Trading
Water Seven, located in the latter part of the Paradise, near Judicial Island, is also a very prosperous metropolis.
The Night Pirates will need a long time to reach Water Seven. With Water Seven as their goal, Teach has already basically planned out the rest of their journey.
Teach wasn't sure if the Navy would just let the Night Pirates go and allow them to fight and kill each other with other Great Pirate Night Pirates the New World.
This can only be addressed by relying on information from Stephanie, Shakky, and Doflamingo.
Although Doflamingo's influence is limited to the North Blue, his status still allows him to obtain some special intelligence.
Of course, the Navy relied more on Stephanie for internal intelligence.
The Night Pirates' next target is an island near the Calm Belt called Hunting Island. This is the island where Gari spent his time before being captured and enslaved, and he learned almost everything on that island.
Through Gari, they finally obtained information about the island and its location. Teach was also very curious about the guy Gari called a monster, someone who was on par with him.
It's important to know that Gari, being Mink Tribe, has more potential in Teach's eyes than Nekomamushi and Inuarashi, whom he has seen before. Now, he has obtained the powerful Rage Fruit. Although he doesn't use it often, he controls the power of anger through the Rage Fruit and transforms into his Moon Lion Form through anger.
Based on his basic combat strength alone, Gari is already no weaker than Marine Vice Admiral. If he were to unleash his full power, he could even fight against Admiral Candidate level powerhouse. In addition, given his potential for growth, Gari will definitely become an ace-level executive of the Night Pirates in the future, Teach values highly.
The Slada that Gari mentioned possessed a monstrous physique from birth. Unlike his hunting methods, Slada always engaged in direct combat. In terms of strength and physical prowess, Gari was no match for Slada; that was a natural talent.
Furthermore, since Hunting Island is not an isolated island, Hunting Island residents are likely aware that Gari has joined the Night Pirates.
So, Teach decided to go and see for himself. He had a feeling that the Ancient Species of Emperor Crocodile Fruit he had collected for many years was about to find its true owner.
Furthermore, Baccarat can also experience good luck on the Hunting Island through her own abilities.
In the New World, in the waters of the Whitebeard Pirates, a man with wings growing from his back flew swiftly towards the Whitebeard Pirates' Moby Dick.
Mostima had already located the location of the Moby Dick beforehand.
This deal doesn't need to maximize profits. To do so would inevitably cross the Whitebeard Pirates' bottom line, leading to negotiations, disputes, and wasted time.
Mostima didn't want to waste time. The Whitebeard Pirates had no reason to refuse this deal, so he was very confident.
This confidence also comes from strength. The Feather Fruit greatly enhances his strength, and three years have passed since the Sabaody Archipelago incident, so Mostima's strength has naturally improved significantly.
Over the past three years, he has defused, blocked, and forced back every single one of the navy's encirclement and suppression campaigns and pirate attacks.
However, he knew that he was still some distance from those monsters. The Feather Fruit only brought him closer to them, and to reach that level, he would inevitably have to put in several more years of effort.
His swordsmanship improved, his Devil Fruit were developed, his Haki was enhanced, and most importantly, his physical abilities were improved. His physical talent wasn't strong, but it hadn't reached its limit yet. And these talents were compared to those monsters. If he were in the Navy, his aptitude in these areas wouldn't be considered weak.
His combat strength mainly lies in his swordsmanship and Devil Fruit abilities. As for his physique, that's something he needs to improve and make up for. Even if he can't reach the level of those monsters, he can't be weak.
In the past, Mostima recognized his shortcomings and knew that he could not reach the level he was capable of. He could not see the way forward, and in fact, he was somewhat confused.
Teach showed him the way, gave him hope, showed him how to work hard, and let him know that he could reach that level. Now he also has a goal, which is "Uranus" Rhine, someone whose style is very similar to his.
This time, his target was Whitebeard and the Whitebeard Pirates. Although they had interacted before, this was only their second meeting, and Mostima felt a little nervous.
Thinking of Whitebeard, that terrifying, godlike aura was still unforgettable to him. He knew that it was a level he could never reach, and he knew his own limits.
Whitebeard's fighting strength was only matched by Teach, Rediat, and Ares.
Ares was a monster he had seen with his own eyes; Ares's physique and strength were constantly increasing.
Although I haven't seen Rediat in person, he has already demonstrated his formidable strength. Since he can become the vice-captain of the Night Pirates, he must be no weaker than Ares.
For a pirate crew, the arrival of another pirate crew on their territory is undoubtedly a provocation. Therefore, in order to make this transaction more peaceful, he specially brought a gift.
