Chapter 161: Unexpected Guests
"Kid, what's the meaning behind your repeated warnings about Ace and us? Are you suggesting we might harm him?" Jozu said, clearly annoyed.
"No, I don't mean that you would harm him. I'm just giving him a reminder," Rodney said softly.
"I'm not related to him, and I don't interfere in his affairs. Out of respect for Mr. Garp, I gave him a reminder. We are destined to be enemies, not family. I don't need a sudden influx of more family members."
"Gurarara, what an arrogant kid!"
"It's not arrogance; it's just the truth," Rodney replied to Whitebeard.
"What you seek is not something I need. I already have a family, and I don't need any more."
Whitebeard glanced at him and said, "Rodney, young man, I don't know what you're thinking, but my offer to adopt you as my son will always stand."
"I don't need it."
"Gurararara! Who knows?"
Ace left, departing with the Whitebeard Pirates. Rodney didn't remind him to be cautious around Blackbeard because he felt it would be pointless. The Whitebeard Pirates had an unwavering trust in their family, which was why Thatch, the Fourth Division Commander, had been easily manipulated by Blackbeard and ended up killing Whitebeard.
Aside from Blackbeard's formidable strength, it was also due to their unwavering trust in their family and the benevolent image Blackbeard projected.
Half a month later, the weapons factory was completed, and under the guidance of scientists sent by Doflamingo, a series of machinery, including bullet polishing machines and lathes, had been developed.
Of course, Rodney had placed the Cursed Tongue Eradication Seal on these individuals, ensuring that they couldn't disclose any information about the AK manufacturing process. They were bound by strict confidentiality, and a special curse seal had been planted, threatening them with death if they leaked even the tiniest bit of information about him and the AK.
These seemingly spineless scientists quickly submitted to Rodney's control and chose to work in Avalon.
Even when Doflamingo requested their return, Rodney didn't release them, and they didn't dare to leave. Similar situations occurred with the individuals sent by Tesoro. They were gripped by fear of death, silenced, and compelled to maintain strict secrecy.
With the completion of the weapons factory in Avalon, the city became bustling with activity. Apart from the factory, the port also became exceptionally busy as ships from Doflamingo's fleet came and went, transporting boatloads of firearms to be sold to various nations.
And on every ship, a spy had been discreetly placed...
With the introduction of the AKs, their rapid rate of fire and extended range quickly rendered conventional firearms obsolete, making them highly sought-after commodities.
The reputation of Avalon Weapons Company spread through the criminal underworld, attracting some individuals dissatisfied with Doflamingo's high prices. They began to contact Rodney, seeking cheaper firearms and ammunition.
Naturally, Rodney welcomed these newcomers, had Robin take note of them, and gradually built up his network. In just half a year, with affordable weaponry and his formidable power, he firmly established himself in the criminal underworld.
In the past six months, Ace had also assumed the role of the captain of the second team of the Whitebeard Pirates, gaining considerable attention.
Rodney, however, was aware that the day of the upcoming war was drawing near. He pondered how much benefit he could gain from it.
On this particular day, Aveleyton received an unexpected group of visitors. These individuals had a different aura compared to the chaotic people Rodney was accustomed to. They carried themselves with dignity and resolve.
The leader of the group was a young man sporting a top hat with goggles, short golden wavy hair, and a burn scar over his left eye. Despite the scar, he maintained a handsome appearance, exuding confidence. He wore a blue outfit and carried a water pipe on his back. This group had come to Aveleyton.
The young man surveyed the bustling yet well-organized Avalon and remarked, "According to the information, Shichibukai Rodney governs this place, creating both prosperity and low crime rates. However, he has also established a world-renowned underground weapons factory."
A beautiful young girl by his side continued, "While the Avalon Arms Company manufactures only one type of weapon, it is impossible to replicate. Once opened, these weapons self-destruct, eliminating any possibility of imitation."
Indeed, Rodney had placed detonation devices inside each AK, making them usable for their intended purposes but lethal if tampered with. This ensured a monopoly on their production.
"What is the most profitable?" Monopoly, of course. Rodney was making a significant profit daily, and his arrangements with Doflamingo and Tesoro allowed them to stand at the forefront and bring him substantial wealth.
Though both Doflamingo and Tesoro coveted the AK manufacturing method, they recognized the greater benefits of their collaboration with Rodney. Unable to obtain the secret, they supported him in weapon production to maximize their profits.
"However, we did not come here to investigate this matter, Sabo; we have other concerns," a calm voice interjected. A man dressed in dark green robes disembarked from the boat.
"Understood, leader," Sabo, Ace's younger brother and Luffy's second brother, replied with a smile.
"I would like to see firsthand what kind of person Rodney is for this place."
"Feel free to go ahead," Koala responded.
"Boss, I'll handle the business matters. I'll accompany that gentleman for a stroll."
"Don't go too far, and remember to return later," the man, after speaking, took a few people to Avalon and walked to Rodney's newly built house.
Rodney's residence in Avalon was no secret, and anyone was welcome to visit. However, due to the numerous business discussions,
Rodney had delegated most of the responsibility to Robin, whose abilities made her exceptionally organized.
He took on the role of a guardian. Once, an individual had attempted to harm Robin during negotiations, Rodney swiftly silenced him by cutting off his tongue, severing his hands, and leaving him as a warning at the port. He likely still served as a gruesome reminder.
The identity of the current business guests was imposing, leaving Robin unsure of how to handle the situation. She softly stated, "Please wait a moment; I will consult with our captain."
"That's fine," the guests replied.
Before long, Rodney entered the room and found a man seated on the sofa, sipping tea. The man had black hair and a tattoo on his face, a mark from his father's punch—a mark that, Rodney clarified, was actually a tattoo.
The man, without anger but with an air of authority, exuded wisdom. He didn't seem like he belonged to the same family as Garp and Luffy.
"The intelligence of your whole family seems to have gathered in you," Rodney remarked. The man in question was Monkey D. Dragon, the leader of the Revolutionary Army and the world's most infamous criminal. He was the one who challenged the World Government, the son of the Marine Hero Garp, and the father of the future Pirate King, Luffy.
"Hello, Mr. Shichibukai Rodney," Dragon stood up, extending a greeting.
"Hello, Mr. Dragon. You seem a bit different from Mr. Garp and Luffy."
"Have you met my father and son?"
"Yes, Mr. Garp beat me up, and then I had a brawl with Luffy. That's about it," Rodney chuckled, revealing his back molars.
Dragon contemplated this revelation.
It seemed... this kid had some similarities to his father.
Nevertheless, the rational Dragon quickly dismissed the thought. Anyone capable of building such a vast weapons empire couldn't be underestimated.
"I'm curious why Mr. Dragon has come to Avalon today. We don't oppress the residents here, and it's not a kingdom. The people here are free, albeit within a structured framework."
Dragon nodded and replied in a solemn tone, "From what I've seen and heard, the residents hold you in high regard. It's evident that you're a true leader."