78 Toroa a land of hectic politics (2/2)

”My word when Superbia said that he would send a rookie pirate my way, I did not expect this! That bastard didn't add the most important words- A rookie 'New world' pirate! Even I don't have Haki down to the same level as you do!” He called out jovially as he smacked the head of the bald bar tender.

”Now then, business talks are to be held there” he said as he pointed out to a shady corner of the room. The corner was well covered with a small and dusky black translucent curtain and was placed slightly farther from the rest of the chairs.

With a slight nod at him I got off the stool and walked towards the shaded glade. The tall man fallowed behind me just pausing slightly to get the bartender to break out some 'negotiation brew' as he called it.

”So, what business does one of the underworld's biggest tycoons want from me?” He asked as I pulled aside the curtain, and settled down at the seat to the wall.

” What mister Superbia wants is the navy's show of good faith. He has delivered on the promise that has been made in his initial call to you.” I said as I smiled shallowly.

Yes, it was right that I came into contact with the Happo Navy when I was working on Mimir's forces in the West Blue.

Back then, it had taken me a little time to identify what he Navy was, or rather how useful they would prove to be.

After a little digging I had come across the bout that had occurred between Garp and the former head of the Happo Navy, a certain Don Chinjao. I had also heard of the jewel ice sheet, which was my reason for arranging this meeting.

The terms of the negotiation had been simple. I wanted the humiliation the Marines, specifically those that belonged to marine base 80 in some way.

As a matter of coincidence, the ship that Kuzan had commanded had indeed been marshaled from the marine base.

Sakazuki had been more than happy to dispense all manner of punishments, using his rank and the failure of his colleague as an excuse to torment them. They had been used as a scapegoat in this entire matter and the world government had taken preliminary steps to curb this.

Already, men from that base had begun to disappear. On the surface, a statement had been issued that the marines that bowed at the tombs of the 'demons of Ohara' were no longer marines.

An adjacent report and a few articles from competitors had been able to ease the entire issue over in the face of the common populace to some degree, nonetheless the Revolutionary army had had a ball on their impromptu recruitment drives and had liberated quite a few islands from the control of the world government.

On the surface, there had not been any major undercurrents that accompanied this incident, but if one was to look deeper one could see the marines, those that till now were treated as the saints of the people, were now looked at with suspicion and fear.

That was a start.

Sai, slowly blew out a small breath of air as he contemplated what I had just said.

”Already the marines control of the entirety of West Blue has dwindled enough, that along with the retirement -” here he sneered ” of the warlord in charge of these parts, will prove extremely beneficial to the navy. So, sure initially we were planning on giving Superbia a few million berries and letting sleeping dogs lie, but this will be enough to rocket the Navy to new heights!

So The navy shall respond in kind by allowing Superbia a major fraction of the Jewel Ice Sheet!

The navy shall also provide Superbia with a chance to fence products to us for a better bargain than would be likely for them through the black market. So, What do you say? ” he said simply.

I could read into what was left unsaid though. If his proposition was accepted, then I would be forced into a partnership with the Navy. In the short run that would prove beneficial, but what about the long run?

With a deep sigh I decided. It was a tempting offer, and I would take them up on it. But I couldn't be seen accepting this statement, after all wasn't I a currier?