Kaido of the Beasts seethed with fury, his rage so intense that he could barely keep his composure. One hundred billion Berries… it was an astronomical sum. Even if he sold Sea Stone from Wano Country for ten years straight, he wouldn't accumulate that amount. The thought that Ashveil, that seemingly young pirate, could demand such a sum was almost absurd.
Kaido's lips twitched uncontrollably. He inhaled deeply, trying to steady his voice before speaking.
"Please… can you reduce it a little? One hundred billion Berries is far too much for me…" Kaido said, his tone pleading, his pride swallowed by the desperate hope that Ashveil might reconsider.
Ashveil's lips curled into a faint smile. "You have a point, Kaido. After all, you are one of the Four Emperors, and your personal fortune cannot compare to the World Government's wealth," he said, spreading his hands casually.
Kaido allowed himself a small sigh of relief, thinking, Good, perhaps this will be negotiable. He had expected Ashveil to be harsh and unyielding, yet so far, the young pirate seemed approachable.
But the relief was short-lived. The next words from Ashveil struck Kaido like a thunderbolt.
"How about this, Kaido? I see you're in a tight spot, so I'll give you a discount. Ninety billion Berries will do. The remaining one billion… you'll pay with one hundred tons of Sea Stone. The Whitebeard Pirates' influence has grown, so we still need plenty of it. Additionally, your Beasts Pirates will provide one thousand laborers, all under your payroll. And… I heard Wano's weapons are quite remarkable. Make ten thousand of your finest weapons for us as well."
Kaido's jaw nearly dropped. Ashveil's calm tone made it even worse.
"What do you think, Kaido? Isn't this generous? I've just saved you ten billion Berries!" Ashveil added, a subtle smirk playing at the corner of his lips.
"If that's not enough, I can adjust it further!" The smile widened, almost cruelly, as he looked at the towering emperor.
A trickle of blood ran from Kaido's mouth. He had only asked for a small reduction, yet the demands Ashveil laid before him had escalated far beyond his expectations.
"No… no need to change it. Fine, let's go with this. Just don't change it again!" Kaido choked out, his pride shattered, forcing an agonized grin onto his face. Every word from Ashveil gnawed at him—ten billion saved, yet a staggering ninety billion still owed, along with laborers, Sea Stone, and weapons.
Inside, Kaido seethed. He cursed himself for believing Ashveil might show leniency. The young pirate's calm demeanor, his teasing smile, and the ease with which he extracted promises—it all reminded Kaido that this was a game he could not win.
Ashveil, noting Kaido's resignation, allowed himself a faint, satisfied smile. This is exactly how it should be, he thought. A lesson in humility and negotiation. Even the strongest must bow to intellect and strategy.
"See, Kaido, you've gained a lot by keeping your life. Look at that mouth of yours, bleeding already. Stay here too long, neglect your health, and I doubt you'll survive the ordeal intact," Ashveil teased, his voice light, yet cutting.
Kaido had no words. His mouth bled from the stress and fury, and he realized he had been completely outmaneuvered. Ashveil's so-called leniency was nothing more than calculated cruelty.
Ashveil's reputation for being impossible to negotiate with was confirmed. Kaido now hated himself for believing in any mercy, and yet, outwardly, he forced a grotesque smile, knowing that any display of weakness might invite further demands. Bankruptcy loomed for Wano Country if he defied Ashveil's orders.
Ashveil feigned a casual shrug. "Ah, you're not asking for more? Such a pity—I had more plans. But very well, let's proceed with this arrangement."
Of course, Ashveil had no intention of simply releasing Kaido immediately. The Beasts Pirates would remain in captivity until every condition was fulfilled. Only then would Kaido regain his freedom.
From Kaido's ranks, King was selected. He had survived the previous battle, though his leg had been broken by Ashveil's attack. Kaido's trusted confidant, this unusual creature had escaped from the Celestial Dragons' laboratory alongside him. Under Kaido's orders, he was sent to fulfill the demands: the Sea Stone, laborers, and weapons promised to the Whitebeard Pirates. Only upon completion of these tasks would Kaido be released.
"Next, let the Charlotte family meet me," Ashveil said indifferently, his voice cutting through the tense atmosphere.
The sun shone brightly overhead, yet Ashveil showed no desire to avoid its glare. He would personally oversee the interrogation of these infamous criminals, ensuring every word and action was measured.
Big Mom approached, her towering presence imposing, yet unlike Kaido, she displayed an unusual humility in Ashveil's presence.
"Ashveil, if you grant me freedom, I will provide the resources you request. Just tell me what you need, and I will comply fully," Big Mom said, her tone almost deferential, a marked contrast to her usual imperious arrogance.
Kaido's defiance and hatred of imprisonment were well-known, but Big Mom's temperament made her subservience even more remarkable. She was not accustomed to respecting anyone, yet Ashveil's authority compelled it.
Inwardly, Big Mom seethed at Kaido. If not for his reckless actions, she could have remained on Cake Island, enjoying her confections in peace. Instead, she was dragged into this mess, imprisoned and forced to negotiate with a rising power she could not oppose.
Ashveil's control over the situation was absolute. Even figures as formidable as Kaido and Big Mom recognized the futility of resistance. His combination of intelligence, strategy, and overwhelming power made him an unparalleled force in the world, and every concession extracted further solidified his position.
A tense silence settled over the room, broken only by the faint rustle of clothing and the low growls of Kaido's restrained Beasts Pirates. Every eye was fixed on Ashveil, aware that a single misstep could tip the balance irrevocably.
Kaido's mind raced. Each demand, each word, each imperious glance from Ashveil drilled a lesson into him: strength alone did not command the world—strategy and intellect ruled, and he had been utterly outmatched.
Meanwhile, Ashveil leaned back slightly, observing his captives with a calm, calculating air. Every move they made, every subtle twitch of muscle or flicker of expression, was cataloged and measured, ensuring he remained in full control.
The air was thick with tension, yet Ashveil remained serene, almost enjoying the silent acknowledgment of his superiority. In this room, even the mightiest pirates were nothing more than pieces on his board, and he intended to make every move count.