Hearing Gawain's words, Cobra swallowed hard.
As for Igaram and Wolf Chaka, they both turned to look at Pell.
He faced his colleagues' eyes, which clearly said, "You're in trouble..."
Pell narrowed his eyes nervously.
In that instant, Pell's eyes looked exactly like Mihawk's!
Gawain, noticing Pell's expression, waved Gawain amusement.
"Hey buddy, don't be so nervous. We mean you no harm. It's just that the Bird-Bird Fruit is extremely rare."
As soon as he finished speaking, Gawain sat there and nudged everyone's legs, managing to drive his wolf-like companions to a distance.
Once they returned to their normal rhythm, Cobra and his group on the other side finally felt a little relieved.
Pell stood there hesitant to speak, but in the end Cobra asked for him.
"Saint Gawain, your subordinates seem to value the Bird-Bird Fruit quite a bit?"
Is it because... this Devil Fruit is important to you?
"Haha, I won't lie to you, it really is very important!"
Gawain nodded readily in response to Cobra's question.
"After all, Pell is your subordinate. Even if I wanted to do something to him, I would first let you know about it."
So, I might as well speak frankly with you, just as Shakky, my intelligence chief, said.
The Bird-Bird Fruit can greatly enhance the intelligence network of my Dark Bird Group, providing the necessary resources for establishing a comprehensive intelligence department while reducing manpower and material resources by at least 90%.
Before this, we had been searching for the Bird-Bird Fruit, but coincidentally, Pell just appeared in front of me like this."
At this point, Gawain pressed his right hand again, gesturing for everyone to sit down and talk.
But to be honest, at this point, Cobra and his group were in no mood to sit down!
The instant Gawain revealed the reason, almost everyone on the Dark Bird Ship, including Vivi, showed Pell a pained expression...
A look of farewell!
They didn't think Pell would die; they just felt that Pell was probably destined to be drafted.
It's important to know that in the world of Pirate King, the World Government has the authority to recruit outstanding warriors from all countries!
Just like Kaido back then, Kaido was also an outstanding young man in the Volka Kingdom when he was young. At the age of ten, he was renowned throughout Woka for his skillful use of the spiked club and his superb personal strength.
It's important to know that even a ten-year-old super-strong warrior is extremely rare in the entire ocean.
The World Government naturally took notice of Kaido, so the Volka Kingdom, in order to gain the right to participate in the Reverie, voluntarily sold the then thirteen-year-old Kaido to the Navy.
And so, Kaido resolutely fled the Navy. His dream was not to become the Navy King. At the age of thirteen, Kaido, who had fled the Navy, also carried his first bounty.
At that time, his bounty was 70 million Beli.
This is just Kaido's past, but his past is enough to explain a lot. If the World Government or the Navy really needs to recruit certain people, then the recruited people will only have two paths to take.
One option is to accept the conscription, and the other is to escape and carry the bounty on one's head.
But Pell...
Looking at the deck where he was, and then at the renowned Dark King Rayleigh and the Shichibukai around him.
In particular, he was faced with Gawain's gaze, which, though smiling, brooked no argument.
Pell knew he didn't even have the right to run...
Gawain was well aware of this; at least for Pell, Gawain possessed the power to determine his fate.
So Gawain didn't get impatient; he simply reached out and pressed the air once more.
"Senior, why don't we sit down and chat? Try this, it's shark fin, a specialty of Fish-Man Island, paired with Sea God Salt, it tastes amazing."
After Gawain's repeated emphasis and invitation, Cobra and his group finally sat down nervously.
Vivi huddled beside Cobra, fighting back tears as she looked sadly at Pell.
Seeing the sad expressions on Cobra's and his group's faces, Gawain didn't say much. He simply ate his snacks naturally, then raised his glass to Cobra and said...
"Ladies and gentlemen, I am not one of the judges on Enies Lobby. Even if I did intend to invite Pell to my ship, Pell would at least receive the same treatment as everyone else."
As they were talking, Gawain bumped hands with everyone, especially Pell.
After Pell drank the beverage with trepidation, Gawain pointed towards the hundreds of Black Ice Terrace members who had finished their training in the distance.
"Those are the soldiers who are currently the main force under my command, and even they have considerable freedom on the ship."
The Dark Bird Ship was as large as a city, and the soldiers could freely arrange and decorate their rooms, whether it was the cabins below or the forests and mountains at the stern.
People can even bring their families on board, so that their families can receive direct protection from me and the cadres.
Moreover, Pell your abilities, even disregarding your strength, just based on the effects of your Devil Fruit, you could enjoy treatment close to that of an executive.
