Chapter 466: Preparations
Chapter 466: Preparations
Once, during the invasion of Gearis, they obstructed the Straw Hat Pirates but later surrendered. Now, they serve as the Governors of Orla Security, overseeing all guards and security officials.
One is Misty, who ate the Air Current Fruit and is known as the 'Windchaser General.'
The other is Sipher, known as the 'Destiny Warrior.'
In the past, they were not used because Orla needed to maintain stability, and they were in a period of observation, existing as a separate system.
However, ever since Sage became one of the Four Emperors, this place has gradually been seen as Sage's stronghold. It's no longer possible for them to remain neutral.
Moreover, the rule here has been excellent, with a prosperous society and thriving industries. After such a long time, they have had ample opportunity to see this.
This time, for the battle against Big Mom, Sage has made thorough preparations.
He doesn't want to waste even these two powerful fighters.
Misty's fair face showed a determined look, "For the prosperity of Orla, I will go to battle."
Sipher scratched his head, "Before coming, I rolled a die. If it was high, I would go; if it was low, I wouldn't. I rolled low, but how can a person be toyed with by fate? When I rolled the die, I knew what my heart truly wanted, so I came."
"Besides, Boss, you've been good to me. I'm willing to join the Cataclysm Pirates!"
"Good! Big Mom's pirate crew is your trial stone. Whether you are a New Star or a Celestial Star will depend on your performance!"
Sage laughed heartily, waving for them to return to their seats.
"Are you mobilizing everyone?" Crocodile asked in surprise. "Not leaving any troops behind?"
"At least as one of the Four Emperors, I will give her that much respect."
Sage used a fork to pick up a piece of meat with the shrimp shell still on but carefully prepared, took a bite, and smiled at Crocodile, "I have a favor to ask of you."
Crocodile exhaled a puff of smoke, remaining silent for a moment before asking, "A battle?"
"No, in a fight of this caliber, I won't rely on outsiders. This is between our Cataclysm Pirates and Big Mom's crew. However, since I'm pulling everyone out, I need a strong person to help me defend the stronghold." Sage explained.
In a clash like this, Sage won't let anyone else help. If he can handle it, he will; if not, he will wait for the next opportunity. Additional help might seem beneficial, but it can lead to misjudging one's own strength in the future.
In business, Sage can rely on others, but in combat and strength, it's best to build up step by step.
This kind of external support won't always be available. If it were, wouldn't it be better for them to take a seat in Orla?
"Is this a business condition?" Crocodile looked at Sage.
"Sort of. If I win, I'll give you one-third of the business channels. However, you will only be an agent. The model of giving channels to people like Doflamingo, who has been defeated, won't be used anymore." Sage smiled.
"I've said before, what Doflamingo can do, I can do."
Crocodile exhaled another puff of smoke, thinking for a moment before saying, "If you defeat Big Mom, I have no objections."
Without Sage, in terms of business, he would have been bigger than Doflamingo.
Doflamingo wanted to create chaos, while he aimed to establish an ideal nation. The former stirred up chaos to sell weapons, sometimes even investing.
Crocodile didn't need to get involved; he simply had a hand in every industry, including legitimate ones.
If it weren't for Sage suddenly becoming the supplier of 20% of the world's weapons, Doflamingo's development would have been even slower. It had put him in a passive position until recently, and it was only after obtaining new resources from Sage that he gradually regained his footing.
As for now, there's no need to struggle; with Sage imprisoned, the trade channels he established also benefited Sage.
Crocodile was also aware of Sage's ambition; if he truly won, the power of the underground world would likely be greatly reduced. By then, even if he wanted to establish channels, he would probably have to use Sage's.
It's better to cooperate like this; after all, it doesn't conflict with his dreams.
As for whether they would turn on each other, Crocodile wasn't sure about others, but he trusted Sage.
There were rumors that this guy almost started a war with the Navy for Doflamingo. From the beginning, he's been a man of his word, so there's no need to worry about being used and discarded.
He's the type you can deeply cooperate with.
"Old Crocodile, I like you for being straightforward and smart. Unlike that idiot Doflamingo, who promised two hundred million but didn't pay a cent. Just thinking about it makes me furious! He said he wanted to go to Impel Down, and then he'd make demands. He seemed to have some tricks up his sleeve, but he's so stupid!"
Sage gritted his teeth, "If he were as strong as me, it'd be fine, but he's not. What's with this revenge fantasy?"
A discarded Dragon?
Does he want to disrupt the world just to avenge the World Nobles?
Dressrosa is a mess. If he had been smarter, he could have improved the lives of his people in the nation he ruled. They could have had a better life, but instead, he's in this situation.
In a sea where absolute power equals absolute rule, winning over people's hearts is not difficult. Even if you follow him, you'll end up with a brain full of nonsense.
Even if he loses, Dressrosa will still protect Doflamingo. It's an allied nation, and with the World Government's natural connection to him, nothing bad will happen.
The stupidest thing is...
His two hundred million is late!
What?
There's two hundred million in compensation from the treasures of Dressrosa?
That was originally the treasure Lily took over and claimed for herself after Doflamingo's defeat!
What does that have to do with Doflamingo's debt?
Crocodile glanced at him, speechless.
It's this stubbornness for money that has made him increasingly powerful.
"Hey, aside from me, do you have any other backup plans? Your plan can't be this superficial, can it?"
"There's also Kuzan."
Sage said, "Tich promised to intercept that Red-Haired Pirate, but at the border, I asked Kuzan for help. This guy owes me a favor!"
If it weren't for him, Zeff would have become a pirate. That old man died with his Navy identity.
Besides the guy with the Vigor Fruit who was taken away, he let everyone else go.
Besides, this guy had been freeloading in Ohara for so long; it's time he contributed something.
"I also plan to hire some people for defense. I'm quite well-known on the high seas now. I'll dispatch mercenaries everywhere, and it seems I also have a transportation and warehousing business. You should know, it's you who funded it."
Sage picked up a piece of bone-in leg meat and chewed it, crunching the bone as he swallowed.
"Bake!"
(End of Chapter)
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