"Tell us about your proposed cooperation!"
They had to admit that the Marines could no longer be ignored, nor could they be controlled by the World Government.
After more than a decade under Sengoku's leadership, the Marines might not have been completely impregnable, but they were still difficult to infiltrate.
And Akainu, who had originally favored them, had actually defected from the Marines.
That left them without even their last trump card, and with no other options.
Still, the Marines were such a powerful force that the World Government naturally had no desire to give them up.
"It's simple. As before, you'll provide the Marines with funding and logistical support."
"In return, the Marines will help you maintain stability throughout the world and its seas!"
Xia Le spoke calmly.
"And how can we be sure you won't turn the Marines against us?"
The Warrior God of Science and Defense, Jaygarcia Saturn Saint, spoke coldly.
"That's your problem!"
"Personally, I have no favorable impression of you whatsoever. But I have to admit that the Marines as a whole still can't do without you."
Xia Le sounded somewhat regretful.
After more than a decade under Sengoku's leadership, the Marines had gained a measure of independence, but they were not fully independent.
"You really don't bother hiding your disgust for us!"
The Environment Warrior God, Saint Marcus Mars, laughed in anger.
Yet that attitude gave them a new idea instead. After glancing at the other four, he narrowed his eyes.
"The Marines' current strength does indeed warrant our attention."
"This cooperation you propose is quite interesting."
All negotiations rested on the strength of the two parties involved. Had Sengoku spoken those words, they would have rejected them without hesitation.
But coming from Xia Le, they were another matter.
They had to carefully consider