Forest Isle.
A small-scale ship was docked in a relatively hidden location on the shore. The flag fluttering in the wind bore the unique emblem of the World Government.
The ship had been waiting here for a while, seemingly expecting something.
Tap, tap, tap.
Not long after, a figure walked out from the depths of the forest.
If the children from the House of Lambs were here, they would recognize at a glance that this person was the mother who accompanied them every day: Mother Carmel.
With a calm expression, Carmel walked familiarly onto the ship, pushed open the cabin door, and entered. Clearly, this wasn't her first time here.
"Hehehehe... You've come, Carmel."
In the somewhat dim, enclosed space, two people had been waiting for a long time.
They were both dressed in white suits and wore eerie masks on their faces.
Both belonged to the secret intelligence organization directly serving the World Government: CP0.
"Let's get straight to business."
Sitting in her seat, Carmel took out a pile of photos from her bosom and placed them in front of the two.
Among them, photos of Jace and Linlin were deliberately placed separate from the others.
"There are two very good children this time, especially her."
Carmel pointed specifically at Linlin's photo.
"Is this the little girl you mentioned before??"
"Is her talent really as strong as you say?!"
One of the CP0 agents was somewhat surprised. Although Carmel tried to hide it, his Observation Haki keenly caught the flash of excitement when she mentioned Linlin.
Reasonably speaking, Carmel had handled thousands, if not ten thousand, children. While there weren't many with great talent, there were still quite a few.
Moreover, they had collaborated with Carmel for decades, and this was the first time they had sensed this kind of emotion from her.
"Linlin's talent is even stronger than I described, far exceeding my evaluation."
"Trust me, Linlin will definitely not disappoint you."
"Super-strong defense that blades cannot pierce, monstrous strength like an evil god, and top-tier talent that allowed her to master 'Ikoku' in just over a month. Most importantly..."
At this point, Carmel deliberately paused to build suspense, taking out a cigarette.
Pandora drilled out from beside her and lit it.
After exhaling a smoke ring, Carmel spoke slowly.
"Most importantly, Linlin is only five years old right now."
"You should know what that means. With Linlin's talent, with just a little discipline, you will inevitably gain a top-tier powerhouse of the sea in the future."
The two CP0 agents looked at each other. While tempted, they were also somewhat conflicted.
"Even if what you say is true, the price you're asking is simply too high. calling it exorbitant would be an understatement."
"What?? A top-tier genius is right in front of you, and you're haggling over worldly possessions??"
"Besides, is the World Government short on money??"
"I'm telling you, Linlin's talent is the best I've ever seen in my life. I will absolutely not budge on this price."
Carmel said decisively. She knew very well in her heart.
Once they obtained Linlin, the World Government would profit immensely. Such a genius couldn't be measured by money.
"I'll tell you the truth. Those so-called geniuses you talk about aren't even worth mentioning compared to Linlin. You'd better think clearly."
"And I'm taking a risk too. Linlin obeys her brother implicitly. I must eliminate her brother first."
"Fortunately, I've gained Linlin's trust during this time. When the time comes, I'll trick her into coming over, and the rest is up to you."
Carmel leisurely exhaled a cloud of smoke. She knew they wanted to bargain with her.
But she didn't panic at all because, in the end, they would definitely compromise.
Once this deal was done, the money would be enough for her to find a place to enjoy her old age in peace, never needing to hustle for a living again.
"Haven't you thought it through yet??"
"Linlin will be leaving here with her brother soon. If you still can't make up your minds, once they leave, even I won't be able to do anything."
After finishing a cigarette and seeing the two CP0 agents still undecided, Carmel stood up impatiently, wanting to leave.
"Wait. Don't be hasty."
One of the CP0 agents pacified Carmel. "I will report this matter. If Linlin is truly as you say, we will go with your price."
Seeing them compromise, Carmel snorted coldly and sat back down, secretly pleased.
"You'd better hurry. It's Linlin's birthday soon. I plan to find an opportunity to eliminate her brother, Reno, on that day."
"I'll pacify Linlin first, and then trade with you a few days later."
Carmel briefly explained her plan to them.
The CP0 agent nodded. "Don't worry, we will hurry. Use the Den Den Mushi to notify us of the exact time, and we will prepare in advance."
Carmel nodded in satisfaction. "By the way, there's also Jace."
She pointed again to the photo placed with Linlin's.
"Pay attention to this one too. Although his talent can't compare to Linlin's, it's still top-tier. Among the children I've handled, fewer than five have been like him."
"And he seems to have awakened Observation Haki. If cultivated properly, he will also become a pillar for you."
"Observation Haki?!"
The two agents exchanged glances.
To awaken Observation Haki on one's own was indeed a sign of extraordinary talent.
Observation Haki wasn't rare in the New World, but most people acquired it through training.
Self-awakening was truly rare.
Thinking of this, they took a closer look at Jace.
"Alright. As long as what you say is true, we will definitely give you a satisfactory reward!!"
"Then it's a pleasure doing business!!!"