Dressrosa Royal Palace.
The guards were visibly surprised to see Scarlet, but at her signal, they remained silent and let the two in.
Inside the palace, the lights were still on in King Riku's study.
The wise king was reviewing documents, his brow furrowed, clearly worried about the recent situation.
When Scarlet and Kyros pushed open the door and entered, King Riku looked up.
He was taken aback at first, then a loving smile appeared on his face.
" Kyros, Scarlet? It's so late..."
"Father."
Scarlet knelt down to pay her respects, Kyros followed suit.
King Riku keenly sensed the tense atmosphere, waved for his servants to leave, and closed the study door.
"What happened?"
Kyros raised his head and recounted in detail Roy's visit and Doflamingo's threat.
Roy locked onto the group with his Observation Haki and listened quietly.
He wanted to know how King Riku would choose to face such a crisis.
" Doflamingo..."
King Riku repeated the name in a low voice.
"A descendant of the Donquixote Family, I met him once."
He was just a child then, but his eyes already held an unsettling ambition.
He turned to look at Kyros and Scarlet.
"What that ' Heavenly Dao ' Roy said is very likely; Doflamingo is indeed eyeing Dressrosa."
In fact, I discovered three months ago that there were quite a few members of underground forces in the Dressrosa Kingdom.
It must have been Doflamingo who arranged this!
"What?" Kyros was shocked.
Scarlet's face turned pale. "Father, why didn't you tell us...?"
I don't want you to worry.
King Riku sighed.
"Moreover, I believe that those underground figures are only using Dressrosa as a hub for their operations."
So I didn't take it to heart.
So I didn't take it to heart. (Continue writing)
King Riku walked to the window, gazing at the tranquil royal city in the night, his voice heavy.
"But now it seems I was too naive."
The news brought by Captain Roy connected these scattered clues.
These people were probably planted by Doflamingo; they plan to gradually erode the Dressrosa Kingdom...
Upon hearing this, Roy's Observation Haki subtly faded, and a smile appeared on his lips.
King Riku's judgment coincided with his own thoughts.
Doflamingo is indeed orchestrating a long-term plan, gradually controlling Dressrosa's economic and political lifeline through underground infiltration, ultimately achieving "peaceful evolution."
This is very much in line with Doflamingo's style.
That man loved to scheme and plot, aiming to gain the greatest benefit with the least cost.
Roy stopped listening and turned to disappear into the night.
He had gotten the answer he wanted; the rest was up to Kyros to make his own choice.
Three days passed in the blink of an eye.
On the evening of the third day, the setting sun bathed the sunflower field in golden light. Roy and his group stood at the edge of the field, waiting for Kyros's arrival.
It didn't take long.
Kyros arrived on time, accompanied by Scarlet.
Both were dressed in clothes that allowed for easy movement; Kyros Scarlet carried a small box containing her personal belongings.
"It seems you've made your decision," Roy said with a smile.
Kyros's expression was complicated when he saw the smiling Roy.
Finally, he stepped forward, knelt on one knee, and performed a standard knightly salute.
" Captain Roy, I, Kyros, am willing to join the Roy Pirates, swearing by my sword to follow you."
Scarlet also gave a noble bow.
" Scarlet is willing to join us and do my best for the pirate crew."
"A wise choice!"
Roy helped the two up.
"Welcome. From today onwards, you are our partners."
Roy turned around and introduced them.
"This is Dracule Mihawk, the future World's Greatest Swordsman, who will be responsible for instructing you in swordsmanship from now on."
This is Bullet, my first mate, in charge of your physical and Haki training.
Hawk Eyes ' sharp gaze swept over Kyros.
See you on deck at 5 a. m. tomorrow. Don't be late.
Bullet grinned, revealing his gleaming white teeth.
"The afternoon is my time. Be prepared, my training won't be easy."
Kyros straightened his back. "Yes! Please give me your guidance!"
Just then, a voice came from afar. "Wait!"
Everyone turned to look and saw King Riku walking briskly towards them, accompanied by several guards.
The king was not wearing a magnificent royal robe, but rather simple casual clothes.
"Father!" Scarlet greeted him with delight.
King Riku took his daughter's hand, then looked at Roy.
" Captain Roy, please allow me to say a few more words."
Roy nodded. "Please speak, Your Majesty."
King Riku took out an exquisite badge from his robes, engraved with the national flower of Dressrosa and the emblem of a sword and shield.
He solemnly handed the badge to Roy.
" Captain Roy, this is a token I use to sign an alliance with the Roy Pirates on behalf of the Dressrosa Kingdom."
From this day forward, Dressrosa will be one of the Roy Pirates' most steadfast allies in the New World.
Roy took the badge, looked at the king with amusement, examined it carefully, and then put it in his pocket.
"Then I thank Your Majesty for your trust."
I, Roy, as captain of the pirate crew, pledge that what happens in Dressrosa is what happens to us.
King Riku nodded with satisfaction, then turned to Kyros and Scarlet.
"Children, go on."
Go forth and seek a stronger path, and witness a wider world.
But remember, wherever you go, this will always be your home.
He lowered his voice and spoke in a volume that only a few people could hear.
"I have already begun to prepare for the threat posed by Doflamingo."
The royal guard will increase its vigilance, and I will also contact neighboring friendly countries to establish a joint defense mechanism.
So don't worry, just focus on getting stronger.
Kyros nodded emphatically. "Your Majesty, I will certainly not let you down!"
The sun completely sank below the horizon, and night fell.
The Ark Maxim slowly rose into the night, its lights twinkling like stars.
Kyros and Scarlet stood on the ship's railing, watching the Dressrosa gradually disappear into the distance.
My heart is filled with reluctance, but also with anticipation.
"They'll come back."
Kyros held his wife's hand tightly.
"We will definitely come back when we become strong enough."
Scarlet leaned on his shoulder. "Yeah, I believe you."
Roy stood at the bow of the ship, gazing at the night sky ahead, planning his next move.
Kyros successfully recruited Dressrosa, making him an ally; this trip to Dressrosa was quite fruitful.
"Next target..." Roy muttered to himself, " Crocodile, that ambitious Logia user, what choice will he make?"
In the chessboard of the New World, Roy has made another important move.
As news of Roger becoming the Pirate King spread throughout the world, a true storm was about to break.
The Ark Maxim pierced the night sky, heading towards its next destination—the desert nation of Alabasta.
There, a battle against Logia powerhouse awaits the Roy Pirates.