Maude did not impose a strict deadline on the Revolutionary Army for gathering intelligence.
However, in just three days, Foot and Catherine presented him with a remarkable result, a testament to how seriously the Revolutionary Army on Leviathan Island's Dick City regarded Maude's impending action.
"Excellent," Maude remarked, thoroughly satisfied with the intelligence and the sincerity behind their efforts.
This was a deal born out of a semblance of favor. Still, since the Revolutionary Army had displayed utmost sincerity, Maude felt compelled to respond in kind.
The intel, meticulously documented on paper, detailed key figures currently lingering on the island due to the Beast Tournament—pirates and bounty hunters alike.
In terms of fame and strength, none of them were ordinary. Moreover, they were prime candidates to serve as the roots of chaos Maude intended to sow.
"Recently, I commissioned a new ship at Thomas Shipyard. I assume you're aware of this?" Maude said, placing the stack of intelligence on the table and directing his gaze at Foot and Catherine seated on the sofa before him.
Foot nodded.
Maude's right hand rested lightly on the papers as he calmly continued, "So, until the new ship is completed, we won't make any moves."
"That's understandable," Foot replied with a nod of agreement.
Their request was for the Maude Pirates to cause a major upheaval before leaving Leviathan Island, providing the Revolutionary Army a critical window to act. Ideally, they hoped Maude would strike during the Beast Tournament when the Ahab Kingdom concentrated most of its forces around the tournament grounds in Dick City.
This would relieve pressure on their own operations, shifting part of the burden onto Maude's crew.
Still, if the new ship wasn't completed before the tournament's conclusion, there was nothing they could demand.
Foot had visited Maude on his initiative, relying on the relationship between Sunny, Sabo, and Maude as a starting point. They also valued the pirates' flexibility and unpredictability—the ability to strike and vanish without a trace.
Otherwise, even with Sunny and Sabo's connections, Foot doubted Maude would agree to their proposal.
In truth, Foot had grossly underestimated the bond between Maude and Sunny.
If Sunny had asked directly, Maude would have agreed without hesitation. Similarly, if the request had come from Sabo, Maude would have done everything in his power to assist.
Not for any personal gain, but because Maude valued the life-saving favor above all else.
It was the same favor that had forged his bond with Lafitte, who had descended from the sky to block Admiral Aokiji's attack.
Looking at Foot, Maude said, "The Thomas Shipyard keeps me updated on the progress. Based on the current pace, it'll take about ten days to complete."
"I see…" Foot murmured, twisting his fingers as he calculated the timeline.
The tournament had only a week left. Unless the shipyard could finish three days ahead of schedule, their plans would be disrupted.
But some matters simply couldn't be rushed.
Maude noticed the fleeting change in Foot's expression. It wasn't difficult to infer the Revolutionary Army's pressing needs. Yet, throughout their interactions, Foot had refrained from explicitly voicing those needs, exuding a subtle air of humility.
It was as though they feared upsetting Maude and losing this pivotal opportunity.
Maude could see it but chose not to acknowledge it.
The operation hinged on the ship's completion; without it, they wouldn't act rashly.
After a while, Maude saw Foot and Catherine off. Both sides agreed not to meet again until the plan was set in motion.
With Gaya out shopping for supplies, accompanied by Jim and Bailey, the hotel room was left with only Maude and Lafitte.
Maude summoned his Hunter's Notebook and began transcribing the intelligence provided by the Revolutionary Army.
Lafitte stood quietly nearby, observing Maude's work.
He hadn't expected the Revolutionary Army to deliver such detailed information so efficiently. In a way, they were an ideal trading partner for the Maude Pirates.
Of course, such dealings could only occur in secrecy.
After some time, Maude closed the notebook and handed the papers to Lafitte, who went to destroy them in the kitchen.
Minutes later, Lafitte returned.
"Lafitte," Maude said, gesturing toward a black suitcase across the room, "Take this to the shipyard later."
The suitcase contained the 150 million beri final payment for the ship.
"Consider it done," Lafitte replied, glancing at the suitcase before sitting down on the sofa.
"Maude, we have enough funds now. Should Bailey continue competing?"
"That depends. If his semifinal opponent is Conan from the Savage Fang Pirates, he should forfeit immediately," Maude said without hesitation.
According to the Revolutionary Army's intelligence, Conan—the Vice Captain of the Savage Fang Pirates and a Zoan-type Devil Fruit user—had a bounty of 75 million.
He was far beyond Bailey's ability to handle.
Lafitte's eyes glinted coldly. "Shall I eliminate him instead?"
Even though the Savage Fang Pirates had secured military protection by offering a portion of the prize money, Lafitte could still use his hypnotic powers to slip through their defenses and kill Conan silently.
"There's no need," Maude replied, shaking his head.
Lafitte chuckled softly, dropping the matter. If Maude didn't deem it necessary, then so be it.
Looking at the suitcase, Maude said, "As long as the new ship is ready before the final match… what's meant to be ours will be ours."
"Indeed, hohoho…" Lafitte laughed, taking the suitcase to the shipyard.
Three days later, the Adam Wood arrived at Thomas Shipyard without incident.
The shipyard poured all its resources into completing the ship, and three days later—on the eve of the Beast Tournament finals—it was ready.
Unfortunately, Bailey's first opponent in the semifinals was Conan. Left with no other choice, Maude submitted Bailey's forfeit application.
As boos filled the arena, Conan and another contestant advanced to the finals unchallenged.
Leaving the tournament behind, Maude and his crew headed straight to Thomas Shipyard.
Almost as if by fate, the ship was completed just in time.
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