Bang!
"Damn pirates, who gave him the courage to ignore our existence?"
"Does he think a mere island can withstand our cannons?"
The Five Elders, who had just finished negotiating with Da Tian Gkou Qing Feng, slammed their palms on the table, venting their anger and dissatisfaction.
The other four, standing or sitting, remained calm in the face of the angry man with the glasses' outburst.
Having lived for hundreds of years, they had seen all sorts of storms and endured all sorts of humiliation.
The threat they had just received was merely a small interlude in the river of time.
The Five Elder with glasses said solemnly, "Notify Steel Bones Kong to continue the attack and erase Gourmet Island from this world entirely."
The Five Elder with rolled-up mustache said calmly, "Matters that can be resolved with money are not matters at all."
"Since he is unwilling to submit, let's move our plan forward."
"The Seven Warlords plan can also be implemented."
The Five Elder with glasses pondered for a moment and said, "I fear he will not agree."
The Five Elder with rolled-up mustache shifted his sitting position to make himself more comfortable and said, "The Xuanwu Navy holds a monopoly in the East Blue; the East Blue Navy is already defunct."
"Soon, the Xuanwu Navy will emerge from the East Blue and advance towards the other three seas. Bringing Gourmet Island into the Seven Warlords plan will further hinder the development speed of the Xuanwu Navy."
The Five Elder with glasses mused, "Then let it be so."
...
The Five Elders made their decision and soon notified Fleet Admiral Steel Bones Kong.
Fleet Admiral Steel Bones Kong's brow furrowed upon hearing this, but he could not refuse the command of the Five Elders.
Thus, Steel Bones Kong contacted Sengoku, who was on his way to Gourmet Island.
Sengoku hung up the phone, his expression grim.
Even though the World Government had agreed to pay a ransom for Kuzan and the other two, the Seven Warlords plan greatly displeased him.
Recruiting pirates with significant power and influence, acknowledging their status and position, and granting them certain privileges.
Now, he was being asked by Steel Bones Kong to not only redeem Kuzan and the other two but also to recruit Da Tian Gkou Qing Feng, the lord of Gourmet Island.
Two days later.
Sengoku, accompanied by Vice Admiral Tsuru and one hundred soldiers, leaving three warships with soldiers on standby for any eventuality, officially landed on Gourmet Island.
The pirates on Gourmet Island, seeing the arrival of Sengoku and Vice Admiral Tsuru, had a mixture of solemnity and anticipation in their eyes.
This time, it was an Admiral of the Navy who personally appeared, which was both expected and unexpected.
Sengoku looked at the buildings on Gourmet Island and smelled the aroma of food in the air, his expression still somewhat solemn.
The unique architectural style, the unique management methods, and the unheard-of Da Tian Gkou clan made Sengoku filled with curiosity about Da Tian Gkou Qing Feng.
"Sengoku, since an agreement has been reached above, remember not to act impulsively," Vice Admiral Tsuru reminded Sengoku, who looked solemn.
"What do you think of the Seven Warlords plan?" Sengoku asked after a moment of hesitation.
Vice Admiral Tsuru replied calmly, "Are you worried about Zephyr?"
Zephyr's wife and children were killed by pirates in retaliation years ago.
Therefore, Zephyr harbored an immense hatred for pirates.
Now, the World Government was recruiting pirates, granting them privileges, and making them 'dogs' of the World Government, who could even receive protection from the Navy at critical moments.
The Navy protecting pirates?
It was truly laughable.
How heartbroken Zephyr would be upon hearing this news.
The top floor of the repaired hotel.
Da Tian Gkou Qing Feng sat in the main seat, while Lu Bu sat to the side.
Lu Bu looked at Sengoku, sensing his immense power.
The intense desire to fight him was overwhelming.
"Admiral of the Navy, Sengoku the Buddha."
"I've heard much about you!"
