Reaching Cooperation With The Revolutionary Army, Fruits And Tasks

In a remote tavern, a long table in a private room hosted a significant meeting.

On one side of the table sat Arías, Hancock, and Salome.

On the opposite side were Dragon, Crow, and Ivankov.

The waiter had just served wine and a lavish spread of food before closing the door and leaving.

Dragon broke the silence with a direct question. "Last time you told Crow that your goals align with ours. What did you mean? Are you also looking to overthrow the World Government?"

Arías simply smiled in response to Dragon's straightforward inquiry.

"That's my secret. You only need to know that we are not enemies now. In fact, we could even become allies."

Dragon nodded. From the moment he first saw Arías, he sensed that this young man would never be someone who would simply fall in line with him.

"Then let's discuss cooperation."

The Revolutionary Army was still in its infancy and lacked many resources. It needed to develop its power covertly, away from the eyes and ears of the World Government. Having a powerful ally could make this task significantly easier.

Arías poured himself a glass of wine and took a sip. His perfect digestive system, created by the Immortal Thief Liuku, rendered alcohol completely ineffective on him.

"I will provide you with all the money, weapons, food, and intelligence you need," Arías declared. He looked directly into Dragon's eyes. "But what can you offer me in return?"

Dragon was taken aback by the boldness of Arías's request. Money, weapons, food, and intelligence were immense needs for any revolutionary effort aiming to overthrow the World Government. It seemed implausible that Arías could genuinely offer all of these.

Seeing Dragon's skepticism, Arías didn't explain further but maintained a confident smile.

As for money, Arías had access to all the treasures in the world thanks to his abilities. With the help of his Earthly Immortal, Illusion Body Barrier, and Ghost Shadow Movement, he could enter and exit any treasure vault at will. He even had the ability to send a puppet to perform these tasks if needed.

Weapons, while more troublesome to handle due to space limitations, were not beyond his reach. With Mingo about to seize Dressrosa and Kaido making weapons in Wano, Arías planned to use the underground world as an intermediary to procure these weapons and supply them to the Revolutionary Army.

Food could be obtained in a similar manner through underground channels.

For intelligence, once he gained control of the underground world, gathering intelligence would be relatively straightforward compared to what the Revolutionary Army faced.

Dragon remained silent, contemplating the offer. Since Arías seemed to have everything, the real question was what he needed from the Revolutionary Army.

After some thought, Dragon proposed, "If you assist us, we can make you the king of a country once the revolution succeeds, and your position will be secure."

Arías's expression turned sour, leaning back in his chair with an impatient demeanor. "If the Revolutionary Army is so insincere, there's no point in discussing this cooperation."

Dragon sighed, understanding that negotiations wouldn't be straightforward. "What exactly do you need?"

Arías outlined his demands. "First, I need Devil Fruits—the more, the better. I'm willing to pay 10% above market value for them."

The request for Devil Fruits put Dragon in a difficult position. These were scarce and strategic resources, and if they had any, they were likely to be sold to the highest bidder, not just given away.

"Second," Arías continued, holding up two fingers, "I will assign certain tasks. If the Revolutionary Army helps complete them, you will receive a bounty for each task."

Dragon hesitated, feeling that Arías might be trying to trick him, though there was no evidence to support this.

Arías clarified, "It's just about paying for services. Isn't that what your Revolutionary Army is already doing?"

His words helped alleviate Dragon's doubts. Indeed, paying for services was a common practice.

"Both requests seem fair, don't you think?" Arías said. "However, if you agree, you can only trade Devil Fruits with me in the future. If I learn that you've sold them to others, our cooperation will be null and void, and you won't receive any more missions from me."

With a mysterious smile, Arías added, "My intelligence network is highly effective."

Dragon consulted with Crow and Ivankov in hushed tones before responding, "Okay. But how will I receive the missions and collect the bounties?"

Arías replied, "I will contact you via Den Den Mushi and provide details on where to collect the bounties when tasks are assigned."

He had plans to let the Revolutionary Army lead certain operations, allowing him to remain discreet while observing the results. If successful, this model could be expanded globally.

"Since you agree, here is your first mission," Arías said, placing his palm on the table. A transparent, protective cover appeared around them as he demonstrated his power. He then sliced a wardrobe with a knife and restored it to its original state.

"Op-Op Fruit? I knew it," Dragon noted, recognizing the fruit's significance. Despite its secrecy, many were aware of its existence and the Revolutionary Army had considered seizing it. However, the risks involved had made them reconsider.

Arías smiled and said, "In a few days, after our ship departs, I will join your Revolutionary Army in attacking the Marine branch in Logue Town."

Ivankov was puzzled. "But our Revolutionary Army doesn't plan an attack on the Marine branch in Logue Town?"

Dragon quickly understood Arías's plan. "You want to shift the suspicion of intercepting the Op-Op Fruit onto us?"

Arías nodded. "It's easier to work with intelligent people. The Revolutionary Army is already seen as a significant threat by the World Government, so the interception of the Op-Op Fruit will only add to the suspicion."

"After the mission, I will pay you fifty million beli," Arías offered.

Crow, who had been silent, interjected, "To clear your suspicion, fifty million beli is too little."

Arías responded, "The strength of the Logue Town Marine branch is worth that amount at most."

"If you want more, I can arrange that. We could attack Marineford together, and I'll give you Wutian Yiyu," Arías offered. "Or even Mariejois!"