CP0 Arrives in Person

Rob Lucci, watching from behind Oboro, noticed Gild Tesoro's moved expression.

He thought to himself, "This man can accurately pinpoint everyone's weaknesses... Anyone who wants to take the initiative in front of him is just dreaming."

As soon as Rob Lucci entered the cell, he could tell that Gild Tesoro had prepared himself mentally beforehand.

It means refusing to be used by those God Slayer.

They were also prepared to make sacrifices.

After all, the Hell Pirates destroyed his foundation.

But now, in just a few words, the other party's will has wavered.

Perhaps... the other party thought that what the God Slayer was going to say was a threat or intimidation... but that was not the case. When facing Gild Tesoro, Oboro understood very well what the latter wanted.

Start by presenting a vision, rather than immediately putting on a show of force.

For Gild Tesoro, this promise was irresistibly enticing... and if successful, the promise of the God Slayer was certain.

"You should understand that I have a method even more cruel than killing you," Oboro said.

Gild Tesoro's face tightened.

A fine sheen of sweat suddenly appeared on his forehead.

He knew what Oboro was referring to, and that handing him over to the Celestial Dragons... The Celestial Dragons' anger was now unimaginable, and they needed an outlet. If he fell into the hands of the Celestial Dragons, he would once again experience the dark and hopeless life of slavery he had in his youth... perhaps even worse.

In the sky... if the new city could be suspended in the air, like the Skypiea, it would indeed be able to avoid interference from the World Government and other forces to the greatest extent.

"You want to become the new master of this world?"

Gild Tesoro countered with a question.

"That's right... Overthrow the Celestial Dragons and reshape the world."

Long bluntly stated, "What you can't do... what others dare not even think of, I will do... you just need to hide behind me."

Beneath the brim of his hat, a smile spread across his scarred face.

He spoke casually, but to outsiders, his words sounded almost magical.

Once Gran Tesoro takes shape, it means he could even control the world's economy... To gain power, he would inevitably have to interact with countless forces and nations, thus infiltrating and manipulating them. It sounds wonderful... but Gild also understands that joining the Hell Pirates is equivalent to him working for the God Slayer... The one who actually reaches the top is Oboro. However, if he really succeeds, even if he only gets a sliver of influence, his status, identity, and wealth will be unimaginable.

By then, as one of the key members of the Hell Pirates, he had already reached the very top.

"That woman..."

"The woman you love."

He mumbled incoherently.

Upon hearing this, Gild Tesoro, who was still hesitant, felt his heart clench.

"Think about her... how she died. If you still love her, you must understand a truth... the best way to deal with fear is to eliminate it."

"You haven't killed Celestial Dragons yet, have you? Once you kill Celestial Dragons, you'll find that feeling... is absolutely amazing."

"..."

Gild Tesoro.

"Don't be afraid... I'm here to protect you."

"As long as I live, the Hell Pirates will never be defeated."

Oboro's words, each one a gem, caused Gild Tesoro's gaze to gleam with an inexplicable light.

Seeing this, Rob Lucci remained calm and composed.

Each person on the ship was recruited in slightly different ways by Oboro, but if you think about it carefully... Enel from Skypiea, Bare from the former Roger Pirates, Waldo the World Destroyer, Crocodile, Shiryu, and so on—aren't these people all incredibly powerful and experienced? Who dares to say that these people are stupid? The fact that even these people are willing to submit to the God Slayer speaks volumes.

No one who was targeted by Oboro could escape his clutches.

Rob Lucci had already guessed the outcome.

"Good."

After a long silence, Gild Tesoro uttered only one word.

"But based on the plan you described, there is one major drawback."

"It's about... how to build Gran Tesoro. This requires a lot of money and a long time. It's simply unrealistic to try to hide it from the World Government. That's the key! Without achieving this step, everything is just empty talk."

"If I'm not mistaken, based on what's in the newspapers, you've become public enemy number one..."

"This matter... is the biggest obstacle. Once we get past this step, everything else will be much easier."

"Don't worry, I'll soon show you... why I was able to do it."

Long laughed.

Meanwhile, in Dressrosa.

The royal palace received news that the World Government's ships had arrived at the port.

Doflamingo personally led his men to greet them.

He knew why these people from the World Government had come.

To put it simply... they're up to no good.

"Fufufufu... What a grand spectacle! Dressrosa hasn't been this lively in a long time!" On the shore, Doflamingo looked at the large ships on the sea, spread his arms, and laughed enthusiastically, welcoming the guests who had come from afar.

A steady stream of government agents disembarked from the ships and, without warning, ventured deep into the island's interior and spread into the cities to begin their operations.

They didn't even bother to greet Doflamingo, the 'person in charge'.

This made Joker's face darken.

"What's the meaning?"

Dover's tone was chilling as he looked at the approaching officials, feigning ignorance as he asked the question.

Cp0.

The CP0 leader, who was at the forefront, pulled out an official document issued by the World Government and showed it to Joker.

"Doflamingo, you have been temporarily stripped of your title as a Shichibukai... but due to the special treatment you receive from above, we will not make it public. In other words, you are still officially a Shichibukai and retain some of the powers stipulated in the agreement. For example, we will not interfere in Dressrosa's affairs, including the dirty dealings and businesses you have been involved in behind the scenes... but from now on, you, your subordinates, and this entire country will be under our 24-hour surveillance."

"Fufufu... The agreement between the Seven Warlords of the Sea was very clear: my relationship with your World Government was only one of cooperation, not one of superior and subordinate."

Dover feigned anger.

"Stop acting like Doflamingo... You should know why."

The CP0 captain didn't take it seriously and said softly, "Come with us first. The Five Elders want to see you, and only you are allowed to come. No one else is permitted to accompany you."

Upon hearing this, Dover fell silent instantly.

The expressions of Trebol and the others beside him changed, and their eyes showed worry.

"Dover~~"

Trebol shouted worriedly.

"It's alright... I'll leave for a while, you can take care of things here."

Doflamingo turned around and comforted his 'family,' but his words were somewhat 'strange,' seemingly carrying a deeper meaning.

"Just a casual question... what's your relationship with the Hell Pirates?"

Suddenly, the captain of CP0 spoke up unexpectedly.

"Of course we are partners."

Dover reacted quickly and said directly.

Upon hearing this, several CP0 members noticed a change in their demeanor.

"Don't be nervous... We're just ordinary business partners. My family has quite a few businesses in the North Blue, and the Hell Pirates also started their fortunes North Blue. It's normal for us to have business dealings... As long as I can make money, I don't care who the other party is. Besides, the World Government hasn't stipulated who I have to do business with or who I can't, right?"

"This is my own business, and you have no right to interfere."

Doflamingo had a mocking look on his face, clearly toying with CP0.

"Fufufu... It's very difficult to survive on this ocean."

The captain of Cp0 let out a cold snort.

"Are the Hell Pirates hiding in Dressrosa?"

Who knows?

Dover stuck out his tongue and laughed exaggeratedly, "You should ask them yourselves... I don't know them."

Experienced and shrewd.

Sure enough, there were no flaws to be found.

Beneath the mask worn by the CP0 captain, a pair of exposed eyes revealed a serious expression.

"I hope you'll remain just as composed when we get to Mary Geoise."

"Fufufufu..."