Each Taking What They Need

The New World, Dressrosa.

In the royal palace.

Oboro and Doflamingo sat facing each other, Oboro gazing out the window at the dense buildings below.

The royal palace in Dressrosa is built on the highest mountain, offering a near-unobstructed view of the entire island.

It must be said that the scenery of this island nation is very beautiful.

Dressrosa has been the territory of the Celestial Dragons Donquixote Family since ancient times, and it is also the place where the Donquixote Family originated. However, the Donquixote Family later moved to the Red Line and handed the country over to other people. Therefore, Doflamingo's return can be described as 'returning the country to its rightful owner'.

The only problem is that the methods used are somewhat shady and not entirely legitimate.

"The whole world is watching your next move... fufufu." Doflamingo crossed his legs and looked at the complacent God Slayer in front of him, laughing.

"No rush."

Long rubbed his fingers together and curled the corners of his mouth.

"Breaking news: the government has sent people to Totto Land, and they are probably discussing how to get rid of you."

Dover is a very direct person.

"You're still the best at getting information."

Long gave a compliment.

"Aren't you worried? If they really join forces, you probably won't be able to take down that woman..."

"Have you seen this photo before?"

Long gave an irrelevant answer and picked up a photograph from the table in front of the two of them.

The photo shows the initial members of the Hell Pirates executing Celestial Dragons in the Bole Kingdom.

This includes Rob Lucci.

"Of course... I must say, your move was quite insidious. Now those Celestial Dragons are almost unable to contain their anger towards you..." Doflamingo licked his lips, a glint flashing in his red glasses as he stared at Rob Lucci in the photo. "It's him... the spy lurking on your ship, the captain of CP9... The World Government seems to value him highly, considering him extremely capable."

"Um."

Long nodded.

"But once this photo is exposed, the World Government will have to wonder if he has completely sided with you and become One Piece... Those Celestial Dragons probably won't be able to trust this guy either. In other words, no matter what kind of strong evidence or clues the World Government produces, outsiders, including themselves, won't be able to fully believe it. They might even suspect that you're secretly plotting something, using a scheme against him..."

"Fufufu..."

"Those guys have been bitten by a snake once and are now afraid of ropes for ten years. Their fear of you is beyond words."

Long laughed, "It's not as serious as you described. The Five Elders still have some brains."

"Fufufu... that's a really good compliment."

Joker added.

The Hell Pirates have been in Dressrosa for some time now, having contacted Doflamingo before entering the New World. However, they entered quite secretly, unknown to the outside world. Currently, aside from Doflamingo himself who remains in the palace, the rest of the Hell Pirates are free to roam. Some are training, others are traveling the island nation to relax, but none are allowed to leave. As for the One Piece from Impel Down, they're probably having some fun somewhere...

Dressrosa, a country that appears 'glamorous' on the surface, is actually quite filthy and dirty 'underground,' making it a favorite paradise for One Piece.

Furthermore, Doflamingo's subordinates, ostensibly as 'guides,' were keeping a 24-hour watch on Rob Lucci to prevent him from reporting information to the World Government.

Next, Oboro will sever Rob Lucci's 'connection' with the World Government, giving him no chance whatsoever.

After the photo of the Celestial Dragons's execution was leaked, Rob Lucci's mysterious 'disappearance' would only increase the World Government's suspicions.

In addition, after entering the New World, Oboro deeply experienced the difference in 'environment' during this period.

The World Government and Navy have too little control over the New World, resulting in less efficient intelligence and information processing... This also gives them a clearer understanding of the power of Doflamingo, the underground boss of the New World. Normally, even if the Hell Pirates, with several hundred members, tried to hide in Dressrosa, they would inevitably come into contact with outsiders. If this had happened in the first half of the Grand Line, the news would probably have reached the World Government within half a day.

But now... Doflamingo has used his abilities to completely block the source of the information.

You know, looking at the whole New World, there are very few people who can perfectly 'hide' them.

In terms of getting things done, you have to admire this guy.

The reason why Oboro approached Doflamingo was not only because of the relationship they had formed in the North Blue, but also because the Hell Pirates' plan required Doflamingo's help, and no one else could do it.

This is why Oboro had his eye on Doflamingo from the very beginning.

"What's the situation outside?"

Long changed the subject.

"The remnants of Whitebeard's crew, led by Marco, can only hold onto a very limited amount of territory... Without Whitebeard, while they still retain some cohesion, it's far less than before. Some of their former main forces, like the division commanders, are facing various challenges from all sorts of monsters and monsters. However, Whitebeard's territories have mainly been taken over by Kaido and Big Mom... but with Shanks' help, those two haven't gotten much. The remaining smaller resources have been divided up by some major powers..."

"You've made quite a bit of money too, haven't you?"

Long raised an eyebrow.

"Fufufu... Did that Crocodile guy tell you that?"

Dover laughed strangely.

Although Crocodile has always been based in the first half of the Grand Line, his connections and influence are considerable, and he also has channels for intelligence gathering. Moreover, the Hell Pirates themselves have substantial businesses and connections even within the Grand Line. While they remain in Dressrosa, they are not oblivious to the outside world.

"I originally planned to make a fortune under Kaido and Big Mom's rule... After all, the current chaotic situation is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for someone like me. But now it seems I'm not the biggest beneficiary..."

"Marshall D. Teach?"

Oboro said a name.

"That's right... Although the resources he plundered seem insignificant, the sheer number and scale of the industries they acquire is astonishing. Moreover, they are still hunting down Whitebeard's remnants, gradually building their reputation and recruiting many people. They are thriving... They have completely established themselves in the New World. To be honest, I didn't even expect this speed of development."

There was a chill in Dover's words.

Because Marshall D. Teach stole a lot of his cake.

Given Doflamingo's personality, the fact that he could stand by and watch his opponent seize the initiative can only mean one thing... that even with his power, he is somewhat wary of Blackbeard.

Otherwise, Marshall D. Teach would have died long ago.

"Don't underestimate him."

Oboro was not surprised at all by this.

"Are you really unmoved by the Whitebeard?"

Dover's words had a hidden meaning.

"Not interested... I don't like empty talk."

"No matter how much territory you have, or how rich your resources and industries are, it's all useless if you don't have the strength to defend it."

"These people seem to have everything, but in reality, they are just temporarily holding it for me. If I want it, I can take it anytime, saving me the trouble of managing it myself."

After saying that, Long smiled at Doflamingo, "Of course, you're different from them."

"Fufufu..."

Joker's smile was fake. "Don't try to fool me with that."

"We're just using each other... Of course, right now I don't have much leverage to negotiate with you."

"However, I am very interested in your purpose, so... I don't mind being used by you."

"Fufufu..."

"Sigh... you and Crocodile are really alike, both so boring."

Long sighed.