One piece: Establishing a Pirate Family

Chapter 498: Weapons Trade (Part 2)

On the battlefield, this weapon's dominance struck fear into the hearts of all enemies.

Dragon had suffered firsthand from these weapons during his resistance campaigns with the Revolutionary Army.

Thinking of that, he couldn't help but shoot a resentful glance at Charlotte.

Charlotte actually looked a bit embarrassed under his gaze.

After all, the so-called "Model 98 Rifle" was just something Charlotte had copied from the 98k rifle of his previous life. Nothing groundbreaking.

"No problem. We can proceed with the trade at any time," Dragon nodded.

Charlotte grinned. This single deal might just cover the entire year's military expenses.

Barrett also smiled—he could finally upgrade his Science Troop's gear.

Everyone else around them smiled too—including Dragon himself, who was buying the weapons.

But the moment Dragon saw the price tag, his smile instantly vanished.

300,000 rifles? Not too bad.

Just over 3 billion berries.

With all the nobles and kingdoms the Revolutionary Army had looted, funding that amount was no big deal.

But then… why was the ammo so expensive?

10 billion berries. For ammo.

Clearly, this was Dragon's first time buying weapons—he didn't know that ammunition often cost more than the weapons themselves.

"Mr. Rockefeller… isn't this ammo a bit overpriced?" Dragon couldn't help but ask as he stared at the invoice.

"Too expensive?" Charlotte raised an eyebrow. "Sophie, why don't you explain?"

Charlotte had no interest in haggling. That was Sophie's job—his trusted secretary.

Sophie stepped up beside Charlotte and gave Dragon a dazzling smile.

But to Dragon, it looked more like the smile of a devil.

After a long series of negotiations, the deal was finally made.

Dragon, sweating bullets, held the invoice in his hands.

250 billion berries.

For the rifles, ammo, over a thousand cannons, accompanying shells, and some medical supplies.

At this point, Dragon honestly felt like he was working for Charlotte.

The Revolutionary Army's income for the past three years?

Cut in half instantly.

If Charlotte knew that this one deal cost the Revolution half their total war chest, even he would've been shocked.

Back when he was in the Rocks Pirates, looting for four straight years—and even hitting the jackpot at God Valley—Charlotte still didn't walk away with 500 billion.

And yet here was Dragon, who'd somehow managed to amass over 500 billion berries in just a few short years.

The world was truly upside-down.

Dragon looked at Sophie's dazzling smile again and shivered.

He vowed: never again would he talk to that woman.

That mouth of hers… every time it opened, his money vanished.

He turned his head away from her greedy expression and looked toward Kuma.

Kuma had been silently observing the whole time.

When Dragon turned toward him, Kuma quickly averted his gaze and crossed his arms, expression cold and distant.

"Ha ha ha! Let's toast to this great transaction.

May the friendship between our two sides last forever!" Charlotte laughed joyfully.

When he heard the final number—250 billion—his grin stretched ear to ear.

He walked over to Red Count's table, grabbed the wine Red Count had been sipping, poured two glasses, and handed one to Dragon.

Clink.

Ding.

That clear, crisp clinking sound sent chills down Dragon's spine.

Red Count, watching this scene, tilted his head in disbelief.

"Heh. To everlasting friendship," Dragon muttered, downing the wine in one gulp.

250 billion–berry wine.

Who else in the world has ever had such a drink?

Clearly, Dragon's heart was bleeding.

Charlotte beamed, rosy-faced.

"Mr. Dragon, would you like to stay for tonight's banquet? I'd love to show some hospitality as your host."

Charlotte extended the invitation graciously.

"No need," Dragon said coldly.

"I'd prefer the transaction to wrap up quickly.

My comrades are waiting for these weapons.

For every second I delay, someone out there is dying. I don't have time to waste."

"Ha ha! Mr. Dragon, you're truly a noble man.

Come, let's toast to your greatness!" Charlotte chuckled, brushing off the rudeness.

Everyone present raised their glasses and drank heartily.

The meeting concluded.

Dragon immediately transferred the full 250 billion berries to Charlotte.

He wasn't worried about being swindled.

If Charlotte dared to cheat him, Dragon would have every Revolutionary eye watching the Rockefeller Pirates day and night.

Even if he couldn't kill Charlotte himself, he'd make sure his children paid the price.

But Charlotte was straightforward.

He ordered the maids to prepare and package everything Dragon had ordered.

He didn't need to play dirty.

After all, Charlotte lived by one principle: trust.

Everyone in the world knew that when Charlotte Rockefeller gave his word, it was gold.

Back when he stormed Impel Down three years ago—just to repay a favor to Shiki—the world saw his honor firsthand.

That single act gained him millions of fans.

Of course… only Charlotte knew the real reason behind that move.

As for how the story got out?

Well… he leaked it himself.

Let's call it a "reliable rumor."

Charlotte never officially confirmed it.

After the deal was complete, Dragon left Carmel Island with Kuma and Ivankov.

As for the weapons and supplies?

Dragon muttered:

"Hmph. After spending 250 billion… the least they can do is include free shipping."

As Dragon's ship departed, Charlotte even came to the port to see him off.

Red Count appeared silently beside him.

"Made quite the fortune, huh?" Red Count asked.

"Not much, not much. After costs, just a net profit of 200 billion." Charlotte said with a beaming smile.

Red Count's eyes widened instantly.

"Two… Two hundred billion?! You… You're saying you netted that much?

That's robbery!

This is the blackest deal I've ever seen in my life!"

Red Count had assumed Charlotte might profit 70 or 80 billion at best.

But 200 billion?!

It was like seeing a whole new side of Charlotte.

"Damn… Fifty billion in supplies sold for 250 billion?

Two hundred billion profit?

Since when did money come this easy?!"

Red Count thought back to his own pirate days—spending ten or fifteen days chasing pirate ships, risking life and limb, all to rob maybe a few million berries.

And Charlotte?

He just stood there, flapping his gums, and 200 billion dropped into his lap.

Red Count stared at Dragon's retreating ship:

"Serves you right, Luffy's dad…"

Clearly, he still hadn't let go of the grudge against Garp.

Just then, Sophie elegantly approached Charlotte.

"Master, our weapons and ammo stocks are almost empty.

At this rate, the black market will face a major shortage for at least three months.

Shall we… do something about it?"

She looked at Charlotte with affectionate eyes.

Red Count got goosebumps and immediately took a step back.

Charlotte simply waved his hand and grinned.

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