LIGHTNOVELWORLD Chapter 38: Chapter 36 Transactions
Aizen sipped the icy milk, his calm gaze sweeping across the bustling market. The curious stares and murmurs that followed his entrance didn't faze him. He had grown accustomed to such reactions. After all, his reputation had already spread like wildfire across the New World.
The store manager, a shrewd man who knew better than to cross such a figure, had sent workers to inspect the treasures aboard Aizen's ship. Docked at the port, the vessel was packed with an extraordinary bounty—loot painstakingly acquired during his conquest of Sin City.
Aizen's presence was an anomaly. He stood out in the chaos of Charles Island's underground market not only because of his serene demeanor but also due to the weight of his name. His white attire and poised demeanor were a stark contrast to the rowdy crowd of pirates, mercenaries, and merchants that filled the place.
The market itself was infamous in the New World—a place where anything could be bought or sold, and no questions were asked. Yet even here, a hush fell when Aizen walked in. His reputation as a former member of the Roger Pirates, coupled with his devastating actions in Sin City, had ensured that everyone present knew who he was.
Still, Aizen ignored the stares and found himself a seat near the counter. "Manager," he said in a calm yet commanding tone, "does your establishment trade with those who have grievances with Whitebeard?"
The store manager, an older man with a sharp gaze, chuckled nervously. "We trade with anyone, sir. Be they allies, enemies, or even the World Government itself. Our policy is simple: all deals are honored, regardless of allegiances."
Aizen's lips curved into a faint smile. "Good. I'll take your word for it."
The store manager hesitated for a moment, then leaned in curiously. "But if I may, it's rare to see someone openly admit to being at odds with Whitebeard in his territory. And a Marine at that. You're either fearless or..." He trailed off, realizing the weight of his words.
"I wouldn't call myself a Marine," Aizen corrected, his voice soft yet firm. "As for Whitebeard, I intend to visit the Moby Dick personally. After all, stepping into someone else's territory without paying respects is hardly polite, wouldn't you agree?"
The room fell silent. The very notion of someone willingly approaching Whitebeard—one of the most powerful pirates alive—was unthinkable. Yet Aizen spoke of it as if it were no more than a casual errand.
"You're either incredibly brave or completely insane," the manager muttered, shaking his head. "But that's none of my business. Where's the cargo you intend to trade?"
"Everything's aboard the ship at the port," Aizen replied, taking another sip of his milk. "You're welcome to inspect it. The ship comes with the deal. I have no further use for it."
The manager nodded and dispatched a team to assess the goods. Meanwhile, Aizen relaxed, his gaze drifting across the room. Despite the tension, he exuded an air of complete tranquility, as if he were impervious to the chaos around him.
The waitress at the counter approached nervously, placing a glass of milk with ice cubes before him. She avoided direct eye contact, her hands trembling slightly.
"Thank you," Aizen said, his tone polite as he adjusted his glasses. His soft smile momentarily eased the tension in the room.
To those around him, the contrast was almost surreal. This man—who had single-handedly obliterated Sin City's pirates—seemed so unassuming, so calm. He didn't carry himself like a bloodthirsty killer or a vengeful force of nature. Instead, he appeared as a scholar or a nobleman, sipping milk as if this were a quiet afternoon at sea.
Yet beneath his composed exterior, there was no doubt about the terrifying strength Aizen possessed. Even the most hardened criminals in the room were careful not to meet his gaze, wary of provoking a force they knew they couldn't contend with.
The manager returned after some time, a look of astonishment on his face. "The goods you've brought… they're worth more than I initially imagined. We'll take it all. I'll prepare the payment immediately."
"Excellent," Aizen replied, finishing his milk and placing the glass down gently. "Once the trade is complete, I'll be on my way. I have other matters to attend to."
As the deal progressed, the room remained tense, the weight of Aizen's presence hanging heavily in the air. Everyone knew they were in the presence of someone extraordinary—a man who had already begun to leave his mark on the New World.