Chapter 194: The Reason

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Byakuya had to take a different approach. 

The next day, news spread across the seas that Marine Vice Admiral Byakuya would face off against Dracule Mihawk, the world's greatest swordsman and one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea. 

Mihawk's reputation needed no introduction, while Byakuya had gained considerable renown for advocating the abolition of the Seven Warlords system.

This announcement created a massive stir in the world. Countless factions paid close attention, especially the swordsmen of the seas. 

Those near the duel's location flocked to the island near the G-5 Branch as if in a frenzy. 

Meanwhile, those further away lamented their inability to reach the New World in three days to witness this epic clash of top-tier swordsmen.

Even Byakuya hadn't anticipated that this news would draw so much attention. 

The sheer volume of interest caught him off guard. 

Within one day, numerous ships belonging to various factions appeared near the G-5 Branch. Even some Marines came to witness the spectacle.

Realizing the event's magnitude and not wanting to take advantage of Mihawk, Byakuya postponed the duel by approximately two weeks, giving Mihawk ample time to prepare. 

He tasked Issho with persuading Mihawk and conveying the duel's revised terms.

Although Mihawk was puzzled by the delay, he remembered Issho's earlier words. 

Since Byakuya had proposed that the duel be held in two weeks, Mihawk reluctantly agreed. 

This would give him time to mentally and physically prepare himself for the battle and analyze Byakuya's known swordsmanship techniques.

Mihawk agreed with Byakuya's specific request without a second thought. 

To him, the title of a Warlord was far less significant than the opportunity to duel an equal in swordsmanship.

When news of the postponement spread, swordsmen from across the seas rejoiced. 

With two weeks to prepare, many had enough time to reach the New World. 

From the four Blues and the first half of the Grand Line, countless ships set sail toward Sabaody Archipelago to get their ships coated and make their way through Fish-Man Island to the New World.

Issho returned to inform Byakuya that Mihawk had agreed to the terms. 

Byakuya clapped his hands in satisfaction and said, "Perfect. Now my plan can proceed smoothly."

Issho was puzzled. "Are you planning to spend these two weeks developing a special technique to defeat Mihawk?"

Byakuya chuckled and shook his head. "Of course not. Do I need to prepare a special move just to deal with Mihawk? It's as simple as lifting a hand."

Issho's expression darkened. He might have drawn his sword if not for his usually calm demeanour. What was this supposed to mean? 

He had fought Mihawk to a stalemate, yet Byakuya claimed defeating Mihawk was as easy as lifting a hand. 

Was Byakuya implying the same about fighting him?

Unaware of Issho's thoughts, Byakuya continued with a grin. 

"Issho, how many ships will pass through the Sabaody Archipelago to reach the New World over the next two weeks?"

Issho suppressed his frustration and answered seriously, "While I can't give you an exact number, judging by the commotion this news has caused, there will be at least 300 ships."

Three hundred ships might not sound like much, but considering the duel's location in the New World—a place not easily accessible—this number was astounding. 

Any pirate capable of reaching the New World likely had a bounty of several hundred million berries.

"At least 300 ships?" Byakuya's eyes gleamed with excitement. "I'm going to make a fortune!"

Issho was confused. "What do you mean by making a fortune?"

"You'll find out soon enough," Byakuya replied with a mysterious smile. He picked up a Den Den Mushi and made a call.

"Smoker, get ready. We have a big business opportunity coming your way."

Smoker, the commanding officer stationed at Sabaody Archipelago, responded from the other end. "Vice Admiral Byakuya, are you saying…?"

Having worked under Byakuya for many years, Smoker quickly connected the dots. "I see. You mean those ships passing through Sabaody…"

Byakuya interrupted with a sly grin. "Exactly. When those ships pass through Sabaody Archipelago, we'll make sure they pay their 'taxes.'"

"You need to bring your people and thoroughly clean them out. Not a single berry of the island entry fee should be missed." 

"And if they want to get their ships coated, have the coating artisans double the usual prices. If anyone dares to cause trouble, let that old man Rayleigh handle it."

"Yes, understood," Smoker replied. At that moment, his eyes seemed to gleam with the sparkle of Belly. 

This was a windfall of epic proportions! 

After ending the call, Smoker immediately began arranging manpower for the operation and informed Rayleigh to be ready to act at any moment.

Issho, having overheard Byakuya's entire conversation with Smoker, was left completely stunned. 

So this is why you delayed the duel for two weeks? Just to make money?

But recalling the name Byakuya mentioned during the call, Issho frowned and asked suspiciously, "Byakuya, that Rayleigh you mentioned… Is that who I think it is?"

Byakuya didn't hold back, replying openly, "Yeah, 'Dark King' Rayleigh, the right hand of the Pirate King. Don't tell me you've never heard of him."

Issho's face darkened. 'Of course, I've heard of 'Dark King' Rayleigh. What I haven't heard is anyone daring to call him an 'old man.''

Moreover, as a Marine Vice Admiral, Byakuya commanding a legendary pirate was absurd beyond belief. 

For a moment, Issho wondered if he had followed the wrong person.

After a long pause, Issho hesitated before cautiously asking, 

"Byakuya, you didn't delay the duel for two weeks and even arrange for the legendary pirate Rayleigh to intervene… just to make money off those 300 ships, did you?"

"Of course not!" Byakuya's quick and decisive response brought Issho a sense of relief. 

Looks like my faith in him wasn't misplaced. Byakuya must have a deeper purpose behind all this.

But before Issho could feel reassured, Byakuya sighed dramatically and said, "Issho, you're thinking too small. Far too small."

Issho blinked in confusion. "Too small? What do you mean?"

Byakuya's eyes sparkled with ambition. "What's the point of making money off those 300 ships?" 

In the two weeks leading up to the duel, nearly a thousand ships will gather in the waters near the G-5 Branch. 

"At that point, I'll charge each ship a daily docking fee of one million berri for every day they stay." 

"A thousand ships mean nearly a billion beli in revenue daily. Isn't that far better than just 300 ships?"

Issho was genuinely stunned. If this guy weren't a Marine and decided to go into business, he'd probably be the richest person in the world by now.

Byakuya continued enthusiastically, "And on the duel day, I can sell tickets to watch the fight." 

"Anyone who wants to spectate has to pay an entrance fee of one million Beli." 

"Plus, we can sell premium spots closer to the action at much higher prices or even hold a small auction for the best seats." 

"After all, this is a battle between two of the greatest swordsmen alive. Most swordsmen won't witness a fight like this even once in their lifetime."

"If we don't charge a high price, it'd insult Mihawk's and my reputation."

Issho couldn't help but think, 'You're aware you're one of the greatest swordsmen alive, yet your schemes are more like those of a cunning merchant—or worse, a swindler.' 

'Do you think selling overpriced tickets reflects well on your reputation as a swordsman?'

It's a good thing Mihawk doesn't know the truth. Otherwise, he'd probably grab his sword and come for you.

Just as Issho was mentally berating Byakuya, the latter added, "Oh, and make sure not to let Mihawk find out about this." 

"What if he comes asking for a share of the profits?"

"..."

Issho finally couldn't hold back and muttered, "Only you could come up with something this shameless."

<End Chapter>

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