Your treatment should be comparable to that of Dark Bird like Kaku, Jabra, and Blueno.
They have much more freedom than the soldiers; their food, clothing, and lodging are all taken care of by the Dark Bird Ship, and medical care... I'll try to find some excellent doctors when I have time.
To this extent, captain-level talents also receive a monthly salary of 20 million Beli and a year-end bonus of at least 100 million Beli.
At the same time, you're not going away for nothing. Although the Dark Bird Ship spends a little more time at sea, it offers about thirty days of annual leave each year, and you can choose the specific time.
Apart from that, the Dark Bird Ship is not under the jurisdiction of the World Government; you are only responsible to me.
So, it seems the treatment on the Dark Bird Ship is actually quite good, isn't it?
At this point, Gawain smiled and toasted Pell again.
As Gawain's second glass of wine approached, Falcon Pell swallowed hard.
"Saint Gawain, what you said... is all true?"
Upon hearing this, Gawain nodded and then drank the wine.
Setting down his cup, Gawain continued speaking to Pell.
"Whether it's true or not, you can go to the ship yourself when you have time to find out. Although I wouldn't do anything to deceive you, what you find out yourself should be more convincing."
As for the time you're aware of, I happened to be talking to King Cobra about the troubles you've been facing lately.
Rest assured, whether you accept my invitation or not will not affect my decision on whether or not to provide assistance.
After saying that, Gawain waved his hand, indicating that Pell could leave and go for a walk on the ship.
Upon hearing this, Pell nodded nervously.
"Since you say so, then... then I'll take it seriously and go check it out right away..."
"I'll be with you!"
As soon as Pell finished speaking, Wolf Chaka, who was standing next to him, also stood up.
He bowed to Gawain.
"Sir, Pell is a good friend I grew up with, and I would like to spend a little time with him."
You see..."
"Haha, you guys are really straightforward. Go ahead, go ahead."
Gawain smiled and waved his hand.
After bowing again, Pell and Chaka left the food area where everyone was and mingled among the Black Ice Terrace soldiers who had just finished their training.
After they left, Cobra took a long breath, then shook his head helplessly at Gawain.
"Saint Gawain, you... sigh...!"
Although in recent years, with that great hero of the Shichibukai staying in our country, our country has no longer been harassed or plundered by pirates.
But Pell was, after all, an elite warrior who had been with our family since childhood.
"With just one sentence, you're taking him away... and I'm actually a little reluctant to let him go."
"Haha. King Cobra, why don't you tell us about your troubles first!"
Seeing the look in Cobra's eyes that seemed to be asking for more money, Gawain smiled, picked up a stewed mushroom, and chewed Gawain while giving it an appreciative look.
This king was kind enough, but he was also quite rational.
At the same time, upon hearing Gawain's words, King Cobra nodded heavily.
"Saint Gawain!"
He then gave a solemn explanation.
"The reason I've come specifically to see you is that Alabasta has encountered a major problem that is the worst it has been in centuries."
Six months ago, in the vast territory of Alabasta, apart from the capital Alubarna, not a single drop of rain had fallen!
The severe drought has deprived my people of the means to sustain their lives. The extreme lack of water and food has forced the usually harmonious and friendly civilians of Alabasta to fight each other over even a bottle of water or a little food!
Even before I decided to come and visit you, a large-scale rebellion had already broken out in Yuba, a city within my Alabasta!
At this point, King Cobra stood up in anguish and knelt directly before Gawain!
At the same time, Vivi and Captain Igaram, who were beside him, quickly followed Cobra's lead and knelt down in front of Gawain.
And Gawain.
Knowing everything all along, he feigned complete ignorance and asked Cobra incredulously.
"How so?"
"Yes, I don't know why this is happening either. After all, although Alabasta is a desert country, desert is just a terrain feature. Our country has had relatively abundant rainfall over the past few centuries."
But now, the prolonged drought, coupled with Alabasta's ancient desert terrain, has turned the paradise where ordinary people live into an environment akin to Purgatory.
Just when I was feeling anxious and uneasy about everything happening in China, but couldn't come up with any solutions, I saw the newspaper that the World Economic Journal had distributed when you first arrived in Golden Town.
So, when I had absolutely no other choice, I turned to you and prayed that I could get even a little bit of your help.
Alabasta is severely lacking in drinking water and fresh vegetables, and Alabasta country's climate is no longer sufficient to justify paying the additional Heavenly Tribute required for applying for vegetables and fresh water!
At this point, Cobra slammed his head heavily onto the deck.
"On behalf of the Nefertari Family, I request your assistance in providing our country with essential supplies!"
