New World, in the Newland Sea Area, Hot Spring Island, Frania.
At this moment, in the hot spring hotel on the hillside of the island, Ortolan was comfortably soaking in the hot spring, enjoying a long-lost sense of tranquility.
After receiving the message from the Momonga, he didn't stay at headquarters any longer. He didn't even take a warship. He crossed the sea directly with his ability and arrived at the island in two and a half days. Because of the dust and grime he had accumulated along the way, he immediately chose to relax and soak in the hot springs after arriving on the island.
According to intelligence, if Bullet continues in his original direction, he should arrive at the island in the next couple of days. Whether he destroys the island or not depends on his mood.
Not too far from the island, the Whitebeard Pirates' fleet was also stationed nearby, but they didn't seem to intend to land on the island at the moment; they might just linger for a bit and then leave.
However, because the Whitebeard Pirates are active in the vicinity, the once bustling Frania Island is now very deserted, with most of the tourists having fled.
Ortolan leaned against the edge of the hot spring, his chest and below completely submerged. His head was resting on the edge of the pool, and his face was covered with a white sheet. The combination of the powerlessness of Devil Fruit ability user drowning and the warmth of the hot spring was incredibly relaxing.
That's right, even Devil Fruit users will be subject to the so-called 'curse' when soaking in hot springs. In the original story, after Kuzan left the Marines, he met the Straw Hat Pirates in a hot spring and soaked himself to his heart's content.
Because most of the tourists on the island have left, only Ortolan is using this huge hot spring pool.
Just as Ortolan was feeling a bit sleepy and wanted to take a nap there, he heard the sound of the bathhouse sliding door opening outside. Then, footsteps slowly approached from a distance, getting closer to the hot spring pool.
Because he was covered by a blanket, Ortolan couldn't see what was happening outside, but he still didn't react after hearing the noise.
Immediately afterwards, he heard a crisp sound as the water was stirred, as if someone had entered the water. The person was not far from him, probably right by the pool opposite him.
"Fufufufufufu... The water temperature is just right, the environment is so peaceful, it makes me want to take a nap..."
A voice with a hint of wicked laughter came from across the street from Ortolan.
Just by hearing that unique laugh, Ortolan already knew who the newcomer was.
He didn't move, and said lazily, "Since that's the case, why don't we take a nap first? To be honest, I can barely keep my eyes open."
"That may be true, but with a ferocious beast at my side, how could I dare to fall asleep?" the voice replied.
"If you say that, I'll sue you for racial discrimination. It's against the laws of the World Government... Doflamingo." As he spoke, Ortolan removed the mask from his face, slowly sat up, and looked across the hot spring pool.
There, there was a handsome man who, even while soaking in the hot spring, would wear his flamboyant orange lace sunglasses. That man was Doflamingo other than the famous Heavenly Yaksha Donquixote of North Blue!
Doflamingo didn't understand what Aibai Ortolan meant at first, until he saw the horns on his head again, then he laughed and shook his head, "The beast I was talking about wasn't about your Tanned Tribe blood..."
"Really?" Ortolan feigned ignorance, smiling slightly. "I thought you were racist."
Believe it or not, although Mary Geoise is a mess, the World Government did indeed pass legislation more than two weeks ago that clearly stipulated the elimination of racial discrimination and that all intelligent races were granted equal status by law.
That point in time also marked the time when Fish-Man Island joined the World Government's Affiliated Nation system. In other words, it can be said that Fish-Man Island was the one that pushed for this legislation.
However, despite the existence of legislation protecting them, it is practically useless. As a member Affiliated Nation under the World Government, Fish-Man Island is still discriminated against. On the contrary, the various races on the sea have basically gained equal rights and treatment in the past two or three years, which is quite magical.
After making a sarcastic remark about Doflamingo, Ortolan said, "I didn't expect you to come see me so soon. It seems you still have some expectations for the New World..."
