The World Government Wanted Droplets? Time to Bleed the Gorosei Dry!

"Can they be mass-produced?"

The Gorosei's eyes were filled with seriousness, even carrying a trace of hope as they asked with blazing gazes.

Admiral-level technological weapons were simply too astonishing. Even with their composure, they could not help but be deeply shocked.

After hearing Lynn's introduction and witnessing the Droplet's combat tests against Akainu, Sengoku, and the others, the urge in the Gorosei's hearts had become almost unbearable.

So they laid their intentions bare to Lynn.

How could Lynn not understand what the Gorosei meant? He had long made his calculations. Upon hearing the question, his expression turned serious as well.

He did not bother with pleasantries because Lynn was a Celestial Dragon. To the Gorosei, he was one of their own.

"Mass production isn't possible. The cost of each one would be extremely high, but a limited number can be manufactured continuously."

Lynn could achieve automated production. After all, Water Drop Technology already included certain automated intelligent systems. But it would take time, and naturally, he would not tell the Gorosei that.

It was like the Seraphim invented by Vegapunk.

Lynn did not yet want to bring too great an impact to the Pirate World. Even if he were to produce them in batches, he would do so in secret.

"How much does one cost?"

The Gorosei were curious as well. How expensive could this Droplet, with its round head, pointed tail, and pure, beautiful appearance, really be?

"Taking the materials into account, the cost is around one hundred billion Beli."

Lynn pursed his lips and deliberately named that price.

In reality, the laboratory, the other materials, and even the island had cost less than one hundred billion Beli. He quoted that figure to make a profit off the Gorosei.

Even if they found it expensive, they would still have him build a few. After all, one Droplet was equivalent to an absolutely obedient "Admiral."

"One hundred billion!"

Sengoku, Kong, Garp, the Three Admirals, and the others could not help drawing sharp breaths.

The sum was truly staggering. If piled together, it could probably fill an entire Warship.

Even the Gorosei paused in surprise before shaking their heads with smiles.

What did one hundred billion matter? So long as they could be mass-produced, there would no longer be any force in this world capable of threatening the World Government. Even if the Great Kingdom returned to life, it would not matter.

"Lynn, then I won't beat around the bush. The World Government needs this technological weapon very badly... Build three first. We can continue our cooperation in the future. What do you say?"

After exchanging glances, the Gorosei spoke to Lynn.

"No problem. It will take some time... Gorosei, but I have conditions as well."

After a brief pause, Lynn nodded in agreement and began laying out his plans.

"Go on."

"First, I need the World Government's support for my research."

Lynn's first demand was the Gorosei's backing. Without even thinking, the Gorosei immediately nodded.

They would have supported him even without being asked. The Celestial Dragons of the Holy Land had not produced a scientist like this in a long time. Lynn's status would be higher than Vegapunk's, and that was only proper—not merely in terms of rank, either.

"I don't mean verbal support. Gorosei, I need the World Government to help me collect rare materials. Whether for manufacturing Droplets or conducting new research, they are indispensable. The more, the better."

Lynn spoke seriously.

The Gorosei continued nodding, signaling for him to continue.

"I also need to build a new laboratory on my island. The island is quite vast, and I need more personnel as well. The cost will not be less than one hundred billion Beli."

This time, Lynn was not asking for an outrageous amount. Expanding the entire laboratory and constructing a new one would indeed cost several tens of billions to over a hundred billion.

"How many personnel do you want?"

The Gorosei did not care much about money. Work like this consumed funds like water.

And the Celestial Dragons could afford it.

"Ten thousand, at minimum. That doesn't include security personnel."

Lynn held up one finger and said with a smile.

Ten thousand workers would be enough for him to quickly establish a technological island in a short period of time.

He was not worried about money or manpower. Time was what mattered most.

"That won't be a problem either. We'll support you."

The Great Elder nodded directly and agreed without hesitation.

Only then did Sengoku, Garp, the other Navy High Command officers, and Kong truly witness what extravagance meant, and they were stunned.

Three Droplets meant three hundred billion Beli, and building a facility would cost another hundred billion! Then Lynn casually asked for ten thousand people!

Ten thousand people were enough to start a war to overthrow a kingdom's regime, and that did not even include security personnel.

The Gorosei had not merely made an exception for Lynn in the earlier dispute. Now, as they negotiated terms, they seemed ready to agree to anything he said!

"One last condition."

Just as everyone thought that was about enough, Lynn leisurely added another sentence.

"I need the Gorosei to grant me special authority, allowing me to seize the affiliated kingdoms of other Celestial Dragons by force."

The moment Lynn said this, everyone present was shocked!

Sengoku, Garp, the Three Admirals, Kong, and even the Gorosei revealed traces of astonishment in their eyes.

Seize the affiliated kingdoms of other Celestial Dragon families by force!?

"Although the Figarland Family has always stayed out of disputes with others and lived leisurely, being honest does not mean we are easy to bully. Of course, I won't go too far."

Lynn knew that this request might not be approved, since it had already infringed upon "order."

The Gorosei were clearly hesitant as well. They narrowed their eyes and considered the matter gravely without replying.

"They can resist with their own strength, and I will demonstrate the power of my technology. If they cannot even defend against that..."

Lynn was not in the least anxious. Instead, he spoke with perfect calm.

His meaning was clear. He wanted to reclaim his dignity, and he also needed money for scientific research. Even with the Holy Land's support, this would allow him to display his scientific talents. Whether or not he could seize the affiliated kingdoms of other Celestial Dragons, it would not be a losing deal for the Holy Land.

The Gorosei studied Lynn seriously, then suddenly laughed.

"You have guts, kid."

"We are providing manpower and funds, so your technology must also be shared with us."

"The Celestial Dragons have not produced a genius like you in a long time. We believe you can handle this well."

It was not merely appreciation. After witnessing the Droplet's power, the Gorosei were willing to make such major concessions. Naturally, the five elders also thought even more highly of Lynn.

He could already create Droplets now. Given time, he might invent even better things.

This was an investment.

"Of course. Thank you for your favor, Gorosei."

Lynn was very satisfied with today's conversation. The Gorosei's support had exceeded his expectations.

Now, he could finally act freely, using the World Government's power to gather all kinds of scarce materials and establish a larger experimental site.

Lynn was somewhat excited.

Meanwhile, Sengoku, Kong, and the Three Admirals stood to the side, watching Lynn laugh and chat with the Gorosei after finishing his business. They could not help sighing again.