Chapter 35 - Easy money

"Do you see what's around you? An island full of snow, we don't have much to offer."

Dalton said.

"I have my eye on other things."

Bob replied.

"Such as?"

"Your cooperation in future matters."

Dalton squinted his eyes.

"I'm not too sure what I can do for you. I have a duty to my people, so I can't offer you my body."

Bob laughed.

"I just want your cooperation. If something important comes to you, or you hear about anything just let me know. Do so, and you'll be rewarded."

Dalton looked at Bob in a confused manner.

"Don't think about it too hard, its a win-win situation for us both. You get the information you want, I get any information you have. Not to mention you'll be paid for your services. Think about it, I give you money, you use that money to restore the kingdom. In the long run, don't you get the most benefits?"

Dalton rubbed his chin.

Bob was right, an offer like this doesn't come around often. Dalton just did not want to be caught up in anything that could ruin his reputation.

"How will I know what I get into won't cost me my life?"

"Do you want the information or not?"

Bob asked.

"Fine! I'll agree to work with you."

Dalton agreed.

If Bob knew any information about Wapol, then Dalton needed to know. That bastard ran away when Blackbeard came, fearing his strength. It was his fault the island became the way it is now.

"Good. Let's go to town, i'll have to write up a contract."

Dalton led Bob to Bighorn town, where they entered his home. Bob was still wearing his mask and coat, even though the heater was on.

Dalton gave Bob paper and pen. It didn't take long for Bob to write up the contract for Dalton. Unlike Tim who didn't read the terms, Dalton took a long look at it. He must have read it twice because it took him ten minutes before he passed the contract back to Bob.

"You didn't have a problem with the service length?"

Bob asked.

He put in the contract that Dalton had to work for him for 10 years.

"No."

Dalton replied.

"Alright. As you've read in the contract, your service is for 10 years. Not bad for you considering i'm not asking you to leave the island. Just record any information that you obtain or hear about and let me know about it. I'll be buying a building in a bit, thats where I need you to store everything. It'll be the base of operations, as for how you'll contact me, i'll leave a den-den mushi here."

Bob paused for a moment.

"If you need help, i'm sure you can hire the citizens here to help you out. The amount doesn't matter, just make sure things progress smoothly."

Dalton nodded his head.

"Now for that information you said you had."

"Wapol right? After Blackbeard came here, he ran away from his duties as king leaving you to pick up his slack. However, while he was out at sea he came across a pirate named Monkey D. Luffy. The two of them fought, and Wapol was blown away. However, he'll be returning back here so you better prepare."

Dalton listened to Bob.

"How do I know this information is true?"

"You don't, but do I seem like someone who'd lie?"

"Honestly, I can't tell. But what would you have to gain in lying to me?"

"Nothing. You don't have to believe in my words, but when you see a pirate ship arrive here in the coming days just remember that Wapol will also be here at the same time. He won't land at the same spot as the pirates, he'll land somewhere else and make his way to town."

"I'll even say this, if my information isn't correct then you don't have to work for me."

Dalton agreed.

There was not much he could say, Bob was mysterious and seemed to have information. Dalton did not know how, but his curiosity was piqued.

"Would you like something to eat Faceless?"

Dalton asked.

"No. Speaking of names, I never caught yours."

Bob knew his name, but i'd seem suspicious if he said it without Dalton ever telling him.

"Dalton."

"A nice name. You seem strong, how about I hire you for something."

Bob suggested.

"For what?"

Dalton asked.

"Training purposes."

Bob knew that Dalton was a devil fruit user and he was strong. The 4 people Bob had with him on ship could use the combat experience. Dalton could fight each of them and maybe they'd spot their weaknesses and improve upon them.

"It's actually simple really, I'll give you 100 thousand beli to fight with 4 people. Win or lose, you still get the money. Just fight with them daily, and everyday you'll get 100 thousand beli."

"What if they get injured? Who's going to heal their wounds?"

"Don't worry about that, i'm the doctor. I can take care of any injuries as long as they aren't fatal."

"Do I need to hold back?"

Dalton asked.

"No, beat them black and blue if you want. Like I said, its for training purposes. However, you'll need to fight them each 10 times a day. So that's 40 duels a day, for an unknown amount of time. At most we'll be here a week or two, so you'll be fixing to make close to a million beli easily. If I see a huge improvement in their skills, then there will be a bonus for you."

A million beli is a lot for Dalton currently, so he was more than willing to use his body to earn some quick cash. He did not know how strong those 4 people were that Bob mentioned, but he has the strength of a bison. He wouldn't fall easy.

Bob realized that while Dalton might not be the strongest person in the world, he was stronger than his current crew members. Fighting with him 10 times a day for a week or two, that would be 70 to 140 duel experiences each one of them would receive.

There was bound to be an improvement in their skills, even if they wouldn't notice it right away.

As for Bob, he was hoping to do the same thing, but with Ace instead.

For now, he'd buy himself a building here and create a base. Dalton would be the manager here, but since no one really came to Drum Island, Bob didn't have to put too much effort in this base.

Dalton had the makings of a king, so he was favored by the people. Nothing could escape his ears. Who better to collect information than him?

Even if Dalton did end up hiring some citizens, Bob would have them run exercise over the radio.