"Deep cooperation?"
Sage raised an eyebrow, "How do you want to cooperate?"
What kind of cooperation could a Seven Warlord of the Sea have with an ordinary pirate like him?
Crocodile exhaled a puff of smoke and said, "If you want to claim territory in the New World, you'll need considerable funding. I can invest in you, but in return, once I enter the New World, you help me. How about it?"
In terms of financial resources, he lacked nothing.
What he lacked most was influence and allies.
Sage was strong; Crocodile could feel this. Moreover, he was a newcomer making a name for himself, someone of a similar type, so cooperation seemed feasible.
"Help you? Become your underling?"
Sage crossed his legs and said, "Are you joking with me, Crocodile..."
Crocodile replied solemnly, "Someone like you wouldn't follow others; it's just mutual exploitation. You ensure my plan goes smoothly, and I'll ensure yours doesn't encounter any issues."
The so-called cooperation was obviously not about sharing hearts; he wasn't that kind of person. By nature, he didn't trust anyone.
But mutual exploitation over a long period was indeed possible.
"Hmm..."
Sage nodded slightly, considered a while, and said, "Okay, but I don't need your investment; my territory must be under my control. Here's a different approach: as a Seven Warlord of the Sea, you have quite a bit of business. How about letting me invest in it?"
Among the Seven Warlords, even Doflamingo didn't have as many earning channels as Crocodile; this guy was reportedly the most capable of making money among pirates!
This was also what Sage envied most.
Whatever they did, they thrived. By comparison, he found even looting difficult.
The looting in Alabasta was probably the simplest.
Even so, he fought twice consecutively upon arriving.
If his strength were a bit weaker, he wouldn't have made it.
Having looted so much money, not being able to spend it was a problem. Currently, going to the New World wasn't feasible; neither he nor his crew was prepared.
Before that, having too much looted money was also a headache.
Money is something everyone loves, but when it's too much and unused, it becomes a burden.
His ship was only so big, enough to hold a certain amount of treasure; he couldn't just stop looting when it was full, could he?
Aside from collectibles worthy of viewing, the remaining money needed a destination.
Without a territory, even finding a place to bury treasure was troublesome—he was deeply confident in his bad luck, almost certain that burying it today meant it'd be found by someone tomorrow.
This part of the money was meant for business; owning fixed assets ensures a chance to rise again in case he capsizes.
Even without Crocodile, he was prepared to find the right opportunity to continue starting a business!
Now, Crocodile's invitation just happened to present him with an opportunity.
There was no way he'd simply work under someone, but cooperation was entirely feasible.
His bad luck led every venture to fail, but surely such a savvy businessman wouldn't fail at everything either?
Invest a little, and maybe money makes more money?
"Invest in your business? It's not out of the question; how much money do you have?"
Crocodile certainly controlled many channels, and in the Underworld, he was involved in finance, transport, and warehousing.
If one doesn't accept investments but instead invests in others, that's fine too; it's just a safeguard through a contract.
Sage's eyes lit up on hearing this, "I'll use the money looted from Rain Land and Albana to invest; the business size doesn't matter, even a small profit is fine!"
In this way, his money would at least have a storage channel, accessible at any time.
As for banks...
He, as a Government bounty-target, putting money in any bank would be a joke!
Crocodile's forehead throbbed with a vein, "You're robbing my territory, then giving the money to me to make more for you?"
"Don't fuss over details; our contract is legitimate, and anyway, it's all mine. As for Albana, you be your hero, I'll loot my treasure," Sage said with a smile.
For pirates, whether they can be trusted depends on the person, but most are very committed to promises and contracts.
Crocodile is one such person.
In fact, on this vast sea, even small fry won't necessarily go back on their word.
Sage considers himself not a small fry, and Crocodile, as a Seven Warlord, is certainly a major player.
Crocodile took a deep look at Sage and lit another cigar, waiting for the smoke to rise before saying:
"Okay, I agree to your terms, but don't loot Rain Land; after all, it's my industry; as for valuation, let's consider five billion Belly as your capital."
"Deal." Sage thought for a moment and agreed to this valuation.
It's no economic giant like Logue Town, just a gambling city in the desert, the scale speaks for itself. Although he's more interested in Crocodile's assets, it's not like all Crocodile's money is at Rain Land.
Compared to a cooperative channel, he could pass on this city.
"Originally, sending you to Albana was just to add a layer of assurance to my plan. Since you're actively participating, I might as well tell you what my Ideal Land plan is all about," Crocodile said slowly.
The so-called Ideal Land plan intended to have the King's Army and Rebel Army battle in the Royal City of Albana, and simultaneously detonate special bombs hidden in Albana to eliminate the king and most of the army.