One Piece:The Merchant King of Grand Line

The Merchant King of the Grand Line

Chapter 12: The Emperor's Interest

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The Big Mom Pirates Knock at the Door

A few days after the news reached me that Big Mom Pirates were sniffing around, the tension was palpable in my underground facility.

I had just set the final test on the Chimera Zoan fruit when I got word that a representative from Charlotte Linlin's crew was demanding a meeting.

This wasn't some random pirate looking to buy fruits. This was Big Mom's personal envoy.

And when Big Mom herself started showing interest in your product, it wasn't just a business deal anymore—it was a power struggle.

I wasn't naive enough to think she was interested in a simple purchase.

Big Mom didn't buy things. She took. She collected. She didn't care about fair transactions; she cared about dominating the market.

And if I wasn't careful, she'd try to turn me into another pawn.

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The Envoy's Visit

Two days later, a massive ship appeared on the horizon.

Its sails were adorned with the signature Big Mom Pirate emblem—a jolly roger with a candy motif, as ridiculous as it was terrifying.

The ship dropped anchor at the bay, and soon enough, a squadron of Big Mom's subordinates came ashore.

At the forefront was Charlotte Cracker—one of Big Mom's most trusted commanders, known for his mastery over biscuit-based Devil Fruit powers.

Behind him was a woman I recognized immediately.

Charlotte Smoothie.

She was one of Big Mom's Sweet Commanders, known for her intimidating calm demeanor and her ability to wring every drop of juice from her enemies with the powers of the Shibo Shibo no Mi (the "Squeeze Squeeze Fruit").

Together, they were a formidable pair.

I greeted them with an expression of politeness, but my eyes were already calculating.

If I played this wrong, I wouldn't just lose money—I'd lose control.

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The Negotiation Begins

We gathered in one of my private chambers. Smoothie and Cracker took their seats at the long table, their eyes sizing me up, while I leaned back in my chair.

"So," I began, keeping my voice smooth, "what brings the Big Mom Pirates to my humble operation?"

Smoothie smiled, though there was no warmth in it. "We've heard some rather interesting rumors about artificial Devil Fruits, specifically Mythical Zoans."

I raised an eyebrow. "Rumors? I thought you were a woman of action, not hearsay."

Her smile tightened. "Rumors have their value, Lancaster. It's not just about what we hear; it's about what we want to acquire."

I leaned forward. "And what does Big Mom want?"

Cracker's cold voice cut through. "We want a partnership. We've heard you've developed fruits that could enhance our forces. Maybe even something to rival the strongest Zoans. A Chimera Zoan."

I didn't flinch. "I don't sell to just anyone. And I'm not interested in forming an alliance with Big Mom."

Cracker's smile was empty. "You misunderstand. Big Mom doesn't ask. She takes. We could easily take your operation."

I could feel the pressure. But I knew how to negotiate with pirates like them. If I caved to their demands now, I would lose all leverage.

I matched Cracker's gaze and smiled. "If your boss was here, I'd be listening. But you're not Big Mom, Cracker. And if you're hoping to take my business by force, I suggest you think again. Because I'm not a small-time dealer."

Smoothie's eyes narrowed, and for a moment, the room was silent. But then she leaned forward.

"Perhaps we've been too direct," she said. "Let's start again. We offer a cooperation. In exchange for a steady supply of your artificial Mythical Zoans, Big Mom will grant you protection. Think of it as a business partnership."

I already knew where this was going. The problem wasn't Big Mom's protection—it was her domination. The moment I agreed to a deal, she would assume control, and I'd be nothing but another cog in her machine.

I grinned, my mind racing. "You're offering protection in exchange for exclusivity. I get it. But I'm afraid your offer isn't enough."

Smoothie's expression remained calm, but there was a flicker of annoyance in her eyes. "What would it take to satisfy you, then?"

I stood up and began to pace slowly around the room, letting the tension build. "What I need, Smoothie, is not just protection. I need freedom. I need the freedom to operate without being tied to your crew. Without giving up my independence. And most importantly, I need a promise that your mother will never step in and take control of my operation."

Cracker growled, but Smoothie held up a hand, silencing him. "We can negotiate terms, but understand this: Big Mom will not work with you unless she gets what she wants. We always get what we want."

I paused, thinking. My eyes met hers, a spark of danger igniting in my chest.

"I'm willing to make a deal," I said, my voice suddenly hard. "But I want something extra. If Big Mom is serious about working with me, I want a guarantee that no one—not her, not her commanders—will ever interfere in my business. You'll respect my independence, or the deal is off. And if you try to back out, I'll make sure your operation in the New World is crushed."

Smoothie didn't blink. "You're bold, Lancaster. But I'll take your offer back to Big Mom. We'll see if she's willing to meet your demands."

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The Moment of Truth

After the meeting, I watched as Cracker and Smoothie left my compound. The tension in the air still lingered. I didn't know if Big Mom would accept my terms, but I knew one thing for certain:

I had played my hand well.

Whether she liked it or not, I had now established myself as someone who couldn't be bought or bullied.

Big Mom wasn't just an Emperor—she was a force. And if I wanted to survive in this world, I had to keep pushing back against forces like her.

But I couldn't help but smile.

This was only the beginning.

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Next Chapter: The Tides of War

(Victor faces an unexpected response from Big Mom, while the World Government tightens its grip on his operation.)