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Chapter 582: Hoarding for Profit? Controlling the Market!
Chapter 582: Hoarding for Profit? Controlling the Market!
As Sage's gaze bore into her, Gerinka instinctively lowered her head, feeling a cold sweat trickle down her back.
It was as if his eyes could see right through her, piercing her very soul.
"Sage, we've always had a pleasant collaboration, and I was asked to convey a message. They believe that you, being a reasonable person, would not resort to petty actions. And indeed, it seems that's the case."
Gerinka composed herself and lifted her head, "One million Belly, we agreed, and we hope that Sage will maintain our cooperation and not betray us again."
"Do you take me for a fool? My word is my bond. Even if you were down to your last weapon, I would not raise the price."
"Understood, thank you, Sage," Gerinka bowed slightly and stood up. "Then, I'll take my leave now."
"It's been a pleasure doing business," Sage raised his cup in a toast.
After Gerinka left, he chuckled and took a sip of his drink, "Another big deal sealed."
"Sage, why is the World Government so desperate to buy from us? Our prices are so high, can't they manufacture their own weapons?" Lily asked, puzzled.
This wasn't the first time the World Government had purchased weapons from them, but Lily had always assumed it was solely due to the superior quality of their weapons and the large quantities the World Government bought to arm their own forces.
But now, even with Sage raising the prices, they were still buying such a vast territory. Couldn't they manufacture their own weapons?
"If they could, why would they need to buy?" Sage chuckled.
"Lily, you don't understand the World Government. The public face of the World Government derives its power from the ancient Twenty Kingdoms and the numerous kingdoms that have since joined. These kingdoms collectively fund and support the Navy and the Marines, maintaining the so-called order of the seas. They won't break this principle openly."
"They are political creatures, products of power, and compromises. The member states acknowledge the World Nobles' status, and in return, the World Government provides protection and necessary assistance. Within this alliance, they can share resources and knowledge, forming a civilized world."
"The World Government seems to lead the member states, but the World Conference is hosted by the member states. Fifty qualified kingdoms gather to decide the rules of the seas for the next four years. The creation and abolition of the Seven Warlords are their decisions. This is how the public face of the World Government operates."
"The World Government isn't a single nation; if they wanted to manufacture weapons, the first to object would be the member states. Most of their weapons also come from these member states' production."
"It's not that buying is better than making; it's that they simply can't make them," Sage explained with a smile.
Lily furrowed her brows. The World Government's principles were the rules of the seas, and it had always been that way. She should have understood, but after spending so much time with Sage, her perspective had shifted.
The member states, individually, were like lambs led to the slaughter. Even the powerful nations had their limitations. If the World Government were in their position, they would undoubtedly seek to unify the entire world.
"Don't understand? Hmmph, let me give you the simplest example—they simply don't care."
Sage continued, "Who's strong and who's weak doesn't matter. What's important is that their rule will continue, and that's enough."
"Not for long."
As soon as he finished speaking, a mixed sound from a loudspeaker echoed outside.
Forze Fr entered, leading a group of crows. He sat across from Sage and declared, "Our Revolutionary Army will rise up against the World Nobles and emerge victorious!"
Sage bared his teeth, "I welcome any friend of business."
"The war involving the World Government was initiated by the Revolutionary Army."
After their surprise attack on Mary Joa, rescuing Kuma, and the publicized defeat of Cobra, as reported in the newspapers, twelve affiliated countries launched a revolution. Among them, eight countries successfully overthrew the World Government's rule, no longer paying tribute in the form of Celestial Gold, and boldly standing against them. They declared their intention to overthrow the Celestial Dragons' reign.
This incident has recently dominated the newspaper headlines, overshadowing the establishment of the Cross Guild, and has been dubbed the 'Eight Nations Revolution.'
"Seems like someone beat us to it, the World Government, huh?"
Crow glanced around, noticing the untouched cup of wine, and said, "Our Revolutionary Army also needs a large number of weapons to counter the World Government. Sage, Drag wants to expand our weapons deal."
He wasn't Kella; he didn't have the same lack of understanding or impatience, nor was he surprised as to why the World Government would negotiate with a pirate.
His sole purpose was to fulfill the task assigned to him by Drag.
"No problem, as long as you can afford the price."
"As for the price, I'll keep it at the original rate, no increase. It's still 500,000 Belly per weapon, and you can also trade with population and resources. The same goes for warships and gunpowder; the price remains as per our previous deal."
"We accept this deal."
Crow paused, then said, "Sage, I've seen your country, and it's very prosperous. You're a capable and benevolent king. You should join us in our fight against the Celestial Dragons. If you have time, let me tell you about the history of our Revolutionary Army..."
"Get out of here."
Sage rolled his eyes. "I'm not interested in your ideology. Don't bring it up in front of me, or I'll raise the price."
Not a single mistake, not a single shot, not a single word, not a single page, not a single book, not a single look!
To pull this off in front of him?
He's already mastered the reverse!
"Understood, then I'll take my leave."
Crow didn't linger and, with the deal settled, transformed into a flock of crows, scattering into the air.
"A Logia-type?"
Lily glanced at the black dust on the table and said, "Making such a fuss."
Forze Fr wiped the black soot off the chair and pinched it, saying, "Governor, it seems like coal dust."
"Ha! Is this even a natural ability? Or is it natural mining?"
Sage chuckled. "Or is it a Dust-Dust Fruit ability, so it's included? In that case, would it be a Soot-Soot Fruit?"
"Sage, why are you giving such a low price to the Revolutionary Army? Shouldn't it be the same as the World Government's price?" Renetia asked.
"Of course, it's for the sustainability of the war."
Sage explained, "The Revolutionary Army can't defeat the World Government; they can only hold out for a while. Undeniably, the Navy remains the most powerful force on the high seas. If I don't let them strengthen their arms and prolong the war, how can I do business?"
After a period of fighting and winning, the demand for weapons will naturally decrease.
So, the weaker side needs support.
As for who is weaker, it doesn't matter. What's important is to at least bring both sides to a level playing field in terms of firepower.
In a battle of this scale, a few strong individuals can't make much difference, and that Drag guy isn't weak either.
As long as the fighting continues, dragging the entire world into this chaos...
"Weapons, food, medicine, clothing... I have everything here. Let's take this opportunity to expand our business. During the turmoil, they won't have time for production. By then, I'll do business however I please."
In times of war, what do landlords excel at?
Hoarding?
No, it's controlling the market!
(End of Chapter)
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