If it weren't for that stupid Celestial Dragon, the Marines wouldn't be in such a passive position.
When Nicholas attacked Mary Geoise and captured the Celestial Dragon, the initiative immediately shifted. Now, Nicholas firmly held the initiative between the two sides. Of course, if the Marines didn't have to consider the life and death of the Celestial Dragons, the so-called initiative would be a joke.
But obviously, the Marines couldn't ignore the lives of the Celestial Dragons. Once Nicholas set a bad precedent by attacking Mary Geoise and capturing a Celestial Dragon, their lofty status would be seriously questioned.
So, with Nicholas holding the initiative, he naturally wouldn't take the vague threats from the Marines seriously.
"Enough with the small talk, let's get to the point."
Without waiting for a response from the Marine side, Nicholas continued, "Exchange the Celestial Dragon for Bedeck, and also Bedeck's subordinates. I'll determine the location and time of the exchange, alright?"
"Fine."
Sengoku narrowed his eyes.
One moment, he was thinking about how to pressure Nicholas, and the next moment, he agreed without hesitation to Nicholas's proposal.
Honestly, under the circumstances where Nicholas held the Celestial Dragons as bargaining chips, Sengoku hadn't expected Nicholas's request to be so simple. He had thought Nicholas would take this opportunity to make exorbitant demands, openly extorting the Marines and the World Government.
But unexpectedly, Nicholas chose to exchange a Celestial Dragon for one of his subordinates, which was not considered important by various factions.
After all, in this power-oriented world, there were plenty of people who could replace those without power.
Perhaps the reason Nicholas didn't make outrageous demands was because he had already gained significant benefits, such as reputation. Attacking Mary Geoise and capturing a Celestial Dragon, then using the Celestial Dragon to exchange for one of his subordinates—once this news got out, it would bring Nicholas unprecedented prestige.
"Time? Location?"
As if worried that Nicholas might change his mind, Sengoku quickly asked.
"Two weeks from now, in the East Blue at the Town of the Magic Valley. Admirals or higher-ranked officers, don't bother coming in person, or I might get the wrong idea."
"Alright, but don't play any tricks, Nicholas."
"Shouldn't I be the one saying that? What kind of people are the World Government and you Marines? Don't you know yourselves? Also, if you can contact the CP department, have them take one billion berries from Samofeld's wealth and bring it to me when the time comes."
"Nicholas, you!"
"Don't be so angry. If you damage my business, it's only fair to compensate me, right? One billion berries is already a reasonable price."
"..."
Click.
Nicholas hung up the Den Den Mushi without waiting for a response.
Sengoku took a deep breath, his expression dark.
He slowly put down the Den Den Mushi and looked at the three CP0 members standing in the office, coldly saying, "Did you hear Nicholas's request just now? Resolve the matter of the one billion berries yourselves."
The three CP0 members could only nod silently after hearing Sengoku's words.
...
Marine Science Division laboratory.
Caesar entered the lab with his usual smirk.
"Hey, Vegapunk, I just got some news from the Marines. Wanna know what it is?"
Caesar walked into Vegapunk's busy laboratory, looking at Vegapunk, who was working at the workbench, and grinned mischievously.
Upon hearing Caesar's words, Vegapunk didn't stop his work, but asked without turning around, "What news?"
Seeing Vegapunk seemingly unaffected, as if asking about a trivial matter, Caesar felt a bit crestfallen.
"Hmph, I'm not telling you."
Caesar snorted arrogantly, clearly displeased with Vegapunk's attitude.
"Caesar, did you know? I suddenly thought about researching poison weapons and some of your idiotic research lately."
"Mary Geoise was attacked, a Celestial Dragon was kidnapped by Nicholas. I thought I still had an experiment to finish, so I left first."
After saying this, Caesar left the laboratory without looking back, obviously intimidated by Vegapunk's words.
"Is that so? What a pity. I was thinking about studying you recently. After all, a gas man of the natural type should be very valuable for research."
Vegapunk sounded regretful, and just as Caesar stepped out of the lab, his body froze, then he hurriedly quickened his pace. He decided not to leave the lab for a while.
After all, with Vegapunk's research abilities, if he were to research poisons and other fields, he would probably achieve results quickly. When that happened, if Vegapunk applied to research him, the World Government would definitely agree without hesitation.
So, for the sake of his own life, it was better not to wander around Vegapunk.
...
Onboard the Marine flagship.
Nicholas sat in a chair, with a Den Den Mushi in front of him that he had just closed his eyes.
Vista stood quietly behind Nicholas, just like in the beginning.
"Captain, are you really going to return that guy to the Marines?"
Unable to hold back anymore, Vista spoke up.
"Vista, you've known me for more than just a day."
"Huh?"
Vista looked at Nicholas's profile, puzzled.
Nicholas turned his head, meeting Vista's questioning gaze with a smile. "I said I would return the Celestial Dragon to them, but I never promised what would happen after that."
"..."
Seeing Vista still somewhat puzzled, Nicholas continued, "Vista, don't worry. I'm a man of integrity. How could I do such a thing? He'll die naturally, of course!"
Nicholas propped his cheek with his hand, speaking earnestly.
"Captain, do you intend to kill him after returning the Celestial Dragon to the Marines? Wouldn't that be inappropriate?"
"No, I'm very trustworthy. Why would I do such a thing? He'll die of natural causes, naturally!"
Nicholas's eyes were deep and calm.
For trash like the Celestial Dragons, if there were no need to consider the consequences, what did it matter if they were killed?
"But, won't the Marines and the World Government take precautions after the incident in Mary Geoise?"
Vista expressed his doubts. After all, June's ability to spread the plague in Mary Geoise would surely make the other side vigilant.
"Don't worry, June's ability isn't so easy to crack. Even if the Marines have a clear understanding of her ability, they will only take preventive measures against possible tampering. The main thing is, they won't expect us to actually kill the Celestial Dragon."
At the mention of killing the Celestial Dragon, Vista's eyes lit up.
Nicholas's gaze was deep and calm.
For trash like the Celestial Dragons, if there were no need to consider the consequences, what did it matter if they were killed?
"So before that, let's go see what secrets our 'friend' is hiding."
Nicholas turned his head, looking in the direction of the cellblock.