"Hmm, you are quite perceptive, Big Mom," Ashveil said casually.
"Considering this is your first offense, a compensation of 80 billion Berries will suffice," Ashveil added, his tone measured and indifferent.
Big Mom's mouth twitched at the figure, but she had no choice. In this situation, she was the fish, and Ashveil was the butcher; resistance was futile.
"Alright, Ashveil, I agree!" Big Mom said readily, swallowing her pride. She had initially thought of bargaining like Kaido, but recalling Kaido's miserable fate, she chose compliance over confrontation.
The third prisoner called forward was Shiryu.
Ashveil's lips curved into a faint, mocking smile as he regarded him.
"Shiryu of the Rain, I once saved your life. And what? you attempted to attack me? Isn't that a bit… unreasonable?" Ashveil said, toying absentmindedly with a wine glass.
Shiryu's eyes flickered with a calculating glint. "Ashveil-sama, you said that as long as we helped you complete the Marineford mission, we would be even. I trust a hero of your caliber wouldn't speak lightly, would you?" His words carried subtle psychological precision, aimed at testing Ashveil's reactions.
The Whitebeard Pirates nearby frowned. Shiryu of the Rain had always excelled at bending reason to his advantage.
Doflamingo's veins bulged, and he clenched his fists in irritation.
"Shiryu of the Rain, what do you mean by this? If you keep provoking, I'll kill you myself!" he growled.
Empress Hancock, too, looked upon Shiryu with disgust, astounded that such a shameless man existed.
Ashveil, however, burst into laughter, calm yet filled with amusement.
"You're correct, Shiryu of the Rain. I did say that before," Ashveil admitted, chuckling lightly. His laughter, measured and genuine, diffused the tension, demonstrating that even the ungrateful might receive mercy under his authority.
Shiryu's confidence swelled. In the world of powerful figures, reputation and judgment were everything. Even Ashveil, remarkable as he was, had his evaluations to maintain. Shiryu's survival hinged on this subtle truth.
"However," Ashveil continued with a faint smile, "even if I hadn't saved you back then, you still participated in my punitive war. That alone warrants punishment."
Shiryu's relief was palpable. For him, wealth was secondary to life itself. Survival was paramount, and he had no qualms about surrendering treasure to ensure it.
"I can give you all my possessions, Ashveil-sama. I've hidden my treasures in a remote town. Here is the map; send anyone, and they will find it," Shiryu said sincerely, a subtle smile forming on his lips.
Ashveil's expression remained indifferent. "And what value do you assign to these treasures?"
"Do not worry, Ashveil-sama," Shiryu replied, earnest and unwavering. "All are priceless. Among them are three Devil Fruits as well. Combined, they are worth at least 100 billion Berries!" His voice rang loud enough for all present to hear, carrying a confidence born from experience.
Those around him were stunned. Shiryu of the Rain had always operated alone, a lone wolf unlike the organized Shichibukai or other major pirates. For him to command such a wealth independently was astounding.
Encouraged by the reactions, Shiryu's confidence deepened. His life was undoubtedly secure now.
"100 billion Berries, that will suffice, Shiryu of the Rain. I originally intended to request only 50 billion," Ashveil said, his tone calm and measured.
Shiryu's lips curled in a mixture of relief and amusement. "As long as it pleases you, I can offer the full 100 billion Berries."
He had wrought destruction across hundreds of cities for this sum, but his life was infinitely more valuable. Survival outweighed all else.
Shiryu had already resolved that after his release, he would abandon participation in major conflicts. He would remain a lone wolf, free to live as he pleased, striking when opportunity favored him. Such freedom, unbound by loyalty or obligation, suited him well.
Respectfully, he produced the treasure map and handed it to Ashveil.
Ashveil's eyes flickered with mild amusement as he examined it.
"Understand your position, Shiryu. Never dare deceive me," Ashveil warned, his gaze sharp yet measured.
Shiryu hastily bowed. "You have my word, Ashveil-sama. Not only are these treasures yours, but even the Devil Fruits are at your disposal."
Ashveil's lip curled slightly. "I do not anticipate deceit from you, scoundrel. I will take this map."
Relieved, Shiryu returned toward his cell, awaiting Ashveil's verification. His release was now only a matter of time.
Yet as he took a step, Ashveil's lazy voice stopped him.
"However… our business does not seem concluded yet, Shiryu," Ashveil said, lips curving into a small smile.
Shiryu froze, confusion etching his features. Not over yet? he thought. He had delivered the map—surely that was enough.
Ashveil's next words softened his confusion. "Oh, it's nothing serious. I am merely curious—where did you acquire so many treasures?"
Shiryu's heart steadied. Ah… he's not threatening me, only curious, he realized, inwardly relieved that Ashveil's intentions, while unpredictable, were not immediately hostile.
A faint tension lingered, however. Shiryu knew better than to let curiosity be mistaken for leniency. Even a simple question from Ashveil could carry weighty implications. Every word had to be chosen carefully.
He squared his shoulders, his voice calm but firm. "Ashveil-sama, the treasures were gathered over years of careful planning, strategic raids, and the occasional fortunate acquisition. Each piece represents a risk and a triumph."
Ashveil nodded slowly, his gaze sharp and calculating. "Interesting. A man of foresight and patience. That explains your survival and the magnitude of your hoard."
The room fell silent for a moment as Ashveil studied Shiryu, weighing his next move. The pirate's cleverness, audacity, and composure all contributed to his reputation—but Ashveil knew that even the cleverest could falter under pressure.
Shiryu, sensing the scrutiny, remained steady, understanding that the true test was not merely surrendering wealth, but proving himself trustworthy in Ashveil's eyes.
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