"I’ll take them all! From now on, if you get your hands on cannons of this caliber, you absolutely must contact me first. I’ll buy them at 30% above market price. And if you can get me the blueprints for these two types of cannons, I’ll give you a very satisfactory price!" Aeridar’s eyes lit up, and he quickly added.
Aeridar was planning to establish a powerful army and a strong nation in the future, so powerful weapons were definitely indispensable.
"What an ambitious man, yet surprisingly reliable! Fufufufufu~" Doflamingo chuckled ominously.
Doflamingo, who dreamed of turning the World Nobles-dominated world upside down, naturally hoped for the world to become as chaotic as possible so his dream could be realized.
"Let me know when they’re ready, and I’ll send people to pick them up." Having secured what he wanted, Aeridar relaxed.
"No problem. I also need a few days to arrange the shipment," Doflamingo nodded.
Since Dressrosa had only been under his control for about half a year, Doflamingo’s arms factories hadn’t fully relocated yet. While pistols could be supplied, there weren’t enough cannons, and they needed to be sourced from other locations.
During this period, Aeridar dispatched two pirate ships from Alvis Island specifically to transport the purchased weapons.
Additionally, the World Government’s reward had arrived: over a dozen sophisticated scientific research equipment were delivered, and the intelligence he had requested from Doflamingo was also gathered.
Standing at the bow, Aeridar grandly gave the order. The three pirate ships, flying the Chris Pirates flag, departed from Dressrosa’s harbor.
This trip was fruitful. They had acquired weapons, scientific research equipment, and most importantly, intelligence. Everything they set out to get, they had. It certainly wasn’t a wasted journey.
With the weapons, they could recruit a large number of fodder subordinates.
With those most precise scientific research machines, the progress of various experiments could be accelerated.
With the crucial intelligence, they could analyze their next target and carry out their plans more safely and smoothly.
"Fufufufufufu~ The Seven Warlords Alliance... Just wait, this sea is about to churn again. You fools in Mariejois, await the upheaval of this world... Fufufufufufu~"
Standing atop the highest watchtower in the harbor, Doflamingo spread his arms, watching the three departing pirate ships with a wild, unrestrained smile on his face, but his eyes were filled with chilling killer intent.
Another month passed, and the Sea Calendar had now entered the year 15.
Aeridar and his crew had long since returned to Alvis Island.
Within that month, the once dilapidated harbor had been completely renovated. While it couldn’t compare to the bustling ports of major cities, it could now accommodate dozens of large ships with no problem.
Three twenty-meter-tall watchtowers also stood guard in the harbor, observing the waters outside.
Construction had now begun on warehouses and factory buildings, while the fortress castle outside the town was still less than one-third complete, far from finished.
Dalt’s laboratory had already been built. When Aeridar brought back over a dozen high-precision scientific research equipment, Dalt was overjoyed, quickly moving them into his lab and replacing the outdated equipment.
However, Dalt’s one regret was that Steel Demon Angus Abel had agreed to surrender, which meant he lost a research subject. He could only continue his original research on genetic enhancement technology.
Similarly, Aeridar had obtained detailed intelligence from Doflamingo for 50 million Berries in gold, which everyone had meticulously studied.
In the entire world, the World Government had over 170 affiliated nations. However, in the Four Blues, the first half of the Grand Line, and the New World, there were also many non-affiliated nations.
Among these, the New World had the most non-affiliated nations. Powerful ones stood independently, weaker ones were sheltered by a Yonko, and even weaker ones formed alliances or were ruled by great pirates second only to the Yonko.
Of course, New World nations were generally much stronger than those in the Four Blues. Even the weakest nations there would be considered top-tier in the Four Blues, due to either military strength or individual power.
A large manor, formerly the residence of ’Lion’, was now temporarily serving as the headquarters for the Chris Pirates. Dozens of loyal pirate subordinates guarded the outside.
Inside a large conference room, more than ten people, including the Chris Pirates executives and Enrod and Galan from the White Mane Pirates, were gathered, seated on both sides of a long table.
"According to Doflamingo-san’s intelligence, we initially selected three potential targets. Then, we sent people to those three kingdoms for over half a month of reconnaissance. The data has now been distributed to you all. Please share your opinions."
Arlan, the first on the right, stood up, gestured to the documents in his hand, and scanned the room.
As the first mate of the Chris Pirates, his status was arguably second only to Captain Aeridar, even half a rank above Oliver. While his strength might be slightly inferior, Oliver wasn’t involved in management. Most of the ship’s affairs were handled by Arlan, who also served as the strategist for planning.
Therefore, as the second-in-command of the Chris Pirates, everyone generally deferred to Arlan’s words in formal settings.
"The Haiden Kingdom is a good choice. They have a small population and are close to the main shipping route. They only possess less than a hundred thousand troops. If it weren’t for their treacherous terrain, sturdy fortresses, and a capable general, they would have long ago fallen victim to pirate raids," Gorbo said, after glancing at the intelligence.
He felt the New World was too dangerous, with many powerful nations, so it would be better to pick an easy target and develop their strength there.
"No, I think the Clifford Kingdom on Brady Island is a better choice. Haiden Kingdom’s territory is too small, and its resources and terrain aren’t great. Besides, they have three allied kingdoms," Dimitri countered Gorbo’s suggestion.
"State your reasons," Arlan prompted.
"Brady Island is large, a big island, rich in various resources, making it completely self-sufficient. Although the Clifford Kingdom there has a population of nearly ten million, four hundred thousand troops, and several famous strong individuals or Devil Fruit users..."
"But according to both intelligence reports, the current King Dasco XI is gravely ill, and several princes are vying for the throne, making the political environment within the Clifford Kingdom very complex. An internal rebellion is not impossible, so we can utilize this opportunity," Dimitri said, narrowing his eyes and tapping the table with his index finger, offering his opinion.
Want to read ahead of schedule? Head over to my ——— (.)com/JuanFiction [remove the parentheses ( )]
There are over 100 advance Chapters available for you!