"It's okay," Mio's eyes flickered as he spoke calmly.
Although the New World was largely controlled by pirates, leaving little room for the Navy or World Governnt to directly interfere, it was no secret to Mio that many undercover agents operated there. He knew this very well.
However, few infiltrators could achieve the level of influence soone like Stussy had.
If one surfaced, Mio would eliminate them without hesitation.
He also knew clearly what they were trying to investigate. But it wouldn't be easy. In the end, the World Governnt would lose more than they gained.
"It seems you're very confident," Xia Qi chuckled lightly.
"Where's Rayleigh?" Mio smiled slightly and changed the subject.
"That guy? Probably off earning money for his next bottle of booze again," Xia Qi replied, rolling her eyes. After retiring, Rayleigh's only hobbies were drinking and working occasionally as a coating craftsman—and sotis selling himself into slavery just to make a few extra beli.
Mio shook his head with a laugh. Just as he was about to speak again, his expression shifted slightly, and he slowly placed his glass down on the counter.
Xia Qi glanced toward the entrance of the bar, then back at Mio. "Looks like soone ca to see you."
"Yeah," Mio nodded, grinning. "But I didn't expect him to et here. Monkey D. Dragon... are you planning to risk letting the World Governnt find out that we're connected and start speculating?"
He turned his head slightly toward the bar entrance.
There stood Dragon, cloaked in a dark green robe, approaching slowly. "No, I have no such intention. Please don't misunderstand," he said in a deep voice. "All the Marines and CP spies stationed on this island and those preparing to travel to Fishman Island have been led away by my people. Our eting will not be known to the World Governnt or Navy. So, rest assured."
"Then why are you here to et ?" Mio asked with a calm smile.
Behind the bar, Xia Qi silently poured a glass of wine for Dragon, then discreetly left. The conversation that followed was not ant for others to hear.
Once she was gone, Dragon spoke again in a low tone. "I'm here to propose a cooperation."
"Cooperation?" Mio replied coolly. "Is the Revolutionary Army in a position to offer that?"
"In the past two years, Black Crow has grown stronger. But the Revolutionary Army hasn't been idle either. I believe we're qualified to talk," Dragon said evenly, neither humble nor arrogant.
Mio didn't waste words and went straight to the point. "What do you want to cooperate on?"
"Fish-Man Island."
Dragon's tone deepened. "Fish-Man Island is currently leaderless. Our Revolutionary Army can help restore order quickly—but we'll need the assistance of the Black Crows."
"Heh." Mio chuckled in response. "You've got a decent plan. If you seize Fishman Island, the Revolutionary Army becos nearly untouchable in so ways. But too bad—I'm going to have to refuse."
"Why?" Dragon asked with clear confusion.
Fishman Island was critical to the Revolutionary Army's strategy. Its deep-sea location made it a perfect base of operations. Even an admiral would struggle to reach them down there. Destroying enemy ships before they arrived would be easy.
"Why?" Mio echoed. "Because Fishman Island will belong to the Black Crow."
Dragon was montarily silent, a flicker of surprise flashing in his eyes.
"Then let's change the terms of our cooperation," he suggested after a pause.
Since Black Crow wanted Fishman Island, Dragon was willing to give it up. The Revolutionary Army was strong, but not yet strong enough to provoke soone like Black Crow. And he couldn't even gauge the extent of Mio's strength.
He didn't want Black Crow as an enemy. Ideally, they could beco allies—long-term ones.
"Go ahead," Mio said, sipping his drink.
"Wano Country."
Dragon spoke calmly. "Wano is rich in seastone. That alone represents massive profits. Among the top pirates in the New World, I doubt anyone except Whitebeard could resist that temptation. But Wano is already under Kaido's control. Others are afraid of Kaido's power—or of his alliance with Charlotte Linlin. But I think you're not."
"Wano Country..." Mio's eyes glead thoughtfully.
Yes, it was imnsely profitable. Seastone was vital to Devil Fruit users and to major factions—especially the World Governnt and Navy Headquarters. Even they had to buy it from Wano at enormous prices due to Kaido's control.
The country was also ideal for weapons manufacturing.
After a mont's consideration, Mio asked, "And what does the Revolutionary Army want out of it?"
"Two things," Dragon answered. "First, we'll assist you in taking Wano. But in return, you must sell seastone to the Revolutionary Army at an extrely low price."
"And the second?" Mio asked without emotion.
"Doflamingo is connected to you, isn't he?" Dragon didn't answer directly, but instead asked another question.
Mio smiled faintly. "Yeah. That guy's under ."
"Then the second request is this—I hope you'll spare the Tontatta Kingdom," Dragon said hoarsely.
Mio's eyes lit up with montary surprise, but then he understood.
The first condition hadn't caught him off guard. The Revolutionary Army couldn't afford to take Wano. If they did, they would beco an even greater threat to the World Governnt and Navy—one they couldn't ignore.
The very act of occupying Wano would bring catastrophe upon them.
Not to ntion that Wano's citizens were formidable warriors. Giving the Revolutionary Army a ready-made army would only accelerate conflict.
But the second condition was interesting. It showed that Dragon had been paying close attention.
Mio grinned. Maybe Dragon believed he intended to act against the Tontatta Kingdom.
"You Revolutionaries are quite bold," Mio remarked. "To go after Wano while the World Governnt has its eyes on you."
"If we always tread carefully, how can we overthrow a governnt that's ruled for 800 years?" Dragon replied calmly.
"That's true." Mio smirked and nodded. "I'll agree. But—there's one condition. The princess of the Tontatta Kingdom must be handed over to . Think it over."
—————
Pump up the power stone
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