Unknown location, encrypted holographic Communications Room.
There was no light source in the room, only three enormous screens casting a cold blue glow over three indistinct, imposing figures. The faint hum of data streams and the rich smoke of premium cigars filled the air.
On the left screen was "Shipping King" Umit. His trademark beard looked rather ferocious in the blue light, and his voice rumbled like rolling stones. "Aaron Ball, that 'White Calamity,' is aboard the Blossom right now. Their course shows they're heading toward Hannabal."
On the middle screen, "King of Loan Sharks" Du Feld abruptly tore off his black aviator sunglasses, revealing sharply gleaming eyes. The cigar in his mouth trembled with agitation. "Beard, what the fuck is that supposed to mean?! Why did you lead that killing machine to Hannabal?! That lunatic just single-handedly wiped out the Fierce Tyrant Pirates, whose combined bounties exceeded five billion! Not even bone fragments were left! And now you're sending him to our 'playground'?!" His voice carried barely restrained fury and a trace of apprehension that was hard to detect.
"See? Worked up again." On the screen, Umit spoke unhurriedly, his tone mocking. "Du Feld, did someone knock you on the head while you were collecting bad debts and scramble your brains? All three of us have stakes in this year's Death Race. Don't you know how much money flows through the betting pool? Why would I wreck my own operation?"
"Fuffuffuffu..." A low, distinctive laugh cut into the communications channel. The third indistinct figure appeared on the right screen: "JOKER," Donquixote Doflamingo. Fingers interlaced, he leaned against a throne in the shadows. "All right, gentlemen. Settle down."
His voice held the composure of someone in control. "Old Umit moved fast and bet big. I'll give him that. But..." His