Chapter 137: Discussing a Business Deal
Between Rodney and Doflamingo lay firearms completely foreign to this world.
With unique appearances entirely different from the mainstream firearms of this world, the most significant difference was the presence of a magazine. Unlike rapid-fire guns, which lacked magazines but could still fire continuously.
These guns were more convenient for reloading, and loading, and were lighter to handle compared to the bulkier firearms. Doflamingo was captivated and asked, "Did you design this gun yourself, or was it designed by your subordinates?"
"I designed it. It's called the AK, highly durable with a low failure rate. It's much better than those guns that jam frequently. It maintains excellent accuracy and performance regardless of high or low environmental temperatures. It's reliable and easy to produce, requiring only wood and steel. And the bullets are also specially developed by me, with an effective range of 300 meters."
The status of the AK-47 need not be elaborated on; it's an iconic firearm that still serves in certain countries' armed forces.
Rodney's familiarity came from his gaming interests, allowing him to gather information. In this world, it was a perfect fit, being cost-effective and suitable for development.
In the One Piece world, Rodney couldn't comprehend firearms' development, except for those specially modified guns. In terms of accuracy, range, and rate of fire, the gun in his hand outperformed most in this world.
Though creating it was extremely cumbersome, even requiring help from Lége, he eventually succeeded. The bullets were polished, and the gunpowder issue was resolved. Experiments showed it outperformed most firearms in this world, ranking among the top three.
Although humans in this world possessed formidable bodies, bullets still caused them harm. Armament Haki wasn't limitless, and facing intense attacks, breaches were possible. Moreover, not everyone could wield Haki, making firearms remain mainstream weapons.
Although Observation Haki could sense bullet trajectories, avoiding them was a different matter. Even if the mind reacted, the body might not keep up.
Firearm accuracy was horrifyingly low, aside from those skilled with guns, like Van Augur and Yasopp, some of the world's top snipers who could accurately target. Many others relied on their instincts, hitting or missing by luck.
In the Marines, guns were mainly given to lower-ranking personnel. How many high-ranking marine officers would use guns?
They often preferred using cold weapons like swords or Devil Fruit abilities, or even physical techniques, as guns' drawbacks—imprecise targeting, bullet reloading, and low firing speed—weren't worth the trouble. It was more effective to engage opponents head-on.
Doflamingo, listening to Rodney's introduction, felt like he was bragging. He found it hard to believe, calling Rodney insincere. Rodney cocked the gun with ease, loaded a bullet, and aimed at a fruit on a tree in the distance before firing.
Crack!
The fruit exploded, showcasing the accuracy within 300 meters.
"Hmm, fufufufu. Impressive speed and accuracy, Rodney. Let me try."
Just now, Doflamingo used Observation Haki, perceiving the gun's incredible speed. However, the bullets seemed different.
Handing the gun to him, Rodney said, "Just pull the trigger, I've made a total of twenty bullets. I used a few on the way here, so there are thirteen left."
Bang!
Firing the gun, he hit a tree trunk over two hundred meters away. Doflamingo arched an eyebrow, asking, "Can it fire in succession?"
"It can!"
Rat-a-tat-tat-tat!
Five bullets were fired in quick succession, and smoke billowed from the muzzle. Doflamingo handed the gun back to Rodney and said, "Impressive strength, minimal recoil. It's negligible for those with greater strength. A range of three hundred meters is indeed excellent. Rodney, I'm in for this deal!"
He could see the benefits in it, sensing a considerable amount of Beli waving at him.
Although he didn't lack money, who wouldn't want a little more? Also, the manufacturing of AK guns could help him upgrade his forces, further doubling his strength. Suddenly, he asked, "You said the bullets are custom-made?"
"Exactly."
Rodney pulled the gun bolt, and a bullet landed in his hand. The sharp bullethead differed significantly from the round bullets. He explained, "The streamlined bullet design enhances speed and penetration. There are other structural elements inside that I can share with you."
"Have you considered how to polish them afterward?" Doflamingo asked.
This streamlined bullet design was a first for him, and indeed, it could achieve higher speeds and penetration.
"Can't we just set up an assembly line for this? Polishing this type of bullet should be less troublesome. After all, they only need to be roughly the same size, which should reduce the error rate."
Thinking about it, they could make quite a lot from this.
"Fufufufu, Rodney, it's unexpected that a guy so focused on money like you is also a money-making genius. Not bad. So, how are you planning to handle this business deal?"
"I provide connections and money; you offer your influence. Add someone who's willing to invest, and we can form an alliance. You take three shares, I take four, and Gild Tesoro takes three."
Doflamingo laughed heartily and said, "No, it's gotta be four for me! Without my connections, your arms business won't even get off the ground."
Rodney shook his head and said, "That won't work. Without Gild Tesoro, this deal won't happen at all. In that case, I'll talk to him. He's got plenty of money and will be willing to do business."
Gild Tesoro was an enemy of Doflamingo. When he consumed the Gold-Gold Fruit, Doflamingo intended to use it to attract customers, with no intention of selling it.
However, Gild Tesoro managed to snatch it away using his abilities and business acumen, making him the world's richest man. He straddled both sides of the law and was a significant player in both the underworld and legal business. Even Doflamingo had to be cautious of him.
However, both of them never fought over money. They had numerous interactions in business, but that didn't mean they liked each other. If possible, they would trip each other up and create problems.
Rodney held Doflamingo's weak point with ease. He wanted to earn from this deal and secure the lion's share. After pondering for a moment, he said, "How about this, I provide the connections and money, you take three, and I take four. That's already a significant concession. I only need your technology."
But Rodney had come here to discuss business, so he came prepared. He stood up and said, "I don't trust you, Doflamingo. You're a natural-born villain, and there must be a balance. I think the Golden Emperor, Gild Tesoro, is a good fit."
"Hmph! It seems like you have no sincerity, Rodney. I've made the biggest concession already."
Forget it, you're planning something in your heart. Did you think I would easily give away my technology? What a joke.
"I don't think so. You seem to want to monopolize this deal, but I don't. There must be Gild Tesoro; otherwise, there's no deal."
Rodney stood up, noticing Doflamingo's fingers twitching lightly. He put the AK back into his bag and said, "Since you're not sincere, then there's nothing to discuss."
"Fine, let's leave it at that. Fufufu, Rodney, you had a chance to make money, but you didn't appreciate it. Please leave; I'll see you out."
As soon as he finished speaking, Rodney disappeared from view, and the sofa he had been sitting on was split in half by an invisible thread.
"Such incredible speed, truly a monster!"
Doflamingo continued to laugh, not minding the invisible strings pointed at his head. Rodney was surrounded by lightning, asking, "Do you have the qualifications now?"
"Heh heh heh, you can discuss that with Gild Tesoro."
"No problem."