Chapter 52: Big Bang Impact
Kyle pretended to think it over. He knew exactly who Knuckle and Shoot were, but he had to maintain the appearance of a careful captain.
Seeing Kyle's hesitation, Netero chuckled and explained, "Don't underestimate Knuckle. His ability, [Hakoware], is an incredibly powerful support tool and a finisher against opponents with massive Aura reserves. But more importantly... it's the perfect tool for training."
"As for Shoot, his [Hotel Rafflesia] is specialized for capture and confinement. On the open sea, the ability to capture live targets for intel, or temporarily imprison dangerous enemies, is invaluable."
He deliberately linked their abilities to the needs of the Pirate World, making a compelling case.
Kyle laughed inwardly. Netero's "ideal" candidates clearly weren't Knuckle and Shoot, but they were reliable. And Kyle knew if he refused, the old fox probably wouldn't help him recruit Morel and Knov, either. He didn't have Netero's patience or network to scour the globe for them himself.
"Deal!" Kyle clapped his hands. "We'll do it your way."
With the crew roster settled, Kyle immediately pivoted to the next crucial point. He put on his best smile and stared straight at Netero.
"By the way, you pervy old geezer. Since we're going to be the 'Hunter Pirates,' we need a ship worthy of the name. Something impressive, right?"
"With your influence and connections, getting a top-tier ship should be no problem, right?" Kyle gave him a look that said, Don't try to fool me, I know you're loaded.
"A ship..." Netero drawled, his eyes twinkling with mischief.
"That is indeed a problem. Based on my preliminary calculations, a ship capable of navigating the harshest seas, with top-tier speed, firepower, and defense... would cost at least ten billion Jenny to build."
"So... when will you be transferring the funds to my account?"
"TEN BILLION?!" Kyle nearly jumped out of his skin, his voice cracking. "Why don't you just rob me?! My entire fortune is two billion! Not a penny more!" He threw his hands up, defeated.
"Two billion..." Netero stroked his beard, pretending to think. "Hmm. That might buy you a dinghy. Maybe." He sounded very serious, as if he were actually considering it.
"Hey! Can't you chip in?!" Kyle snapped. "You're a crew member, too! Do you really want to sail on a piece of junk? I'd be better off buying a ship in this world!"
"Well... there is another way," Netero said slowly, smiling like an old cat watching a mouse walk into a trap.
"What way?" Kyle asked, hope rekindling.
"A loan," Netero beamed, revealing the ultimate weapon of capitalism.
"I have a few savings from over the years. I could offer you a private loan of eight billion Jenny. How about it?"
"Of course, business is business. Interest is non-negotiable. Let's say... monthly interest. One hundred million Jenny per month seems fair."
He counted on his fingers as he spoke, completely ignoring Kyle's face, which had gone black with rage.
Are you kidding me?! Kyle screamed internally. You're the Chairman! Money is just a number to you! And you're interested in loan sharking?!
"So, Captain? What do you say?" Netero urged, knowing Kyle had no choice.
Kyle's mind flashed to the legendary city of gold, Shandora, on Skypiea. Right. What am I afraid of? Once we find that, money won't be an issue. And Knov's [Hide and Seek] is literally made for smuggling gold!
With that thought, he calmed down. He waved his hand grandly.
"No problem! One hundred million a month? Pocket change! I'll take it!"
Netero looked surprised. He hadn't expected Kyle to agree so quickly. He thought they'd at least haggle down to ninety million.
"The ship is settled, then."
Netero raised another point, gesturing to the empty beach. "But Captain, how do you plan to bring a massive ship from our world to this one? Unless I'm mistaken, your current Aura capacity isn't nearly enough to open a portal that size."
Kyle grinned, a wicked, premeditated smile spreading across his face.
"Alone? Of course not."
He looked at Netero, and in his mind's eye, he saw his future crew. "But what if I add your Aura? If we combine the power of the entire Hunter Pirate crew... opening a gate for a ship should be easy, don't you think?"
Netero hadn't expected Kyle's ability to allow for shared energy transfer.
"If that's the case, let's go back early and get things moving."
Kyle shook his head. "Can't. Have to wait three days."
"Three days? A cooldown period?" Netero laughed.
He wasn't surprised. Powerful abilities always had restrictions. Especially one that manipulated the rules of reality.
"Don't laugh! All strong abilities have conditions!" Kyle snapped, irrationally annoyed. There was just something about this old monster that made it impossible to stay calm.
"Three days it is, then. I'll use the time to practice this world's 'Haki'," Netero said, looking excited.
He wondered what kind of evolution would occur when this new energy combined with his mastery of Nen.
Dream Island Port.
The scene was carnage. Dozens of bodies littered the ground, and several massive craters marred the earth. Standing in front of it all was a group of terrified pirates.
They had just watched their captain get reduced to just an arm by a single punch from the massive man in front of them.
The onlookers had lost all desire to watch. The sheer visual impact sent them fleeing from the port in a panic.
Chrollo and the Troupe arrived just as the crowd was scattering, screaming as if they'd seen a demon.
BOOM!
Another tremor shook the ground as a fist slammed into the earth, making the fleeing people run even faster.
Chrollo ignored the chaos and led the Troupe toward Uvogin. They found the port destroyed, pockmarked with four or five massive craters—the signature of Uvogin's Big Bang Impact.