On Onigashima, deep within a cavern, King reported the events of the Sabaody Archipelago to Kaido.
Kaido sat lazily, gripping a large sake gourd as he continuously poured its contents into his mouth. It was unclear whether he was even listening.
When King finished speaking, Kaido tossed the empty gourd aside, his expression impatient.
"Enough. Stop talking about it. It was just a few rookies and an old man like Silvers Rayleigh who died."
King gave a silent nod and stepped back without another word.
Kaido shook his head, his tone shifting.
"Compared to that, I care more about whether Donquixote Doflamingo has prepared my shipment."
Jack immediately stepped forward.
"Lord Kaido, that man is unreliable. He has been delaying our delivery. Ever since I went to pressure him last time, we have heard nothing from him."
From the side, Queen let out a cold snort.
"It seems Doflamingo is tired of living. We already gave him enough respect by offering him a place before. Does he really think being one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea will protect him?"
Kaido slowly stood up, his towering figure radiating immense pressure. His gaze settled on Jack as his voice deepened.
"Jack, go find him again. Tell him that if he fails to deliver the goods, there will be no need for his so called family to exist."
A violent surge of Haoshoku Haki burst from Kaido, black lightning crackling around him.
Jack nodded firmly, immediately gathering his subordinates before turning to leave the cavern with a menacing air.
After Jack departed, King spoke again.
"Kaido, there is a high chance Jack will clash with Doflamingo this time."
Kaido remained indifferent.
"Let them fight. If he can drag Doflamingo back here, even better."
King shook his head slightly.
"I doubt it will be that simple. Doflamingo is not weak, and he possesses the Ito Ito no Mi. If they truly fight, Jack alone may not be enough. I suggest I accompany him."
Kaido considered briefly, then nodded.
"Fine. Go as well. Stay hidden at first and observe his attitude. If he hands over the goods obediently, leave it at that. If not, cripple him and bring him back."
---
At Dressrosa, within the royal palace atop King's Plateau,
Donquixote Doflamingo and Donquixote Rosinante sat across from each other at a long table.
The atmosphere was heavy.
Neither brother spoke. They simply ate in silence.
Rosinante appeared distracted, occasionally glancing up at Doflamingo as if wanting to speak, yet holding himself back.
Meanwhile, Doflamingo focused entirely on the lobster before him, his favorite dish, savoring each bite with visible enjoyment.
At last, Rosinante broke the silence.
"Law has been taken by the Navy."
Without looking up, Doflamingo continued chewing.
"I already know."
Rosinante hesitated before speaking again.
"Could you..."
"No."
The answer came instantly.
Bang!
Rosinante slammed his hands onto the table as he stood up, anger blazing in his eyes. Across from him, Doflamingo remained composed, still eating as if nothing had happened.
After finishing the last piece of lobster, Doflamingo picked up his glass of red wine and took a slow, refined sip. With a snap of his fingers, a white handkerchief floated up and gently wiped his lips.
Rosinante's fists tightened, veins bulging as he struggled to contain himself.
"Brother, I am begging you. You are a Warlord. If you personally requested it..."
"Fufufufu..."
Doflamingo laughed, the sound sharp and mocking.
"It is rare to hear you call me brother. For that alone, I would grant you almost anything. But not this."
His tone turned colder.
"Law has already gone where he belongs. I could not send him there myself, but this outcome is acceptable."
Rosinante's expression darkened.
"What do you mean? If you refuse to help, then let me return to the Navy. I will speak to Sengoku myself."
Doflamingo shook his head.
"This is your home. There is nowhere for you to return to. Besides, Law is no longer with the Navy. Going back would be meaningless."
Rosinante froze, then slowly sank back into his seat, his strength leaving him.
Doflamingo watched him and spoke more softly.
"Brother..."
"Do not call me that!"
Rosinante's voice exploded with emotion.
Doflamingo paused briefly, then continued.
"Rosinante, is it worth it? For an outsider? If something were to happen to me, would you worry like this?"
Rosinante turned his face away, his voice cold.
"Stop pretending. Speak to me again when you return this country to its rightful ruler."
Doflamingo showed no anger.
"You are still naive. The rightful rulers of this country are our family. I have explained this history to you many times."
Rosinante responded immediately, his tone sharp.
"That was when our family abandoned this country. For centuries, the Riku Family ruled here!"
"And under their rule, did the people truly prosper?" Doflamingo replied calmly. "Can you not see what Dressrosa has become?"
"It is built on the suffering of other nations! The weapons you obtain from Kaido are sold to fuel their wars!"
"I am the king of Dressrosa," Doflamingo said indifferently. "What happens beyond this country is not my concern."
"You..."
Rosinante was at a loss for words.
Doflamingo continued, his tone measured.
"I merely sell weapons. I do not force those nations into war. Their greed drives them. They seek power and profit for themselves."
He leaned back slightly.
"And let me tell you this. If I handed Dressrosa back to King Riku today, this country would be torn apart within a month. Do you believe otherwise?"
Rosinante's face turned pale. His lips parted, but no words came out.
At that moment, the door burst open.
Violet rushed in, panic written across her face.
"Doflamingo, Jack the Drought has returned. He has already injured Pica."
Doflamingo's expression darkened, a cold glint flashing behind his tinted glasses.
He lifted his wine and drained it in one motion before standing up.
As he moved toward the exit, he paused briefly and glanced at Rosinante.
"Stay here. No matter what you hear, do not come out."
Without waiting for a response, Doflamingo left the room.
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