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墨書 Inktalez
Chapter 147: The Transaction
The submarine carried Lucci as it traveled towards the distance. After half a day's journey, it arrived at an island by evening.
The submarine surfaced, and people on the island came to assist, lifting the cage onto the shore and moving it inward.
"It doesn't seem far," Lucci thought. The journey from Water Seven to here took half a day by ship and another half day by submarine.
The cargo ship was heavily laden, moving at a limited speed of about ten knots. As for the submarine, while sailing on the water's surface with the aid of its sails, it could only manage eight knots.
The pace was slow, but the distance wasn't too great.
After assessing the distance, Lucci began to observe his surroundings. The island was not large; it could accommodate a town of around two thousand people based on its residential capacity.
A path led deeper into the island, surrounded by dense trees. In some areas, there were pits left by uprooted trees that had yet to be filled in.
Wood shavings, stones, and lime were scattered along the roadside.
These were building materials, and some had not yet settled into the ground, indicating they had been recently transported here.
It was likely that this place used to be a deserted island that they were now transforming.
In other words, this might not be their main base of operations.
Lucci stroked his chin as he gazed down the path. After walking for a while, the area opened up to reveal a clearing near the foot of a mountain. There stood a row of two-story buildings stretching about one or two hundred meters wide. The buildings were set back from the mountain range, suggesting there were courtyards behind them.
At the entrance on the first floor stood a Blue Woman.
Lucci had no information about her in his mind; perhaps the intelligence department had a file, but it was not part of his mission, and they wouldn't disclose it to him.
"Take it inside," the Blue Woman instructed everyone.
"Yes, issdub1efinr," someone immediately replied, lifting the cage and entering through the door.
"Double Fingers?" Lucci noted this title while observing his surroundings.
Behind the door was a large hall, with corridors extending into the distance on both sides, and directly opposite the entrance was another door.
After stepping through that door, a courtyard appeared before him. The courtyard wasn't particularly large, with walls that were only about as tall as those of the hall.
However, there were large doors on either side of the courtyard walls.
They carried Lucci through the door on the right and walked in, revealing a massive courtyard that stretched at least four to five hundred meters, extending toward the Coast in the distance.
In the courtyard lay a gigantic beast.
"Indeed, it's the same beast that appeared alongside Nico Robin."
Upon seeing its full form, Lucci confirmed its identity and felt a surge of curiosity—could it really be orchestrated by Nico Robin?
"Leave now, and keep watch around the Coast. If you detect any ships approaching, sound the alarm immediately."
Bola glanced around, and the people nearby quickly exited the courtyard.
Bola closed the door and walked up to Lucci, looking at him as he gently said, "It's a pleasure to meet you, P9's Rob Lucci."
"Who are you?"
Lucci looked at Bola, his voice cold as he asked.
Bola waved his hand dismissively. "Who I am isn't important. What matters is that we have something you want."
"The Pluton Blueprint?" Lucci replied, his gaze intense as he stared back.
Bola nodded. "That's right. We know the location of the Underworld Blueprint. If you're willing to cooperate, we will hand it over to you."
"Then you need to prove that you possess the Pluton Blueprint first."
Lucci looked at Bola and said, "I can't just take your word for it. What if you're trying to deceive me?"
Bola replied, "The Pluton Blueprint isn't in our possession."
Lucci leaned back against the cage lazily and said, "Then there's no need for cooperation."
"Don't be hasty."
Bola looked at Lucci and continued, "You infiltrated Water Seven because one of the ancient weapons, the Pluton Blueprint, ended up in Tom's hands, right? That legendary shipwright, Bullhorn Fishman Tom."
"You know quite a bit."
Lucci was somewhat surprised. While her identity wasn't hard to discern, the fact that the Underworld Blueprint had fallen into Tom's hands was a closely guarded secret.
Bola said, "Esbagu is Tom's apprentice, and he is the president of Carrera Company, which was established five years ago. You also arrived here five years ago, so you deduced that after Tom's death, the blueprint ended up in Esbagu's hands. That's why you joined Carrera Company and became a Boatman, aiming to obtain the Pluton Blueprint. Am I right?"
"It seems you know a lot."
Lucci's gaze turned calm. She was aware of Esbagu's situation, but her words revealed much more.
