"An alliance?"
Doflamingo's words took Allen somewhat by surprise. Narrowing his eyes slightly, he said, "If I remember correctly, Kaido is the one backing your arms business. It's hard for me to trust a profit-driven merchant, Doffy. What is your real objective?"
"Merchants aren't the only ones driven by profit. Whether it's Kaido or you, there are no eternal enemies or allies in this world, only eternal interests." A sly smile spread across Doflamingo's face as he spoke to Allen. "Kaido's ship is too big. As the Family gradually grows stronger, he has actually started to make me feel uneasy."
"The phase of needing to borrow the name of an Emperor of the Sea to develop has passed. Today, Kaido is nothing more than a massive mountain suppressing the Family, preventing us from growing any further."
Showing his true colors, Doflamingo finally revealed his real objective. A sharp glint flashed in his eyes as he said, "Moving this mountain won't be easy. Relying solely on the Family's strength is far from enough. I need external assistance."
Hearing this, the corners of Allen's mouth curled up as he looked Doflamingo up and down.
*'Isn't he just an ungrateful wretch?'* Allen thought. *'Borrowing Kaido's resources and name to expand his Family when he needed them, and now that he's grown, he wants independence.'*
*'Lacking the strength himself, he wants to drag an outsider in to help bite the hand that fed him. What a textbook opportunist.'*
Allen watched Doflamingo with keen interest. "I see. You want to use me to help you break free from Kaido's control. However, even if I cooperate with you, this won't be an easy task."
"An Emperor who has ruled the seas for years naturally cannot be toppled so easily. While expanding our own power, we also need to create a sufficiently strong external enemy for Kaido."
"Big Mom, or even the Golden Lion, could serve as that enemy. As long as the Artificial Devil Fruit factory remains in my hands..."
A mocking smirk played on Doflamingo's lips as he looked up at Shiki in the sky, brimming with confidence in his plan.
Allen could tell that Doflamingo hadn't approached him on a whim; he had likely been meticulously plotting this for a long time.
Allen couldn't help but give him a second look and asked, "Why me? Or rather, why should you trust me, and why should I trust you? Aren't you afraid these words will reach Kaido's ears?"
"Trust? Such a thing is too cheap. Why do you think I'm telling you all this?" Doflamingo turned back, a playful expression on his face. "Aside from mutual interests, the only thing that can maintain a stable partnership is, of course, mutual blackmail."
"Is that so? That sounds a bit unsettling. I understand your plan, but what leverage do you hold over me?" Allen narrowed his eyes slightly, asking with genuine curiosity.
Facing his question, Doflamingo smiled nonchalantly. "It's quite a coincidence, really. Those slave traders on the Sabaody Archipelago have exceptionally sharp eyes. Someone accidentally discovered Nico Robin's true identity."
"I just happen to have some businesses there, and the news accidentally reached my ears. Of course, you don't need to worry about me telling the World Government. After all..."
Doflamingo paused, his tone turning mocking as he looked at Allen. "As long as we have *that thing*, combined with the underworld forces I've cultivated over the years, let alone toppling Kaido, even overturning the world would be a piece of cake. Fuffuffuffu."
The "thing" Doflamingo referred to was naturally the Ancient Weapon, Pluton.
"Robin has always tried to avoid the World Government's eyes and ears, whether intentionally or not. To think she was recognized by a mere slave trader... how ironic," Allen chuckled dismissively. He then turned to Doflamingo and said, "Let's forget about overturning the world. You simply want to use me to help you escape Kaido's control. That's fine. Once I enter the New World, I'll eventually clash with the Four Emperors anyway. However..."
Changing the subject, Allen gave a faint, meaningful smile. "Before I commit to working with you, I need to see your capabilities and your sincerity."
Hearing Allen's willingness to cooperate, Doflamingo felt a surge of joy, though his expression remained unchanged. He smiled playfully, "Sincerity? Let's hear it."
"Before we head into the New World to deal with Kaido, you're going to help me kill someone."
"Oh? Who do you want to kill?" Doflamingo asked, his expression full of interest.
Allen dropped his smile and stated seriously, "Blackbeard Teach."
"..."
Allen's words plunged Doflamingo into silence.
He didn't know much about Teach, but he knew the man wasn't a rookie. He was a traitor who had murdered a crewmate to steal a Devil Fruit and fled from Whitebeard's ship.
The fact that Teach was able to capture Fire Fist Ace alive was proof enough that he wasn't an easy target.
However...
Doflamingo glanced at Allen and asked, "I recall the news reporting a clash between you and Teach a while back?"
"That's right. I forced him to retreat back then, but unfortunately, I couldn't kill him," Allen replied.
Doflamingo pondered for a moment before saying, "Killing Teach brings me no benefit. Unless you have a foolproof plan to finish him off, I won't make a move."
"The risk of you asking me to help deal with Kaido is far higher than dealing with Teach. There's no such thing as reaping rewards without taking risks. As for the plan to deal with Teach..."
Allen paused, the corners of his mouth curling up. "I believe he will return to Marineford. Do you really think I'm the only one who wants him dead?"
"Are you sure? What would he come back for?" Doflamingo's tone held a hint of skepticism.
He had heard the news of Teach breaking into Impel Down. It was obvious that the Marines would never let him off the hook.
There was also the Whitebeard Pirates, whom he had betrayed, not to mention Allen glaring at him like a tiger watching its prey.
Under these circumstances, what could Teach possibly hope to gain by risking a return to Marineford?
"Just how many people are lurking in the shadows behind this war, waiting to make their move? Fuffuffuffu, this is getting more and more interesting." Doflamingo chuckled, then added, "No problem. If he really shows up at Marineford, I'll help you deal with him."
"Hahahaha, then here's to a pleasant partnership. Kill Teach first, then defeat Kaido." Allen laughed, taking the initiative to extend his hand and shake Doflamingo's. A sharp glint flashed in his eyes as he sneered, "Since our alliance is formed, get ready to move. Our target has already appeared."
"Hm? You mean..." Doflamingo froze for a second upon hearing this, but quickly realized what he meant. His mouth curled into a cold smirk, his tone carrying a hint of annoyance. "You had already noticed him, hadn't you? What a shrewd bastard. It's quite irritating."
"An unreliable ally is often more terrifying than an enemy. If you don't show some sincerity, how can I trust you enough to join forces against Kaido?" Allen sneered back without backing down.
That was exactly it. Just moments ago, while talking with Doflamingo, his Observation Haki had sensed about a dozen presences approaching from the rear of the battlefield. Thus, he had taken the opportunity to propose teaming up against Teach.
If it worked out, great. If not, he lost nothing.
Like a predator waiting in the shadows, he was ready to strike.
Today, let alone leaving Marine Headquarters alive, Allen had no intention of letting Teach get his hands on the Tremor-Tremor Fruit.