"Hehe, I'd love to trade with you, after all, you're wealthy. Unfortunately, I lack the aptitude for business, and I can't stand the constraints of negotiation; if I fancy something, I'll just take it." A Pirate Captain laughed.
These Pirates aren't just lounging around in O'hara; the pirates stationed on the islands can't move, but they can rotate, and those who aren't on duty have a lot of freedom. They can go beyond the territory and plunder passing merchant ships like traditional pirates.
Link was quite exhausted. Doflamingo was over, but business had to continue; otherwise, who would buy the goods?
With the list in hand, Sage directly brought this matter to the eighteen Black Merchants led by Link. After all, they were all loyal subordinates, and since it was decided to control the channels, it was best to leave this part to the subordinates.
Link was originally living leisurely, just receiving some pirates selling stolen goods at the port every day, flipping a batch to earn a profit. But since Sage's orders, they wished they could run themselves ragged.
Although Dressrosa's reconstruction plan hasn't been laid out yet, merchants have already gone there to stock up. Sage plans to make Dressrosa the forefront trading center, shipping from O'hara to Dressrosa, and then consuming the order from there and transporting it onward.
Originally, these orders placed through Doflamingo were all taken by Sage; as for whether others buy...
20% off!
Doflamingo sold goods, with a 20% markup. Now there's no middleman, so the price naturally dropped.
As for those traders worrying about the impact...
Buying weapons, who fears these?
The cheap price is the most attractive!
"I'm not just busy with these... The World Government and the Navy won't sit back and watch us do this. After the World Conference, there might be big moves." Link sighed.
The channels for orders were held, but the passing smuggling ships, these within Sage's territory were fine, as the Navy wouldn't come without orders. But once outside the region, they'd easily be targeted by the Navy.
Besides, there's the Underworld issue. Since channels are controlled, warehouse transport is not reliant on Jibson and Umit. However, Doflamingo and they were a joint interest body; while he was around, everyone was easy to talk to.
Now Sage wants to separate from them, definitely not as easy to talk to. This industry is not just about pirates; it needs resources more than one can imagine.
And most crucially... they are pirates, not these behind-the-scenes underground emperors with ties to the World Government.
They aren't afraid of the Navy, even considered legal; but not them, they'd definitely be watched.
But this is all future prediction; currently, things are fairly calm.
Because...
Link glanced over and saw sitting at the main dining table, an enormous pompadour, puffing a cigar with a golden hook replacing one hand.
Crocodile!
Screech...
The banquet hall's main door opened, a group of cadres streamed in.
Five of the Seven Stars, Marika, Renedia, Hawkins, Urouge, Gin, all were present, seated at the main table.
"Eh? Are you here?"
Renedia was stunned seeing Crocodile, "I have no memory..."
"He arrived yesterday."
Marika smiled, "You were in the factory at the time, so you didn't see him."
Crocodile didn't respond, just looked toward the door.
"Big Sis..."
Weevil appeared almost immediately after they sat down, greeted Renedia, and was about to sit next to her. Renedia immediately rolled her eyes, pointed across, "Right side, second seat, yours, go there."
"Yes..."
Weevil agreed, sat in the second right position, and glanced at Crocodile in the third seat beside him, curiously, "Hmm? You look familiar..."
"Whitebeard's son?" Crocodile sneered, "You look nothing like Whitebeard!"
"I won't listen to you; Boss Sage and Big Sis say I'm identical to Dad, I even have the Murakumogiri!"
Weevil glared at Crocodile, "Keep talking nonsense, I'll kill you!"
Unlike before, hearing these words used to make Weevil rage, but now he inherited Whitebeard's weapon and was acknowledged by the Disaster Pirates, so his temper has calmed a lot.
At least he didn't immediately attack.
"Hmph, I fear not your Diamond Body." Crocodile sneered coldly, unafraid.
Since regaining confidence, he feared no one.
"Heeheeheeheehee, you're here too; joining us? Crocodile... If you're willing, I can give up the 'Three Phases' position for you." Moriah giggled mischievously, sitting in the first right-seat.
Crocodile ignored Weevil glaring at him, told Moriah, "Not interested, I won't submit to anyone; I'm here for business."
"Am I a person or not! Am I a person or not!"
Weevil shouted, "Don't ignore me!"
"Are you insane!"
Crocodile exclaimed, looked around, and said, "Where's Sage? Not seeing the big one, only the small ones come out?"
"He's in the back."
A cool voice rang out, and with the sound, the surrounding air felt a bit cooler.
Lily, with a narrow sword at her waist, wearing a blue cloak and a white tunic battle skirt, sat at the first left-seat, "Alright, quiet down."
Her words instantly silenced the noisy sounds in the banquet hall and courtyard.
Crocodile leaned back, puffed smoke, said to Lily, "Heard you went on a killing spree in Dressrosa. You've grown a lot since entering the Grand Line, Bienta Lily."
"People do grow."
Lily said calmly, "You entered the New World and seem different too; now you resemble a pirate more than an old schemer."
Crocodile smiled, "Take that as a compliment."
"Hohohoho!"
The sound of laughter suddenly erupted from the door position.
Sage, wearing that familiar black bottom red velvet fur cloak, strode over.
"Captain!"
"Boss!"
"Master!"
Seeing Sage, the people in the banquet hall all called out.
Sage gestured a hand downward, standing before the only velvet throne at the main seat, surveyed those looking at him, waved his hand, laughing, "Party time, folks!"
"Oh!!!"
The banquet hall collectively cheered, shaking the ceiling.
As Sage sat down, the waiters and maids led by Bella, who had been waiting, began serving dishes and wine from the chefs' wheeled carts to their tables.
String and wind instruments' joyful and melodious music began to rise under Byron's direction.
The long-awaited Dancing Girls also began moving with Pasia leading the dance.
The once quiet hall immediately became bustling again.
"Old Sand, you're here just in time to join the party."
Sage grinned at Crocodile: "And as for these people, I won't introduce them; you should know them all..."
He pointed to the people seated at the main table one by one; on the left were Lily, Marika, Renedia, and on the right were Moriah, Weevil, and Old Croc at the third seat.
The remaining Seven Stars also took seats on the right, leaving the left side looking empty.
Just pointing to Weevil, this guy suddenly roared, "I'm Weevil!!"
Crocodile sneered, pointed at him, and seemed unsure whether disappointed or annoyed.
Sat too close, too near...
"After this banquet, we're going to set out..."
Sage looked into the crowd and beckoned, "You two, have any thoughts."
A man and woman stepped forward from the crowd.
They were Sipher and Misty...