With Alistair's command, over four hundred pirates were led away.
Eight men per squad, each responsible for sixteen unruly pirates—a test and challenge.
But they were confident.
Two months of training under Alistair had transformed them into an iron army. They believed they had the knowledge and experience to easily assimilate these pirates.
Alistair had warned them not to spread their ideology.
But other methods were permitted.
Confident, they began their training.
The Spade Pirates also split up. On the tallest building, Mihar and Van Augur chatted casually while monitoring the town—their presence freeing up other Spade Pirates.
Only the Kuja Pirates' officers remained with Alistair.
This increased his safety.
"Robin, gather all the shopkeepers. You should be able to contact them instantly."
"Yes…" She found it incomprehensible that this man, whom she'd met less than half an hour ago, knew her background, origins, and abilities, and commanded her so directly.
Would anyone unconditionally trust someone they'd just met?
This man seemed to.
Robin felt conflicted, crossing her arms, her lips moving silently.
In various locations, mouths sprouted beside the shopkeepers, a low female voice emerging, "By Alistair's order, all shopkeepers must assemble in the square."
She didn't state the consequences, but the shopkeepers wouldn't defy such a powerful pirate. Ignoring him meant losing everything.
Nico Robin's Hana Hana no Mi required line of sight.
But there were exceptions.
If familiar with the terrain, she could manifest limbs on the ground.
Knowing Mock Town's layout, she easily spread her mouths throughout the town.
Her words were authoritative; this was a Devil Fruit user's command.
Seeing even such a person serving the new pirate, the shopkeepers dared not resist.
They obediently went to the square.
They were used to pirate disturbances. During Alistair's attack, they hid in their safe rooms, ignoring the chaos outside. Broken goods and alcohol were cheap; valuable items weren't displayed outside.
This was the risk of doing business in a pirate town.
Prices were naturally higher.
Upon their arrival, Alistair glanced at them. "I'm Alistair, the leader of this group. State your business and introduce yourselves."
"I'm the tavern owner, Lewis…"
"I'm the innkeeper, Carter…"
"I'm…"
They introduced themselves, nervously watching the young man listening intently.
This young man, like Bellamy, seemed inexperienced, but Bellamy followed rules; this man might not.
"This is Boa Hancock, one of the Shichibukai. After eliminating the pirates, we'll inform the World Government and claim this land."
"Everything here belongs to us."
This shocked the shopkeepers. They were capitalists, risking their lives to do business in Mock Town.
But their assets would be confiscated?
This was a death sentence.
But Alistair knew their nature. After the harsh blow, he offered a carrot: "But we're fair. Follow our rules, and your businesses will be untouched."
"You've contributed to this town, so we won't confiscate your property—as long as you pay rent."
The shopkeepers breathed a sigh of relief. Rent was acceptable.
"Annually." Alistair added another condition.
"We've acquired many ships, supplies, and 200 million Berries. We need to procure goods. If you offer lower prices than your competitors and higher prices for our supplies, we'll gladly do business."
Alistair offered another massive incentive.
The shopkeepers were confused by the carrots and sticks, but for capitalists, future taxes were secondary; present profits were paramount.
Fifteen pirate ships, their supplies, and 200 million Berries in cash.
It was a feast for hungry dogs, making them salivate, enticing them to jump for the bait.
A Devil Fruit might be worth 100 million Berries, but selling it was difficult.
200 million Berries was easily obtainable for a buyer in Water 7, but in this small town, whoever acquired it would become instantly wealthy!
Once initial capital was secured, things would become easier…
The shopkeepers exchanged glances, eager to begin.
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