44. Bankrupt Kaido

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North Blue Branch Marine Base.

"Boss, as you requested, all my subordinates have been contacted."

A Marine was kneeling on the ground, his face pale, his body trembling, struggling to speak clearly.

In the darkness, two figures emerged.

"It's time to close the net."

Zephyr ignored the worried and frightened subordinates of the branch, simply looking at the document in his hand as he spoke softly.

Vice Admiral Tsuru, standing beside him, said with emotion, "Yes, Akira just called and asked us to meet Garp, so we need to move quickly."

It seems the plan is going smoothly.

Meanwhile, in the New World, Gion and Rouge's actions were also nearing completion.

"Devil Fruit merchant, you better hope your products meet my expectations, or even if you're a woman, you'll face my wrath."

"In order to make this deal with you, I've postponed my plan to raid the Golden City."

In a certain sea area of the New World, the towering Kaido of the Beasts led his many subordinates, sitting on the deck and roaring forward.

His voice was unusually loud, carrying far across the sea.

In the distance, a small black dot floated up and down on the water's surface.

It was an extremely rare submarine.

Pere~Pere~Pere~Pere~!

A small Den Den Mushi rang in front of Kaido.

"Kaido of the Beasts, don't worry. The most important thing in business is reputation. To satisfy our customers, we've been collecting these for years."

"I guarantee you'll be pleased with the Devil Fruit."

Rouge's gentle voice came from the Den Den Mushi's receiver.

After taking a few gulps from his wine gourd, Kaido asked, "Why won't you deal with me face to face?"

"Well... I am a businessman, you're a pirate, and this is our first transaction. I believe trust needs to be cultivated slowly, at least with one successful deal first.

"But rest assured, I'm willing to hand over one of the most precious Mythical Zoan Fruits for your inspection first."

"Once you confirm it, all the Zoan Fruits in my possession will be sold to you."

"I think this Mythical Zoan should prove my sincerity."

As soon as the word "Devil Fruit" was mentioned, even Kaido's expression couldn't help but change.

He put down the wine gourd and said in a deep voice, "Then send it! As long as it's genuine, you'll get your berries."

"Alright, I've arranged for someone to send it over." Rouge replied.

Soon, a man came onto the deck with a wooden box in his arms.

Kaido picked up the Devil Fruit inside and examined it carefully. "What's this?"

"Mythical Zoan Bat-Bat Fruit Model: Vampire."

His subordinates behind him gasped.

Kaido's eyes gleamed as he pushed the Bat-Bat Fruit Model: Vampire back into the wooden box and handed it to King beside him. He then said to the Den Den Mushi in a deep voice, "Bring me a common one instead. It's too wasteful to use this for a simple test!"

"Okay, then please allow my man to return with the Bat-Bat Fruit Model: Vampire, and I'll exchange it for you."

"I want this Mythical Zoan. Send someone with a normal one instead."

"..."

Rouge, still in the submarine, was silent for a moment before finally speaking again, "The price I quoted is 30 billion berries. Please hand it over to my subordinate."

Kaido frowned and said slowly, "I told you to bring over a common one, didn't you understand?"

Suddenly, an aura as terrifying as an ancient beast erupted and crushed forward.

But before it could reach its target, the submarine, which had been a small black dot, instantly dived into the deep sea, disappearing without a trace.

The sea returned to silence.

"Fruit merchant, come out!"

"The aura I just released while drunk wasn't aimed at you."

Kaido gripped the Den Den Mushi tightly, frantically calling out into it.

But no matter how much he called, there was no reply.

"Women are timid. The slightest movement, and they run off, not knowing where to go."

Kaido was so angry that the veins on the back of his hands bulged, but he still held back from crushing the Den Den Mushi.

The merchant's goods were exactly what he wanted.

He couldn't help but think back to his first contact with this Devil Fruit merchant.

Half a month ago, this woman somehow got his contact information and called him, saying she had dozens of Zoan Devil Fruits to sell.

To prove her sincerity, she even sent a photo.

The sight of that box full of Zoan Fruits immediately tempted Kaido.

Ever since he became the leader of his crew, he dreamed of forming an army of Zoan users, and now someone was offering him so many.

Not only were there common Zoans, but even some Ancient Zoan Fruits.

However, the fruit merchant was extremely cautious, even timid.

Despite talking for a long time, she refused to meet in person and insisted on conducting the deal at sea, with subordinates sent to inspect each other.

Kaido could understand, though.

Who could stay calm when facing him?

Especially a woman.

After all, there's only one like Charlotte Linlin in the world.

"Brother Kaido, let me search."

King spread his large wings, ready to scan the whole area using Observation Haki.

"Forget it, wait a bit! The most valuable Mythical Zoan is with me, and her subordinates haven't returned yet."

