On the horizon, Smoothie's fleet had shrunk to mere specks, appearing minuscule against the vast expanse of the sea.
Bullet took a deep breath, then turned and walked toward the city.
His mind began calculating various possible scenarios: if Big Mom truly chose to side with Kaido, then the alliance between the Eternal Divine Kingdom and Whole Cake Island would shatter like fragile glass.
And this meant... Bullet unconsciously clenched his fist, his knuckles cracking.
It was time to prepare for battle. He'd fight for his beliefs amidst these rapidly changing circumstances.
...
Meanwhile,
Standing at the bow of the flagship, Smoothie watched the distant horizon where lightning flashed and thunder rumbled, a trace of worry flickering in her eyes.
The worry hung over her eyes like dark clouds, refusing to dissipate.
She understood better than anyone that MAMA's decision this time was like placing a crucial piece on the chessboard of the New World—it could alter the landscape of the New World.
All she could do was rush to the Land of Wano as quickly as possible amidst these turbulent waves.
...
At the harbor caressed by sea breezes, time slipped away. The passing of over ten minutes felt like a mere instant.
The fleet led by Smoothie, which had been an imposing and magnificent sight upon the sea, had now vanished beyond the distant horizon, leaving behind only an empty expanse of water as if the spectacular fleet had never existed.
Yet even so, the harbor breeze still carried the distinctive sweet, cloying scent of the Big Mom Pirates, the faint traces of sugary fragrance lingering over this stretch of sea, refusing to fade away for a long time.
Bullet returned indoors, his figure appearing imposing in the dimly lit room.
At this moment, he was stroking his chin, his eyes revealing a thoughtful expression as he pondered the unpredictable shifts in the situation.
His furrowed brows showed he was lost in deep contemplation.
"This sea is becoming increasingly difficult to comprehend."
Suddenly, a series of urgent, sharp alarm sounds shattered the silence.
The sound was like a siren tearing through the night sky, carrying a tense and uneasy atmosphere as it came from the direction of the watchtower.
Bullet's eyebrows shot up, a sharp glint flashing in his eyes as he strode purposefully toward the edge of the harbor.
When he reached the harbor's edge, he saw dozens of uniquely shaped snail ships approaching on the distant horizon.
The hulls of these ships shimmered with a cold, dazzling metallic sheen under the sunlight, resembling moving steel fortresses.
The prominent "66" emblem on their sides appeared glaring under the sun's refraction, declaring their identity—the fleet of Germa 66.
"Interesting..." Bullet watched the scene, the corners of his mouth curling into a meaningful smile.
"What day is it today? One guest leaves, and another arrives."
The smile held both a hint of curiosity about this sudden development and a confidence that suggested he had everything under control.
Soon, a lavishly decorated snail ship sailed into the harbor alone.
The ship's decorations were exquisitely detailed, every aspect showcasing the luxury and prestige of Germa 66.
Descending from the ship was a beautiful woman with long pink hair—Vinsmoke Reiju, the eldest daughter of Germa 66.
Reiju wore a high-tech combat suit that clung to her graceful figure, accentuating her curves.
She walked with elegant steps toward the shore, each movement carrying the efficiency and composure characteristic of a soldier. Her pink hair fluttered gently in the breeze.
"I've long heard of the Eternal Divine Kingdom's reputation," Reiju's voice was clear and pleasant, yet as cool as the color of her combat suit, devoid of any emotion.
"I'm here on behalf of Germa 66 to discuss cooperation."
Bullet crossed his arms, tilting his head to look down at this "Poison Pink."
His gaze was scrutinizing, as if trying to see through Reiju's true intentions.
"Speak. What do you want? Devil Fruits? Or the blood of ability users?" His voice was deep and left no room for doubt.
Reiju shook her head, her pink hair swaying with the movement, shimmering enchantingly in the sunlight.
She met Bullet's eyes directly, her gaze firm and clear.
"Neither. What we want is technical cooperation—regarding your ability Enchantment Technique."
"What?"
Bullet's expression froze, his body stiffening.
His eyes widened as if they were about to burst from their sockets, pupils seeming to shoot flames as he stared fixedly at the person before him.
"Technical cooperation?"
Bullet's voice rose sharply, echoing like thunder across the empty harbor, filled with boundless anger and disdain.
"Do you think we're a charity?! Our Eternal Divine Kingdom has built its current glory through countless hardships and trials, relying on our own unwavering will and exceptional strength—not on so-called technical cooperation, and certainly not on the pity or handouts of others!"
Reiju, however, remained expressionless, unaffected by Bullet's fury.
She unhurriedly retrieved a data chip from her bosom, which shimmered faintly under the sunlight.
Holding the chip aloft, she spoke in a steady and clear voice, "We can offer Germa's most advanced cloning technology and bio-modification techniques in exchange.
These technologies were developed through Germa's immense effort and resources, and their value is self-evident."
"No deal!" Bullet waved his large hand dismissively, his thick arm stirring a gust of wind that seemed capable of tearing the surrounding air apart.
His face was as dark as the sky before a storm, his eyes revealing a trace of resolve.
"The core technology of the Eternal Divine Kingdom will never be disclosed! It's the foundation of our nation, and no one shall lay a finger on it! See our guest out!"
With that command, the atmosphere at the harbor seemed to be enveloped by an invisible frost, dropping to freezing point.
The sea breeze continued to howl, yet it could no longer dispel the tension and oppression lingering in the air.
A glint of cold light flashed in Reiju's eyes, sharp as an icy blade, fleeting yet unmistakable, but she soon resumed her professional smile.
The smile was perfectly measured—neither overly ingratiating nor coldly indifferent.
"Such a ruthless rejection..."
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