Her statements carried significant implications.
First, they certainly knew that Tom possessed the Pluton Blueprint.
Second, they were aware of her infiltration five years ago.
Lastly, they hadn't mentioned anyone else's name; they kept referring to 'you,' focusing on her as the subject. These three points could lead to several deductions: first, based on her words regarding Esbagu and Tom's relationship, as well as her arrival at Carrera Company, they inferred her intentions.
Perhaps there was no Traitor; it was all based on speculation.
Their knowledge of her infiltration five years ago indicated that they had discovered her presence midway through.
Second, they understood that her goal was Pluton but questioned whether she wanted the Pluton Blueprint. It was possible that the blueprint was no longer in Esbagu's possession. They likely knew the whereabouts of the Underworld Blueprint.
Third, they might not be aware of Califa Kakuburumu's existence.
Considering this, it was highly probable that during the time frame of five years ago or in between, they had recognized her as Rob Lucci from P9 and speculated that she must have some ulterior motives.
Based on Esbagu, he began to assess his own objectives.
At the same time, they discovered the Underworld Blueprint and sought to find themselves, hoping to exchange the blueprint for cooperation.
Lucci asked lightly, "So you already noticed my presence?"
"Of course."
Bola replied with a smile, "We noticed you years ago. Who would have thought that the renowned Rob Lucci would come to Water Seven and work as a Boatman? And to think you’ve been lurking here for five years. We were quite curious about what Lucci was up to. What could possibly be worth such a long wait?"
"That’s exactly it."
Upon hearing this, Lucci felt more resolute in her thoughts. They had already discovered her, and through her time spent in hiding, they were speculating about her potential motives.
Looking at Bola, Lucci lazily inquired, "If the Pluton Blueprint isn’t with Esbagu, then where could it be? Tom seems to have two apprentices, right? Could it be in the hands of the other one?"
"Is your target Franky, that ruffian leader?"
Bola chuckled, "Of course not. Why do you think Tom would necessarily give the blueprint to his apprentices?"
"What do you mean?" Lucci raised an eyebrow.
Bola explained, "He gave it to someone—someone you would never expect. No matter how long you lurk here, whether it's five years or ten, you won't find that blueprint."
"To someone else?"
Lucci frowned. If she was so certain, did that mean Tom had given it to someone else? An unexpected individual? It seemed impossible to obtain the blueprint through Esbagu.
Lucci looked at Bola and asked, "So you know the whereabouts of the blueprint and want to collaborate with me?"
"That's right," Bola replied. "As long as you're willing to help us, we'll gladly share the location of the Underworld Blueprint with you."
"What do you want in return?" Lucci inquired, still focused on Bola.
Bola answered, "It's simple. We need the techniques for Six Powers and Life Restoration, and then we'll tell you where to find the Underworld Blueprint."
"Six Styles and Life Restoration?" Lucci's expression was one of disbelief, not because the reward was too great, but because it was too little.
The importance of the Underworld was undeniable. As one of the three ancient weapons, its value was immense, and he had spent five years in hiding to obtain it. Just how significant was it?
This was a power that could change the course of the world’s battles; its worth was beyond measure.
However, there were several issues here.
First, many people already knew Six Styles—not just those in intelligence but also within the Navy. Moreover, many of them were significantly weaker than him. Why choose him? Wouldn't it be easier to select someone less powerful?
As for Life Restoration, fewer people were familiar with it. For instance, Demon Spider Vice Admiral knew it, as did P9's Embrace.
Combining Six Styles with Life Restoration made targeting himself seem quite reasonable.
But the problem is that the Six Styles and Life Restoration simply cannot compare to the Underworld King.
Once they possess the Underworld King, they will have immense deterrent power. Why would they still need the Six Styles and Life Restoration?
Furthermore, if they let him go and then called upon P9 or even higher powers to hunt them down, wouldn't that be a case of losing more than they gain?
So they would never let him go; that is secondary. He would willingly trade his life for the whereabouts of the Underworld King.
However, they would never reveal their Underworld Blueprint.
Lucci asked casually, "So as long as I come out, you plan to let me go?"
"Of course," Bola shrugged.
"I need to think about it."
Lucci hesitated before saying, "I can't make a decision right now."
