Big Mom's demand was no different from outright robbery. The commercial district of Sabaody Archipelago was worth every inch of its land, and it was a mandatory stop for pirates heading to the New World.
Piracy was a high-risk profession. Although its income was unstable, it was also extremely lucrative. Besides, pirates had no idea what restraint was.
Opening an auction house on Sabaody required more than sheer force. None of the Four Emperors had any overt industries on Sabaody Archipelago—not because they did not want any, but because it was simply impossible.
Sabaody Archipelago was close to Marine Headquarters and not far from the Red Line. It was within easy reach of the World Government and the Marines.
Doflamingo could own an industry on Sabaody Archipelago solely because of his former Celestial Dragon status. No matter what, Donquixote was a Celestial Dragon surname. The World Government and the Marines were unlikely to wipe him out completely, and the Celestial Dragons alone would not allow it.
Big Mom was clever. She did not directly demand Doflamingo's auction house on Sabaody Archipelago. Instead, she demanded the net profits, while Doflamingo would continue operating it.
If fifty percent of the Sabaody auction house's profits was the limit of Doflamingo's patience, then the underground world's profits were the foundation of his position in the New World.
Big Mom had made a ridiculously bold demand, while Doflamingo and Red Hair remained expressionless. That was how negotiations worked. It was not that Doflamingo would give Big Mom whatever she wanted. That would not be negotiation—it would be extortion after Doflamingo had been captured alive by Big Mom.
"BIG, there's no room for negotiation over the auction house or the underground-world business, but..."
A smile appeared on Doflamingo's face. He had actually decided what he would