Life Is Hard Enough, Don't Expose It, Got It?

When the many forces that arrived in Dressrosa fell silent.

Having left the arena Luo Wen and Monkey D. Dragon were already chatting in their office. As for Koala, she had already been taken by Uta to wander around.

"You're ridiculously powerful!"

Monkey D. Dragon sat opposite Luo Wen and remarked with a sigh.

His performance just now completely redefined his understanding of what a strong person is.

The powerful punches collided so badly that he hadn't recovered yet, and his arm still ached slightly.

The pillar of light, containing boundless energy that pierced through the heavens and earth, left an even deeper impression on him.

It's hard to imagine that's the kind of power a person could muster.

"So-so, nothing special. This skill is not worth mentioning."

Luo Wen took a sip of fragrant tea and said contentedly.

It makes all the difference after stretching; you feel completely relaxed.

I wish I could have a punching bag like this every day.

Looking at Monkey D. Dragon, Luo Wen thought with regret.

"This is nothing! Do you know how desperate it is to be your enemy?"

"Monkey D. Dragon said exaggeratedly."

Although it was just a friendly sparring match, the pressure that Luo Wen put on him was very real.

Faced with the immense power of Luo Wen, Monkey D. Dragon felt utterly powerless.

It's like going back to my childhood when I was twelve or thirteen, facing Garp wielding his Iron Fist.

However, there's no need to tell Luo Wen about this.

Stop flattering me, just say what you need to say.

Luo Wen immediately recognized that Monkey D. Dragon was putting on a show.

It's three parts real and seven parts fake; you can hardly tell from its appearance.

But it is certainly not normal for a Revolutionary Army leader to adopt such a humble posture.

Even if Monkey D. Dragon, whom the World Government calls the most vicious criminal, were to be beaten up by him, he would never show such a humble attitude.

If he were truly that weak, he wouldn't have raised the banner of rebellion against the World Government.

"Haha, you found out!"

Monkey D. Dragon laughed heartily, not feeling embarrassed at all.

His act of feigning weakness was clearly motivated by ulterior motives.

Monkey D. Dragon rubbed his hands together and tentatively said, "Luo Wen, we're allies now. You just used me to warn so many people. Aren't there some things we can discuss?"

"Just tell me what's wrong. With our relationship, I'll take care of anything I can."

Luo Wen didn't seem to care and answered casually.

He felt good after beating up Monkey D. Dragon. As long as Monkey D. Dragon's requests weren't too unreasonable, agreeing to them wouldn't be a problem.

He was also curious about what could have made Monkey D. Dragon adopt such a humble posture.

"Ahem, well then, brother, I'll be shameless and ask!" Monkey D. Dragon coughed twice, then said seriously, "Since we're brothers, could you share that Artificial Devil Fruit Technology?"

So that's what it was for.

Luo Wen nodded, Satori.

No wonder he was hesitant to talk about it; he was eyeing a big meal.

Giving it away for free is out of the question, but considering that Monkey D. Dragon gave him a good time and that they are allies, a discount is acceptable.

"Tell me, how much money are you willing to pay?"

Luo Wen asked with a relaxed expression.

We're all on the same side now, so giving us a discount of one or two hundred million is no big deal.

There's still the issue of raw materials for Artificial Devil Fruit; just add them there.

"We're such good allies, talking about money would be a bit too much of a strain on our relationship."

Monkey D. Dragon gave an awkward, rather unnatural laugh.

He also knew that the Artificial Devil Fruit Technology was extremely valuable, and trying to get it for free was a bit excessive.

But the Revolutionary Army was really not wealthy, and the technology was so tempting that he had no choice but to resort to this desperate measure.

"You want to get something for free?" Luo Wen was taken aback, then said with a dark face, "Only women can get what they want from me!"

"You want to talk to me about fists instead of money?"

"This time, let's do something exciting. Whoever faints first loses!"

As he spoke, Luo Wen flexed his wrists, and a faint black aura emanated from his body.

My muscles and joints, which I had just stretched, are now itchy again.

It seems that Monkey D. Dragon still questions his power, given that he would say something like that!

"Misunderstanding, misunderstanding, I was just joking!"

Monkey D. Dragon quickly waved his hand and said with a forced smile.

He had a feeling that if he really fought Luo Wen now, Luo Wen would be too weak to handle even if he kept breaking his ribs.

"I knew you were joking. But your acting is really good; I actually thought you were trying to get something for nothing."

Luo Wen withdrew his fist and said with a smile.

"Haha, you're joking."

Monkey D. Dragon gave an awkward smile, fully aware of Luo Wen's veiled sarcasm.

"However, can't we really give the Artificial Devil Fruit Technology to the Revolutionary Army?"

Then, Monkey D. Dragon asked unwillingly.

Artificial Devil Fruit Technology can greatly compensate for their lack of powerful individuals.

For the current Revolutionary Army, it's practically an absolute panacea, the kind that can boost their power for eight hundred years.

"If you can't afford to buy it, you can't afford to use it. After all, all you get is the technology; you still need the equipment and raw materials."

Luo Wen glanced at Monkey D. Dragon, looking at him like he was a beggar.

This isn't something you can produce just by acquiring the technology; the subsequent maintenance costs are much higher than the cost of purchasing the technology itself.

With high production costs and inconsistent output, this is a technology that only the wealthy can afford.

Is that so?

"That's right, I should have thought of that sooner. There are some things that require certain skills to use."

Monkey D. Dragon's illusions were shattered by Luo Wen, and he said with a wry smile.

The allure of Artificial Devil Fruit Technology was too great, so great that he couldn't see himself clearly.

It's very frustrating to think that he has such good technology right in front of him but can't use it.

"Don't be discouraged. Artificial Devil Fruit aren't suitable for the Revolutionary Army's situation; they also have limitations in their use."

"Those who use it need to have a strong will and a robust body, otherwise they will most likely die. And those who survive will lose all emotions except for smiles."

"Such severe side effects are not suitable for you."

Luo Wen said calmly.

This is also why he didn't keep it for himself; it wasn't effective and had a lot of side effects. Only those who have never seen anything good before would treasure it.

However, Monkey D. Dragon should have a good relationship with Vegapunk. The Artificial Devil Fruit Technology of that world's number one scientist is the one that should truly be admired.

Did Vegapunk not tell Monkey D. Dragon this?

That makes sense. Perhaps in other people's eyes, it's just an incredibly simple invention, insignificant compared to unlimited energy, so there's no need to talk about it.

"That makes me feel much better."

Monkey D. Dragon's expression softened, and he seemed genuinely relieved.

It's similar to saying the grapes are sour because you can't reach them.

Although the longing remained, the comfort it offered lessened the obsession.

"It sounds like you're not optimistic about this technology. So, how much are you planning to sell it for?"

"Monkey D. Dragon asked curiously."

"5 billion Beli"

Luo Wen extended a hand and said casually.

"You've already downgraded it like this, and you're still selling it for 5 billion Beli?!"

Monkey D. Dragon opened his eyes wide and asked incredulously.

After hearing a long list of shortcomings from Luo Wen, he thought Luo Wen was going to sell him off cheaply.

"Hehe, everyone has different perspectives. What I see as a useless thing is a treasure to others."

"Just like you right now, drooling with desire, yet finding solace only in my words. If you had the money, you'd probably buy it."

Luo Wen said jokingly.

"Um..."

Monkey D. Dragon's face, marked with a shoe print, twitched.

That's what he thinks, but it's wrong for you to say it out loud.

Life is tough, don't expose it.

Understand?