Chapter 36 - CHAPTER 36 - An Alliance? A Glass of Sacred Wine

"Join forces to take down Balm?! You're saying this here, without fear of being overheard? You must be the boldest Marine I've ever met." Rosen was slightly surprised by Captain Luca's proposal. As soon as Luca entered the room, he got straight to the point—he wanted them to form an alliance and strategize together to remove Balm from his position as the head of the winery. In simpler terms, he was suggesting they join forces to eliminate Balm. "Haha, you can rest assured. There are over a thousand voices echoing through this building right now. Not even someone highly proficient in Observation Haki could eavesdrop on our conversation. "Plus, these rooms are constructed with special soundproofing materials. You can speak freely without worry." Luca's words dispelled Rosen's initial concerns. "And why do you think I'd agree? I barely know anything about you. "What's stopping you from betraying me? "Don't even try to bring up Marine integrity—I don't believe in that nonsense." Rosen neither agreed nor outright refused. Instead, he chose to probe further. "The reason is simple. You have a grudge against Balm. "Balm is an extremely cautious man—he would never act against you unless he was absolutely certain of his success. "But if he is making preparations, your situation could become very dangerous." Luca flicked the ash from his cigarette. "Oh? So you're saying Balm has been planning against me for years? "Or are you suggesting he intends to make his move tonight at the banquet?" "Not exactly. However, I have intel that Balm has recently been secretly brewing Sacred Wine. "Perhaps you're unaware, but Sacred Wine is incredibly rare in Sake Town. "Only a few key individuals even know of its existence. "This wine requires special medicinal herbs combined with top-tier liquor to create a potent elixir. "It temporarily enhances physical abilities, much like a stimulant—but with even stronger effects." Luca's words were a bombshell. And it was something Rosen truly hadn't known. "Sacred Wine? Sake Town has something like that?" "Of course. Only a select few of us know about it. "Top-quality sake already has powerful restorative properties. "If infused with certain medicinal herbs, it's not surprising that it could grant such effects." "So, you're saying Balm is waiting for his Sacred Wine reserves to reach a certain level before making his move?" Rosen tapped his cigar thoughtfully, twirling it in his fingers rather than lighting it. He couldn't be sure whether Luca was telling the truth. But there was a high probability that he was. And it was an effective tactic—one akin to fearmongering in negotiations. Because regardless of the truth, it allowed Luca to control the conversation. "You killed his younger brother. "My proposal is simple: if you and I join forces, along with Marine support, we can eliminate Balm. "I take control of the winery, and you rid yourself of a dangerous enemy. "A win-win situation." Luca was confident Rosen would agree. Logically speaking, it was a reasonable deal. "You sound pretty sure you can take Balm down. "But he has powerful backers. "Do you really think you can control his winery?" Rosen remained skeptical. "Rest assured, once Balm falls, his remaining forces will be tied up elsewhere. "As far as I know, Balm's captain is already struggling to maintain his own situation. "He won't be sending reinforcements here. "And with your status as a Warlord of the Sea, you shouldn't be afraid of pirates, should you?" "You should've been a businessman instead of a Marine. "Unfortunately, I'm not interested in your offer. "Goodbye." Rosen thought it over. There were too many gaps in this plan. It was impossible to accept such a deal without understanding all the key factors. Besides, he had only come here to gather information, not to form alliances. "Wait." Luca tried to stop him. "I believe any deal can be made if the price is right. "And we share a common enemy. "Name your price—money, fine liquor, or something else? "How about a glass of Sacred Wine?" Seeing Rosen truly about to leave, Luca grew anxious. He couldn't understand why Rosen, who had seemed interested moments ago, was now rejecting him. This deal was clearly beneficial to both of them. "Sacred Wine? "That stimulant-like elixir?" "That's right. "Don't underestimate it. "A single glass of Sacred Wine is worth as much as a Devil Fruit in the underground market. "At a critical moment, it can save your life—or help you kill an enemy. "Not to mention its value as a rare collector's item." Luca's tone grew slightly more excited. Clearly, offering Sacred Wine was a significant concession. It showed that he was willing to go to great lengths to win Rosen over. "I have just one question. "Are you connected to Anlin?" Rosen was intrigued. Based on Balm's attitude, it was clear that he was not friendly toward him. And Luca's claim that Balm was stockpiling Sacred Wine seemed credible. After all, Robin's intelligence had mentioned that Balm had been purchasing large quantities of rare medicinal herbs recently. "Anlin? "Are you referring to the incident at the slums?" Luca was momentarily taken aback. In his eyes, that was an insignificant matter—why was Crocodile bringing it up? "So, you were the one who tipped him off." Rosen immediately caught on. As he spoke, he deliberately watched Luca's expression. There was no look of denial. Only indifference. That told Rosen everything he needed to know. "Goodbye." With that, Rosen turned and walked away, leaving Luca standing there with a dark expression. A Marine who could collaborate with pirates was not someone Rosen could trust. Better to act alone than risk betrayal. "Crocodile... stupid, arrogant pirate. "He turned down an opportunity for mutual benefit?" Luca clenched his fists. He had thought this was a golden opportunity. But this Warlord of the Sea had completely dismissed it. All because of a minor leak of information? Ridiculous. He was just a pirate. Luca had already lowered himself by offering to work with him. And yet, Crocodile had refused. Damn him. Furious, Luca crushed the cigarette in his hand. Then, activating his Devil Fruit ability, he turned the crumpled remains into wisps of smoke that vanished into the air. Without strong allies, his plans would have to be put on hold... After all, in terms of raw power, he was even weaker than Rear Admiral Harry. Meanwhile, outside the room— "The banquet is about to begin. "Please remain patient. "I'll skip the unnecessary speeches. "Let's start with an exciting opening match!" A sharply dressed host, holding a microphone, announced the beginning of the evening's main event. Unlike traditional banquets, pirate-hosted events were always rowdy and intense. The opening act was a brutal deathmatch to set the mood. But the prize was just as extravagant— A Devil Fruit worth 300 million berries. The only rule? Only bodyguards or subordinates could participate. After all, it would be beneath the dignity of captains or high-ranking guests to enter the arena themselves. This was entertainment for them. They were the spectators. Not the fighters. (End of Chapter)