"Then we'll give you some more time."
Bola looked at Lucci coldly and said, "By tomorrow, you must give us your answer."
Lucci glanced around and asked, "So you’re not planning to let me out?"
"Of course not."
"Bola," he said, "your strength is impressive, and we are no match for you, so please stay here. If you don't want to remain, it would be best to tell us quickly."
"Alright."
Lucci nodded, but in his heart, he was calculating. It seemed that the people left behind here, even with the giant beast, had no confidence in defeating him.
This giant beast was strong in the water, its head extremely hard, and even his strongest moves had no effect.
However, on land, if he moved with agility, attacking its weak points wouldn't be difficult for him to achieve victory.
So the strength here was limited; at least it couldn't compare to his own. Therefore, there was no need to think about reaching a new agreement to gain any possible chance of survival.
Bola waved his hand and said, "I'll bring you some food shortly."
With that, Bola turned to leave, but Lucci called out, "Where is Nico Robin? She should be one of your people, right?"
"Nico Robin?"
Hearing this, Bola stopped and looked at Lucci. "You know her?"
Lucci nodded. "Of course. This giant beast has acted alongside Nico Robin before; seeing it naturally means knowing her as well."
"Nico Robin," Bola asked with a smile, "do you want to see her?"
Lucci replied, "Yes, I'm curious about some of her actions."
"You want to see her."
Bola pointed at Xiaqiu and laughed, "Then she can only be swallowed by it."
With that, Bola turned and walked away, bursting into laughter in the distance.
"Nico Robin was eaten by a giant beast?"
Lucci, hearing this, looked at the giant beast with some surprise.
Could it be that she did something wrong and was punished? It seems the Navy's Bounty Notice has been after a dead person all along.
Lucci thought to himself, glancing at the giant beast and shaking his head.
Not long after, Bola personally brought food, not only for Lucci but also for the giant beast.
Lucci struggled to eat the food, closing his eyes to rest as he awaited the arrival of tomorrow.
The next morning, Lucci suddenly opened his eyes and saw Bola approaching from a distance.
Bola looked at Lucci and gently asked, "Have you thought about it?"
"I haven't made up my mind yet."
Lucci shook his head and said, "The Six Styles are fine, but Life Restoration is just too important. This is a bit troublesome; if it were just the Six Styles..."
"No way."
"Bola said, 'This transaction involves the Six Styles and Life Restoration.'
'Alright, let me think it over,' Lucci replied, nodding. 'This is a significant matter; give me a bit more time.'
'You have until noon at the latest, because we must leave by then. Either with your information or with your corpse,' Bola said coldly before turning to leave.
Leave by noon?
There were still five hours left; it felt a bit short, but it should be manageable.
Moreover, they needed to leave with information. Although they might not be core members of the mysterious organization, they could still lead him to the core members.
That would suffice.
Lucci continued to wait while Bola returned with a chair and some food.
She handed the food to Lucci and sat down on the chair, flipping through a book.
After finishing his meal, Lucci closed his eyes in meditation, saying nothing.
Time ticked by slowly, and Bola grew increasingly impatient. She put down her book several times to ask him questions, her voice becoming more intense each time.
But Lucci simply waited, just waiting.
Finally, at eleven in the morning, Lucci suddenly said, 'I intend to refuse.'"
"Refuse?"
Bola furrowed her brows, springing to her feet and looking at Lucci. "If you refuse, there's only one way for you to go."
"That may not be the case."
As soon as Lucci's words fell, a gust of wind surged forward.
"Hmm?"
Bola immediately turned around and raised her hand, sharp spikes extending from her arm.
Bang.
A long leg struck her arm, ignoring the spikes completely, snapping them off with ease before driving forward and hitting Bola's arm.
"That hurts."
Bola was hit squarely, feeling an excruciating pain in her arm. Her body was propelled backward by the force, landing beside Xiaqiu.
Behind her stood a tall woman and a large man.
Moreover, a figure leaped out from a door that opened in mid-air.
"Boss."
Seeing Lucci, the three of them shouted in unison.
"You arrived too late; I almost died," Lucci said coldly.
"We lost some time."
The woman adjusted her glasses and said, "But we made it. Now it's their turn to die."
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