Chapter 161: The Transaction
After a heavy silence on the Den Den Mushi's end, the answer Kai wanted finally came through.
"Agreed. We've accepted your demands."
Saturn's voice sounded as if squeezed from between clenched teeth. "When will you release the captives?"
"Don't be in such a rush. I have one more small additional requirement."
Kai carefully flicked away nonexistent dust from his fingernail, his tone so relaxed it seemed he was discussing the weather.
"Kai. Don't push your luck too far."
Saturn's voice suddenly rose, carrying barely restrained fury. "Do you really think that with just a few captives, you can extort the World Government without limits? Know when to stop."
Invisible pressure seemed to seep through the Den Den Mushi. The air on the deck congealed.
"Relax, relax. Truly just a small request. For you, it's a piece of cake."
Kai maintained his infuriatingly leisurely tone. "I have a few friends who accidentally got invited by the Marines to stay at Impel Down. I hope the World Government can let them go."
"Heh." Saturn nearly laughed from rage.
Asking them for people? And "a few" at that? Why not just hand them Impel Down?
Just as he prepared to harshly rebuke, Peter Saint preempted him. "Names. We need to assess their threat level to the World Government."
Hearing this, Kai smiled with satisfaction. Look, the Five Elders weren't completely unreasonable after all.
"Gladly." He rattled off the names crisply. "Dorry, Brogy, Kashii, and Oimo."
He'd originally prepared to forcibly break into Impel Down and rescue them. He hadn't expected the Marine Admirals to "deliver" them directly, giving him the perfect opportunity to solve the problem. Fortune following misfortune indeed.
As for whether to kill the Marine captives here, he'd never even considered it. Admirals were certainly the Marines' elite forces. Losing two at once would grievously wound Marine combat capability and strength.
But this couldn't shake the World Government's foundations. Not to mention the CP organizations and the Holy Knights. As long as Imu lived, the World Government would never collapse.
Conversely, such extreme actions would only completely enrage the opponent, inviting desperate counterattacks. Even the Five Elders plus Imu acting personally.
The timing wasn't ripe.
Before possessing absolute power sufficient to overturn everything, he still needed to fence with the World Government for a while. Negotiating conditions served two purposes: one to strengthen himself, two to prove to the Five Elders he harbored no "treacherous intentions."
The other end of the line paused. The Five Elders rapidly searched their memories for these names. Four giants the Marines recently captured.
"Kai, your circle of acquaintances is quite extensive," Saturn said gravely.
He hadn't expected Kai to quietly extend his reach toward the giant race, successfully establishing connections with the Elbaf Pirates' captain.
The Den Den Mushi's audio was temporarily muted again.
Within the Power Chamber, Saturn looked at his colleagues. "Exchange?"
He wasn't concerned about the giants' combat power. An Admiral could suppress them. The key was whether to let Kai gain the giant race's friendship smoothly.
The other four Five Elders rapidly exchanged glances.
"Exchange," Nas Shoulou Peter said tersely, his long sword striking firmly. "Even if we refuse, Kai can exploit our detaining Elbaf warriors, making a huge fuss. He could even personally go to Elbaf playing 'rescuer,' exchanging it for the entire giant kingdom's friendship and support. That would be worse."
"Agreed." Topman Warcury interjected. "However, this is the absolute final line. We must clearly inform him that the World Government absolutely won't tolerate endless extortion. This is the final condition."
After reaching consensus, Saturn reconnected the call, announcing their decision to Kai.
"Tsk, you command the four seas yet can't be more generous?"
Kai seemed somewhat regretful, clicking his tongue in disapproval. Seeing Saturn about to erupt, he quickly backed off, chuckling lightly. "Forget it, who made me so generous. Deal."
"Then release them immediately." Saturn's voice was cold as ice.
"Heh, do you take me for an idiot? Kidnappers extorting ransom know to exchange. One hand gets the person, the other hand gets the money."
Kai showed no patience with the other side, responding bluntly. "Five days. I need to see all of them and complete the information at the location I specify. Otherwise..." He drew out his words, threatening. "I'll have to 'dispose' of a few less important people. After all, too many captives take up space."
"Five days? Impossible. Time is too—"
Saturn instinctively started objecting, trying to buy more time for maneuvering.
However, before finishing, a clean busy signal came through the Den Den Mushi.
Kai hung up on him first.
"Outrageous. This is absolutely outrageous."
Saturn's face instantly flushed red, his chest heaving violently. He'd only ever hung up on others. No one had ever dared disconnect before he finished.
Extreme fury made his palm suddenly exert force. With a sharp crack, the durable sofa armrest crumbled to pieces in his grip.
"Calm down, Saturn," Peter Saint said, gently shaking his head. "He captured Marine Admirals and negotiated conditions face-to-face. What's hanging up a call?"
Ethanbaron V. Nusjuro's eyes flashed coldly as he suggested. "We can't remain purely passive. We must prepare contingencies."
