The laughter in the great hall slowly faded.
Doflamingo still wore a smile.
The next instant, his gaze snapped to Tiger!
"What did he send you here for?"
His voice was low, without a trace of playfulness.
Tiger did not hesitate.
"He didn't say."
His answer was blunt and direct.
"He said you'd make the arrangements."
Doflamingo froze for a moment.
Something flickered behind his sunglasses. Then he laughed.
"Heh heh heh heh..."
There was a hint of excitement in his laughter.
"So that's it..."
He leaned forward slightly.
"What do you want?"
Tiger stared straight at his sunglasses, as though he could see through them.
"Power."
After a pause, he slowly clenched his fist.
"Enough power."
His muscles tightened, and his blood surged.
"Enough to protect Fish-Man Island, to let Fish-Men and mermaids—"
"Live in peace with humans!"
His voice rose, releasing a cry he had held back for far too long.
"And—"
"Enough power to change this rotten age!"
The hall seemed to tremble. The officers' expressions changed all at once.
That was not greed or ambition, but genuine resolve.
Doflamingo watched him quietly, then gave a soft laugh.
"Heh..."
"As expected of a man who climbed the Red Line with his bare hands."
There was a note of approval in his voice.
He turned, his feathers swaying gently.
"Since he sent you, I won't give you anything less than my best."
"Your identity—I'll make sure it stays completely hidden."
"The resources you want—I'll give you the very best."
He tilted his head slightly. "Including systematic Haki training."
"And..."
He paused, the corners of his mouth lifting again.
"The complete, improved version of Fish-Man Karate."
Tiger visibly faltered. "An improved version of... Fish-Man Karate?"
It was his people's legacy. He had never heard of any so-called "improved version."