Chapter 5: The Political Game of Nations

"I require the complete data on World Government's human genetic modification technology, as well as a hundred billion Beri worth of Sea-Prism Stone."

In the courtyard –

Seated on a chair, Caldo calmly stated the ultimate goal of this transaction. He hadn't expected to be able to obtain all of the World Government's human genetic modification technology data with what he had to offer. Negotiations, after all, always involve some bargaining room. Just as when you want to open a window, no one agrees. But if you propose tearing off the roof, others might agree to letting you open the window.

The World Government's bottom line, the human gigantification technology they researched, was the cornerstone. The Sea-Prism Stone mineral was just a negligible additional condition!

Indeed, upon hearing these terms, the Five Elder Stars displayed an involuntary trace of anger on their faces.

"Caldo..."

"We cannot possibly agree to this condition of yours."

"Do you realize what you're saying?"

"You think you can exchange just this for the World Government's extensively researched human genetic modification technology?"

"You should be well aware."

"With the research capabilities of our World Government, it isn't difficult to flawlessly replicate this."

The blade-wielding Five Elder Stars were also taken aback by Caldo's proposed condition, their tone slightly displeased.

"Hehe~"

"Of course, I believe in the capabilities of your World Government."

"But you should also consider."

"For technology, your World Government's assurances don't apply."

"Once you take one step, you're committed to the path."

"If the World Government were to fully grasp this technology on its own, it would take at least half a year."

"But during the period your World Government researched this weapon technology..."

"If these weapons appeared in the hands of the Revolutionary Army, rebel factions of affiliated countries, pirates, superpowers, and ambitious factions..."

"Why don't you guess what consequences arise when such a large number of weapons flood the scene?"

In the courtyard –

Sitting on the chair, Caldo's tone was filled with calmness.

As if he were speaking of a trivial matter!

In his eyes, the deaths of millions were merely strings of cold data.

"Damn it."

Inside Mariejois? Pangaea Castle –

The scarred Five Elder Stars sitting beside, couldn't hold back and erupted into a roar.

With a forceful slap on the table, tea splattered all over.

"Do you even realize, you idiot, what you're saying?"

"Do you know that if you mess things up like this!"

"It will directly shatter the balance between us and the major countries."

"Crack."

"Swish..."

As the scarred Five Elder Stars angrily roared, the blade-wielding Five Elder Stars beside him even drew his sword.

His aura kept rising.

In the courtyard –

The two CP agents who heard Caldo's conversation with the Five Elder Stars clenched their fists, their backs drenched in cold sweat.

Beside them, Aelie, too, stared intently at the two CP agents before her.

Something seemed slightly off.

The atmosphere appeared as if the two might engage in an on-the-spot confrontation, with both CP agents at risk of tasting bitter defeat had it not been for Caldo raising his hand to halt Aelie Lena.

"Old geezers."

"Who do you think you're talking to?"

"Do you think I'm easily frightened?"

"If you want to fight, the Kingdom of Kata will accompany you to the end."

"I transformed a destitute country into what it is today."

"I won't hesitate to drag you into hell if necessary."

"I've clearly told you old folks before."

"If you want this technology, present me with substantial benefits that truly entice me."

Did you all hear me?

"..."

In an instant, silence once again enveloped the scene.

Evidently –

Neither side was willing to back down.

Caldo cared not for the Five Elder Stars' status and position.

Both sides had constraints upon each other; they couldn't easily engage in warfare.

And the Five Elder Stars were acutely aware that Caldo wasn't an insignificant nobody.

However.

Both sides were engaged in a mutual game of strategy.

Neither could afford to yield.

Else, it would complicate matters greatly – the interests entwined were too extensive.

"Hmph~"

"Caldo."

"The human genetic modification technology is the culmination of countless years of World Government research."

"It's absolutely impossible to give it all to you."

"Let's exchange it for a more suitable condition, we're all clever people here."

The scarred Five Elder Stars' tone remained stern yet also indicated room for continued negotiations.

"I require the complete data on the human gigantification experiment technology, as well as a hundred billion Beri worth of Sea-Prism Stone minerals."

"These are my conditions."

"There's no room for ambiguity!"

Caldo's tone was unmistakably firm.

"Alright."

"I will have the CP agents bring you the data on the human gigantification experiment technology once our research team compiles it. They'll depart from Mariejois to deliver it to you."

"But you must ensure."

"Until our military has this weapon integrated, the Kingdom of Kata is not permitted to export on a large scale to major powers or the Revolutionary Army."

After the anger had subsided, the scarred Five Elder Stars resumed calmness.

With a serious expression, he spoke.

"Hmph~ Old geezer!"

"You're certainly making a big fuss."

"No problem~"

"Now that the deal is struck, we should all abide by it."

"Can you guarantee that, Caldo?"

The blade-wielding Five Elder Stars, who had been wiping his sword "Kubikiribōchō," suddenly interjected with a skeptical question.

"My word."

"What I promise stands for everything."

"It will never change."

Caldo's words resounded with a weight that echoed through the air.

In that moment, Caldo's demeanor turned immensely serious.

"Boom~"

A terrifying surge of energy burst forth from Caldo's being.

It spread relentlessly in all directions.

The clouds in the sky churned ceaselessly –

The overwhelming Conqueror's Haki began to emanate from Caldo, not through his active intent but as an expression of his own sheer presence.

This wasn't Caldo consciously releasing it!

It was the culmination of the utmost limit of his Conqueror's Haki.

"Gulp~"

Apart from Aelie Lena, the two CP agents in the courtyard involuntarily swallowed hard.

All residents of the capital city also found themselves involuntarily looking up at the violently roiling clouds in the sky.

Spies from various major powers positioned within the Kingdom of Kata's capital discreetly retrieved their Den Den Mushi from their pockets.

Everyone –

They were all astounded by Caldo's Conqueror's Haki.

This formidable surge of energy invoked profound awe in all who witnessed it.

"Such a terrifying presence."

"What is this man trying to achieve?"

"Such staggering ambition."

The two capable CP agents before them clearly felt the astonishing strength of Caldo's Conqueror's Haki.

This man before them –

His power had undoubtedly reached an astonishingly fearsome level.

Just a moment ago, they had felt like a fragile boat on a vast ocean, susceptible to being swallowed by colossal waves at any instant.

After a moment of silence, the scarred Five Elder Stars chuckled lightly.

"Hahaha~"

"Lord Caldo, we naturally believe in your promise."

"In that case."

"Let's consider this matter concluded."

"Agreed."

Caldo also retracted his Conqueror's Haki.

Throughout the course of this transaction, Caldo hadn't allowed the Five Elder Stars to manipulate him.

Both sides had arrived at a satisfactory resolution.

Nothing had exceeded their expectations.

"Drip~"

"..."

With the disconnection of both sides' Den Den Mushi, it signaled the successful conclusion of this trade, and this conversation had come to an end.

Guided by Aelie Lena, the two CP agents before them began to step out of the courtyard.

The scarred Five Elder Stars obtained complete blueprints and manufacturing methods for the firearms.

Caldo obtained comprehensive data on the human gigantification experiment and a hundred billion Beri worth of Sea-Prism Stone minerals.

Overall, Caldo had secured the advantage.

After all –

Caldo was no small fry like the members of the Pirate Crew.

This man possessed power and influence that was truly terrifying.

If the two sides were to truly face off, the World Government wouldn't merely suffer a minor setback.

They would find it extremely difficult to overcome.

At that point –

The entire world would undoubtedly plunge into chaos.

"......"