On the way back, Fleet Admiral Kong was in high spirits.
"Hahaha! This trip was totally worth it! 18.7 billion Berries, that was more than enough to cover the Marines' recent funding gap!"
Hammer scoffed and dropped a bombshell that instantly wiped the smile off Kong's face.
"Old Man Kong, did you forget something? We agreed on a 60-40 split."
"Let me do the math. You get 40%, I get 60%. So that's 7.5 billion for you, and 11.2 billion for me."
Kong's expression froze. 'Crap… I completely forgot about the split…'
Seeing Kong's expression, Hammer knew immediately that he'd forgotten.
"Heh heh heh, 18.7 billion, old man, you trying to pocket it all for yourself? Dream on!"
"But fine, since I had to deal with the Five Elders this time, I'll compromise. Let's go 50-50. Headquarters gets 9.4 billion, I take 9.3 billion."
"Oh, and by the way, the Five Elders gave me a mission."
Hearing that, Kong's disappointment vanished. Extra berries are always a happy occasion.
As for the Five Elders giving Hammer a mission, Kong remained calm.
"They want you to craft something, right?"
"Hmph, don't even say it, I already know. It's obviously for CP."
Hammer nodded. He wasn't surprised Kong figured it out.
After all, Kong had been dealing with the Five Elders for decades. If he couldn't even guess that much, he wouldn't be where he is.
"Well, as long as it screws over the CP organization, just go ahead and make it."
"Those masked bastards deserve to get blown up."
Hammer: '...The relationship between the Marines and CP is something else.'
"Oh, right. Did Sengoku already tell you about contacting Crocodile?"
"Yeah, he did. Seriously, that guy used to say I should stay obediently at headquarters. Now he wants me to go out to sea. Tch. I should give him another star in my notes."
Kong: 'Should I tell him it was actually my idea...? Eh, better not. This little punk's way too crafty, I'll just let Sengoku take the fall.'
Sengoku: 'Why does every giant pot of blame keep landing on me!?'
"Speaking of which, Sengoku should've sent Lance to pick me up by now. I'll give him a call."
Without hesitation, Hammer pulled a Den Den Mushi out of his coat and made the call.
"Hey Lance, it's Hammer."
"What? You're already here? Okay, I'll jump down from the Red Line. What's wrong? Yeah, I said I'll jump down. Aren't you right by the reception staircase?"
"Aiya, don't worry about it. The sooner I go, the sooner I get back."
"Alright, wait for me. I'm hanging up!"
Kong's heart almost stopped.
"Hammer, don't do anything crazy! It's just a message, no need to jump off the Red Line and kill yourself!"
He'd heard it clearly; this little lunatic was going to jump from here. My god...
"Who's jumping to their death? I'm perfectly fine, old man. Are you hoping I'll die so you can inherit my treasures?"
"Let me tell you, dream on!"
"No time to chat. Gotta go."
Seeing the edge of the Red Line and the transport device ahead, Hammer strode straight toward the cliff.
"Hammer! Hammer! I won't short you anymore, just don't jump!!"
As Kong's shouts rang out, Hammer leapt off the edge.
At the same moment, he took a cape out of the ring on his hand and draped it over himself.
The nearby staff members watched, eyes wide.
People committing suicide wasn't unusual, this was Mary Geoise, after all, but no one had ever jumped off the Red Line before.
"Pfft, bunch of country bumpkins. Watch closely!"
The gray cloak billowed upward, and Hammer hovered in mid-air.
Everyone was stunned, even Kong.
"Holy hell! You've got something ?! This is way better than Geppo?"
"Hammer, make me one when you get back! With this cloak, my charisma level would skyrocket!"
Hammer rolled his eyes, then slowly floated downward.
"Damn it, everyone! Keep your eyes on the air above the Red Line!"
"Hammer said he's going to JUMP!"
Lance stared at the just-disconnected Den Den Mushi, completely shaken.
Even if Hammer was a genius and could use Geppo, jumping from the Red Line was insane.
Not to mention, he's a Devil Fruit user. One mistake and he'll sink like a stone and drown.
"He said he's jumping?"
Shirley didn't seem too surprised when she heard it. She just asked Lance calmly.
Lance nodded gravely.
Shirley waved her hands.
"No need to worry. My brother has tons of stuff to help him fly or float. He's not going to die."
"Remember that sword that lets people fly?"
"Plus, there's the flying cape and all. Relax."
If anyone knew Hammer's inventory best, it was Shirley. She helped test most of his gear.
"Oh. Well, that's a relief."
"All hands, prepare to set sail! Destination: the New World!"
With Shirley's reassurance, Lance finally relaxed.
Only a few minutes later, a dark figure descended along the Red Line wall.
It was Hammer, floating down with the help of his Levitation Cape.
When he landed on the Warhammer's deck, he was shivering a bit.
"Achoo! Man, it's freezing flying down from up there!"
"Lance! Prepare to set sail! Next stop: Risky Red Island in the New World!"
After giving his order, Hammer headed into the ship's forge, his personal workshop.
"You all heard him. Next stop: New World, Risky Red Island. Full speed ahead!"
Lance took over from there.
"Oh right, Lance, Shirley, come here a sec."
Just as Lance was about to take command on deck and Shirley was about to climb the lookout, Hammer's voice called them back.
They glanced at each other and went into the forge.
"We're here. What's up?"
"Remember the Devil Fruit Sakazuki gave me?"
"Since you two are my closest subordinates, I figured I'd keep it in the family. So, which one of you wants to eat it?"
Hammer placed a patterned, durian-shaped Devil Fruit in front of them.
"After thorough reaserch, I'm pretty sure this is a Paramecia-type."
"So? Who's taking it?"
Staring at the Devil Fruit in front of them, Lance and Shirley were stunned.
If you enjoy the story, my p@treon is 30 chapters ahead.
[email protected]/DaoistJinzu