Gorosei looked at each other, and the six of them, including Sengoku, began to talk in hushed tones.
The SS drug held an ineffable importance for the World Government and the Marines. At present, there was no substitute for it. In addition to mass-producing super soldiers without side effects, it also had the astonishing ability to cleanse one's veins and maintain cellular vitality.
For example, the older generation of Marine powerhouses, led by Garp, followed by Sengoku, Zephyr, and others, were all getting on in years. Their bodies were aging, and both their strength and stamina were declining. But if they took the SS drug over a long period, they could maintain their cellular vitality and keep their immense strength well into their old age.
Just imagine what a terrifying force it would be if both the previous generation of Marine Admirals (Garp had refused the rank, but the position was always open to him) and the current generation of Marine Admirals were all at the height of their power.
The World Government felt the same, so they were determined to get their hands on the SS drug.
As for the formula, they didn't even bother to ask. It was obvious from the fact that two Yonko had already declared his territory a neutral zone (Whitebeard hadn't yet) that he had two major powerhouses backing him.
Unless the World Government and the Marines were prepared to fight the Beasts Pirates and the Big Mom Pirates, this was clearly not an option. Both sides wanted it, but they were well aware of each other's strength. A fight would only benefit others, so it was better to just pay for the finished product.
"Alright. Five hundred it is. We will provide the raw materials this year, and you will officially provide the SS drug next year. However, you'll have to give us a hundred doses as a down payment," the blonde Gorosei said, after they reached a decision, agreeing to Aeridar's conditions.
"No problem. I'll squeeze a hundred doses out of my current stock for you. It'll count as payment for this year's raw materials," Aeridar said, not being vague and agreeing just as decisively after hearing the Gorosei's quick acceptance.
With a unified agreement and a deal reached, both sides couldn't help but smile into the Den Den Mushi.
....
Sabaody Archipelago, Grove 11, the Chris Pirates' base.
Click!
In the lounge, Aeridar casually propped his feet up on a mahogany coffee table and hung up the Den Den Mushi.
"Hey, Captain! Our entire quota is already accounted for. Where are we going to get five hundred doses of the SS drug for next year?" Oliver asked, full of confusion, as soon as Aeridar ended the call.
"We'll just expand the production line, of course. You've seen how big the research base on Alvis Island is now, and with the raw materials provided by the World Government, we can easily expand our SS drug production line. And if that's not enough, the Beasts Pirates, the Big Mom Pirates, and even the Whitebeard Pirates would all be happy to provide us with plenty of raw materials." A sly smile spread across Aeridar's face, as if everything was completely under his control.
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