### Chapter 237: The Power of Germa

The massive snail ship before them appeared to be a bizarre and whimsical creation. However, having witnessed the strange ideas people have on the sea, Kakashi was no longer surprised by such oddities.

In fact, Kakashi felt a sense of rationality, realizing he had already been somewhat assimilated. Who would have thought that after such a short time, he would already be accustomed to these peculiar things?

"It seems like the other side has no intention of stopping their ship to communicate with us," said Shiranui Genma, looking at Germa's ship with a hint of amusement on his face.

Could it be that this group from Germa intends to oppose Dressrosa? Clearly, they've chosen the wrong opponent—Dressrosa's power is far stronger than they could imagine. How dare they stand so brazenly before Dressrosa?

Even if they wanted to die, there was no need to be in such a hurry.

But just as Shiranui Genma finished speaking, Germa's ship suddenly stopped. The enormous snail ship swiftly approached from several directions, and in no time, the massive snail ship transformed into a castle.

Even the well-traveled Kakashi was stunned, not expecting such a technology! It seemed that this was what Raijin had been scheming for.

With a whoosh, three or four figures flew out from the castle's interior, their silhouettes tracing arcs in the air, each displaying a different color.

"This is Germa's science unit! They possess extraordinary combat power," explained Shiranui Genma, standing next to Kakashi. "Their bodies carry lineage factors, granting them superhuman strength. The armor they wear is equipped with memory chips, giving them defensive capabilities far beyond ordinary expectations."

Having spent so much time with Raijin, Shiranui Genma had become familiar with the various powers on the sea, and Germa, being one of the more prominent, was naturally on their radar.

"I know this—I just saw it in the comic I was reading," Kakashi nodded. Germa was so proud of their strength that they even published comics about it, which was something Kakashi hadn't expected. However, the power they displayed was indeed impressive.

With a thud, four figures landed gently on the ship. A group of young men and women gazed at the men standing before them.

"You must be from Dressrosa. We've heard that you've come to our North Blue, so Father sent us to welcome you," said Ichiji, the red-clad leader, as he looked at Kakashi and the others.

Although they had lost their emotions, under Judge's orders, they still spoke respectfully to these people. However, Kakashi's gaze wasn't on Ichiji but rather on the beautiful young woman standing in the front row.

The girl exuded an air of allure, and though she was young, her seductive nature was evident. As she felt Kakashi's scrutinizing gaze, Reiju felt a chill. What was wrong with this guy's eyes? It was as if he were evaluating her like a piece of merchandise, assessing her value.

Are all the people from Dressrosa like this? Reiju glanced at Shiranui Genma and, seeing his normal expression, breathed a sigh of relief. No, it was just this one guy who was weird.

"Let's go then," Kakashi said, adjusting his gear.

As they directed Dressrosa's large ship to dock beside the snail ship, Kakashi realized that the snail ship was practically an island. The scale of the ship was comparable to one of Dressrosa's subordinate islands, and the various high-tech products onboard genuinely surprised Kakashi. He had initially underestimated Germa's technological capabilities.

"Hahaha! I never expected the people of Dressrosa to travel so far to the North Blue!" A burly man walked out slowly as the castle gates opened. "Since the fall of the Donquixote Family, we've controlled the North Blue's underground market. You must have come for something important."

Although Kakashi couldn't gauge the man's strength, he could see the ambition in his eyes. This guy clearly wasn't content with the status quo and likely had other plans.

"We're here to discuss cooperation with Germa," Kakashi said seriously. Representing Uchiha Raijin, he had to maintain a certain level of authority.

Kakashi suspected that Germa hadn't taken over the entire North Blue as smoothly as they claimed. If Germa had truly swallowed up the North Blue, it wouldn't be in such chaos now. There was likely more to the story, but Kakashi didn't voice his suspicions. They weren't here to help with trivial matters.

"With Germa? Then come inside," Judge said, a flicker of surprise crossing his eyes, though he showed little alarm. Even if Dressrosa's Uchiha clan wanted to make a move against them, they would first have to reckon with Germa's strength. Their deep roots in the North Blue wouldn't be easily shaken.

However, Judge had long harbored ambitions of extending his reach into the New World but had struggled to find the opportunity. He had even considered marrying into the Charlotte family, a decision he had agonized over. His sons were his ultimate weapons, and he couldn't just use them for a marriage alliance when he still needed them to solidify his control over the North Blue.

"Alright," Kakashi nodded and followed them into the castle.

Upon entering, Kakashi immediately noticed how extraordinary the place was. The modern facilities, the patrolling clones, and mysterious machines—though Kakashi wasn't an expert in this field, he hadn't seen such technology even in Orochimaru's lab.

After they reached the long table, Judge immediately began the feast, with countless dishes being served.

Kakashi remained calm—after all, he had tasted all kinds of delicacies. Since arriving on the sea, their quality of life had always been top-notch. If Uchiha Raijin could afford it, he never skimped on his people. They often enjoyed the same high-end ingredients that the Celestial Dragons consumed.

