The Marines weren't cheap to maintain. Just feeding 8,000 soldiers every day was a challenge in itself.
And it didn't stop there. Military uniforms, equipment, weapons, and other necessities added up to an astronomical expense. Arming 8,000 men was no small feat, and the thought made Sengoku's head spin.
As he considered the situation, an idea popped into his mind. His eyes glinted with cunning, and he put on a concerned tone as he spoke into the Den Den Mushi.
"Little Luffy, with such a large army, their equipment must be giving you a headache, huh?"
Luffy, who immediately saw through Sengoku's ploy, decided to play along. "Ah, you're right, Grandpa. Food and clothing are easy—I can source those locally. But guns and artillery? That's a problem. Wano doesn't produce those kinds of weapons."
Feigning hesitation, Luffy asked tentatively, "What do you say, Grandpa? Could you help me out?"
Sengoku, already annoyed at Luffy's audacity, cursed inwardly. You little brat! I'm trying to figure out how to squeeze money out of you, and now you're trying to get free equipment out of me!
Outwardly, however, Sengoku adopted a look of mock difficulty. "Well, it's not that I don't want to help you, but you know how things are at headquarters. Resources are stretched thin. Just recently, pirate groups in the South Blue formed an alliance, and the local branches have been begging for reinforcements."
Sengoku sighed dramatically before continuing. "And don't get me started on the West Blue. The mafia there has been causing chaos, and even sending Momonga to handle it hasn't helped. With all these crises, the Marine's inventory is running low."
Luffy rolled his eyes, suppressing a laugh. Are you the Fleet Admiral or am I? You're trying to play the victim to a branch commander? How shameless can you get?
Deciding to ignore Sengoku's act, Luffy stayed silent.
Seeing Luffy wasn't responding, Sengoku knew his theatrics had failed. He coughed awkwardly before cutting to the chase.
"Hehe, alright, boy, let me be honest with you. There's a batch of surplus munitions in the Marine warehouse. They're not new, but they're in excellent condition—enough to arm 10,000 men."
Luffy immediately retorted, "What? A Vice Admiral like me has to buy equipment from headquarters? Why don't I just go to an arms dealer? Their weapons are cheaper and brand-new. Why would I settle for your outdated leftovers?"
Sengoku bristled. "What are you talking about?! Our equipment is practically brand-new—99% of it! And it's far more reliable than the shoddy weapons arms dealers produce."
He softened his tone and added, "Look, I'm not selling them to you. I'm just… lending them to you temporarily. Of course, as a formality, you'd need to provide some collateral—say, a few hundred million Berries."
Luffy nearly choked on his laughter. Collateral?! For Marine-issued equipment that should already be free for branch commanders? You've got to be kidding me.
What followed was a heated exchange. Luffy and Sengoku launched verbal attacks, each trying to outmaneuver the other. Sengoku wanted to squeeze as much money out of Luffy as possible, while Luffy had no intention of giving up a single Berries unnecessarily.
Their argument dragged on for what felt like an eternity, with neither willing to back down. After half an hour, both parties were thoroughly exhausted.
Sengoku, his throat dry and his patience wearing thin, leaned back in his chair and gulped down a cup of tea. Five minutes passed as he regained his composure, preparing for the next round.
Just as Sengoku was about to resume their battle, Luffy spoke up.
"Fleet Admiral, there's no point in us fighting like this. I have a better idea. Hear me out."
Sengoku narrowed his eyes suspiciously. "Alright, I'm listening."
Clearing his throat, Luffy revealed his plan.
"Here's what I propose. In light of my contributions to the Marine, you lend me the batch of surplus arms. In return, I'll involve the Marine in a lucrative business opportunity."
Sengoku raised an eyebrow. "Go on…"
Luffy continued, "Olivia's company is planning to expand its market for the new machines. To do that, we need reliable transportation channels. If the Marine handles the transport of these machines to the first half of the Grand Line and the Four Blues, I'll give you 10% of the profits as a shipping fee."
Sengoku's face turned beet red. Slamming his fist on the table, he roared into the microphone, "What the hell are you talking about?! Do you think the Marine is some kind of transport company?!"
Luffy, unfazed by Sengoku's outburst, smiled calmly. "Fleet Admiral, calm down. Think about it. This isn't just about helping me—it's an opportunity for the Marine to generate steady income."
"Steady income?!" Sengoku fumed. "We're soldiers, not deliverymen! Don't even think about it!"
Luffy chuckled. "You're looking at this the wrong way, Grandpa. By working with me, the Marine can establish a new revenue stream. That money could be used to fund your operations, strengthen your forces, and even improve the lives of your soldiers."
"Enough!" Sengoku snapped. "I've heard enough of your nonsense. The Marine will not stoop to being a courier service for your business!"
==============================================
Support me at [email protected]/goldengaruda and check out more chapter of this or more early access chapter of my other fanfic translation.
New fanfic : Marvel : The God Of Punishment System
=============================================