In the end, it was only fifty billion Belli. For wealthy Alabasta, that amount was hardly anything to raise an eyebrow at. More importantly, if Ace was saved, the "fortune" Alabasta would gain—and the price it paid—would be incomparable. Yet Shanks hadn't expected that Whitebeard would still refuse to listen to him and wouldn't give up such a relatively small sum.
It was, in fact, rather awkward for the Red-Haired one to lose face like this.
A faint smile played at the corners of Ezekiel's mouth as he began to speak slowly, in such a warm and friendly tone that Fujitora and Katakuri's jaws dropped.
"It doesn't matter, Shanks. Even if you don't bring a single coin, Alabasta will gladly help you because of our friendship."
There was nothing unusual about that. After all, Roger was Shanks's captain. In a sense, it wouldn't be an exaggeration to call this a gesture of friendship between a father and son.
Shanks was taken aback; he paused for a moment, then recalled Beckman's words:
"Don't let that King's benevolence fool you. He rules over hundreds of millions—he's not just cunning, he's a calculating strategist."
It looked like Beckman had been right. There was no doubt Ezekiel had his own agenda in this war.
Yet the Red-Haired one still fell silent for a while. Even if the King had other motives, Alabasta had no particular reason to save Ace. Did Ace have any connection to them at all? Shanks didn't know.
"Your Majesty, I'm grateful that you're willing to help. I'm truly grateful. As for the money—if Whitebeard refuses, then I'll make sure to pay it myself!" Shanks declared firmly.
"Ahem!"—that was Beckman's cough. "This idiot's secretly making a shady deal with that dangerous Emperor?!! You just barely managed to pay off your debt! Doesn't that Emperor have enough money in his own treasury?"
Shanks was generally considered a smart guy, but there was no doubt that Ezekiel was even craftier. Beckman thought it best to be more cautious when dealing with him.
Shanks gave an awkward smile, beads of sweat appearing on his forehead. He hadn't even noticed Beckman come up behind him. After all, he'd secluded himself for this phone call! Beckman was just too vigilant.
"Then it's settled—I'll keep my promise," Ezekiel said with a smile, hanging up the phone.
He glanced at Katakuri and Fujitora, who both seemed at a loss for words.
"The Red-Haired one agreed to fifty billion Belli. Even if the Whitebeard Pirates refuse to pay, he'll cover it himself. Shanks will definitely make good on it. In any case, both of them will owe Alabasta, and I'll use that to my advantage in the future…"
After all, Whitebeard was not someone who easily trusted others. Alabasta had been rejected by him, and without a doubt, he would go to war personally. He doesn't need anyone's help—he would never just stand by and pay for it.
This means Alabasta will be entering the war at the invitation of Red-Haired Shanks. Officially, Alabasta is helping Shanks, not Whitebeard, though in reality, they're supporting Whitebeard. In the end, both of them will owe Alabasta.
Katakuri's throat felt dry, and a chill ran down his spine:
"Could that King really dare show up at Marineford?"
If Katakuri hadn't said back then that he'd fight his own mother at sea, Ezekiel probably wouldn't have spared her. His Majesty Ezekiel wouldn't have needed much effort to deal with the Big Mom Pirates.
...….
A nameless island more than 100 kilometers from The Watch's headquarters in Marineford. The World Government had deliberately left the island unnamed, because it was one of the biggest secrets in the world today—the research base of Dr. Vegapunk!
There was no one else in the room but Kuma.
"Bartholomew, think of beautiful things—your time is running out."
He put on a white coat, glanced at the black Bible he'd read for so many years, and remembered Vegapunk's words. Scenes from his past came to mind: life as King in the Sorbet Kingdom, then life in the Revolutionary Army after leaving Sorbet.
It seemed, aside from that, there wasn't much worth remembering.
What a pity.
Kuma's enormous body was awkward in the small room. He carefully set the Bible on the table and stepped outside. Instantly, many members of the CP of the World Government appeared around him to guard him.
Now that he's reached this point, he won't run away.
Why don't these people understand that?
Kuma entered the enormous research facility and walked into the operating room, where he saw Vegapunk, who had been absent for several days. Standing beside him were ten hulking figures—Pacifistas, each one an exact copy of Kuma.
These are humanoid weapons modeled after him, with enough strength to rival pirates with bounties of over a hundred million Belli. This is the secret weapon of the Marine Patrol.
Vegapunk was dressed in a white researcher's uniform over a striped shirt and slowly took off a pair of special goggles.
"Doctor, have you figured it out? If you don't want to handle this, I can explain everything to the World Government for you. Given my position, I can definitely help," said a man with pink hair and a slightly arrogant look, glancing around as the Devil Fruit user entered the room.
It was Spandam.
"Doctor…" Spandam began, but didn't finish.
Boom!
A powerful explosion sounded outside. At first, Spandam panicked, then quickly composed himself. This island belonged to the World Government, and it was less than 200 kilometers from The Watch's headquarters. Who would attack a place like this? Only a complete madman.
"Sir, should we hide Dr. Vegapunk?"
For the doctor's safety, he probably should be evacuated immediately, but Spandam thought that was unnecessary. It was probably just a pirate who'd blundered into the wrong place. How could anyone possibly know that this is actually one of the World Government's most important research facilities?
"Who would come looking for trouble here? Doctor, continue with the operation while I go see who it is."
With an air of self-importance, Spandam strode out of the massive experimental base. As soon as he exited, a rough voice rang out:
"Ze-ha-ha-ha!"
He craned his neck to see the source of the sound: a tall man approaching slowly, surrounded by a gang of vicious-looking underlings.
A red shirt, a black hat, and fingers decked with rings sporting precious gems…
At that moment, a terrifying wave of Conqueror's Haki was unleashed!
In an instant, the entire island shuddered under the monstrous Haki, and nearly half the guards collapsed unconscious!
Spandam's teeth chattered and his knees began to shake.
It was Blackbeard—Marshall D. Teach!