After saying that, Doflamingo placed his hands on his lap, straightened his upper body, and glared menacingly at Gawain.
And Gawain...
He paused for a moment, then spoke softly, meeting Doflamingo's gaze.
"Whether or not one becomes a hero, and whether or not one becomes a king."
That's my problem!
But if heroes are destined never to become kings, that's not my problem, it's the world's problem!
In short, my future fate will not be linked to the slave market you control!
Whatever decision I make, that decision can only determine how much I gain or how much I lose!
As soon as he finished speaking, Gawain gently pressed his palm down on Doflamingo, signaling Doflamingo to sit still.
As soon as Doflamingo sat up straight, Gawain continued with a stern face.
"Doflamingo, now that you're on my ship, you should have a clearer understanding of yourself!"
You should know that shady dealings don't deserve my success!!!
But... hehe.
Although you take the slave trade too seriously because of your own understanding of the world.
But ultimately, your approach is still worth considering!
As soon as he finished speaking, Gawain reached out and beckoned Kalifa over. Once Kalifa was standing beside him, he whispered to Kalifa and Lucci on either side of him.
"Kalifa, hand over your work for now. Leave the financial matters of the Dark Bird Ship headquarters to Nami for the time being."
I think that Cat Burglar, out of its love for money, would meticulously calculate those accounts.
As for you, I need you to personally take over Doflamingo's slave trade. Just like Doflamingo said, after fully grasping all the data and industry structure, we must gradually cleanse this industry from the ground up!
Doflamingo just mentioned, on the one hand, a large part of the source of slaves was poor families who sold their children when they could not feed themselves or raise more children.
On the other hand, among those who bought slaves were countless progressive families who were so prosperous that they sought to improve their lives!
The slave trade was never a respectable industry, but in any case, completely destroying Doflamingo's achievements would only lead to other Underworld figures pursuing the slave market.
"This kind of thing would cause losses many times greater than simply regulating the industry!"
At this point, Doflamingo let out a heavy sigh, then whistled arrogantly in celebration.
Meanwhile, Gawain continued.
"And besides the two types of people I just mentioned who need to protect their supply and demand relationships in this industry."
After other slave trades occurred, behind each transaction, there was inevitably a considerable degree of suffering for a certain family.
Just like the Gild Tesoro, who also had the painful experience of his beloved becoming a slave and being bought by the Heavenly Dragon.
Why..."
With a soft sigh, Gawain shook his head regretfully and continued.
"This is not something that can be easily curbed by simply raising prices or other simple methods."
So far, I haven't been able to offer any solutions verbally.
After all, this industry involves countless lives, and since I have the power to manipulate them, I should be responsible for them.
Solving problems is by no means as simple as dealing with the person who raised the problem.
Therefore, Kalifa, after taking over Doflamingo's businesses, let's choose a suitable area as a pilot zone and use the slave market within that zone to practice and explore the direction of the slave industry.
As for when this industry will be completely eradicated?
I think that whenever there are multiple kings and nobles, so that power cannot be concentrated in one person, we cannot do this.
Therefore, everyone...
Gawain looked around, then spoke slowly.
"The filth of the slave trade was destined to stain our clothes when Doflamingo joined."
Please join me in trudging through the mud until we find our way forward!
As soon as he finished speaking, Gawain raised his wine glass high. Seeing Gawain's gesture of toasting, everyone around him immediately fell silent!
In an instant, everyone, including the bewildered Shirahoshi and Uta, raised their cups.
"From the day I parted ways with the dragon, I decided to follow you. I have already endured far too much filth like what I see today!"
"Though I am blind, my mind is exceptionally clear. Since you have expressed such an attitude, I would not mind washing my hands properly a few decades from now!"
"Hahaha, Little Gawain, what's this little bit of filth? The great things Roger and Roger did back then were far more terrifying Koby any of this!"
"I am merely your blade, sir. As long as you diligently polish it, I will not hesitate to strike wherever I please!"
"I have always been a speck of dust in the wind. Although I was once revered by the people, my heart was already stained with filth. Stepping into the mud today, I feel much cleaner!"
"Hehehehe, I don't need to care about the mud, because all I need to do is tread on the blood splattered when sinners are executed!"
"Well, everyone's speaking skills have improved so much, am I the only one who hasn't learned anything from the adults?"
Ahem, anyway, what the adults say is all true!
After Jinbe solemnly expressed his stance, the important executives now sitting around Gawain have probably also expressed their opinions.
Seeing this, Gawain nodded in satisfaction, then waved to Kalifa and Lucci.
"Since no one has any objections, let's do it this way for now. Kalifa, Lucci, you two should properly hand over the reins to Doflamingo."
Besides the arms and slave markets, Doflamingo also holds the monarchy of Dressrosa. I'll deal with those matters in detail once I arrive in Dressrosa myself.
As for the suffering endured by the people of Dressrosa...
Doflamingo, your uncle is a man who is very good at kneeling down and apologizing, what about you?