If we can overcome the current difficulties, Alabasta will repay you for the assistance you have provided us today with the full strength of the nation!
Please, Saint Gawain, lend a helping hand! I beg you!!!
The moment Cobra said that, Vivi hardened her gaze, and then she immediately prepared to follow her father and slam her head heavily onto the deck!
Just as Vivi's head was about to hit the deck, Gawain quickly transformed into Inazuma, and with a sudden clap of thunder, Gawain gently caught Vivi's head with his hand.
Feeling the warm touch on her forehead, Vivi's face lit up with joy. She looked up expectantly and nervously at Gawain.
Seeing the expectant look in Vivi's eyes, Gawain smiled.
"There's no need for that, get up quickly."
As for your request, how could I not help you?
Gawain said softly, then he helped Vivi and Cobra up.
After helping the two to their seats, Gawain simply stood between them on the sofa, his hands resting on the table as he thoughtfully spoke to them.
"I can provide you with a batch of fresh water and vegetables right away. As for the price, I will offer you a fair price based on the market price, and I might even give you the first batch for free."
But I must remind you, Cobra, and Vivi.
You cannot rely on me to provide you with fresh water and vegetables forever!
At this point, Gawain pursed his lips slightly.
"Of course, the urgent problem must be solved, but in addition to the urgent problem, you must also face the most fundamental reason that caused everything to happen."
That is, drought!
Although we don't know why Alabasta is experiencing a drought, you should at least mobilize enough scholars to calculate how long the drought might last.
If the drought only lasts for a few months or a few years, then with my help, you might be able to barely make ends meet.
But if the drought lasts for decades or even centuries, then you must either find the cause of the drought or adapt to the habits of living in arid environments.
So, Cobra, did you send scholars to investigate? And what did they say?
After speaking, Gawain looked at Cobra, awaiting Cobra reply.
When faced with Cobra 'Gawain question, Cobra shook his head sheepishly.
"Saint Gawain..."
Cobra explained helplessly.
"Ever since the Buster Call occurred in Ohara, a wave of attacks against scholars has swept across the seas."
At the subsequent Reverie, the fifty allied nations, including myself, successively signed decrees restricting excessive conduct by scholars...
While I don't know how well other countries are implementing this, in our Alabasta...
Of course I won't kill them just because of a decree. Sixty-one years ago, didn't wise men from all over the world develop a small Sky Island called Weatheria?
After the Ohara Incident, I sent all the scholars in our country to that Sky Island...
After that, Alabasta never again produced any particularly outstanding scholars who had studied at Ohara.
In short, I have lost the scholars with whom I can investigate and study the current drought in Alabasta.
Besides the scholars, the advice the pastors gave me was... to pray!
At this point, Cobra shook his head sadly.
"In short, I can't count on them, especially Yuba."
The people of Alabasta are in disarray, and the rebellion has already tied up most of my troops.
Forget about investigations, I'm even struggling to suppress a rebellion now, because even the soldiers are starting to lack food and water..."
At this point, Cobra lowered his head deeply.
"I have lived my whole life cautiously. After receiving the crown symbolizing royal power from my father, I have worked diligently and conservatively to maintain my country."
I know I'm not a very capable person; compared to most of the kings at the Reverie, all I know is how to maintain the existing system.
But I really didn't expect that I was this bad.
When the inevitable natural disaster struck, I... I was completely powerless to do anything about it!
Gawain, listening to Cobra's words, gave a helpless look.
This King Cobra is quite self-aware.
According to the original history, Cobra would not have found any trace of the Baroque Works until at least the following year, fourteen months after the drought began.
His solution at the time was to send his daughter and ministers to the Baroque Works as spies...
With this ability, there's probably no difference between him and having no ability at all, right?
Even so, Gawain wouldn't laugh at him.
The problem isn't with Cobra, but with the current political structure and institutions of the world.
Cobra may lack ability, but among the kings of the world, he is already among the top three outstanding monarchs!
If Alabasta hadn't been ravaged by Crocodile, Cobra would have remained revered by the people of Alabasta as a benevolent king, solely for his kindness and love for his people.
From Cobra's perspective, he has done very well.
As for the world's backward political environment and feudal system, those are problems that someone like Gawain is capable of solving, aren't they?
Gawain gently patted Cobra on the shoulder.
"I see!"
He said solemnly.
"You can stay on my Dark Bird Ship for now, Cobra. I will take you all back to Alabasta after I finish the remaining work on Jaya."
Whether it's the causes and duration of the drought, or the food and water shortages you are currently facing.
I will try my best to help you solve this.
However, I hope you understand.
"My help won't be free, Cobra!"
Tickets, please!