Chapter 152: Noir, I’ve Come To Bargain!

Chapter 152: Noir, I’ve Come To Bargain!

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Noir considered the offer. Becoming a Warlord of the Sea had definite advantages.

The Warlords were, in essence, a temporary group created to maintain a balance of power. Their eventual disbandment was inevitable.

As seen in the original storyline, after the Summit War of Marineford, piracy escalated, yet the Marines emerged victorious, their reputation soaring.

This made the Warlords' position increasingly precarious, leading to their eventual dismissal, proposed by Fujitora and readily approved.

While the Warlords still held their precarious position, Noir was keen to exploit their privileges for some “legitimate” activities.

As a Warlord, he would gain the legal right to plunder. The constant pursuit by the Marines would cease, and he could even enlist their help for certain tasks.

The price for this freedom was his reputation and influence, which the Government desperately needed. He would also be obligated to assist the Marines in major incidents...

Of course, the extent of his cooperation would be up to him, much like a certain swordsman with a penchant for napping in boats.

The Warlord title would simplify his search for Noitem Kingdom and provide legal grounds for rebuilding his kingdom, much like Doflamingo had done with Dressrosa.

Though he liked the offer, Noir kept his expression neutral. He addressed the masked agent, "You think this one perk is enough to ransom Z, the others, and the Celestial Dragons?"

The masked agent, recognizing Noir’s shrewdness, quickly added, "Of course not. The Warlord invitation is simply one component. We are prepared to offer a Beli ransom for the hostages in your possession.”

Beli... Noir’s interest waned. The agent continued, "However, 10 billion Beli per Celestial Dragon is excessive. The Government wishes to propose a more... reasonable amount.”

Noir's eyes narrowed. "And what amount would that be?"

"And how do you intend to value the Marines?"

The masked agent paused, then stated, "Including the Marines, we propose 1 billion Beli per hostage, excluding rankless Marine soldiers."

Noir nearly exploded. 10 billion down to 1 billion?! That was a blatant lowball offer!

“Seeing as the World Government is so eager to cooperate,” he conceded, “7 billion... is acceptable.”

Despite securing the agreement, the agent felt a wave of dizziness, a trickle of blood escaping the corner of his mouth. 7 billion Beli! That was more than the bounty on a Yonko!

If not for his last vestiges of professionalism, he would have lunged at Noir, regardless of the inevitable beating he would receive. Given the choice between ransoming Celestial Dragons and putting a bounty on a Yonko, he'd choose the latter every time.

Noir, on the other hand, felt a surge of satisfaction. He’d practiced negotiations with Nami countless times, but this was his first major business deal, and it was exhilarating.

The masked agent composed himself, though his normally ramrod-straight posture was now slightly stooped, and his voice was weary.

“Mr... Devil Noir,” he asked, “when shall we proceed with the exchange?”

Noir waved his hand dismissively. “No rush. Let’s wait until I’ve reached a secure location.”

Suspicion laced the agent's voice. "Mr. Devil Noir, you aren't intending to renege on our agreement, are you?”

Noir rolled his eyes. They haven’t even paid yet. How can I renege?

“After the funds have been transferred,” he stated, “and after the news of my Warlord appointment has been published in the newspapers, you’ll receive further instructions.”

“I will then disclose the method for the hostage exchange.”

The agent’s expression darkened further. With Noir dictating the terms, he wasn’t certain if Fleet Admiral Sengoku’s plans would remain viable. It seemed the Admiral’s planned retaliation might be thwarted before it even began.

This Devil Noir, cunning as a fox, was always several steps ahead...

The masked agent felt a pang of unease, his faith in the Government wavering. Was recruiting this defiant and unpredictable criminal into the Warlords a good decision?

...

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