Kaido waved him off, picking up his wine gourd and drinking alone.

Time ticked by, minute by minute.

Half an hour later...

Pere~Pere~Pere~Pere~!

The submarine reappeared in the distance, and Rouge's voice rang out from the Den Den Mushi.

"It seems the Mr. Kaido isn't interested in other Zoans."

"If we can't make a deal, there's no need for conflict. Consider the Mythical Zoan my gift to you."

"Excuse me, I'm going to contact a new buyer."

After saying this in a blunt tone, the submarine began to dive once again.

The message was clear—she had decided to drop Kaido as a customer and look for someone else.

As for the Mythical Zoan Bat-Bat Fruit Model: Vampire, she was willing to let it go as a lesson learned, giving it to Kaido for free.

Realizing Rouge wasn't joking, Kaido grew anxious.

"Wait, come back! Who said I don't want the other Zoans?"

"Isn't it 30 billion berries? Fine, you'll get it!"

The submarine resurfaced, and the Den Den Mushi showed a charming smile.

"Thank you, Kaido of Beasts. Please hand over the money to my subordinate, and I'll pick out an ordinary flying-type for you."

"King, bring the money!" Kaido let out a long sigh of relief.

King signaled to his subordinates, preparing to hand over the 30 billion berries. But just before doing so, he paused and said in a deep voice, "30 billion berries? That's quite the price! A single Devil Fruit on the market goes for about 100 million berries."

Rouge calmly responded, "You can't just buy one for 100 million berries."

"Devil Fruits have a price but no market, and their value increases based on their strength without any upper limit. It's normal for Mythical Zoans to be more expensive."

"Believe me, if Whitebeard's Quake-Quake Fruit were up for sale, the World Government or the Marines would invest in it, even if it cost 100 billion berries."

"I heard you're willing to pay well for Devil Fruits, which is why I reached out to you, Kaido of Beasts."

Not wanting to push him too far, Rouge softened her tone:

"Honestly, you won't lose money with this purchase. With this fruit, it's reasonable to expect returns in the tens of billions, if not more."

"After all, it's a Mythical Zoan. Once it's consumed and developed a bit, it's enough to make its user a powerhouse."

"And I believe in fair trade. If you're not satisfied, we can cancel the transaction anytime."

King licked his lips, realizing he was convinced.

Indeed, whoever ate the Mythical Zoan Fruit, trained for a few years, and then raided a kingdom could easily make tens of billions of berries.

It was entirely plausible.

The total wealth of a kingdom, even one without recent wars, typically exceeds 10 billion berries.

In the original story, Doflamingo threatened King Riku with a demand for 10 billion berries, threatening to invade Dressrosa if the payment wasn't made. King Riku immediately went out to the streets, pleading with the citizens to gather all the cash they could, showing that as a king, he knew the kingdom had the potential to muster up such a sum with the collective effort of its people. And this was despite Dressrosa being one of the poorer nations at the time due to the royal family's negligence and their decision to send troops to fight for other countries for free.

Given this example, if you were to find a kingdom that isn't impoverished and ransack it, it's likely that you could secure at least 10 billion berries. 

Anyone with even a shred of common sense would see that this deal is very profitable.

Rouge's men, carrying a bag as large as a small mountain, boarded the boat and quickly rowed away.

At the same time, someone emerged from the submarine holding a Devil Fruit.

"By the way, if you understand this, why are you still willing to sell the Mythical Zoan?" Kaido asked.

"I'm a woman; I prefer doing business. I hate fighting. Besides, I've already eaten a Devil Fruit. No matter how valuable this one is, I can't eat it," Rouge replied.

Kaido and King exchanged looks, their expressions unreadable. Of course, King's true face was hidden behind his helmet, making it impossible to see.

With Kaido's cooperation, the new common Zoan Fruit was soon brought out.

"Eat it!" Kaido ordered, randomly tossing the Devil Fruit to a subordinate he found agreeable.

It didn't matter what kind of fruit it was—just another common species.

The chosen subordinate was ecstatic, thanking Kaido profusely before swallowing it in one gulp.

Soon, under everyone's watchful eyes, he transformed into a bat, soaring into the air.

"Zoan… Bat-Bat Fruit?" King mused.

"Good!" Kaido commented lightly, glancing at the flying subordinate.

Seeing that the fruit Rouge provided was genuine, Kaido's mood visibly improved.

"Bring me all the fruits," Kaido said grandly, grabbing the Den Den Mushi.

Rouge replied, "Excuse me, how many berries did the Governor bring?"

Kaido looked to King.

King quickly answered, "You just took 30 billion berries. We have 80 billion berries left."

"Wow... you're really loaded," Rouge said, impressed.

Kaido took a large swig of liquor, saying loudly, "If you hadn't insisted the deal be completed by the end of the month, we could have grabbed even more."

