North Blue, somewhere at sea.
The giant snails spread out across the sea, transforming into massive ships that plowed through the waves.
Small buildings stood on the backs of the snails, while the largest one in the center carried a luxurious palace.
In the palace courtyard, Roa lounged in a deck chair, basking in the sunlight while several beautiful maids attended to him.
With every breath, large amounts of black energy were drawn into his body.
"This is the life."
Roa stretched comfortably, feeling like there wasn't a single part of his body or soul that wasn't at ease.
Life really was meant to be lived comfortably.
Just as he was sighing contentedly, dark clouds suddenly rolled across the sky. In the next moment, huge raindrops began pouring down.
Even outside the Grand Line, the weather at sea was extraordinarily unpredictable.
"How inconsiderate. Can't you see I'm enjoying myself?"
Horns sprouted from Roa's forehead. "Disperse!"
The dense dark clouds vanished in an instant, replaced by brilliant sunlight and a crystal-clear sky stretching as far as the eye could see.
This patch of sea wouldn't see rain for several weeks.
Roa had created a small-scale drought here.
What a shame it was happening at sea.
Even so, someone nearby was still utterly astonished.
Doflamingo, who was silently running laps nearby with weights on his back, couldn't help cursing inwardly.
That was completely unreasonable.
Being able to casually twist people's hearts was one thing, but he could even manipulate the weather with such ease!
By comparison, his Combination Fruit looked downright pathetic.
"What are you looking around at again?"
The back of Doflamingo's head was struck mercilessly once more.
Doflamingo grimaced and staggered forward two steps. He didn't dare turn his head, only gritting his teeth as he swore inwardly.
Bullet, you bastard, just you wait!
"You look dissatisfied."
Bullet walked in front of Doflamingo and looked down at him, relying on his height advantage.
"No, I'm not."
Doflamingo turned his face slightly, doing his best to keep his voice calm.
"Today's physical training ends here."
Bullet smiled maliciously. "Now it's time to teach you how to fight!"
Doflamingo raised his head, looking somewhat confused.
How to fight?
How was he supposed to teach—
"Begin!"
A fist as large as a sandbag came crashing straight at him.
Doflamingo was instantly sent flying with blood spurting from his nose.
This is how you're teaching me?
Bullet, you bastard, just you wait!
Meanwhile, Roa watched their roughhousing with a delighted smile. "You two get along so well."
Boys built friendships through fighting and fooling around.
Then again, the black energy rising from Doflamingo really did smell pretty good.
"Boss!"
Judge hurried over.
Compared to several days ago, he was thinner, with dark circles under his eyes. Anyone could tell he had stayed up late for several consecutive nights.
He looked exhausted, but his spirits were still extremely high.
"The modifications are complete!"
He said, "The first batch of Artificial Human Soldiers will be fully cultivated in about a month and a half! Compared to the original design, their physical abilities are about one-fifth weaker. Their lifespans have been shortened the most—they can live for ten years at most."
"Excellent, Judge!"
Roa happily praised Judge before saying, "The new labor force and military strength will soon be ready. Shouldn't we start building a new arms factory as well? And don't forget the research into the Battle Suit and modified humans that you mentioned."
Judge yawned, then nodded without hesitation. "I'll start preparing immediately!"
"Hey! There's no need to rush. Sharpening your axe won't delay the work of chopping wood!"
Roa spoke earnestly. "Go get some rest first. Look at those dark circles under your eyes."
He wasn't some heartless capitalist. How could he bear to overwork his chief scientist?
"Go sleep for a few hours before you get back to work."
"Boss!"
Judge was deeply moved. Tears even glimmered in his eyes. "You care about me so much! I understand! I'll go sleep for four hours right away!"
"Good. You need to learn to balance work and rest."
Roa looked like a teacher pleased with a promising student.
"Yes!"
Judge stood even straighter than Bullet.
"Boss, there's a call!"
Just then, Dylan approached with a Den Den Mushi in his hands, its voice going buru buru as it rang.
"Why is Big Brother Kaido calling me?"
Roa casually took the Den Den Mushi and answered it.
Only Kaido throughout the entire world had his contact information, so this call could only be from his good buddy.
At least, that was what Roa thought. But—
"Are you Lord Roa?"
The voice on the other end wasn't Big Brother Kaido's. It was unfamiliar, filled with anxiety and panic.
"Oh?"
Roa raised an eyebrow. "One of Big Brother Kaido's subordinates? Don't tell me something happened to my most respected big brother?"
The person on the other end clearly froze for a moment before hurriedly saying, "Yes, Lord Roa. We were attacked by the Marines! Big Brother Kaido was captured by that bastard Iron Fist Garp!"
"Huh?"
"Iron Fist Garp?"
Roa was somewhat surprised.
How had Big Brother Kaido managed to offend the Marines?
Given the World Government's usual disregard for the New World, there was no reason for them to suddenly come after him.
"Please, you must save Boss Kaido, Lord Roa! The Marines came for you! Iron Fist Garp wanted to force Boss Kaido to reveal your whereabouts!"
The person on the other end said, "Even after he was defeated and captured, Boss Kaido still refused to say anything!"
"Before he was defeated, Boss Kaido gave us this number and told us to contact you for help!"
Wow, Big Brother Kaido. Seriously, I'm crying here.
What a great brother!
So I really got dragged into this because of him?
The World Government was truly persistent when it came to him. Honestly, it was getting a little pathetic.
So what if I killed a batch of Celestial Dragons? I was only cleaning up those useless parasites who can do nothing but drive up the price of rice. Wasn't that helpful?
You people are petty, narrow-minded, and practically begging for death. Just wait!
Still, Big Brother Kaido had really thrown him a difficult question.
If they were truly good brothers, shouldn't Kaido have shouldered it alone instead of bothering him? Yet he had actually given his number to his subordinates.
Should I go save you?
Hero Garp was a genuine monster. Although Roa could fly and escaping would be easy, taking a beating from him would still hurt.
On the other hand, Big Brother Kaido was his close friend and trusted brother, as well as the company's honorary vice president. Not long ago, Roa had even said that they should support one another.
What a dilemma.
Sensing Roa's hesitation, the person on the other end hurriedly said, "Of course, we won't let you make the trip for nothing! We're willing to give you all the treasures we've collected over the years! That includes an Ancient Zoan Devil Fruit!"
"Oh?"
It wasn't much, but that tilted the scales somewhat.
"Hey, what are you saying?"
Roa spoke with perfect seriousness. "Big Brother Kaido is my brother from another mother and father. Of course I'll step in when he's in trouble!"
"So, where are you?"
Before you continue