https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-580-From-the-East-Blue-Windmill-Village-to-the-New-World-s-Hive-Island/13080750/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-582-Hoarding-for-Profit-Controlling-the-Market-/13080752/
Chapter 581: The Unparalleled Sage
Chapter 581: The Unparalleled Sage
Infrastructure development was an ongoing process, and even without Sage's direct orders, the previous plans were being steadily executed.
The construction on the main and secondary islands of Ohara was already underway, and due to the expansion of territory and the increase in population, some industrial functions were relocated, allowing the idle workforce to naturally shift into the construction industry.
With more people, the pace of construction naturally accelerated.
The current Ohara was filled with numerous small high-rise buildings with vast floor areas, providing housing for its inhabitants. Large and small supplies were also prioritized to be delivered to Ohara from the port.
Above the bustling crowd, a flock of crows suddenly flew by.
The northwestern sky was tinged with a yellowish hue, and the crows, illuminated by the sun, seemed to blend into the sunlight, making them almost invisible to the naked eye.
Facing the sun, the crows landed in an alley, miraculously gathering and transforming into a tall, pale-skinned, bald man with a robust build.
This man wore a feathered coat over his upper body and a metal mask resembling a bird's beak, giving him the appearance of a large bird from a distance.
Revolutionary Army, Northern Army Battalion Commander, Crow.
He glanced to his left and right, stepped out of the alley, and observed the bustling crowd on the street, narrowing his eyes slightly. He then took two steps forward and seamlessly blended into the crowd.
His appearance wasn't unusual in this place.
Among the pedestrians, there were individuals with horns, members of the Long-Armed and Long-Legged Tribe, fish-men, mermaids riding on their mounts, and even more peculiar beings—wild beasts combined with humans.
With these diverse individuals around, Crow's unusual presence wasn't particularly noticeable.
However,
Just as Kella had said, it was indeed bustling.
"Come and see! New arrivals!"
At the entrance of a shop, a clerk was enthusiastically shouting, attracting a crowd of onlookers.
Next to the clerk, on a raised platform, stood a closed-eyed Den Den Mushi.
"The latest video Den Den Mushi has arrived! It contains twelve newly recorded videos featuring songs performed by world-renowned songstresses. For those who purchase today, we're offering a free update of three additional videos!"
From the gathered crowd, a person stepped forward and asked, "Do you have the 'Sage's Legacy'?"
"Sage's Legacy?"
The clerk paused for a moment, then blurted out, "Oh, you mean Sage..."
Slap! The boss suddenly rushed out and slapped the clerk on the head, pressing his head down as he apologized to the crowd:
"My apologies, this is a new recruit from another island who is unfamiliar with the rules. We do have the Sage's Legacy, but the price is three times that of the regular merchandise. We have a stock of a thousand, so it's first come, first served."
"I'll take one!"
"Mine, mine!"
Upon hearing this, the crowd surged into the shop like a swarm of bees.
Crow, among the crowd, frowned slightly at the sight.
The Sage's Legacy?
"It seems that beneath the prosperity, there's an underlying oppression from the pirates."
Suddenly, a voice emanated from the bird-like mask, causing the frenzied shoppers to turn their heads in surprise, and the atmosphere froze for a moment.
A drop of sweat trickled down Crow's forehead.
He had inadvertently activated the amplifier, causing his voice to be heard.
"Alright, continue with your shopping."
Just then, a man dressed in a pink formal suit and wearing a bull horn mask that covered the upper half of his face appeared, waving to the crowd.
"Lord Forze Fr."
The crowd respectfully bowed, then continued with their frantic shopping, unconcerned with the interruption.
The man in the pink suit, with a cigarette dangling from his mouth, beckoned Crow with a hand gesture. "Follow me."
"Was I discovered?"
Crow, expressionless, followed without hesitation.
"You weren't discovered; we knew from the moment you appeared."
The man exhaled a puff of smoke and introduced himself, "I'm Forze Fr, formerly one of Kaido's Flying Sextuplets and now under Sage's command. I lead the new generation of the Oniwabanshu, an organization separate from the government agents, tasked with overseeing everything."
"As I was saying," Forze Fr smiled and turned to the crowd rushing into the store, "That video den-den mushi has recorded many interesting scenes, and many people are willing to buy it to enjoy at home. The Governor calls it a 'movie', a form of entertainment."
"The 'Sage's True Teachings' is a play created by his followers to glorify the Governor, finding someone similar to act as him."
"It's like defeating the evil Big Mom or overpowering Kaido, all self-produced by the people, and they're very popular here. Now, they're in high demand."
The Raven remained silent for a moment before speaking, "Then, take me to see the Sage. Our Revolutionary Army has business to discuss with him."
"I guessed as much. You Revolutionaries are strange. Every time you come, you need to observe in secret first. If you want to observe, then you'll have to wait."
Forze Fr took a drag from his cigarette, flicked the ash, and smiled mysteriously at the Raven, "There's more than one of you."
...
Chapter 169: The Deal
In the audience hall of the palace.
Clap!
The Sage leaned back, casually resting his legs on the table, and puffed on a cigar, letting the smoke drift upwards. He stared at the white-clad figure before him, who wore a black and white mask.
"How much are you offering?"
"500,000 Belly per gun."
Garinika wiped the sweat from his forehead, "At this price, we..."
"Are you trying to haggle with a beggar?"
The Sage waved his hand, and Renetia immediately drew a flintlock pistol, aiming it at Garinika, "Sage, kill him! This guy is insulting my work!"
"But these are mass-produced, and we're sincere. For a large-scale weapons purchase, shouldn't there be a discount?" Garinika pleaded.
"Mass production doesn't mean compromising on quality, Garinika."
The Sage sat up, took the pistol from Renetia, examined it, and pushed it back across the table.
"This flintlock pistol may look ordinary, but it contains a three-shot revolver mechanism and can hold three lead bullets. With its low misfire rate and minimal maintenance, the production cost is already high. Previously, I gave you a discounted price of 800,000 Belly per gun because I appreciated your sincerity."
"Not only are you not selling at the original price, but you also want a discount? Just because you have a black and white face, does that make you a two-faced person? Have you forgotten about your so-called 'scientific defense weapon' and its fight with me on the Golden Ship?" The Sage scoffed.
"That's a separate matter. Conflict is inevitable, but the higher-ups believe that Sage is a rational person, and we're willing to cooperate with the Governor of Catastrophe. However, this order is indeed substantial, so could you offer a discount...?"
"1,000,000 Belly."
Before Garinika could finish, the Sage interrupted with a smile, "Take it or leave it. 1,000,000 Belly per gun."
"Sage!" Garinika was taken aback, "At this price, we..."
The Sage waved his hand dismissively and laughed, "There's a saying, 'The tides of fortune turn.' You may not understand. In a buyer's market, I had to beg and plead to find customers. Now, in a seller's market, if I don't sell at a low price, wouldn't I be doing a disservice to the chaotic world?"
"Garinika, listen. The World Government's Nika...I quite admire you. You're polite and efficient. During the chaos in Wano, you managed to escape with valuable intelligence. You should be grateful to me, for I am a benevolent and kind-hearted person."
"Shouldn't a kind person offer some repayment?"
The Sage fixed his gaze on Garinika, "1,000,000 Belly. If you want it, I'll deliver the goods immediately. You can pay in resources or manpower, but this price is non-negotiable, especially..."
"Since you chose to start this war."
(End of Chapter)
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