"If you can forge what we need, your path to becoming Chief of Logistics will be smooth as can be."
"This is a promise from the World Government."
Hammer grinned. He never liked the CP organization anyway, and now with such a golden opportunity laid out before him, how could he refuse?
"Rest assured, Elders. I'll start preparing as soon as I return. However, I hope the government can provide some of the required materials."
"After all, this is for the CP organization, and the quantity won't be small. I doubt the headquarters' materials can support it."
Asking for money without being overly humble or arrogant, this statement amused the Five Elders.
How many years had it been? They couldn't even remember.
This was the first time someone dared to ask them for money straight to their face. How interesting.
"Nusjuro, what do you think?" Topman Warcury smiled, passing the question to the Warior God of Finance.
He wore a white robe, was bald, had glasses, and held a samurai sword, likely one of the twelve Supreme Grade Blades, the curse blade Shodai Kitetsu.
"Bold of you, boy. Do you understand the impropriety of demanding funds from us?"
A chilling aura radiated from Nusjuro.
But Hammer remained unfazed. The hammering of the soul had been pounding in his chest this whole time, silent, yet keeping his mind clear.
Facing the pressure from the Warrior God of Finance, Hammer showed a look of shock.
"With all due respect, I'm working for the interest of the World Government. I'm sure the government doesn't expect its subordinates to work for free, right?"
"Hahaha! Well said. As it happens, the ongoing auction is being hosted by a branch of my family."
Nusjuro stood up, now looking at Hammer with a hint of appreciation.
"The funds you requested, I'll have CP0 personally deliver them and establish contact with you. This agent will also handle any future liaison. But this arrangement stays between us; your superiors don't need to know."
"Understood. I'll handle it discreetly."
Seeing Hammer accept the task, the Five Elders were quite satisfied.
"Very well. As for your other special weapons, I believe Kong has already informed you, you need to register them. If any catches our interest, we'll purchase it at a fair price. The rest you can auction through the Ethanbaron family."
Hammer nodded. Kong had indeed mentioned this to him, and he had already registered many of the publicly known weapons.
Of course, many remained hidden. He wasn't foolish enough to show all his cards; those were his trump cards.
"That's all, you may leave now."
"Alright then, bye-bye, Elders."
The Elders blinked. When was the last time someone bid them... "bye-bye"?
Outside the meeting hall, Kong was waiting. As soon as he saw Hammer come out, he dragged him away.
Not until they had exited Pangaea Castle did Kong stop walking.
"So, how was it, Hammer? The Five Elders are tough to deal with, huh?"
Having dealt with them for years, old Kong knew exactly how difficult they were.
"Pfft, Old man. If you ever ambush me with something again, I might actually go on strike."
"I'm just a lowly Vice Admiral, and you had me face those top dogs? I was scared to death!"
Kong laughed heartily, and the two headed toward the auction house while joking around.
By then, the auction was in its final stages.
All the Celestial Dragons in the venue were red-faced and flushed.
"And now, the final treasure of the auction! I guarantee this will surpass everything that came before!"
"Forged by the great master Hammer himself, it outshines all previous items!"
"It is… the Gravity Gun!"
Kong and Hammer exchanged glances. They had only been gone a short while, and the auction was already at its climax.
"Fleet Admiral Kong, Vice Admiral Hammer, the auction is still ongoing. Please rest in the lounge for now."
"Shortly, Saint Ethanbaron V. Orly will meet you both personally."
The two followed the attendant to an extremely luxurious lounge, where food and drinks were already prepared on the table.
"Damn. Celestial Dragons really know how to live. This wine, these snacks… not bad. Might as well dig in."
Hammer didn't care about appearances. He plopped onto the sofa and started eating and drinking. Kong looked away, ashamed.
"You're a Vice Admiral now, have some dignity?"
"Dignity? Can you eat it? Can you drink it? What use is it?"
Kong was instantly furious.
"Say, old man Kong, you've lived so long and still haven't learned this one truth?"
Hammer suddenly sat upright, face serious.
"If the house is on fire, I laugh. If the world ends, I sleep."
Kong: '…I can't believe I actually expected something wise out of your mouth.'
"Hahahaha! A fine quote indeed. Truly fitting for the rising star of the Marines."
A burst of laughter rang out as a young man in a white robe entered the lounge, flanked by two CP0 agents.
"Fleet Admiral Kong, Vice Admiral Hammer. I am Ethanbaron V. Orly."
Kong and Hammer exchanged another glance before standing to greet him.
"Greetings, Saint Orly."
No matter what, this man was from the Ethanbaron family, one of the Five Elders' own. If they offended him and he complained to Ethanbaron V. Nusjuro… well, the Marines' budget would take another hit. Better not mess with him.
"Hahaha, no need for formalities. Master Ornn, ah, I mean, Master Hammer, your creations are truly extraordinary."
"Over a dozen items, auctioned for more than 20 billion berries. Even I, who deal with money every day, am impressed."
'20 billion?! That much?!'
Both men were stunned. Damn, when it comes to wealth, no one beats the Celestial Dragons.
"As agreed, I'll take a 20% commission, per the terms Fleet Admiral Kong and I settled on earlier. After deductions, that leaves 18.7657 billion berries. Would you prefer cash or a check?
Kong answered without hesitation: "Cash."
Orly nodded. "Very well. I'll arrange to have the funds delivered directly to Marine Headquarters shortly."
"Master Hammer, I look forward to our next collaboration. Anything you forge, I guarantee will fetch the best price."
Hammer: 'Yeah, right. You'll auction it off, but will I see a single berry?'
As he remained silent, Saint Orly slowly walked up to him and whispered:
Hammer's heart skipped a beat. Saint Orly gave a faint smile but said nothing more.
'Damn, this guy has quite the reach.'
'Even the Hydra Club belongs to him?'
'Or did he just outright buy it?'
'Well, for Celestial Dragons, anything money can solve isn't even a problem.'
'Sigh. Must be nice.'
If you enjoy the story, my p@treon is 30 chapters ahead.
[email protected]/DaoistJinzu