After saying that, Carlos flashed and vanished from where he stood, not even sparing the World Government's negotiating team another glance. One hundred billion Berries? What the hell were they talking about?
As expected, the negotiations hit their first deadlock. Morgensen and the others exchanged speechless looks, then got up and left.
They knew it was an outrageous opening bid, meant only to leave room for bargaining and secure as large a share of the Celestial Gold as possible. The other side's reaction had been somewhat intense, but it was still within expectations.
One hundred billion Berries was simply too large a sum. Used frugally, it would cover half a year of Marine expenses.
The World Government's negotiating team left and went back to discuss with the Five Elders what figure would be appropriate for reducing the Celestial Gold share.
At noon the next day, the World Government's negotiating team returned. It was still that villa, that courtyard, and those same people. The negotiations began once more.
"Mr. Carlos, after discussion, we also believe that one hundred billion Berries is too much and rather inappropriate. To show our sincerity, we will cut it in half directly. How about fifty billion Berries?" Morgensen said with a faint smile.
"Fifty billion is still too much. It would be a heavy burden for the entire West Blue Mafia family."
"I'll give you our bottom line as well. Twenty-five billion Berries at most." Carlos smoked his cigar, glanced at Morgensen, and spoke indifferently.
"That won't do. It is far too little. Even if we agreed, the World Government would not."
"As the true rulers of the West Blue, the West Blue Mafia are immensely powerful. Twenty-five billion is truly too little. Wouldn't that be rather embarrassing?"
"Hehehe... Losing face is still better than