Doflamingo, with his signature smirk still on his face, raised an eyebrow and said, "The tides of this era are visible to everyone, and this torrent of the times will eventually converge in this sea. Those who cannot keep up with this tide will be abandoned by the times, becoming remnants and scum of the Old Era. So I have come..."
"You seem very confident?" Ortolan asked with a smile.
"I have a bit of confidence, but since you've chosen me, it proves that I still have some value, right? That's enough, isn't it?" Doflamingo said with a smile as he looked at Ortolan.
These words already show that Doflamingo is willing to cooperate with him, Ortolan, and he has adopted a very humble attitude, not allowing Ortolan to bargain with him at all, and he has put himself on the side of dependence.
Doflamingo knew that, from any perspective, he was not qualified to compete with Ortolan for dominance in this cooperation. Rather than worrying about such things, it was better to adopt the right attitude from the beginning, which would leave a good impression on both sides.
Before meeting Doflamingo, the last person Ortolan considered a 'shrewd and cunning' person was Spandine, and now, Doflamingo is going to be added to that list.
"Since you're interested, then I won't stand on ceremony. Vergo will remain in my hands as a link, and your Donquixote Family can take over our G-5's shady dealings. My deal with you will stop here for now. We'll see if you're still qualified to continue our cooperation," Ortolan said bluntly.
"If I may ask a question," Doflamingo nodded first, showing no opposition to Ortolan's proposal, before continuing, "What exactly constitutes this subsequent cooperation?"
"As Marines, I represent justice, the light of this world. But Doflamingo, you must know very well that this world is not just about light. You also know very well that light and shadow are intertwined and inseparable..." Ortolan said calmly.
"I see." Doflamingo nodded slightly and said, "In other words, if the abilities I've demonstrated meet Vice Admiral Bane's expectations, then I'm qualified to serve as your shadow, the Light, and have in-depth exchanges with you, right?"
In the Marines, Admiral Sengoku is the one who stands out on the stage, while after the previous conversation at headquarters, Ortolan has now become the shadow behind Sengoku.
As the saying goes, in any sect, if someone is the face, then someone else must be the substance. The face cannot be stained with even a speck of dust. If blood is spilled, the substance must cover it up. If it cannot be covered up and leaks onto the face, then that would be a great tragedy that destroys the sect and its entire lineage.
Sengoku Ryō was all about appearances. He needed this glorious and righteous image in front of the world, and this image of a loyal Admiral in front of Mary Geoise. Only in this way could the Marines continue to develop peacefully and steadily.
But this is only within the Marines. In the broader world, Admiral Ortolan is undoubtedly a shining example of the Marines. Like Admiral Sengoku, he also needs a shadow to do things that he cannot do himself.
This is simply the difference between the main unit and G-5; there are no other differences.
If Doflamingo's abilities truly satisfy Ortolan, he is one of the candidates to become the Shadow.
Of course, Doflamingo is not truly one of our own, so what happens next depends on Ortolan 'Doflamingo skill and whether he can control this cunning 'beast'.
After seeing Ortolan nod in agreement with his statement, Doflamingo asked again, "Then a deal should be mutually beneficial. What do I get in these deals, Vice Admiral Bane?"
"You have my friendship and my support, Doflamingo... Just as I cannot trust your abilities right now, you also harbor deep doubts and suspicions about me. But these are normal. If we could trust each other's abilities from the beginning, that would be abnormal... What I can offer you, you can gradually feel and explore in this cooperation... While I am testing you, aren't you also testing me?" Ortolan grinned and said.
"Fufufufufufu..." Doflamingo laughed, seemingly agreeing with these words, and finally nodded, saying, "It's a pleasure to cooperate."
Indeed, as Ortolan said, there was a reason why he came to see Ortolan. One reason was that Ortolan had a good track record and reputation, making him a valuable person to befriend. However, he still had doubts about Ortolan's abilities. The main reason he came was that if he didn't come, Vergo would be in a difficult position, rather than because he valued Ortolan's abilities.
This thing isn't apparent on the surface; it can only be discovered through gradual communication, cooperation, and contact!