The Transaction Was Successful: Daybreak!

As Crow pondered Arias's proposition, considering the pressing need for funds in their revolutionary efforts, he acknowledged that the ship didn't have to be top-notch for their cause. The possibility of selling the ship for double the price appealed to him, alleviating their urgent financial requirements.

Contemplating the ship's construction materials, Crow expressed, "The materials used in my ship are not simple, and you may not be able to afford them."

Arias, undeterred, offered, "Would you like to hear the details?"

Before Crow could respond, Old Man Evan interjected, "Part of the treasure tree Yukot is the second only to Adam's wood in the world! This ship is worth 100 million Baileys in materials alone! The craftsmanship fee is negligible compared to this material!"

Crow silently nodded in agreement. Arias then proposed, "How about I pay you 250 million beli to buy this ship?"

Crow's heart skipped a beat. While Evan's craftsmanship was superb, it was worth a million Baileys, and including Yukotmu's 100 million, doubling it would only be 220 million. Arias's offer was essentially 2.5 times the original price.

Realizing the significant profit potential, Crow didn't hesitate and agreed, "Okay! Deal!"

"I'll head to the hotel to get the money," Arias announced, though the money was already in his pocket, concealed from outsiders.

After the trade, Crow seemed on the verge of saying something but departed without further conversation. Arias watched him leave thoughtfully, considering the potential benefits of aligning with the Revolutionary Army.

As Arias prepared to leave, the shipyard owner approached, seeking the promised 1% bonus of 2.5 million beli. Arias, understanding the situation, handed over the amount, ensuring smooth relations.

"Prepare another batch of materials for transport to the ship. Money won't be an issue," Arias assured the shipyard boss, who smiled and instructed his men accordingly.

Examining the ship, Arias noted its simplicity and black-to-white gradient from middle to bow. Evan revealed, "The guest said that this ship is called Daybreak."

While Arias acknowledged the significance to the Revolutionary Army, he remained indifferent. Exploring the cabin, he discovered Evan had installed a power device capable of aiding the hull's movement in light winds, though crossing the Calm Belt remained impossible.

Utilizing the available space, Arias contemplated modifications to the ship. Once all desired materials were loaded into the cabin, Arias, Hancock, and Salome embarked, setting sail. While at sea, Arias continued refining weapons, intending to remodel the ship.

Hancock, with minimal sailing experience, followed Arias's general instructions to navigate the boat. In the cabin, a makeshift workshop was set up for weapon refinement, where flames flickered, and hammers clanked. Arias aimed for more significant creations beyond Ma Xianhong's inheritance, drawing on his own weapon refining knowledge.

Meanwhile, at Naval Headquarters, Sengoku reviewed a document detailing Arias and Hancock's reappearance, particularly in Saint Lunzoa. Comparing sea charts, he wondered, "Did they truly head towards the Bangor Sea? But why purchase a new boat? What happened to the previous one?"

Simultaneously, he opened another document, seeking answers.

The document displayed photos of two enormous sea snakes discovered by a Marine warship near San Renzoa. Upon comparison, they were identified as the same snakes Arias used to pull the boat when leaving Nine Snakes.

Sengoku pondered, "Did the previous pirate ship disintegrate?" The purchase of a new ship seemed logical in such a scenario, but the circumstances hinted at secrecy.

Expressing his frustration, Sengoku slammed the table. Despite strong suspicions regarding Arias's involvement in the Op-Op Fruit interception, convicting without evidence remained impossible.

"Continue investigating!" he ordered.

In contrast, Vice Admiral Garp, seated on the office sofa, nonchalantly enjoyed senbei. Unaffected by the situation, he remarked, "Isn't it just an Op-Op Fruit? It's better to be robbed than to give it to those rubbish."

Ignoring Garp's casual attitude, Sengoku focused on the matter. Garp, known for not taking the World Government and Celestial Dragons seriously, continued with his carefree demeanor. Even his student Aokiji had become lax in his responsibilities.