Da Tian Gkou Qing Feng extended his hand, gesturing for Sengoku to sit, and said with a smile.
Sengoku glanced at the table already set before them, with two seats, one in front and one behind, precisely arranged for them.
Sengoku glanced at the table, intending to get straight to the point.
However, Vice Admiral Tsuru gently patted his arm and shook her head.
Sengoku fell silent for a moment, then sat down in the front seat. Vice Admiral Tsuru followed suit.
Da Tian Gkou Qing Feng clapped his hands, and the door opened. Four maidservants dressed in kimonos entered, carrying dishes.
"Gourmet Island is famous for its cuisine."
"On Gourmet Island, there is also a gourmet restaurant whose dishes possess special effects."
"Although you two no longer need them, the delicacies within are still very much worth savoring."
As Da Tian Gkou Qing Feng spoke, Sengoku and Vice Admiral Tsuru understood.
The hospitality of the host.
Was there something that needed to be discussed after the meal?
Lu Bu and Da Tian Gkou Qing Feng paid no attention to their thoughts and began to eat.
The enticing aroma stimulated their noses, and their mouths began to secrete more saliva.
Sengoku was somewhat reserved and did not wish to partake.
However, Vice Admiral Tsuru beside him was already elegantly enjoying the meal.
Seeing this, Sengoku no longer held back.
Each dish was served at the perfect moment, and the portions were appropriate, yet even so, it still allowed Sengoku and Vice Admiral Tsuru to experience unprecedented deliciousness.
An hour later.
The tableware and table were cleared, and the formal negotiations began.
"I want to see them," Sengoku said first.
"What about forty-five billion Berries?" Da Tian Gkou Qing Feng said with a smile.
"They will be delivered the day after tomorrow." This was the promise made by the Five Elders to Fleet Admiral Steel Bones Kong, which was then conveyed to Sengoku.
"Money for people," Da Tian Gkou Qing Feng said gently. "If you two don't want to go back and forth, you can stay on Gourmet Island and enjoy the food here. Of course, all expenses must be paid."
Sengoku's fist instantly clenched, making a cracking sound, and he said, "Do you really think I dare not fight you?"
Upon hearing this, Lu Bu raised his hand and grabbed the Fangtian Huaji beside him, his battle intent surging, ready to engage Sengoku in a fight at any moment.
"Then you can bet whether the three most promising Vice Admirals of the Navy will die on Gourmet Island?" Da Tian Gkou Qing Feng said calmly.
Sengoku was so enraged that veins bulged on his forehead. If he could, he wanted to have a good fight, destroy Gourmet Island, and kill Da Tian Gkou Qing Feng.
Vice Admiral Tsuru extended her hand and held Sengoku, activating her ability. She washed Sengoku as if he were laundry, immediately calming him down as his emotions shifted.
"We will stay on Gourmet Island, and we hope you will treat those three children well," Vice Admiral Tsuru said to Da Tian Gkou Qing Feng.
Upon hearing this, Da Tian Gkou Qing Feng smiled and said, "Although the accommodations are ordinary, the food is the best here. They are treated exceptionally well."
"Then let's discuss another matter," Vice Admiral Tsuru said with a smile.
Sengoku's face darkened, and he somewhat wished Vice Admiral Tsuru would not speak.
But he quickly fell silent.
"According to the decision made by the Five Elders, Fleet Admiral Steel Bones Kong agrees to formally invite you to join the 'Seven Warlords Plan'..."
Vice Admiral Tsuru explained the details of the 'Seven Warlords Plan' to Da Tian Gkou Qing Feng bit by bit.
To be honest, Vice Admiral Tsuru also did not wish for the existence of these Seven Warlords, because the nominal alliance was more about them acting independently and growing stronger on their own territories, which posed a greater threat to the Navy.
Pirates without restraint were undoubtedly more dangerous.
"We will not force you to give an answer."
"However, we need an answer the day after tomorrow to report back."
