Allegiance

"Is it... is it over already? Senior!"

Bartholomew nervously looked westward, fearing that the invisible guy was hiding nearby.

"Uh... I guess it's resolved!"

He has spent his entire life using a cane to support himself, as if he has become just an ordinary blind old man again.

"Is that guy trustworthy?"

With a casual kick, Lucci sent Jote, who was like a lump of mud, flying against the barrier, where he then slowly slid down.

"As things stand, he is a friend, not an enemy, and it seems he knows Cifer as well."

I have a strange fondness for that guy, and I think he would be on my side.

"As expected of you two seniors—dealing with a character who escaped from level 6 was effortless for you! I have the utmost respect for you both..."

Barto finally felt relieved and turned off the barrier, then walked up to the two of them with an admiring look on his face.

"No need for flattery. Since you admire Las Noches so much, why don't you give us a ride?"

Lucci reached out and interrupted the rooster-haired man who was about to launch into a long speech.

"Could it be... that we're going to the legendary stronghold of the Sea Emperor, 'The Hive' Hachinosu?!"

Upon hearing this, Bartholomew became even more excited. This was the prelude to fulfilling his dream of going to sea!

He admires the Straw Hat Pirates, but he admires Las Noches even more!

A man who faces death with a smile, destined by heaven to become the Pirate King, how can he compare to God who opposes Mary Geoise and is determined to take the whole world into his grasp!

At this moment, ONE PIECE seems to be right in front of me!

"What else? If you don't want to, then forget it."

Lucci looked at Bartholomew, who was stunned and seemed to be lost in some kind of fantasy, and teased him.

"No, no! It's my pride to serve Las Noches!"

"They are our pride!"

Immediately following, the members of the Bartholomew Pirates all cheered!

"It's quite lively here! Did you all defeat Doflamingo together? We are truly grateful!"

The sudden sound came from King Riku, his soldiers and civilians, and his friend Elizabello.

King Riku originally planned to go to the palace first and re-establish contact with the kings of the surrounding kingdoms.

But the sounds of fighting over here were deafening, making it impossible not to notice.

Upon arriving here, however, there was no sense of tension; instead, the notorious Shichibukai lay motionless on the ground.

"Father, it was Straw Hat Kid and Law who defeated that guy Doflamingo."

Violet then stood up and explained the whole story to him, including that the people from Las Noches had come to take Doflamingo away.

"I see. On behalf of the entire Dressrosa, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to everyone present!"

King Riku did not bypass Lucci and his companion, but instead bowed deeply to everyone present.

"You are the true king of Dressrosa, aren't you? You've come at the perfect time."

Lucci took a step forward and instantly appeared in front of King Riku, startling the latter's people into raising their weapons in alarm.

Don't worry!

King Riku hurriedly waved his hand to prevent them from doing anything foolish, then his gaze met Lucci's:

"May I ask what important matter the Las Noches has to discuss with me?"

He did not mention the issue of Doflamingo.

Because he knew that asking would be useless; the renowned Las Noches would not tolerate any questioning of its affairs.

"He is a king after all, and he has quite the courage."

Lucci smiled, then stepped back to a suitable distance before speaking:

"Dressrosa is in this predicament because of its weakness and the incompetence of the World Government."

He didn't say it too explicitly, but he believed the other person was a smart person and understood what he meant.

"Are you trying to make us give up our status World Government Member States and instead join the ranks of Las Noches?"

King Riku's expression was very serious. This was a matter that could involve the survival of the entire country, and it could not be taken lightly.

"You understand now, so what's your answer? A friendly reminder: you only get one chance, so think it through before you speak."

On Lucci's face was a smile that seemed to be tempting the little devil to eat candy.

"This..."

It's impossible not to be tempted.

Even though King Riku had been hiding for so many years, it didn't stop him from hearing rumors about Las Noches.

The islands and countries protected by that man were largely protected from pirate raids.

Moreover, the fact that there's no need to pay exorbitant annual Heavenly Gold is great news for rebuilding Dressrosa.

The problem is, it's only a matter of time before that man has a devastating conflict with the World Government.

"Your King Riku, please do not worry. Whatever decision you make, we will support you without hesitation!"

Among the crowd behind him, someone noticed his hesitation and shouted loudly.

"That's right, Your King Riku! We are willing to follow you and live or die with Dressrosa!"

The rest of the crowd responded immediately.

"I hope you will introduce me!"

Upon seeing this, King Riku immediately made a decision.

"You'll be glad you made that decision today—that's Senior Cifer, the man who will stand at the highest point in this world!"

Bartholomew almost slapped King Riku was still thinking, but fortunately the final answer was satisfactory.

"It's really ironic that the Seven Warlords of the Sea system created by the World Government has caused this country so much suffering, and in the end, it chose to join forces with Black Winged Great Demon, the government's number one enemy."

After a mature and steady voice, a figure was thrown towards Lucci, who caught it with his foot as if it were a tamping ball and stomped it on the ground.

"You bunch of bastards... the Navy is actually colluding with pirates..."

At Lucci's feet, the dying Shiryu's eyes were filled with disbelief.

"Shut up!"

Before he could finish speaking, Lucci pressed down hard, Shiryu spat out a mouthful of blood, his eyes rolling back in his head.

"Is this considered a collaboration between Marine Admiral and Sea Emperor?"

Lucci looked at Burley, who was all alone, and made a sarcastic remark.

"It is my duty to stop criminals from acting recklessly, but it is not my task to escort them."

Burley downplayed the matter.

"As you can see, Admiral Black Python, Dressrosa has decided to withdraw from the World Government Member States. I want to seek a better future for the country!"

King Riku then spoke up, responding to Burley's self-deprecating remarks.

"That's your problem. My duty is simply to maintain world peace. As long as ordinary people can have peace, it doesn't matter where you are."

Burley did not dwell on the matter further.

"To everyone in Las Noches, I believe we will meet again soon."

He turned around and flew away using the Geppo technique.

"Bater and Buggy are also in the nearby waters. I have already notified them to come and take over Doflamingo's forces completely."

Lucci sat on Shiryu's lap and spoke calmly.

Things from the Underworld are best handled by people from the Underworld; it's more reliable that way.

"On behalf of Dressrosa, I thank Las Noches for their help!"

King Riku was about to bend down, Lucci waved and left.

Bartholomew quickly carried Doflamingo on his back and followed, while his underlings carried Shiryu and Jote.

Meanwhile, undercurrents were surging in the nearby sea.