Chapter 425

Due to the former King of the Flower Kingdom, Ramen, having long since immigrated to the Holy Sky City.

The surviving old nobles either chose to hide their identities and live quietly, or aligned themselves with the former commander of the Eight Treasures Navy, now owner of the Eight Treasures Club, Qingshao.

The reason it was renamed the Eight Treasures Club.

Was because the United Kingdom forbade any warlord factions or private armed forces from existing, forcing the Eight Treasures Navy to adopt a new form.

In truth, Qingshao had no choice.

Although Qingshao was not familiar with the Morning Star Group.

Since the founding of the United Kingdom, he had never been to other places to judge, but the Flower Kingdom, now a province, had certainly improved.

Yet as the former officially sanctioned violent pirate force of the Flower Kingdom, the Eight Treasures Navy combined family martial traditions with pirate traits.

They simply could not adapt to these changes.

Without official support, the Eight Treasures Navy... the Club, lost its source of income.

In desperation, the old nobles of the West Sea seized the opportunity to control the Club’s economic lifeline, forcing Qingshao to turn a blind eye and submit to their sponsorship fees.

He chose to protect this group of old nobles.

Losing their sponsorship would only make things worse.

After all, they centered their existence on family lineage—family lineage had made the Eight Treasures Navy flourish, and also made the Eight Treasures Club unable to adapt to the changes of the new era.

Precisely because of this,

the underground world of the Flower Province became a paradise for the West Sea old nobles, which was also why Stussy sent Blackbeard and others here.

At this moment, inside the Eight Treasures Club.

“Boss, the person introduced by the Queen of Joy Street has arrived and is meeting with the bosses.”

Qingshao frowned tightly, wishing he could immediately report to the Marines stationed in the Flower Province, but finally waved his hand.

Reporting them would be easy—just two lips, and this group of old nobles would have nowhere to run.

But after reporting, how would Qingshao’s family survive?

“Tell the men.

Don’t look at what you shouldn’t see, don’t listen to what you shouldn’t hear. The bosses pay sponsorship fees; we only need to guarantee their safety. Don’t get involved in anything else.”

“Yes, Boss.”

Watching his trusted subordinate leave, Qingshao sighed.

“If only I had joined Barzab Seven years ago, I wouldn’t have sunk to this level.”

Qingshao knew well that the old nobles’ money would eventually run out—even before that day came, they’d surely be planning something.

Otherwise, they wouldn’t have used the Queen of Joy Street to introduce the Blackbeard Pirates.

“Blackbeard... is truly a figure.”

Before the overwhelming might of Barzab Seven and the United Kingdom, Blackbeard openly collaborated with the old nobles—Qingshao could not help but feel inferior.

At this moment, in another secret room of the Eight Treasures Club.

Accompanied by Lafitte, Blackbeard finally met the so-called West Sea Noble Alliance.

“Marshall D. Tich,

son of the former Lo Kesi Pirate Captain Lo Kesi , former intern of the Whitebeard Pirates, bounty of one billion Beri. On what grounds do you think we’d fund the Blackbeard Pirates?”

Blackbeard grinned, revealing a mouth missing several teeth, his laugh low and brazen.

“You have no choice.”

Across the entire sea, who dares stand before Whitehair? Who is worthy of opposing the United Kingdom? Who holds the power and ambition to overthrow the world?

Only I can lead you to victory; only I can make this sea freer.

Do you want to just eat and wait to die?

Don’t you wish for the sea to return to how it was, where only nobles enjoyed rights and status?

Do you want those commoners to stand equal to nobles—or even sit above them?”

Before arriving, through Lafitte’s analysis, Blackbeard already knew how to persuade these old nobles: reclaim what was lost, restore freedom to the sea, even surpass its former state.

These were Blackbeard’s big patrons!

If he could, Blackbeard would have killed them all on the spot and seized every last coin—but that would be a one-time deal.

It simply didn’t serve Blackbeard’s interests.

Blackbeard wanted more!

Hearing these audacious words, several figures dressed in fine robes and wearing masks exchanged glances, then slowly nodded.

“Mr. Tich, what do you want?”

At this, Blackbeard extended his fat fingers.

“Money, Devil Fruits, a proper, officially registered large ship.”

The masked figures continued.

“These are no problem.

The issue is, Mr. Tich, we don’t have much time. With the Four Seas now unified, the United Kingdom’s rule will only grow more stable over time.”

Blackbeard understood immediately and extended his black, chubby hand.

“Five years. Give me five years—I’ll show you results.”

“You know I need more time to recruit men. With enough Beri and enough Devil Fruits, we’ll only grow stronger.”

Don’t forget, Whitebeard took seven full years to overthrow the World Government.

And even if I fail to overthrow the United Kingdom, I can still be your shield.

At that time, we carve out a vast territory and enjoy wealth, power, and status openly—wouldn’t that be better than hiding in shadows?”

Before the rich, plump blood bags, Blackbeard painted a glorious future for them.

As for the promises made now?

What nonsense—he’s a pirate!

The last man who believed a pirate’s promise was Oden—his grave is now covered in grass several zhang high.

Come on, can you trust a pirate’s word?

“Deal.”

“In the first year, we will provide you with one billion Beri, three Devil Fruits, and a large, officially registered ship made from Adam Tree wood.”

“Thereafter, each year we will adjust our investment based on the Blackbeard Pirates’ performance from the previous year—either increasing or decreasing funding.”

Blackbeard did not object.

This was their first collaboration; though introduced by the Queen of Joy Street, they still needed to see results before considering further investment.

“Happy cooperation.”

After years at sea, Blackbeard finally received his first substantial funding. He happily boarded the Queen Ship, carrying one billion Beri and three Devil Fruits as he departed.

On the deck of the Queen Ship, off the coast of the Flower Province.

Blackbeard held the three Devil Fruits and looked at his crew.

“Lu Bianyi, these three Devil Fruits are the Animal-type Mantis Fruit, the Paramecia-type Sound Sound Fruit, and the Paramecia-type Melt Melt Fruit. Pick one.”

Among the four crew members, Blackbeard had been waiting for the Gura Gura no Mi and would never eat a Devil Fruit before then.

Lafitte and Wapol were both ability users—only Lu Bianyi remained.

Worried Lu Bianyi didn’t understand the abilities of these three Devil Fruits, Blackbeard was about to explain when a mocking voice suddenly rang in his ear.

“Kongwa Yi Nei.”

Kizaru had thought bringing Wapol back to the Holy Land was enough—he never expected an unexpected bonus.

Kizaru knew: the Captain especially loved collecting Devil Fruits.

These three Devil Fruits? He’d gladly take them!