"As you know, I am now Shichibukai, recognized by the World Government,"
A sly glint flashed in Doflamingo's eyes behind his sunglasses.
"As for the powers of the Shichibukai, I'm sure you're all aware of them."
"If you need any special supplies, I can help you procure them."
" Devil Fruit, rare metals, naval intelligence... you can buy anything with money."
Roy put down his teacup and said calmly,
"Sounds good."
"But--"
" Doflamingo, why do you think I should believe you?"
"Before this, we were enemies."
"Now that you've suddenly come to discuss cooperation, how can I be sure you're not playing tricks?"
Doflamingo chuckled.
" Captain Roy, you're mistaken."
"In the world of pirates, there are no eternal enemies, only eternal interests."
"They were enemies before because of a conflict of interest."
"The reason we want to cooperate now is because our interests align."
"And--"
"Do you think I would dare to play tricks with you, given your strength and influence?"
Roy looked at him, remained silent for two seconds, then a meaningful smile appeared on his face.
" Doflamingo, you're quite frank."
"Okay, I'll trust you this once."
"But--"
"Cooperation is possible, but there's a prerequisite."
Doflamingo raised an eyebrow.
What are the prerequisites?
Roy extended one finger,
"First, Dressrosa, you must give up."
"This is my territory, and my flag flies here."
You can no longer try to take advantage of this place.
Doflamingo's smile froze slightly.
He was silent for a few seconds, then nodded.
"Can."
I'm giving up Dressrosa.
Anyway, the world is so big, there are plenty of places to go.
Roy nodded in satisfaction.
"Second--"
"You handle business matters with Tesoro."
He was in charge of all commercial affairs on Hachinosu.
"Tell me the result after you've reached an agreement."
Doflamingo glanced at Tesoro, a glint of shrewdness flashing in his eyes.
Tesoro grinned.
"What, Doflamingo? You're not welcome?"
Doflamingo chuckled.
How could that be?
"Mr. Tesoro is Devil Fruit User the Rumble-Rumble Fruit, the famous ' Thunder God '."
It is my honor to work with you.
Tesoro snorted.
Don't give me that.
"Let's keep it professional and finalize the details of the cooperation."
Roy looked at the two of them, a faint smile playing on his lips.
"Alright, you two can talk it out."
He stood up and walked out of the hall.
As he reached the door, he suddenly stopped and turned to look at Doflamingo.
"Oh, right, Doflamingo."
"There's one more thing."
Doflamingo was taken aback.
"What's up?"
A glint of light flashed in Roy's eyes.
"You should have access to Devil Fruit, right?"
"Help me collect Devil Fruit."
"Whether it's Paramecia, Zoan, or Logia, I want any Devil Fruit."
"Any definite news would be fine."
"It would be even better if we could get the fruit directly."
"At that time, we can use the profits from the collaboration to offset the cost."
Doflamingo paused for a moment, then laughed.
"Fuchu... Captain Roy, you certainly know how to do business."
"Okay, no problem."
"I happen to have several supply channels for Devil Fruit, and I'll prioritize supplying you from now on."
Roy nodded.
"Then it's settled."
He turned and left, leaving Tesoro and Doflamingo behind, to begin a long business negotiation.
Outside the hall, the sun shone brightly.
Roy stood in the palace garden, gazing at the distant sea, lost in thought.
Doflamingo's words kept echoing in his mind.
Awakening...
It requires an opportunity, it requires accumulation, it requires a breakthrough at a critical juncture...
He clenched his fist, feeling the surging power within him.
The physical prowess gained from Bloodline Transplantation, the powerful abilities of the Telekinesis Fruit, the terrifying might of Conqueror's Haki...
All of this placed him at the pinnacle of the world.
But above the peak, there are even higher peaks.
But he was one step away.
This step may be more difficult to take than any of the previous ones.
but--
Roy's lips curled into a smile.
"A life-or-death situation?"
"Then let's find an opportunity and give it a try."
He gazed at the distant horizon, his eyes blazing with intense light.
Meanwhile, inside the main hall.
Tesoro and Doflamingo have begun a heated bargaining session.
"50/50? You wish!"
" Hachinosu provides the resources, technology, and products; you're just selling them and you want half?"
"Seven split! That's the absolute maximum!"
"Fufufu... Mr. Tesoro, you're mistaken."
"My distribution channels span the entire world."
"Without my channels, no matter how good your goods are, they'll just rot in your hands."
"A 40/60 split, no less!"
"Seven split! Take it or leave it!"
"Fufufu... Mr. Tesoro, your approach lacks sincerity."
The sounds of heated bargaining echoed continuously from inside the main hall.
King Riku stood aside, watching this scene, and couldn't help but shake his head and smile bitterly.
These pirates, they can't even argue like this when they're trying to do business...
However, no matter what --
Dressrosa, we're finally safe.
He looked out the window and saw Roy standing in the garden, his eyes filled with gratitude.
Thank you, Captain Roy.
Three days later.
Port of Dressrosa.
The Ark Maxim rests quietly in the harbor, its golden hull gleaming in the sunlight.
Roy stood at the bow of the ship, with Kyros, Scarlet, and the maid holding Rebecca behind him.
Doflamingo stood at the port, with the Donquixote Family executives behind him.
" Captain Roy, it's a pleasure doing business with you."
He reached out his hand.
Roy glanced at him and reached out to shake his hand.
"It's a pleasure doing business with you."
Remember your promise.
Doflamingo chuckled.
"Don't worry, I, Doflamingo, keep my word."
" Dressrosa, I will never touch it again."
"I'll collect the Devil Fruit as soon as possible."
"Our cooperation will definitely be very pleasant."
Roy nodded and withdrew his hand.
"They're gone."
He turned and walked towards the cabin.
Behind him, Tesoro waved to Doflamingo.
"Hey, Doflamingo, remember to bring an accountant next time you negotiate."
"With your math skills, doing business with you is exhausting."
Doflamingo's face darkened.
"Fufufu... Mr. Tesoro, I'll remember that."
Tesoro grinned.
"Fine, I'll remember it. You can't beat my boss anyway."
Doflamingo took a deep breath, suppressed his anger, and turned to leave.
The Ark Maxim slowly rose into the air, its golden hull breaking through the clouds and speeding towards Hachinosu.
Behind them, the silhouette of Dressrosa grew smaller and smaller until it finally disappeared into the sea of clouds.
On the deck, Roy stood with his hands behind his back, gazing at the distant horizon.
His mind was still preoccupied with the matter of Awakening.
At the critical moment of life and death...
Breaking the limits...
Perhaps it's time to find an opportunity to give it a try.
A faint smile curved Roy's lips.