"Right, Mr Amon, can I open one more? I'm hoping for an album even more thrilling than these."
Ivankov set the booklet down, still hungry for more.
"Sorry, each person can only buy one," Amon said. The system had already warned him. One person, one jar counted. Selling multiple to the same buyer would not register, unless it was an empty jar.
"My fault, Mister. I got greedy." Ivankov sighed. With jars this miraculous, getting even one was luck enough.
"Looks promising to me Mr Amon. Give each of us one," Dragon said, watching Ivankov's flushed excitement with interest as he stepped forward.
"Got it."
Amon accepted four hundred thousand berries from Dragon with a broad grin and handed over the remaining jars. He had not expected business in Shimotsuki Village to be this brisk. Half a day in and ten jars were gone. Heh. Time to see what the second exclusive can would bring. It should not be worse than the first, right.
While Amon pictured his exclusive prize, the newcomers chose their jars. Kuina and Zoro, having already taken their turns, could only watch from the side.
"Mr. Amon." Kuina waved.
"Mhm." Amon smiled and nodded back.
By the time they finished greeting each other, Dragon's group had made their picks. Lids were cracked in turn.
They hadn't had much luck today. No great treasures, just a pile of ordinary trinkets. Disappointing, but that was simply how things went.
Still, it wasn't all worthless. Dragon's jar contained a compendium of ancient military philosophy, born in an age of endless war. The Revolutionary Army had long lacked a unifying doctrine. With this in hand, Dragon's eyes lit up. For the first time, overthrowing the Celestial Dragons felt truly within reach.
"Mr. Amon, my thanks." He tucked the volume away and gave Amon a respectful bow. "By the way, would you consider joining the Revolutionary Army. You are already wanted by the World Government. Admiral Kizaru has reportedly departed Marineford and is on his way to the East Blue."
Dragon had pawns in the Marines. The incident was big. It had been ages since a Celestial Dragon was beaten. The nobles in Mary Geoise were furious. To calm them, Sengoku had dispatched an admiral.
"What, the World Government has put a bounty on me, and an admiral is coming after me?"
Amon's face shifted. He had not expected that roughing up a Celestial Dragon would bring an admiral. Quite an honor. At his current level, an admiral would be a stretch.
"Well, Mr. Amon, would you reconsider," Dragon asked with a light smile.
"No. I like my freedom. I am not ready to join any group," Amon said, shaking his head. He still had jars to sell. No time for revolutions. He had no interest in conquest either. Given the choice, he would rather travel and flirt with pretty girls. Life was good. Why spend it fighting.
As for a Marine admiral, he admitted Kizaru would be tough right now, but he was not worried. His second exclusive jar had spawned. Once he opened it, hopefully even an admiral should be manageable.
"That is a pity. Still, if you ever change your mind, send word. The Revolutionary Army would be honored to have you."
Dragon looked regretful, but sincere.
"Hehe, we will see," Amon replied lightly.
Seeing Amon's lack of ambition, Dragon did not press. He liked the man and was grateful for the guiding doctrine. If not comrades, then at least friends.
"Mr. Amon, it seems your jars are sold out. What are your plans. If you have no pressing business, would you honor my humble dojo with a visit and a cup of tea. I have yet to properly thank you for Kuina," Koushirou said, smiling.
"Yes, Mr. Amon, I have not thanked you enough," Kuina added, eyes bright with expectation.
"I have nothing urgent. In that case, I will come with you," Amon said with a smile. He wanted to see their dojo anyway. In the world of pirates, it was practically a landmark. Since he was already in Shimotsuki Village, it would be a shame not to go. Besides, his task was done.
"Wonderful."
Kuina's whole face lit up. She genuinely liked Amon.