"Fufu!!!"
Upon hearing Gawain, Doflamingo spread his hands with unusual decisiveness.
"You want me to do the hypocritical things that only trash like Mjosgard would do?"
Absolutely impossible!
"If you insist on doing this, then call Zephyr over from the training field, who's always busy coaching the kids, and give me a good beating too!!!"
After saying that, Doflamingo coldly raised his left hand and slashed his own neck.
Then he lazily lay back on the sofa, not wanting to move at all.
Seeing Doflamingo's behavior, Gawain chuckled and shook his head, then reprimanded him in a low voice.
"Doflamingo, that is the difference between you and me. If I had your character, committed your sins, and was in your current situation..."
Then I know perfectly well that bending my knees is the most convenient way to solve all problems!
But you, haha, since you want to preserve your last bit of pride, that's fine too.
Unfortunately, the danger you pose in my eyes is steadily decreasing.
After saying that, Gawain exhaled through his nose and then continued speaking to Doflamingo.
"Fine, if you don't want to kneel down and apologize, then let me, the one who accepted you into the group, bear the sins you committed and give the future people of Dressrosa the most generous compensation possible."
As for you, I'll allow you to express your personality to some extent, but don't cause me any more trouble outside of Dressrosa!
During the handover process with Lucci and Kalifa, you'd better not cause me any trouble!
Go now, get to work, Doflamingo!
After saying that, Gawain feigned annoyance and waved for Doflamingo to get lost.
Doflamingo, knowingly picking at his ear, then arrogantly left with Kalifa and Lucci.
Watching the three figures disappear into the distance, Gawain was filled with emotion for a long time. Even that troublesome Flamingo had joined his ranks.
It seems that I... have truly become the aspiration of some people on this vast sea!
While Gawain was pondering, Rayleigh observed for a moment, then sighed and moved closer to Gawain.
Before he could say anything, a terrifying scream suddenly rang out from not far away!
"Aa...
What's going on? Why am I in charge of the money?! I... Ahhhhh, my heart is about to stop from happiness!!!
Gawain, ahhh Gawain!!!
I'm so excited!!!
Gold, countless amounts of gold are beckoning to me!!!
That's right, at this moment Nami finally remembered what had happened. She had inexplicably become the financial manager (accountant) of the entire Dark Bird Ship faction because of her greedy nature!!!
Just imagining the scene of counting money in the future makes Nami incredibly happy.
But her happiness lasted less than half a minute before she suddenly went from excited to dejected!
"Etc!!!"
Nami suddenly spoke again in an incredibly terrifying voice!
"Gawain, I just realized that every official officer on the Dark Bird Ship has a monthly salary of 500 million Beli!!!"
In that case, the Dark Bird Ship's salaries alone would consume at least 150 billion Beli a year, which is absolutely terrifying!!!
After saying that, Nami suddenly jumped up and grabbed Gawain's wrist tightly!
"No, I absolutely will not allow adults' money to be wasted like this!"
A monthly salary of 500 million is just too outrageous. In reality, 20,000 Beli a month is enough for anyone to live a very luxurious life!!!
So, sir, let's save money!
I will take the lead in applying for a pay cut; I will never forgive those who advocate for clean governance!!!
While shouting righteously, Nami glanced at everyone with the eyes of a thief guarding his house.
Faced with Nami, who resembled a miserly tyrant, everyone simultaneously reached out and slapped themselves hard on the forehead.
As for Gawain, he reached out and gently ruffled Nami's hair, both amused and exasperated.
He chuckled as he rubbed it.
"I suggest you reject this suggestion. Go ahead and put it on your tab, Cat Burglar!"
After saying that, Gawain grabbed Nami by the neck and dragged the money-grubbing girl aside.
Meanwhile, near the kitchen building in the distance, Sanji walked towards the group with the snacks he had just prepared.
As Sanji walked, he looked around with interest. He had been cooking the whole time and had no idea what had happened.
He looked at Gawain...
Hmm, the uncle seems to be in a good mood. After today's banquet, I'll find some time tomorrow to talk to him about the future menu.
He looked at everyone again...
Hey, why does everyone look like they've lost money?
Then he glanced at the tense villagers of the Foosha Village near the rest area...
Wow, quite a few people! We'll have to increase the number of guests for lunch and dinner today... Wait, what?!
Suddenly, Sanji's curly eyebrows drooped completely as he stared incredulously at the woman with medium-length purple hair in the distance, his gaze fixed on her!
Meanwhile, Reiju, who was still controlled by Doflamingo's Parasite String in the crowd, also saw her younger brother!
Unlike Sanji's shocked expression, Reiju looked somewhat satisfied and relieved.
Although I don't know if my brother has found someone who truly cares for him, his upright posture and relaxed demeanor prove that he is very happy.
Just as Reiju starting to feel a little happy, Sanji finally realized what was happening.
He glanced quickly at the plate in his hand, then immediately threw it towards Gawain!