Vice Admiral Tsuru said to Da Tian Gkou Qing Feng with a smile.
Da Tian Gkou Qing Feng smiled faintly and replied, "Alright."
Vice Admiral Tsuru also smiled and said, "Thank you for your hospitality, Island Master."
"However, we wish to stay here and wait for the ransom to arrive, so we will need to trouble the Island Master to arrange accommodation for us."
Upon hearing this, Da Tian Gkou Qing Feng took out a card from his pocket and handed it to Vice Admiral Tsuru, smiling and saying, "Vice Admiral Tsuru is indeed a great strategist with both beauty and wisdom."
"You can stay at the hotel as you please. If you're not satisfied, we can arrange a villa for you, and your subordinates can also be accommodated."
"As for the food, this is a VIP card, offering a 30% discount on all consumption on Gourmet Island. I believe Vice Admiral Tsuru can afford this much."
Vice Admiral Tsuru glanced at the card, then smilingly accepted it, saying, "Having something is better than having nothing. I've heard the prices here are sky-high."
Da Tian Gkou Qing Feng chuckled and said, "Customers are God. Those who pay can enjoy the world's top-tier delicacies."
"Therefore, we treat all guests on Gourmet Island equally, without distinction of status."
"Of course, this is under the premise that you have the money to consume normally and do not violate the rules here."
"We will abide by the rules here, and we hope the Island Master can relax his vigilance," Vice Admiral Tsuru said before leaving with Sengoku.
After leaving the hotel, Vice Admiral Tsuru and Sengoku began to wander around Gourmet Island.
As they were already full, the two merely observed the gourmet restaurants, bars, and various entertainment venues, without participating in any of them.
However, on the second day, they did not miss out on the other culinary delights of Gourmet Island.
Thus, a scene unfolded on Gourmet Island.
Sengoku and Vice Admiral Tsuru freely traversed various gourmet restaurants and bars. Dressed in Navy uniforms, they appeared conspicuously out of place compared to the pirates.
Wherever they appeared, the pirates would quiet down a bit and stare at Sengoku and Vice Admiral Tsuru.
It was as if staring at them this way could embarrass Sengoku and Vice Admiral Tsuru.
Unfortunately, Sengoku was somewhat thin-skinned, but Vice Admiral Tsuru elegantly enjoyed the food, ignoring the gazes of others.
On the third day, forty-five billion Berries, escorted by six Navy warships, arrived at Gourmet Island.
Crate after crate of Berries were unloaded from the warships and counted. Kuzan, Sakazuki, and Borsalino were also brought out.
The patrol team removed their Sea Prism Stone handcuffs, and Kuzan and the other two's physical strength was restored, meaning they could now actively use their Devil Fruit abilities.
"Hiss!"
Scorching magma dripped onto the ground, melting the surface. Sakazuki's gaze was extremely grim.
"Do you want to fight?" Lu Bu asked, stepping forward as he saw Sakazuki's demeanor, and said lightly.
"Sakazuki!" Sengoku said sternly, reminding Sakazuki.
Sakazuki snorted, left a sentence, and turned to leave.
"One day, I will flatten this place."
Kuzan and Borsalino also did not want to lose face here and left.
"Island Master, shouldn't you give us an answer?" Sengoku asked, staring at Da Tian Gkou Qing Feng.
"Yes, but whether you ultimately decide to help will depend on your sincerity," Da Tian Gkou Qing Feng said with a slight smile.
"Don't go too far," Sengoku said discontentedly.
"Gourmet Island is my domain. Those who come here must abide by my rules. Nothing else concerns me," Da Tian Gkou Qing Feng also had his own reasoning and appeared resolute.
Upon hearing this, Sengoku remained silent for a moment and said, "I hope you can keep your word."
Then, Sengoku, with Vice Admiral Tsuru, and the unwilling and humiliated Kuzan, Sakazuki, Borsalino, and others left.