"Have Borsalino handle the transfer of giants and data. Time is so tight, only his speed guarantees punctuality. Simultaneously, give him classified orders. If any opportunity presents itself at the scene, capture Kai at all costs."
"Agreed."
"Seconded."
Regarding such surface transactions with hidden tricks, the Five Elders felt no psychological burden whatsoever. Had Kai not timed it so tightly, they would have even considered mobilizing the Holy Knights alongside the Marines for a complete net.
Aboard Rayquaza
Kai set down the Den Den Mushi, immediately dialing another number with practiced skill.
"Bru bru bru."
The phone rang long before being picked up.
A slurred, heavily drunken roar came from the other end. "Unununun. Which bastard dares disturb my drinking?"
Several black lines instantly drooped from Kai's forehead. Through the Den Den Mushi, he could practically smell the overwhelming alcohol stench.
Look how professional the Five Elders were. One call and they answered immediately. Indeed, the Beast Pirates' future hinged on diligent talents like him.
Dismissing his internal complaints, Kai's mouth curved upward. "Kai-san. Stop drinking, big opportunities are here."
He rapidly explained the entire transaction to Kaido.
Using one's intuition, one knew the Five Elders wouldn't complete transactions honestly. Precisely because of this, he'd forcefully limited time to five days.
According to the latest intel Morgan provided, the warship transporting Dorry and crew hadn't yet reached Impel Down. The fastest return time to this sea region was roughly five days.
Five short days weren't enough for Marine Headquarters reinforcements (except Borsalino), much less the Holy Knights stationed on Red Line.
However, to be safe, he still needed backup.
"Unununun. Well done, Kai."
Hearing Kai secured artificial Devil Fruit research data, Kaido immediately laughed with delight. Previously drunken eyes instantly turned clear and excited.
"I'll set out immediately with Germa."
After receiving the transaction island coordinates from Kai, Kaido eagerly hung up the phone.
Quietly listening the entire time, King's eyes beneath his mask also filled with shock. He never imagined Kai's brief outing would bring the Beast Pirates such enormous benefits.
Without hesitation, King suddenly stood, stating gravely. "Kaido-sama, please allow me to accompany you."
With him and Kaido-sama together, even if Marine Headquarters mobilized entirely, they could handle it and ensure transaction safety.
"Unun. Let's do it." Kaido waved his giant hand decisively.
After entrusting Ghost Island's daily affairs to Queen, who stayed behind, he directly displayed his massive azure dragon form in his chamber. His enormous dragon head suddenly swung, the room exploding with a massive hole as he flew straight out.
King transformed into pteranour form, following close behind.
After picking up Germa, the three rapidly disappeared into the sky.
Marine Headquarters, Marineford, Fleet Admiral's Office
"Wh. What?"
Sengoku's hand holding the Den Den Mushi suddenly trembled. His composed, calm expression instantly froze, replaced by extreme shock and disbelief.
Sakazuki. Kuzan. Five Vice Admirals. Completely defeated?
False intelligence, surely? This must be false. How could he believe that the Navy's carefully planned encirclement operation led by two Admirals could end in such catastrophic defeat?
Yet reason told him the person on the other end wouldn't joke about such matters.
"Hmph. This is all due to the Navy's incompetence."
Saturn's frigid voice came through the Den Den Mushi, mercilessly pouring all responsibility and fury onto Sengoku's head.
For a solid ten minutes, this Fleet Admiral could only stand at attention, silently enduring harsh criticism from the World Government's supreme rulers.
What choice did he have? The Navy's budget rested firmly in the Five Elders' hands.
After Saturn vented the ill feeling sparked by Kai, his voice gradually restored that condescending calm, transmitting the World Government's final decision.
"Send Borsalino to handle the handover. I understand."
Sengoku accepted gravely, then reported unexpected good news to the Five Elders. The Navy had another combat force conveniently near Water Seven.
Great Route, Certain Sea Region
Four enormous Marine warships cut through waves, sailing toward Impel Down positioned in the Calm Belt.
Each ship's deck bore enormous chained figures. The four captured giant warriors.
"Bru bru bru."
The fleet commander, Headquarters Vice Admiral Raiden, received a Den Den Mushi call in his arms. He rapidly picked up. Moments later, an expression of extreme shock appeared on his face.
"Yes, Fleet Admiral."
Raiden immediately transmitted the newest orders to all ships. "Mission change. Cancel Impel Down transport, entire fleet immediately reorient, full speed to target island."
Four warships traced massive arcs across the sea surface, changing course toward the transaction location, engines pushed to maximum.
Feeling the obvious directional change beneath him, Dorry found it odd. Why suddenly change direction? Not going to Impel Down?
He didn't think much about it. Perhaps the Marines found it too troublesome, wanting to execute them directly somewhere instead.
Thinking this, Dorry suddenly felt somewhat regretful. Should have had a good drink before dying.
"Hey, long-neck little brother, can you get my brothers and me some drinks?" Dorry shouted without reservation.