"Whoever it is, gentlemen, please prepare your snacks for today's drinks!"
As soon as he finished speaking, Sanji didn't want to wait any longer, and he rushed towards Reiju with all his might!
In the distance, near Gawain, Jinbe's eyes nearly popped out of their sockets as he watched the long-awaited snacks suddenly being thrown over!
"Huh? What's going on?! My snacks!!!"
In an instant, Jinbe stomped his feet and charged towards the tray like a bomber on the field, heading it with a header and then grabbing it firmly with the air of a goalkeeper.
Bang!
Jinbe's heavy body slammed onto the deck.
"Hey-hey!"
But a satisfied laugh escaped his lips.
"As expected of the chef at Baratie Restaurant, the quality of every dish served with drinks is astonishing!!!"
Putting Jinbe Jinbe's current sense of happiness, Sanji, who rushed towards Reiju, was already in a state of astonishment and disbelief!
He rushed frantically to Reiju's side, then grabbed Reiju arms in disbelief, staring at her intently!
First look at her hair, then her eyebrows, then her sexy pouty lips, and the number 66 on her thigh.
This is definitely not just some villager who looks similar; it's my sister!!!
Sanji quickly grabbed Reiju's arms and asked.
"Reiju!
How did you end up here!
"So, you also ran away from your family like me???"
After saying that, Sanji looked at Reiju expectantly, but Reiju did not respond to Sanji's words.
Seeing that Reiju didn't speak, Sanji was stunned for a moment, and then tears immediately welled up in his eyes!
Yes, his tears were truly spurting out; one can only say the Vinsmoke Family's Lineage Factor is absolutely phenomenal...
Sanji cried loudly as he sadly hugged Reiju.
Holding his long-lost sister, Sanji sobbed.
"I understand, you... you must not have survived those bastard's experiments. You became a failure like me, and a failure that can't speak, waaaaaah!!!"
Reiju, you were the one who sent me away from that hell back then, I will definitely repay you!
Even if you can't speak, or lose some other function, I will take good care of you!
I'll plead with Uncle Gawain and beg him to let me take you with me. Your future is in my hands, I..."
"Cough cough!!!"
Just as Sanji was feeling incredibly sad, a cough that was very close to him suddenly interrupted him.
Gawain suddenly appeared beside Sanji and ruffled Sanji's hair roughly.
"Hey kid, don't judge people so easily, even if it's your sister!"
After he finished speaking, Gawain pulled Sanji and Reiju apart, amidst their shocked and amused gazes.
While telling Sanji to stand aside, Gawain grabbed Reiju's left arm and looked Reiju up and down.
Then, Gawain smiled and nodded to Reiju.
"I'm sorry, young lady. I did notice that you were being controlled by Doflamingo, but I was so focused on the battlefield and the cleanup that I completely forgot about you here."
After saying that, Gawain suddenly released lightning while holding Reiju's right hand. Immediately afterwards, a dazzling current of electricity quickly swirled around Reiju's body.
In Gawain's mind, in that instant, he burned every parasitic Parasite String in Reiju's body that carried Doflamingo's bioelectric information with the intense heat of thunder.
Although it must have hurt a bit, judging from Reiju's nonchalant attitude after the control was lifted, it probably didn't hurt that much, right?
Once Reiju was no longer under control, she immediately knelt down before Gawain.
Gawain, of course, wouldn't let him kneel, so he pulled her to stand up straight.
After standing up straight, Reiju pursed her lips with a sigh, then gave Gawain a charming bow.
"Thank you Saint Gawain, for releasing Heavenly Yaksha from my control. And thank you, sir, for taking such good care of my younger brother. Thank you so much."
As soon as she finished speaking, Reiju took a step back, politely breaking free from Gawain's control.
Then, she raised her right hand and gently tapped Sanji's forehead.
"Sanji, my future doesn't need a good-for-nothing younger brother to take care of it. There are far more people who want to take care of their older sister than you think~."
"As for now, I'm afraid I don't have much time to chat with you. I need to ask Dr. Saint Gawain to give me a check-up first."
As soon as she finished speaking, Reiju looked at Gawain with a charming smile and asked.
"My lord, may I explain my tracking of the Dark Bird Ship later? I have no intention of harboring ill will toward a gentleman like you."
"So, may I receive some treatment on your ship?"
"Of course," Gawain said with a smile.
After receiving permission, Reiju breathed a sigh of relief and then rushed towards Chopper. Given her current ambiguous identity, she dared not trouble the two big shots Crocus and Kureha.
Chopper didn't care what Reiju was doing when she rushed towards him; he simply grabbed Reiju and carried her to the treatment room.
Just as Reiju disappeared from Gawain's sight, Gawain suddenly heard an extremely shrill female wail coming from the treatment room.
"Ouch, that lightning hurts so much!!!"
My whole body hurts so much!!!
"Well..."
Hearing this voice, Gawain sighed helplessly.
It seems my treatment method is indeed quite painful...