Elior had defeated one of the Yonko. Not only that, but he had devastated the Beasts Pirates, forcing them to retreat like beaten dogs. That alone was enough to show just how terrifying Elior's strength had become.
This only further solidified Judge's belief: Elior was undoubtedly on his way to becoming the next emperor of the sea. Just like Red-Haired Shanks had once risen to power and claimed his place in the New World four years ago, Elior was poised to do the same — and it wouldn't take long.
For the Vinsmoke family, this could be the chance they'd been waiting for. If they could ride the wave of Elior's rise, it might just mark the return of the Germa Kingdom to its former glory. And opportunities like that were rare and precious.
Judge glanced at his now-grown daughter, Reiju, and sank into thought. If offering his daughter to curry favor with Elior could win the man's support, then it was a blood-profit trade—worth every bit of the cost.
When the benefits were so great… what did a daughter matter?
If Elior knew what Judge was thinking, he'd be surprised. Who would have thought the proud and calculating Judge would go so far as to give away his own daughter in a bid to restore his family's power?
But then again, Judge had always been that kind of man. Just like when he transformed his own sons into emotionless war machines. In truth, his sons were colder than even he was.
To him, sacrificing Reiju for the greater good of their family and kingdom — so that they could dominate the North Blue once again — was a logical move.
The few for the many.
Of course, Reiju had no idea that her own father was preparing to sell her out. If she knew… she might have cried herself unconscious in a bathroom.
Almost an hour had passed before Elior finally arrived.
"He feels stronger... and there's a kingly aura around him now."
Judge immediately stood to greet him, and Reiju followed suit.
"Judge, let's not waste time," Elior said calmly. "Once the war between Whitebeard and the Marine begins, I'll need access to all of Germa 66's military might."
The Germa 66 forces, known as a technologically advanced army of genetically modified clones, acted as mercenaries across the world. Cold, obedient, and deadly, they were scientifically engineered with lineage factor technology—far easier to command than unruly pirates.
Elior wanted that power.
In fact, he was already imagining how far this could go — if Judge could create powerful cloned soldiers from ancient Zoan users, or from rare Devil Fruit carriers… wouldn't that be enough to build an unstoppable army?
The Beasts Pirates and their Devil Fruit users would pale in comparison.
Of course, it was all theoretical for now. But Elior was certain Judge had thought about it too.
Elior also knew that even Reiju and her brothers were successful test subjects of the lineage factor experiments. In the original timeline, they had been strong enough to fight against Big Mom's elite children—proof of just how formidable they were.
"All of our forces?" Judge repeated, stunned. Germa had nearly fifty thousand modified soldiers under its command.
What in the world was Elior planning?
"Will 2 billion berries cover it?" Elior asked.
He didn't mince words. After taking over Paradise Island, he had seized the wealth of several fallen factions. Conservatively, Elior estimated his fortune to be over 10 billion berries—plus a hoard of gold and treasure that hadn't even been counted yet. So 2 billion was nothing.
Judge blinked, then smiled. "You're generous. That's more than enough. But... what exactly are you planning?"
"You'll know soon enough. For now, just prepare to move all your troops into the New World. I'll contact you when I need them."
"Understood."
Judge's mind raced. Was Elior planning to rise during the chaos?
If— and it was a big if — Whitebeard truly fell in the coming war… then who would take his place? Who was most qualified to claim the vacant throne among the Emperors?
Judge knew the answer. Aside from the other Yonko, no one was more powerful, more deserving, than Elior. If Elior didn't make his move, the throne would be devoured by others.
And so, Judge's resolve to align with Elior only deepened. It seemed — for now at least — they needed each other.
Of course, the payment was made, but Judge saw it as the beginning of a profitable alliance.
Elior, on the other hand, saw potential in the strength of Judge's kingdom. If possible, he planned to bring the entire force under his own banner. Groups like the Happo Navy were also on his list— far more reliable than most pirate crews.
After all, many of the smaller pirate crews under Whitebeard's flag used his name to pillage and plunder unchecked. In the New World, very few dared to disrespect Whitebeard's forces.
That night, Judge made preparations to return to the North Blue and summon his army.
To Elior's mild surprise, he left Reiju behind.
It made him wonder — was Judge trying to plant a spy?
But no. He was overthinking it.
Reiju wasn't a spy.
She was... a gift. A token of loyalty.