Mostima was holding a sealed jar of wine, Teach's precious Monkey Wine, which Teach had left on White Sand Island. Over the years, he hadn't been able to bear drinking too much of it, and now, only this one jar remained.
But it's all worth it. It's just Monkey Wine; once Teach comes back, he can have as much as he wants.
Nowadays, on the day the live video broadcast ends, there isn't much time left. Everyone is waiting for the newspapers and new footage to appear. After all, while the changing of the images allows them to see important content, they don't get to see everything.
Or perhaps they're doing something else, watching other videos.
The emergence of video has undoubtedly enriched the entertainment time of many people, especially those who watch One Piece.
On the Whitebeard Pirates, some of the more perceptive members couldn't help but raise their heads and look up at the distant sky.
In the Whitebeard Pirates, besides these division commanders, there were other powerful pirates.
"Someone's coming, and they're quite strong. They're flying towards us at high speed."
"What's wrong? Shouldn't it be Marco?" one member asked, puzzled, after his companion said that.
"No, it's not Marco. The war just ended. How could Marco have flown over from Paradise so quickly?"
"Could it be the Golden Lion?!" a pirate exclaimed.
These words immediately startled many people. The entire crew of the Whitebeard Pirates on the Moby Dick became extremely vigilant, their expressions turning serious. Golden Lion Shiki was a monster on the same level as Pops.
"Don't make a fuss, it's not Golden Lion Shiki. I've sensed his presence before. The person who came this time is not weak, and he seems somewhat familiar."
"Gurararara, don't be scared by an enemy that hasn't even appeared yet. We are the Whitebeard Pirates!" Whitebeard, sitting imposingly in his seat, laughed loudly, which immediately calmed the crew down.
"We're the Whitebeard Pirates! So what if Shiki comes?" Third Division Commander "Diamond" Jozu said in a deep voice, arms crossed.
"Besides, Pops's still here."
"Let's see who it is that dares to come here alone."
Sensing the approaching presence, some had already spotted the newcomer. In the past three years, Marco wasn't the only Whitebeard Pirates who had interacted with Mostima.
"What a grand occasion, making so many people wait." Mostima flew directly above the Moby Dick, smiled faintly, and slowly descended, landing on the ship's deck under the gaze of the Whitebeard Pirates.
Upon seeing Mostima's sudden arrival, some of the pirates nearby warily drew their weapons.
"I apologize for coming uninvited." Mostima bowed slightly, displaying an air of aristocratic courtesy. Even so, they could not lower their guard. They knew that Mostima was an extremely dangerous person, both in terms of strength and intelligence, and his methods were astonishing.
Mostima's record isn't limited to the Sabaody Archipelago incident; there are many other events as well. The two factions have adjacent territories, maintain a policy of mutual respect, and engage in numerous transactions. However, this doesn't necessarily mean their relationship is amicable.
"Although this is my second time here, there should be some new faces. Let me introduce myself: Mostima, captain of the White Bird Pirates."
"Also, I, Teach, would like to extend my greetings to you all, members of the Whitebeard Pirates."
"Speak up, Mostima! What brings you here? Do you want war? Don't think we're afraid of you just because Teach is backing you!" A hot-tempered pirate glared at Mostima and shouted, as if he would attack immediately if he didn't get an explanation.
"I'm not here to fight." Mostima wasn't angry. He glanced at him with a slight smile. He had no reason to get angry at a nobody.
"And I've also brought a gift." Mostima said, holding the wine jar in his hands, placing his hand on the lid, and gently opening it.
Instantly, a rich aroma of wine wafted out, a familiar scent that was almost intoxicating.
Many people were taken aback, then their eyes widened and they took a deep breath. Even the squad leaders couldn't remain calm in this situation.
"This... this smells so familiar, could it be..." Vista, the Captain of the Fifth Division of the Whitebeard Pirates, stared intently at the wine jar in Mostima's hand and swallowed hard.
The aroma of the wine completely awakened their dormant memories.
"Monkey Wine, it seems you have drunk it before." Mostima was taken aback by their appearance, but being as clever as he was, he quickly realized that they must have drunk this kind of wine before.
Upon hearing this name, many members who couldn't recall it suddenly understood, as if they had been transported back to five years ago.
"This is a very good gift. Since we're not here to start a war, come over here and tell us what brings you here?" At this moment, Whitebeard spoke up, laughing. Teach's Monkey Wine was unforgettable for him, and he never expected to be able to drink it again. Just smelling the aroma made him impatient.
Hearing Whitebeard's words, Mostima smiled, put the lid back on, picked up the wine jar, and slowly walked forward to stand before Whitebeard once more.
