In this series of events stemming from the effort to obtain living hearts,
the Navy had seized the initiative after successfully arresting the members of the Heart Pirates.
That was precisely why CP0 had the confidence to demand an exorbitant price, hoping to obtain benefits far greater than just the living hearts.
But,
after Maud attacked the Holy Land and captured five Celestial Dragons,
the initiative changed hands on the spot. It was now firmly clutched by Maud, so naturally, he did not take Sengoku's few toothless threats seriously.
"Cut the crap."
Without waiting for Sengoku's response, Maud went straight to the point and continued, "Five Celestial Dragons for the members of the Heart Pirates. I'll decide the time and place of the exchange. Any objections?"
"Fine."
Sengoku narrowed his eyes.
The previous second, he had still been thinking about how to pressure Maud. The next, he agreed to Maud's proposal without the slightest hesitation.
To be honest,
with five Celestial Dragons in Maud's hands, Sengoku had never expected Maud to give up the chance to raise the price and directly offer to exchange the five Celestial Dragons for the members of the Heart Pirates.
"When and where will the exchange take place?"
Afraid that Maud might go back on his word, Sengoku quickly asked another question.
"Two weeks from now, Thunder God Island in the New World. Anyone below the rank of rear admiral, don't bother showing up to watch the excitement."
"Fine, but don't try anything funny, Bagard. Maud."
"Shouldn't I be the one saying that? Do I really need to explain, one by one, what the World Government and the Navy are like?"
"..."
"Click."
Maud hung up the call.
Sengoku took a deep breath, his expression grim.
Given his position, he no longer had any leeway