Help You Out

"I'd feel more at ease just selling the island to you outright." Saint Franz had no intention of taking any risks, much less getting too close to Miming. "Do whatever you want with that wreck of an island. Just make sure the Sea Train line keeps running, and add twelve years' worth of Heavenly Tribute. If it affects the business of my Gourmet City and Carnival City, I'll fight you to the death no matter what!"

"Deal." Miming reached an agreement with him and had the money deducted from the Bird Family's Heavenly Tribute for Saint Frantz Joseph.

The Bird Family's Heavenly Tribute had always been high, and Water 7 was a decaying dump. Twelve years' worth of Heavenly Tribute was no burden to the Bird Family at all. After Miming's major purge of the Bird Family, there was practically no one left to spend money on. They barely had anywhere to spend the Heavenly Tribute.

After Saint Frantz Joseph left, the Gorosei finally had a serious talk with Miming.

"Miming, what exactly are you trying to do?" the Gorosei asked.

"Help you out," Miming said. "Wouldn't it be better if this island weren't destroyed by a tsunami? Honestly, I can't stand you people. Fine, I'll cover all future Sea Train research, operations, and maintenance costs. Happy now?"

"That would work!" The Gorosei's eyes lit up. The Sea Train required far too much investment and operated at a complete loss. Its value lay in greatly strengthening the Navy's control over the surrounding seas.

"But having Dr. Vegapunk design those things will cost a fortune. If a tsunami sweeps them away, it'll all be wasted." Saint Ichi knew Miming intended to pour the Bird Family's money into Water 7 regardless of cost, so he reminded him, "If you want to invest,