To prepare for this transaction, the Beasts Pirates not only pooled all the liquid assets from their crew and affiliated pirate groups but also looted several kingdoms and large pirate crews, amassing a total of 100 billion berries.

If it weren't for the fixed timing of the transaction, Kaido would be raiding Alabasta or the Golden City right now.

"In the second half of the Grand Line, aside from Whitebeard, only you, the Kaido of Beasts, could amass so much money in such a short time," Rouge complimented before adding, "For 80 billion berries, I still have seven Ancient Zoans and 20 ordinary Zoans left. They're yours."

"Good! If you get more Zoans in the future, make sure to keep them for me."

"Don't worry!"

After finalizing the agreement, it took a full hour to complete the transaction under Rouge's meticulous and cautious steps.

This slow, cautious method of trading almost wore out Kaido's patience.

Fortunately, in the end, both parties parted ways.

That night, the Beasts Pirates were resting on a deserted island.

The subordinate who had just eaten the Bat-Bat Fruit couldn't wait to show off, transforming into a bat and flying around in the sky.

He grew more and more excited, pushing his limits and flying farther away.

The other subordinates below looked up at him enviously.

Suddenly, the Bat-Bat Fruit user reverted to his human form and plummeted into the sea with a loud splash.

There was a moment of silence.

"He probably just isn't familiar with his abilities yet since he just ate the fruit. Go and rescue him," King ordered, walking over.

After all, consuming a Devil Fruit means being forsaken by the sea, unable to swim for the rest of your life, and becoming weak whenever you come into contact with seawater.

If left unattended, that person would have drowned.

The subordinates immediately moved to rescue him. But just as they were about to jump into the sea, the man who had eaten the Bat-Bat Fruit...

...swam back to shore on his own.

Everyone:

King: ""

The subordinates, still dripping wet, looked at him in confusion. "It's strange, the Bat-Bat Fruit power in my body seems to have disappeared. Boss King, is this normal?"

Ten minutes later!

"That blasted fruit merchant! I'll never forgive you!"

"How dare you use a fake Devil Fruit to deceive me! Damn it!"

A towering dragon appeared, circling angrily above the deserted island, its roar filled with a murderous rage that echoed across the sea, causing massive waves to rise.

Meanwhile, compared to Kaido's chaotic dealings, things were much smoother on Gion's side.

The daring Gion, wearing a mask, met with Big Mom directly for their transaction.

"Well~~~ I heard you have many different races to sell me?" Big Mom asked, sitting at a massive dining table, eating and drinking heartily.

"Yes, Ms. Linlin. While traveling the world, I encountered many rare and nearly extinct races. They've suffered a lot of unequal treatment. I believe you're the only one who can provide a place where there's no racial discrimination and everyone can live together happily and equally."

Gion sat upright and spoke seriously.

"Yes, yes! My dream is to establish a nation where all races are equal, where all those discriminated against can live the life they desire!"

Talking about her dream, Big Mom's demeanor softened, her eyes shining brightly like a young girl.

Gion slowly stood up and bowed slightly. "Then please allow me to introduce the various races I've brought."

"Hurry, hurry, bring them in!" Big Mom exclaimed, eager with anticipation.

Clap clap.

Gion clapped her hands lightly, and dozens of individuals with different skin colors and unique appearances entered the room.

"This is from the Kuro family. Though their skin is as dark as coal, they have a racial advantage—standing in front of you at night, they're nearly invisible. Perfect candidates for assassins."

"This is the Elf family, whose talents are unparalleled in cultivating plants. Their price is much higher than that of the Kuro family."

"This is from the Angel family. The white wings on their back are similar to those of King, the right-hand man of the Beasts Pirates, and they're just as expensive!"

"This is the Na'vi tribe from the Kingdom of Avatar. While they look similar to Fish-Men, they've grown up in the forest and have a racial talent for communicating with animals. They're even more costly than the Kuro!"

"This one with horns is from a Guardians of the Galaxy race..."

"This is an enhanced human called a ghoul..."

"This is from the Monster family..."

As Gion continued to introduce the various races, Big Mom grew more and more excited, practically drooling with anticipation.

After Gion finished her introductions, Big Mom immediately waved her hand. "Tell my son to prepare the payment! I'm going to hold a wedding with them today and get the certificate right away!"

A bunch of Homies rushed in, "escorting" the individuals Gion brought with her.

Big Mom also jumped up and ran off to pick out her favorite wedding dress.

"Mr. Katakuri, could you please settle the balance?" Gion asked as she approached Katakuri, who had been lost in thought.

"Ah, oh! Uh... can I pay in installments?"

"You shouldn't be short on money here."

Katakuri looked up at the sky, his expression a mix of emotions.

Finally, he sighed deeply. "I've been deceived."

Gion: "...."