Chapter 81: Subduing the Happo Navy! Chinjao's Request
While Lotte was sizing up Chinjao,
Chinjao was also fixing his gaze on the young man before him.
Doubt rose in his heart—
When had the Rocks Pirates gained a cadre like this?
The note in the envelope clearly stated that a cadre from the Rocks Pirates had come to visit,
Which immediately put Chinjao on maximum alert.
Everyone knew what kind of force the Rocks Pirates were.
They were one of the true overlords of the seas—a crew that didn't even take Marine Headquarters seriously and killed Celestial Dragons without hesitation!
To a group like the Happo Navy,
They might be considered a major power in the West Blue, but in the eyes of the Rocks Pirates, they were utterly insignificant!
Even sending just one cadre could bring the Happo Navy to the brink of annihilation!
He cleared his throat lightly and looked at Lotte.
"You are a cadre of the Rocks Pirates, I presume. Forgive my bluntness—I've never seen you on any wanted posters. Could you prove your identity?"
This matter required utmost caution.
Whether the other party was genuine or not, confirmation came first.
Lotte saw through Chinjao's thoughts and smiled faintly.
"Since Commander Chinjao insists, I suppose there's no need for me to hide my identity."
He grasped the cloth strips wrapped around the hilts. As Sun Breathing surged, the strips instantly burst into flames.
The figures of two Supreme Grade Swords appeared before Chinjao's eyes.
His pupils shook violently.
In the entire Rocks Pirates, there was only one cadre young enough—and capable enough—to wield two Supreme Grade Swords.
The one who had recently wreaked havoc in Sabaody Archipelago alongside Whitebeard Newgate—
The Azure Emperor!
Realizing this, Chinjao sucked in a cold breath. Ever since the Azure Emperor returned to the Rocks Pirates, there had been no further news. He had assumed things would settle down.
But now he had appeared in the West Blue!
And right in the Flower Country—what was his goal?!
If the Flower Country got dragged into the conflict between Rocks and Marine Headquarters,
Their fate would be nothing short of annihilation!
Chinjao's expression instantly became extremely tense.
He hurriedly spoke.
"Ahem! The Happo Navy currently has no intention of entering the New World. I'm afraid we won't be of much use to Lord Azure Emperor!"
"I hope Your Excellency can reconsider!"
Chinjao had originally planned to enter the New World for some plundering in the near future, but Lotte's arrival instantly crushed that idea.
Entering the New World was impossible—never in this lifetime.
Lotte raised an eyebrow and smiled.
"What a coincidence—I wasn't planning to make you enter the New World either."
"This time I'm here on personal business to make a deal with the Happo Navy. It would be quite disappointing if you refused outright."
"Why don't you hear me out first before deciding?"
As Lotte's slightly playful tone fell,
Chinjao was momentarily stunned.
A personal deal?
If it didn't involve the Rocks Pirates and was limited to the West Blue, Chinjao did have some confidence in accepting the commission.
If he could build a good relationship with the Azure Emperor through this,
It would undoubtedly be a great fortune for the Happo Navy!
After a brief hesitation, Chinjao said,
"Since Lord Azure Emperor has put it that way, I'll listen first."
Lotte nodded in satisfaction and smiled.
"It's nothing major. There are only three things I need from you."
He raised three fingers and looked calmly at Chinjao.
"First: When the island of scholars—Ohara—faces danger, the Happo Navy must provide support."
"Second: I need a detailed map and distribution of the underworld forces in the West Blue."
"Third: I require a certain degree of command authority over the Happo Navy."
Lotte had no time to protect Ohara Island personally every day.
He had only promised to do his best to protect Olvia. As for defending the island, it was better left to West Blue forces. This was a perfect chance to offload the responsibility.
The underworld distribution and intelligence of the West Blue would also be extremely useful for his upcoming plans.
Chinjao's expression shifted slightly.
The first and second conditions were not difficult for him. He had some knowledge of the scholars' island, Ohara—ordinary pirates attacking it would be no problem for the Happo Navy to handle.
The second condition—the intelligence—was easy to hand over. It had no real use to him anyway; might as well make a favor out of it.
But the third condition—command authority over the Happo Navy—essentially meant they would become this young man's subordinates.
Even Chinjao couldn't agree to that lightly.
Then Lotte continued.
"Of course, if the Happo Navy ever faces trouble, I won't sit idly by. I can also provide support in terms of funds and other resources."
"It would be mutually beneficial."
"Normally, I won't interfere with the Happo Navy's operations. Only in specific situations would I require obedience."
As his words fell,
Chinjao's expression immediately improved.
If it was only occasional command, that was manageable. At least they retained a degree of autonomy.
This was already an excellent outcome.
Everyone knew what happened to pirates who refused to submit to the Rocks Pirates—they were wiped out completely. The Happo Navy had no desire to follow that path.
"Fine. I understand."
"I accept these three conditions on behalf of the Happo Navy."
Chinjao took a deep breath and nodded.
The corners of Lotte's mouth curled upward slightly. Finally, he had offloaded some trouble.
"Good. Then it's settled."
"I plan to stay here for a few days. I'll have to trouble you to make arrangements, Chinjao."
Since he intended to bring this force under his control, Lotte didn't mind spending a few days carefully observing the current value of the Happo Navy.
The white cat in his arms stared wide-eyed at the scene.
This was the first time Olvia truly understood what Lotte's name represented.
With just a few sentences, he had brought a major West Blue power under his banner.
Chinjao nodded heavily upon hearing this.
"Understood. I'll make the arrangements."
Then his expression grew somewhat tense as he looked at Lotte and continued gravely.
"If possible, I have one more humble request."
"I hope Your Excellency can agree."
Lotte raised an eyebrow.
"Go ahead."
Chinjao took a deep breath and said nervously.
"If I want the rest of the Happo Navy to obey Your Excellency's orders, I must demonstrate sufficient strength."
"Would Your Excellency be willing to spar with me on the arena right now?"
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