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Daichi faced Golden Lion, his gaze contemptuous. Although he didn't know why Golden Lion came to Onigashima, on his own territory, he absolutely couldn't give him a good face.
He had to make the other party recognize his place.
"Shihahaha!"
Facing Daichi's provocation, Shiki was furious, but he still suppressed his anger. He was here to ask for something this time.
He had prepared for twenty years and finally accumulated enough capital, but the era had long changed, and the powerful rise of the Beast Pirates had disrupted his plans.
Originally, he intended to destroy East Blue to exact revenge on the World Government, but now, even doing so wouldn't fulfill his dream.
Standing in the way of his King's dream were not only the World Government but also the Beast Pirates. He needed stronger military power.
Therefore, he changed his plan.
First, he would seize the Pirate King position, rule all the pirates in the world, then eliminate all his enemies one by one, and finally rule the world. To become the Pirate King, the Yonko position was essential - he needed the Yonko's influence to recruit powerful individuals.
Shiki stared at Daichi, taking a deep puff from his cigar: "You must be Daichi. As the rumors say, you're an arrogant fellow!"
"Of course, one should be arrogant when young. Should I be like you, waiting until I'm old and frail to seek attention?"
Daichi sneered mockingly.
This guy had escaped prison for twenty years, and with the ability of the Float-Float Fruit, even without his legs, it didn't significantly impact his strength.
If he hadn't hidden, with his peak power, he could at least dominate one side now, but he chose to abandon the primary for the secondary, starting a breeding farm instead.
How many twenty years does one have in life?
He was the same as Moria.
"Shihahaha! Kid!"
Shiki was enraged and embarrassed: "This world isn't as simple as you think. You can't rule the world just by personal bravery!"
"Who said I rely on personal bravery?"
Daichi chuckled, spreading his arms.
"We Beast Pirates are filled with martial virtue, countless strong individuals, and immeasurable wealth. You can't compare to us."
"Lads, let these old-timers of the old era witness the pirates of the new era. Don't let them look down on us!"
"Yes, Supreme Commander Daichi!"
The officers grinned, stood up, tore off their shirts, and struck various bodybuilding poses, displaying exaggerated muscles, along with large gold chains, gold bracelets, and gem rings covering their fingers.
For a moment, the banquet hall glittered.
Every officer was not only burly and muscular, with glistening muscles, but also incredibly rich, almost to the point of having the word "Rich" carved into their muscles.
Many pirates bared their teeth, even their teeth were gold.
Extravagance to the heavens!
Golden Lion and his subordinates were dumbfounded.
They had heard of the Beast Pirates' wealth, but only truly understood how rich they were when they saw it for themselves - even ordinary officers were so extravagant.
"Oh dear!"
A serving maid carrying wine tripped, her beautiful skirt lifted, inadvertently revealing diamond-studded underwear.
Golden Lion's crew's eyes turned red.
As long as they were pirates, few didn't crave wealth.
"Tsk, a bunch of country bumpkins."
Daichi snorted coldly and sat down next to Kaido.
He had never mistreated his own people.
Not to mention the officers, even the lowest-ranking pirates had plenty of money to spend. If they weren't extravagant, they would have long saved enough for retirement.
Otherwise, why would his subordinates worship him so much every time he returned?
It's all because the welfare benefits are in place!
The cohesion of the Beast Pirates now was no longer the loose pirate organization it once was, and its strength was far greater than before.
The simplest example is SMILE - at first, Headliners eagerly desired it, but now it's widely disliked, only consumed by weaker individuals who feel they have no hope of growing stronger.
With money, becoming stronger also becomes easier.
Famous swords, powerful weapons, and even the purchase of Devil Fruits, or at the very least, eating meat daily to gain muscle, or finding a dojo in Wano Country to learn swordsmanship and Ryou.
"Wororororo! We're having a banquet, don't disturb the drinking mood. What are you standing there for? Pour the wine quickly."
Kaido laughed heartily, motioning Black Maria to pour wine for Daichi, while also not forgetting to glare at Daichi.
"You haven't been back for a long time, why don't you drink a few more cups!"
"Okay!"
Daichi smiled, drained the wine in his bowl, and then asked, "Kaido, what are these guys doing on Onigashima?"
"Oh, I was just about to tell you about that."
Kaido glanced at Golden Lion warily.
"They want to buy Hachinosu!"
"Hmm?"
Daichi's eyes lit up.
Why didn't you say so earlier!
He thought they were here to cause trouble!
Since they were customers, he naturally couldn't treat them coldly. Although Hachinosu was special, it wasn't impossible to sell if the price was right.
Hachinosu was a hot potato, attracting a large number of pirates who constantly fought and were difficult to manage.
If the rules were too strict, pirates would be driven away, and Hachinosu would lose its value. If not managed, it couldn't create wealth.
Selling it is good!
He had actually wanted to sell it for a long time.
Daichi looked at Golden Lion with a brilliant smile.
"You want to buy Hachinosu?"
"That's right."
Shiki's gaze was serious.
The plan had changed!
Having witnessed the Beast Pirates' immense financial power, he felt that his meager wealth probably wouldn't impress the Beast Pirates.
To obtain Hachinosu, he would have to offer something of equivalent value that the Beast Pirates wanted, but what could be equivalent to Hachinosu?
This deal was going to fall through!
"Jiehahahaha! Easy, easy!"
Daichi beamed.
A little thought was enough to guess Golden Lion's purpose for wanting Hachinosu, which was also Hachinosu's greatest value.
As for Golden Lion becoming a Yonko, it wouldn't have much impact on him. The World Government would be the one with the headache.
The biggest reason the World Government couldn't fight him desperately was the restraint from other forces, especially the Yonko.
Now that two Yonko positions were vacant, he was quite anxious about it. The sooner this gap was filled, the greater the pressure on the World Government, and the lighter the pressure on the Hoenn Government.
At most, Kaido would have a bit of a headache.
Daichi's expression became much more serious.
"Mr. Shiki, you are an old senior, and you know the value of Hachinosu better than anyone. All the pirates in the New World are eyeing Hachinosu now - whoever gets there first will gain the upper hand!"
Shiki nodded.
Just now he called him an old-timer, but now he calls him an old senior.
His attitude changed too quickly!
Daichi rubbed his hands, full of anticipation.
"So, what price are you offering?"
"Well..."
Shiki hesitated.
He couldn't say it!
He had only prepared 5 billion Berry!
After a moment of hesitation, Shiki spread his five fingers.
Upon seeing this, Daichi's eyes lit up.
"50 billion Berry?"
Shiki's face twitched.
Even if they sold their pirate group, it wouldn't be worth 50 billion Berry!
"5... 5 billion Berry!"
"5 billion?!"
Daichi's tone suddenly rose!
For ordinary pirates, 5 billion was indeed not a small number, after all, Hachinosu was just special in status - the island itself couldn't create too much wealth.
If Pirate Paradise collected taxes, the pirates would be furious.
Only the Hoenn Government was an exception.
But a mere 5 billion Berry wasn't even enough for him to pay the Beast Pirates a month's salary - it was like giving money to beggars.
Daichi waved his hand impatiently.
"Someone, show them out!"