"Mr. Kakashi, can you tell us why you're here?" Judge asked, noticing that Kakashi hadn't touched his utensils yet. His four children also looked at Kakashi, curious as to why Dressrosa, a place unrelated to the North Blue, had suddenly come to visit.

"We in Dressrosa want Germa's technology," Kakashi said bluntly. Given Dressrosa's current status, there was no need for unnecessary politeness. Sometimes, a simple notice was enough.

However, they were hoping that this group would hand over their technology without causing too much trouble. After all, they didn't want things to get too ugly. If Dressrosa were to attack the North Blue, the commotion would be too great.

A dangerous glint flashed in Judge's eyes.

He hadn't expected the Dressrosa group to be so arrogant.

They demanded all of his technology right from the start, showing no respect for Germa.

But if he didn't agree, Germa might be destroyed in the North Blue.

After all, Dressrosa had Navy support, the Seven Warlords, the World Government, and pirates.

Dressrosa's connections were a mess.

“Our technology at Germa has never been shared, not even with you in Dressrosa,” Judge said. “But I'm willing to listen to your conditions. If they’re acceptable, I might give you part of our technology.”

“After all, I've heard that Dressrosa has made significant advancements in lineage factor research. I hope we can exchange knowledge.”

Judge hesitated but ultimately spoke. He was intrigued by Dressrosa's research on lineage factors.

Since Vegapunk, Dressrosa was the only place truly on par with Germa.

If he could obtain their technology, his children could become even more powerful.

Perhaps they could surpass Dressrosa, surpass the Beasts Pirates, and reach Vegapunk’s level of power.

“Sorry, we’re not looking for cooperation,” Kakashi interrupted. “Maybe I wasn’t clear. We want Germa to merge into Dressrosa.”

“That’s what Dressrosa wants. I had to correct you,” he added, raising his hand with a serious expression.

“You Dressrosa people don't think much of Germa, do you?” Judge’s sons straightened, eyeing Kakashi.

They were acting on Judge's orders.

“Judge, there's no need to test me,” Kakashi said. “I’ve already learned a lot about Germa.”

“Your sons and daughter are under your control, right?”

“There’s no need to be so guarded. If Dressrosa wanted to make a move against you, you wouldn’t stand a chance. So, let’s discuss terms.”

Kakashi wasn't a novice. He had fought with the ninja forces when Judge was probably still a teenager.

Such tactics wouldn't work on Kakashi, who had seen through the world with his eyes.

“What do you want?” Judge asked, dropping the pretense.

The seas were chaotic, and a storm could engulf them at any time.

Although they ruled much of the underground world in the North Blue, they still couldn't match Dressrosa.

“We can talk. I’m here representing Dressrosa, hoping for peaceful relations.”

“Not everything on the sea is about fighting. We need friends and partners too,” Kakashi said with a smile, mixing firmness with diplomacy.

Judge breathed a sigh of relief, though his expression darkened. He hadn’t expected to be pushed this far.

“Your daughter isn't married yet, is she?” Kakashi suddenly asked, turning to Reiju.

“No, she's still too young,” Judge replied, immediately rejecting the idea. He didn’t know Kakashi's position in Dressrosa, yet he wanted his daughter? The audacity!

“It’s not for me,” Kakashi clarified. “Our king has always wanted to expand the Uchiha family, so he’s looking for a wife.”

“If possible, send your daughter to our palace in Dressrosa.”

“You’ve heard about our king’s alliances with the Charlotte Family and the Beasts Pirates, right?”

“It’s a similar situation. They’re all eager to send people to our palace.”

“This way, we’d be connected by marriage. Although Germa would become a subordinate of Dressrosa, you'd still retain some autonomy and could join our research,” Kakashi explained, looking at Reiju.

He had been observing Reiju for a while and found her suitable.

If Raijin wanted to expand the Uchiha clan, one more wouldn’t hurt.

He already didn’t know how many wives he had, so adding another wouldn’t make a difference.

Judge was stunned. He hadn't expected a marriage proposal. But Reiju was a crucial part of Germa’s strength. He couldn't let her go easily.

Judge hesitated before asking, “I’ve heard that the Uchiha Clan has a special ability. Is it true?”

A hint of disdain appeared at the corner of Kakashi's mouth. Another one eyeing the Uchiha's Sharingan.

“Of course! These eyes of mine are from the Uchiha Clan,” Kakashi said, pointing to his eyes as he activated the Mangekyō Sharingan.

The unique power in his eyes captivated Judge. He hadn’t expected such a power to exist. It was like a racial talent, similar to the Lunarian race.

“If developed further, it could grant even greater power,” Kakashi added, glancing at a pillar nearby.

Whoosh! The space around the pillar twisted, and it was drawn into another dimension.

“I agree,” Judge said without hesitation.

There was no room for doubt. Hesitation would be unworthy of his identity as a scientist.

He had long wanted to study those with racial talents.

If he could incorporate the Uchiha's lineage factor into his children, he could create even stronger monsters.