Chapter 68: Negotiation
"You've crossed a line, Dave," Sengoku growled. "Demanding a Devil Fruit is beyond arrogance. Why should I even consider this?"
"Because," Dave replied, his voice suddenly cold, "I could do much worse. I gave those Celestial Dragons mercy, Sengoku. I could have torn them apart, but I left them alive. Think of this as a... gesture of goodwill."
Sengoku gritted his teeth, the weight of the situation pressing down on him. He glanced at Tsuru and Akainu, both of whom were tense, waiting for his decision. Tsuru gave a slight nod, a signal to stay composed and continue the negotiation.
"Fine," Sengoku said through clenched teeth, "but I decide which Devil Fruit you receive. Don't expect any Mythical or Logia types."
Dave chuckled, his tone mocking. "Oh, I think you still don't understand the situation you're in, Dog King."
Suddenly, a scream echoed from the Den Den Mushi.
"Arghhhh! You bastard! How dare you..."
Sengoku frowned as he heard the desperate cries. "Sir, he killed one!" The operator reported, voice trembling.
"I think my message is clear now," Dave continued coldly. "But let's make this simple: for each Celestial Dragon still alive, you owe me two Devil Fruits—Logia, Paramecia, or Mythical Zoan. One less, and perhaps you'll receive a... half Celestial Dragon. Though I doubt they'll survive being split in two."
Sengoku gritted his teeth, struggling to contain his fury as he forced himself to respond. "Alright... don't kill any more of them."
"Good," Dave said, cutting the call.