This legendary pirate from the previous era, now the emperor of this era, simply sitting here, exuded a terrifying aura, unfathomable and as deep as the ocean.
Mostima wasn't nervous when he looked at Whitebeard. In the past three years, his knowledge had increased significantly. He had seen other powerful figures, and he had even caught a glimpse of Whitebeard from afar during the battles between the New World pirates and the Navy.
With a wave of his hand, he threw the wine jar he was holding directly at the Whitebeard.
Whitebeard reached out, caught it steadily, and then set it aside.
"Speak, what brings you here?" Whitebeard asked Mostima.
"I'm here to make a deal," Mostima said with a smile.
"What transaction?"
"Our White Bird Pirates have a total of fourteen islands under our control. You should be aware of the benefits they bring. We no longer need these territories and plan to sell them to the Whitebeard Pirates," Mostima said slowly, causing the others around him to be stunned, followed by shock. They were just going to give up the islands they had developed over so many years.
Being close to the Whitebeard Pirates' territory, they were well aware that the islands owned by the White Bird Pirates had developed under Mostima's control and were very profitable, generating billions of Beli in revenue each year.
They didn't care why they sold these islands, but once they took them over, they could develop peacefully without excessive interference or war. Mostima was already doing very well.
The Whitebeard Pirates were a group of pirates who didn't know how to manage things. Mostima, on the other hand, essentially handed them over an apple tree that she had nurtured from a sapling into a mature tree, and all she had to do was wait to harvest the apples every year.
After all, those industries can't be taken away, because they incorporate local characteristics, and under Mostima's management, trade between these islands has become well-established.
Of course I agree to that; the question is how much Mostima is willing to sell for.
"We agree. How much?" The Whitebeard wasn't stupid; he nodded slightly.
"An island costs 500 million Beli, plus one Devil Fruit, that's 7 billion Beli, plus 14 Devil Fruit," Mostima chuckled softly.
"Um?"
Many people were surprised, as the price wasn't high; in fact, it was rather low, below their expected price.
They were prepared for Mostima to overcharge them, but at the current price, they could earn back everything they had lost in less than three years.
"We can trade on the spot. Once the transaction is complete, you can take over the territory belonging to the White Bird Pirates. Don't worry about any tricks. We plan to expand in another place." Seeing their reaction, Mostima explained with a smile.
"We can use Devil Fruit instead of Beli," Whitebeard said. He knew that the Night Pirates had a habit of collecting Devil Fruit, and that such things were indeed happening.
"Of course, one Devil Fruit worth 300 million Beli." Mostima smiled and nodded. There is no good or bad in abilities. Even the worst ability is just one that hasn't been developed properly. Even if the potential is low, if it is developed well, it can still be quite powerful. Even if you don't eat it, it will still have other uses.
"Vista, take him to get the Devil Fruit, thirty of them, and 2.4 billion Beli." Whitebeard was very decisive and made the decision directly; Mostima had no reason to lie to him.
Mostima came with good intentions, and the Whitebeard Pirates undoubtedly benefited from this deal. If Mostima really has any tricks up his sleeve, then let him know what the Whitebeard Pirates' wrath is all about.
"Yes, Pops." Vista nodded, a small mustache already growing on his lip, though not yet the full extent of his future. He then looked at Mostima, "Come with me."
Seven billion Beli is a lot for the Whitebeard Pirates. They don't have a habit of saving money, and it will take them time to raise more Beli.
As for Devil Fruit, the Whitebeard Pirates had many, but many were quite useless, possessing only ordinary abilities. They were left unused, unappreciated by the crew, and few people ate them. Thirty fruits, though a lot, were essentially a way for the Whitebeard Pirates to clear out some junk. Naturally, Vista was the one who chose the Devil Fruit.
The selected abilities are definitely not strong. How much can these weak abilities enhance the Night Pirates' combat power? They certainly wouldn't do something that benefits the enemy.
However, how could they possibly discern the strength or potential of Devil Fruit?
Mostima felt a bit sneer. People have different perspectives. The Feather Fruit is a useless ability in the eyes of most people, but Teach valued it and gave it to Mostima, which in turn made Mostima successful.
In any case, he won't lose out. Is he someone who lacks Beli? Teach isn't, and neither is the Night Pirates. Besides, they also have their eyes on a super-large island with enormous wealth inside.
And among the rare Devil Fruit, there are always some that can break free.
Within a short time, Mostima had already come out carrying the items.
"Well then, see you next time." Mostima smiled, sprouted wings on her back, flew into the air, and quickly flew away with the cargo.
Watching Mostima's departing figure, Whitebeard didn't offer the invitation, "Have a ride with my son," because he knew it was impossible.