Jerry shrugged casually and explained, "It's an energy storage and conversion system designed using certain components from the ancient weapon's blueprints, along with corresponding energy transmission devices."
Judge was stunned for a moment, then shot to his feet with excitement. "You mean to tell me you actually possess the design blueprints for Pluton itself?!"
Germa had naturally received intelligence reports about the incidents involving Jerry's crew in Water 7 and Alabasta, but they lacked specific details about what had actually transpired.
Jerry didn't answer directly, instead observing the excited Judge and his sons—who seemed ready to spring into action at any moment—with obvious amusement.
"Ahem! Please excuse my enthusiasm—I was simply curious," Judge realized his question might have been presumptuous. He coughed twice in embarrassment, gesturing for his sons to remain calm while slowly settling back into his seat.
"Whether I possess Pluton's complete blueprints is irrelevant to our discussion," Jerry said seriously, crossing his arms. "You just need to examine what's on those papers and determine whether you can help me construct it."
"This is our proposed partnership: you help me build the device, I receive the finished product, and you retain copies of the corresponding technical specifications."
"Naturally, I have one additional condition," Jerry continued, placing his hand back on the slim document. "Any weapons you create using this technology cannot be used to harm innocent civilians."
Jerry's expression grew more serious. "You have two choices: decline cooperation right now, or accept my terms. But if you violate our agreement after accepting..." He let the threat hang in the air meaningfully. "I'll personally explain the consequences to you."
Yonji sneered dismissively. "Tsk, can't harm innocent people? What's the point of having such a weapon? It's like a spear without a tip—purely decorative?"
Jerry looked at him with an odd expression. "Who said you need to kill people for a weapon to be effective? Military force doesn't require civilian targets to demonstrate its power."
This observation left Deuce and the others scratching their heads in confusion, while Judge appeared to be contemplating something significant.
Without waiting for responses, Jerry stroked his chin and continued with a knowing smile. "Some weapons never need to be fired to accomplish their purpose—their mere existence is sufficient deterrent!"
Judge looked at Jerry with surprise, then asked eagerly, "Are you suggesting this weapon possesses that level of destructive capability?"
"Well... theoretically speaking? It's entirely possible..." Jerry's hands hesitated slightly as his eyes darted around.
Noticing this reaction, Judge frowned. "You don't actually know for certain?"
"I don't know anything—I've never built one!" Jerry thought frantically.
But he maintained his composed exterior, responding seriously, "Of course I understand the theoretical principles. According to all calculations, this would indeed constitute an extremely powerful weapon system."
"Regardless, I'm not concerned with convincing you," Jerry declared, tapping the document's cover twice with his knuckles. "You should weigh the opportunity yourself and decide whether to agree to our partnership."
Judge slowly leaned back in his chair, gently closing his eyes while taking a deep breath. After a long moment of consideration, he opened his eyes and stared directly into Jerry's calm gaze, extending his left hand to press against the word "Pluton" on the cover.
"Very well. I believe someone of your... reputation wouldn't go to such elaborate lengths for a mere practical joke."
Judge had carefully considered multiple factors during his deliberation. Ultimately, he'd concluded he had nothing significant to lose. In the worst-case scenario, he'd simply waste some time helping Jerry produce worthless scrap metal.
Additionally, as he'd reasoned, Judge was convinced that Jerry—who possessed power sufficient to destroy entire nations in moments—must have access to resources beyond simple pirates' typical reach.
However, after hearing Judge's declaration, Deuce and the other crew members couldn't suppress slight twitches at the corners of their mouths as they struggled to contain their laughter.
As experienced Black Star Pirates, they normally wouldn't laugh unless they genuinely couldn't help themselves.
"Exactly right!" Jerry exclaimed, ignoring the strange looks from his friends while giving Judge an enthusiastic thumbs up.
He grinned widely. "Trust me—years from now, you'll be grateful you made such a wise decision today."
"Gehahaha, I certainly hope so!" Judge stood up with hearty laughter, extending his hand to shake Jerry's and confirm their cooperative agreement.
Jerry gently pushed the document forward and nodded slightly, indicating Judge should examine the contents first.
Judge couldn't wait to retrieve it, turning past the cover with burning curiosity as he began studying the detailed technical specifications inside.
Jerry wasn't in any hurry either. He stretched lazily and turned his attention to Carrot and little Bonney, who were examining their surroundings with obvious fascination.
"Carrot," little Bonney whispered, leaning close to the rabbit mink's ear, "have you noticed how many of them look almost identical?"
"Yeah," Carrot nodded slightly while glancing around discretely. "It's really weird. Even their hair curls the same way."
Jerry shifted his gaze and noticed Carina stroking Kotatsu while lost in thought. Sometimes she appeared shifty and calculating, other times she shook her head as if trying to clear her mind. She seemed to be experiencing some kind of internal struggle.
Cavendish and Farul sat leisurely in their chairs, enjoying afternoon tea with characteristic elegance. Despite being a horse, Farul could sit properly with crossed legs while drinking from a teacup exactly like a human.
Deuce, Skull, and Brook were engaged in quiet conversation during the intermission, occasionally glancing toward the technical documents.
Reiju and the three Vinsmoke brothers sat silently in their seats, stealing curious glances at the papers in their father's hands without speaking.
After an extended period, Judge raised his head with what appeared to be excitement flickering in his eyes.
"Mr. Jerry," he began carefully, "as you indicated, this device does possess considerable merit, and theoretically represents extremely powerful technology, but..."
Hearing his words, Jerry nodded slightly. "But what? Based on our ship's specifications, can it be constructed within a reasonable timeframe?"
Judge hesitated momentarily before responding uncertainly, "It's definitely possible. The timeline wouldn't be excessive, but the costs are... substantial. The expense would be quite significant..."
Jerry leaned back with tactical skepticism, squinting at the Germa king. "What's this? You're such an important monarch, and you're trying to tell me you don't have sufficient funds?"
"Ahem, to be completely honest," Judge coughed while rubbing his hands together with an apologetic smile, "our income and expenditures are both enormous, but to ensure our technology remains advanced and cutting-edge, we maintain substantial research budgets..."
"What? This has intellectual property value, and you want to obtain it for free?" Carina was instantly alert at any mention of money, suddenly interrupting their conversation.
"Of course not..." Judge waved his hands hurriedly, mentally searching for better ways to express his position.
"Excellent. Deuce, Carina—this is your department now. Can you handle the negotiations?" Jerry stood up with a satisfied smile.
Carina and Deuce exchanged knowing glances before responding directly, "That's straightforward, King Judge. Please provide a detailed list of required materials and all associated costs, then we can discuss specifics."
Even though they possessed enormous wealth in gold and other valuables that made them richer than most countries, Carina's team had no intention of wasting even a single berry unnecessarily.
"Trying to get something for nothing? That's wishful thinking," Carina thought to herself. Not only did she refuse to waste money, she was already prepared to turn this opportunity into additional profit.
She would never allow Judge to save money through underhanded tactics, and she was fully prepared to take advantage of this situation to make a substantial fortune.
"Certainly," Judge nodded, "but since evening is approaching and we've already arranged a welcoming banquet, perhaps we could discuss business details after enjoying our meal together?"
Jerry and his crew realized they weren't in any hurry to reach their next destination, and since free food was being offered, it would be wasteful not to accept. They readily agreed to the proposal.
Little Bonney rubbed her hands together enthusiastically and shouted, "Bring it on! Let me test the limits of Germa's culinary capabilities!"