Chapter 7 — First Grab: One Billion Berries
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After Jack had quickly dealt with the pirates who had tried to escape back to the ship, Big Black and the others finished clearing the battlefield. The scene was terrifying, so there's no need to dwell on it.
Then Jack reverted to his original appearance and, with a thought, hid the Infinity Gauntlet on his right hand.
The Infinity Gauntlet that had traveled with him across worlds was now bound to his soul—it couldn't be removed. But he had discovered a small trick over the past year: he could hide it within his right hand.
Of course, he couldn't hide it while using its powers. Sometimes he wondered if, once he became famous, people would nickname him the "Golden Right Hand."
After sending Big Black and the others off, Jack set out alone to find the group that had fled into the forest. He needed them to guide him back to civilization—he didn't know how to sail—and he could gather intelligence along the way. At this point, he had no idea what time it was or how to get an advantage for himself.
Having spent over a year as a hunter, often playing "hide-and-seek" with Big Black, Jack quickly located them.
Only, their situation didn't look too good…
"Shoo, shoo! Flower, you scared my guests!"
They were truly unlucky—where else could they run but straight into Flower's territory? If not for Flower's recent lack of appetite, none of them would have survived.
Still, being stared down by a giant snake over 100 meters long was not exactly a pleasant experience.
They were so terrified that they couldn't move—until Jack arrived looking for them.
Flower wasn't the sharpest creature, but basic commands triggered a reflex, and after scrutinizing the group one last time, she gracefully slithered away.
"Phew… I thought we were done for!"
"No kidding! I've never seen a snake this big in my life!"
Surviving yet another near-death experience left them exhausted and exhilarated. But soon, they realized something strange: the giant snake seemed to have a name…
"Y-you… who are you?" a young man asked, trembling. He was certain this person wasn't one of them, which meant he was likely a pursuing pirate. Yet, just now, that giant snake had obeyed his command…
Their minds went into a confused loop.
Thankfully, the middle-aged captain stepped forward.
"Greetings, and thank you for saving us earlier. I'm the captain of this ship—Old John."
Jack was somewhat surprised. He had assumed he wouldn't understand their language, but he did—probably another small ability granted by the Infinity Gauntlet.
Being able to communicate made things much easier!
Jack smiled and introduced himself:
"My name is Jack, the master of this island. Those ferocious beasts you saw when you landed… they're all my pets, including Flower."
Negotiation tip one: bluff with a mix of truth and exaggeration, and most of all, there's nothing wrong with being shameless.
Sure enough, as he finished speaking, many of them held their breath, staring at him with eyes filled with incredulous reverence.
To tame so many fearsome beasts, how strong must this person be?
If they could convince him to act, those creatures alone could drive off the pirates!
Everyone became excited, including Old John.
"Respected Island Master, I have an urgent request. Could you eliminate the pirates outside? Of course, in return, we will do everything in our power to fulfill any request you have!"
With this, things were easy. Everyone was intimidated by him. The pirates had been dealt with, and now it was time to reap the rewards!
As the son of a successful merchant, doing good deeds without expecting anything in return could get you cleaned out!
Though his current situation was almost as precarious, his principles remained intact.
Jack thought for a moment before speaking.
"Saving so many of you, and picking a fight with a ship full of pirates… I'm afraid you can't pay the price for that."
Old John knew that this young man in furs was their last hope. There was no way he could let him go.
Gritting his teeth, Old John put himself on the line.
"As long as you eliminate those ruthless pirates and safely escort us back to the trading company, we will give you a reward that satisfies you!"
"You're from the trading company?"
"Correct. I'm the president of the Bluebird Trading Company!"
Old John stood proudly, chest out. Building a trading company of this scale from scratch was his lifelong achievement.
Jack's eyes lit up. He hadn't expected to hook such a big fish. If he didn't make a bold first move, he'd be letting down the years of shoe-leather lessons from his father!
"Alright. I'll wipe out all the pirates and escort you back. How about we tentatively set the reward at one billion Berries?"
Old John's proud expression immediately fell, his facial muscles twitching involuntarily.
"Heh, you must be joking. Even if you sold the entire Bluebird Trading Company, it wouldn't be worth one billion Berries," Old John said, dumbfounded.
"So poor, yet you still brag so much."
Jack gave him no respect at all—this was his territory. Whether he flattened them or folded them like clay was entirely up to him.
"Then how much can you offer? Let's make it clear: if the payment is too low, I'm not doing this. And don't think you can trick me. If we agree on a price and you later renege, you'd better watch out."
Faced with such a stubborn lifeline, Old John could do nothing but sigh.
"How about ten million Berries?"
"Not enough. Goodbye."
Without a word, Jack turned and started to walk away.
Old John panicked, grabbing him.
"Fifty million! That's almost all the liquid capital I can muster!"
He would even have to sell some real estate, though he didn't mention that.
"Less than five hundred million? Forget it!" Jack said as if he had him pinned.
After a moment of indecision, Old John exhaled heavily and reached into his chest. Even in their flight, he hadn't forgotten to bring the most valuable haul from this voyage.
"I don't have five hundred million Berries, but I can use this to make the deal."
He produced a box and opened it in front of Jack.
Inside sat a Devil Fruit—clearly a Paramecia-type Devil Fruit from its shape!
Immediately, Jack's eyes gleamed. This was a beginner-level super experience booster! He had been worrying about how to get a second Devil Fruit, and the considerate delivery guy had just brought it straight to him.