His loud voice quickly reached the other three giants' ears.
Brogy, Kashii, and Oimo also opened their throats in unison. The four warships suddenly filled with the giants' raucous demands for "Drinks. We want drinks." As if they weren't helpless criminals but banquet guests.
"Damn it. Address Vice Admiral Raiden respectfully. Use honorifics."
A Marine soldier's face flushed red with anger, waving his fist and shouting. "You vile criminals, what right do you have making demands? You want drinks? Would you drink my bathwater?"
"Tehehe. Don't be so stingy, Navy kid. We're about to die anyway. Grant us this tiny wish of drinking, eh?"
Dorry laughed heartily, his enormous body making the chains rattle with violent vibrations. His face completely lacked fear of imminent death.
Death was merely a warrior's destination, but facing it without alcohol. That was true regret.
"All of you stop this." Raiden, aware of inside information, turned back and rebuked without good humor.
He naturally wouldn't inform these giants of their true destination. Just let them fret about "imminent execution" for these few days. Otherwise, they'd get off too easy.
Raiden hadn't expected that after the commotion at Judicial Island, these giants would have another chance at freedom.
Unnamed Island
This desolate isle, barely traceable on maps, became Kai's chosen transaction location with the World Government.
Currently, all Marine captives, including two Admirals and five Vice Admirals, were transferred here, personally supervised by Kai.
"You all go."
Kai looked at his companions, tone brooking no argument. "Only after you're safely away can I completely unleash myself."
Negotiating with the World Government, Rayquaza's existence would actually become restrictive. He and Kaido possessed maxed-out mobility. Should situations change, only Borsalino could catch them, but one man couldn't accomplish much.
"Kai. I want to stay and fight alongside you." Yamato immediately raised her hand.
"Forgive me this time, Yamato. Next time." Kai smiled, extending his hand. Fingers combined, he lightly tapped Yamato's smooth forehead.
"Damn you, Kai." Yamato huffed indignantly, hands on her hips, but still obediently dropped the subject.
Kai turned his gaze toward Kuma. "From now on, everything depends on you."
Getting Rayquaza back to Wano Country quickly, without Marine interception, requires only Kuma's Paw Pad Fruit.
"Understood. Leave it to me." Kuma nodded.
After leaving enough food and fresh water for Kai's consumption over several days, everyone reboarded Rayquaza.
Kuma approached the ship's massive hull, raised his giant hand, and swung sharply forward.
"Pop."
A massive, transparent, spherical bubble instantly materialized, completely enveloping Rayquaza in an instant. Immediately after, this enormous pirate vessel gradually lifted from the sea surface, seeming to lose weight entirely, transforming into a blurred afterimage as it raced toward Wano Country, disappearing into the sky within moments.
Then Kuma patted himself. Following the same process, Kuma trailed Rayquaza's trajectory, flying toward Wano Country.
Five Days Later
Upon the desolate island, sea wind carried salty brine.
Kai sat cross-legged on the beach. Before him stood a simple roasting rack made from branches, a sizeable sea beast skewered upon it, slowly rotating over golden flames.
Fat dripped into the fire, producing enticing sizzle sounds. Rich meat aroma drifted with the wind.
Directly opposite the roasting rack sat a group of Marine captives, bound by Seastone chains, looking somewhat wilted. Days without food. Even these physically robust Marine elites now suffered empty bellies. Some lower-ranking soldiers could distinctly hear their stomachs making gurgling sounds.
As captives, they were naturally denied food. Left only to watch, suffering from the dual torment of hunger and the sight of sustenance just beyond their reach.
"Perfect temperature. Truly fragrant."
Kai expertly sprinkled special seasonings, nostrils flaring slightly as he nodded satisfactorily. These days, his roasting skills have improved tremendously.
He tore off a perfectly roasted leg. Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, dripping with oil. Then he ate without restraint, manners bold and hearty.
Just as he enjoyed his meal, several black dots gradually emerged far along the horizon, rushing toward the desolate island.
"Oh, finally arrived."
Kai observed the approaching fleet through his telescope while eating roasted meat.
"So the World Government really isn't trustworthy."
He chuckled lightly.
Through the telescope, two figures clearly stood at the leading ship's bow. One was a man in a yellow-white striped suit, emanating a vulgar temperament, a middle-aged man. The other had white hair, possessed an abnormally muscular and robust build, and was an elderly man.
The arrivals were precisely "Yellow Ape" Borsalino and "Iron Fist" Garp.
Seemingly sensing Kai's gaze, the two figures on the bow simultaneously looked in his direction. Their sightlines crossed the sea, silently colliding.
"Heh, you Marines truly have surprises."
Kai set down his telescope, tone carrying a hint of teasing. "Never thought you could muster such a lineup in this situation."
He showed no nervousness whatsoever. Instead, raising that oil-smeared hand, he casually and friendlily waved toward the distant Marine fleet.
That gesture, as if they weren't captor and captive families but old friends reunited after ages.