"However, before us, one of the Five Elders is bound, clearly a captive."
Shanks gasped. "You… you actually captured even a Five Elder!"
"What's so difficult about that?" Vladimir said. "Emperor Vladimir made the move and just happened to capture him."
Saying this, he looked at Dragon and asked, "We captured him just to make the government hand over the Devil Fruits. Monkey D. Dragon, are you interested in buying him? This old man, 20 Devil Fruits, sold to you."
Hearing this, the sword-wielding old man was furious, his blood surging.
This was the first time in his life he had suffered such humiliation. That damned Phantom, actually treating him like a slave to be sold!
Meanwhile, high in the sky, Dragon was in a daze.
He thought he had overestimated Phantom, but reality still slapped him in the face.
Phantom's actions, they could even capture a Five Elder, dared to capture them.
And judging by the reactions of the Marines and the World Government, it seemed they hadn't completely broken ties and initiated war.
Thinking this, Dragon suddenly spoke with understanding. "So that's how it is… No wonder the government issued a Black Bounty for your Emperor Vladimir earlier, with a bounty of 3 billion!"
3 billion, the highest bounty in the world currently! It even surpassed Roger's bounty back then!
"So, are you buying or not?"
Vladimir couldn't be bothered to bicker with him.
Hearing this, Dragon fell into thought. After more than three minutes, he suddenly laughed.
"Bought!" He laughed twice. "It was indeed the right decision to come this time. I'm very fond of you guys."
Saying this, he pulled out a white card from his pocket.
Swoosh!
Vladimir easily took it. "Life Card?"
"It will guide you to a place," Dragon said thoughtfully. "When you come to that place, we will conduct the transaction."
"I like decisive buyers," Vladimir laughed heartily, glancing at the sword-wielding old man. "Old man, don't blame me for this. It's your government's slow reaction in not handing over the Devil Fruits that forced me to find another buyer for you."
To this, the old man glared at him with murderous intent.
If looks could kill, Vladimir would have died long ago.
Dragon continued, "Phantom, I'll be waiting for you there. At that time, there's another matter, and we will prepare a reward… Farewell."
With that, his figure faded, as if blown away by a gentle breeze, disappearing in an instant.
Finally, another sentence was transmitted.
"Please convey my regards to your Emperor Vladimir for me. I hope to meet him in person at that time."
The voice faded, and the person disappeared.
Shanks, standing nearby, was stunned. These two lunatics were buying and selling a Five Elder for the price of 20 Devil Fruits!?
"They really are lunatics!"
...
"They really are lunatics!"
Shanks couldn't help but shake his head and sigh.
A dignified Five Elder, treated like a slave and bought and sold by Phantom.
And Monkey D. Dragon actually dared to buy him. Although his purpose was unknown, he clearly intended to use the Five Elder for something.
Vladimir watched them leave, then chuckled and had Shadow Fiend take the sword-wielding old man back to the Shadow World.
"Alright, now no one will disturb us."
He looked at Shanks and said, "Returning to our previous topic, are you still going to stop us?"
"No, I can't anymore." Shanks climbed onto the floating driftwood, wringing his wet sleeves. "Verbal words can't stop you, and my strength can't stop you. Since that's the case, then no one can escape! Please be prepared for the consequences of triggering a world war!"
His voice was low and serious as he stared at Vladimir.
"We do not fear."
Vladimir smiled slightly, gradually stepping into the air, walking towards the giant whale. "We will pretend this offense never happened. Shanks, there won't be a second time."
With that, he flashed and disappeared rapidly.
Watching Vladimir leave, Shanks' expression gradually became solemn.
"In recent times, many low-profile pirate crews have become increasingly active, seemingly collecting Devil Fruits in preparation for the auction… This phenomenon will likely become more frequent in the future."
Shanks murmured softly. "The possibility of forming alliances in secret is high. It seems I need to pay Whitebeard a visit."
Shaking his head, he leaped towards his pirate ship.
In the New World, there were only four Emperor pirate crews. Of course, now it was three Emperors and one Emperor, four top forces. But below them, numerous secondary pirate crews hid in the vast seas.
There were also the silver medalists who lost to Roger back then, and they were countless.
Like Shiki, Granny Old Hag, and so on.
Attracted by the Ancient Weapons, in the coming period, it was likely that past great pirates would emerge one after another.
...
Vladimir returned to the back of the giant whale. The whale continued its voyage, heading towards Kaido's territory.
"Mmph mmph!?"
Lujet tried to say something, but the Kidō had sealed her speech ability.
"Be quiet."
Vladimir glanced at her. "I know what you want to say. The person just now was Monkey D. Dragon."
"The leader of the Revolutionary Army!?"
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