If it's for ordinary industry, like casting cannon barrels or using it as a framework for buildings, it's not particularly complex—just more expensive. But this metal is also worth the high price.
However, some skilled people discovered the unique properties of this metal, allowing them to realize many fantastical ideas. In these cases, the purity of the commercially available version isn't sufficient—especially for projects like the transforming, combinable mech envisioned by Judge.
To make that vision a reality, the metal's material quality needs to be exceptionally high. Before the advent of Wapometal, there was no substitute for Arceus Steel, and even after its appearance, it can only replace Arceus Steel in certain areas.
Ordinary purity level isn't enough, so Judge had to buy large quantities and then purify them. Although he has had some success, the cost is enormous.
He has no intention of upgrading the equipment of the clones, who are created as expendables. Rather than equipping them with costly gear, it's better to just give them a powerful bomb for a self-destruct attack.
Instead, he's focused on designing upgraded equipment for himself and his children. After years of hard work, he's achieved technical breakthroughs. Now, if he can secure the materials, he stands a chance of making his vision a reality.
"Money..."
Vegapunk and Caesar were being supported by the World Government, and Queen has the backing of Beasts Pirates, so they don't lack funds. Logically, Germa 66 should also have sufficient funds; however, their source of money is plunder and mercenary work from wars.
Compared to those with stable business sources, they are at a disadvantage. The significant investments have left him feeling a bit strapped for cash. Just then, one of his subordinates brought in today's newspaper.
"Supreme Commander, this is the latest news."
"2.7 billion? His bounty has gone up this much?"
Unlike Caesar, Judge's primary concern right now is money.
Germa 66 is, at its core, a large bounty-hunting organization. They'll accept most jobs if the price is right. Plus, as one of the affiliated nations, they have the right to participate in the Levely.
As an affiliated nation, it is very reasonable to capture pirates.
However, when it comes to Queen, he's only tempted by the bounty amount; he has no actual intention to go after him.
Even if he could capture Queen, he wouldn't be able to obtain that metal. Arceus Steel that has leaked into the outside world is a strange metal known as Divine Steel.
Now it holds a position in the metal world akin to Treasure Tree Adam, becoming a dream material. If something happens to Queen, he can predict how the market would react afterward.
Even the Marines have adjusted some policies because of Queen. Currently, it seems that even with a helper, an Admiral might not be able to quickly take down Queen.
Since this is the case, it means that to target Queen, a stronger force needs to be assembled, but the situation on the sea does not currently permit that.
The complaints from the Celestial Dragons are another issue. They even demanded that Queen's capture shouldn't disrupt other businesses, and the World Government agreed to this.
From the World Government's perspective, they only found Queen to be a nuisance, but it hadn't reached a point where they absolutely had to eliminate him. Therefore, they continued to maintain the original status quo and did not increase any forces.
Given all this, Judge is even less inclined to provoke an Emperor of the Sea, as he's aware of the power disparity.
Among the other forces, most people lack an understanding of technology. They're just shocked by Queen's outrageous bounty and him being marked as Extremely Dangerous.
The Marines didn't reveal anything about Sakazuki sustaining injuries, so everyone could only speculate just how powerful of a pirate Queen truly is.
Doflamingo was proving the importance of cooperating with him, Crocodile was still busy with archaeology, Moria was in seclusion on the Florian Triangle, gathering shadows to build his zombie army, and the New World remained as turbulent as ever.
Meanwhile, the central figure of all this public discussion, Queen, has already returned to Wano Country.
...
"Queen! Get out here!"
"You think fighting an Admiral isn't dangerous?"
Queen had been back in his lab for less than half an hour before Setsuna burst in. She didn't know the full extent of what had happened outside, but she'd seen the newspaper. Before Zeraora and Queen had even returned, she had already read the World Government's news.
Even though the World Government only reported part of it, she could still guess what had happened. This was far from the "not dangerous" Queen had mentioned.
A while ago, Zeraora had returned, which meant Queen was also back in Wano Country, so she came to demand an explanation.
"Eh? Queen isn't here? Hey, old man, do you know where that ba*tard Queen went?"
After looking around, she couldn't see Queen anywhere.
"Wait a minute, are you some relative of his? You have a similar aura..."
"I am Queen! Is there something wrong with your eyes?!"
Hearing that familiar voice, Setsuna rubbed her eyes, her tone still full of doubt.
"You're… Queen?"
"Yes, I've said so long ago, I'm really handsome after losing weight. Before, I was just worried that others would become infatuated with me, so I maintained that figure. So, how is it? Can you see how handsome I am?"
"Hmph, that shameless attitude is unmistakably yours. Now explain to me—how did you end up fighting an Admiral when you said it wouldn't be dangerous?!"
Initially, Queen was quite plump from eating a large amount of desserts, but after using Natural Gift, his fat rapidly disappeared, leaving him looking like a shriveled husk.
However, on the way back, Queen recovered quite a bit through eating and looks almost like his old self from his MADS days. Now, he actually looked passable—it's just that his current hairstyle really doesn't suit him.
Back then, his hairstyle at least had a little bit of a bad boy image, unlike now when it resembles that of a comedian.
"But nothing happened, right? You should trust me, a mere Admiral is nothing. With Zeraora and me, it was more than enough! Muhahaha!"
Queen's words left Setsuna speechless. For a moment, she didn't know what to say. His audacity seems to know no bounds. The way he spoke made it sound like Zeraora was the one who assisted, and that he single-handedly fought an Admiral to tie.
This reflected Queen's shift in attitude. After experiencing great highs and lows, and then a big battle, he realized Admirals weren't as terrifying as he once thought. His confidence had inflated immensely.
But as the saying goes, "Those whom the gods wish to destroy they first make mad*." Just then, an excited voice reached Queen's ears. [TN: Arrogance, or overconfidence can lead to self-destructive behavior, ultimately causing one's downfall.]
"Queen, you're finally back. A 2.7 billion bounty, second only to mine and Arceus—you really were hiding your abilities, huh?"
Queen's laughter stopped abruptly. He didn't even dare turn around.
"Uh, I must be hearing things from being too hungry, right?"
"Mr. Kaido, Queen just said he could handle a Marine Admiral!"
Setsuna didn't answer Queen. Instead, she just rephrased what Queen said.
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