For the next few days, both sides remained inactive.
The Donquixote Family's officers stayed cooped up in the abandoned manor every day, never venturing out.
The gene warriors of the Roy Pirates maintained a facade of relaxation while remaining vigilant, secretly monitoring the area.
Roy himself would spend his days strolling around Dressrosa with Tesoro.
Today I'll stroll through the shopping street, tomorrow I'll go to the plaza, and the day after tomorrow...
Visit the Corrida Colosseum.
Tesoro stared at the magnificent arena before him, unable to help but click his tongue in amazement.
"Boss, are we sure it's okay to go shopping every day for the next few days?"
Roy strode into the arena and said calmly,
What's the problem?
Doflamingo doesn't move, neither will we.
Let's see who loses their temper first.
Tesoro scratched his head.
"But... what if he doesn't move at all?"
A faint smile curved Roy's lips.
"He won't."
"He brought all his core staff all the way to Dressrosa, not for a vacation."
He must be waiting for something.
"Wait until he deems it the right time."
"We just need to wait."
Tesoro nodded thoughtfully.
The two took their seats in the VIP section.
Below, in the arena, two swordsmen are engaged in a fierce battle.
The clash of swords and the back-and-forth exchanges drew cheers from the audience.
Roy picked up his teacup, took a small sip, and while his gaze seemed to be fixed on the arena, it had actually already passed over the crowd and was looking into the distance.
The Observation Haki subtly unfolds.
Inside the abandoned manor on the outskirts of the city, those dozens of auras remained quietly in place.
There was no unusual movement, no departure, and no probing.
Roy's smile deepened.
Doflamingo, you really have a knack for holding back.
Let's keep watching then.
Let's see who has the last laugh.
As the sun sets, the day's competition comes to an end.
Roy and Tesoro left the arena and strolled through the streets of Dressrosa.
Along the streets, vendors were packing up their stalls, children were chasing and playing, and lovers were strolling hand in hand.
Everything was so harmonious and beautiful.
As if they were completely unaware that a storm was brewing in the shadows.
Tesoro couldn't help but say,
"Boss, what do you think Doflamingo is really up to?"
"There hasn't been a single sound for the past few days."
"Could it be that they're afraid of us and secretly ran away?"
Roy shook his head.
"Won't."
His ship is still in port, and he's still at the estate.
"And--"
He paused,
I could sense that he was waiting.
"Wait until I lower my guard, wait until I reveal a weakness."
"Or wait for a time he deems appropriate."
Tesoro frowned.
"So we're just going to keep waiting like this?"
Roy stopped and turned to look at him.
The moonlight shone down, illuminating his young yet profound face.
" Tesoro, remember this—"
"In the face of absolute power, any conspiracy or trickery is a joke."
" Doflamingo wants to play, let him play."
"He'll come to us when he can't hold it in any longer."
"At that time--"
"We'll talk to him about whatever he wants to talk about."
"Whatever he wants to fight, we'll fight with him."
The initiative has always been in our hands.
As Tesoro looked at Roy's calm and composed demeanor, his anxiety gradually dissipated.
He grinned.
"Understood, boss!"
"Shall we go to the arena again tomorrow?"
Roy nodded.
"Go."
"I heard there's a duel between some very skilled swordsmen tomorrow; it's worth watching."
"And--"
A glint of shrewdness flashed in his eyes.
"Perhaps that ' Shichibukai ' will also go to see it."
Tesoro's eyes lit up.
"Boss, you mean...?"
Roy didn't answer, he just smiled and turned to walk towards the palace.
Under the moonlight, his silhouette appeared exceptionally composed and calm.
It was as if everything was under control.
Tesoro quickly followed, secretly admiring him.
This is the boss.
Always so steady, no matter what the situation.
With a boss like that, what is there to be afraid of?
As night deepened, Dressrosa fell into a deep sleep.
And this silent standoff continues.
Three days later.
The Corrida Colosseum in Dressrosa remains bustling with activity.
Inside the enormous circular arena, two gladiators are locked in fierce combat.
The sounds of clashing swords, cheers from the audience, and excited shouts from the commentator blended together, creating an extremely exciting atmosphere.
In the VIP section, Roy and Tesoro took their seats as usual.
Tesoro sat beside him, listlessly resting his chin on his hand.
"Boss, it's been four days already."
"That Doflamingo guy still hasn't made a move."
Do you think he's really chickened out?
Roy was holding an ancient book he had borrowed from the Dressrosa Royal Palace Library, flipping through it.
Those are books about the history of Dressrosa, recording the legends and myths of the country.
Among them, the legends about "fairies" piqued his interest.
The "fairies" frequently appear in the Flower Field and near the main streets of Dressrosa, stealing food and valuables from the residents, but sometimes leaving behind some "gifts" in return.
This legend has been circulating in Dressrosa for centuries.
But Roy knew that it wasn't a fairy at all.
Those are the Tontatta.
The Tontatta Tribe.
A race that is only the size of a palm in height, possessing extraordinary strength and agility, as well as unique plant cultivation techniques.
They lived a secluded life in the Underworld of Dressrosa, far removed from worldly strife.
In the original story, they were enslaved by Doflamingo and used his technology to cultivate Devil Fruit and create "SMILE" Artificial Devil Fruit.
And now...
Roy put down his book and looked at the agitated Tesoro.
"Won't."
"If he chickened out, he wouldn't have come."
"Once they arrive, they will definitely show themselves."
Tesoro scratched his head.
"What if he doesn't show up at all?"
Roy glanced at him,
"Then we'll just keep waiting."
"Anyway, we have plenty of time."
"Perfect timing, I'd also like to watch more matches in this arena."
Tesoro followed his gaze to the arena and couldn't help but say,
"Boss, these gladiators are pretty good, but they're nowhere near as good as us, right?"
What's so interesting about it?
A faint smile curved Roy's lips.
"It's not just about ability."
It's their fighting style, their beliefs, and the potential they unleash in dire circumstances.
"These things are sometimes more interesting than simply being powerful."
Tesoro nodded, seemingly understanding but not quite.
Below, in the arena, the battle has reached a fever pitch.
A burly man wielded Giant Axe, hacking and slashing wildly.
The other, slender swordsman dodged nimbly, looking for an opportunity to counterattack.
The two exchanged blows, fighting fiercely and evenly matched.
The audience was thrilled, and cheers rose in waves.
Roy's gaze fell on the gaunt swordsman, a thoughtful glint in his eyes.
Although the swordsman's movements were not smooth or precise, every dodge and every counterattack was carried with a desperate spirit.
That's the look in the eyes of someone who has truly experienced life and death.
"Interesting."
Roy murmured.
Tesoro leaned closer.
"Boss, what did you say?"
Roy withdrew his gaze.
"Nothing."
Let's watch the game.