One Piece: Conquering Wanokuni at Start

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Along the way, Doflamingo maintained a warm and cordial facade, but inside, he was practically jumping for joy. If this weren't Alex's territory, he might have burst into laughter.

The Flying Admiral, who will celebrate the Fire Festival annualy, would surely only make promises in public that benefited him.

After all, Doflamingo had presented a great treasure in full view of everyone, securing his place as a prominent contributor and earning the admiration of those who saw him as a winner.

Thus, as he traveled, his mind raced with thoughts of the rewards that might soon fall into his hands.

"Lord Doflamingo, the Shogun's office is just ahead," a voice announced.

Doflamingo nodded, his gaze falling briefly on the red-haired beauty who had been sent to Alex just last night. Now she had already assumed the role of a housekeeper, moving through the space with effortless proficiency.

It was clear she had been groomed by a seasoned madam and trained to perfection as a top courtesan. She also possessed the Slippery-Slippery Fruit—practical and alluring in every way. Just the thought of it made Doflamingo smirk wickedly.

Still, despite her unique appeal, she was no match for the value of the Snow-Snow Fruit he had gifted.

Pushing open the door, Doflamingo stepped inside.

A sudden chill swept over him, and his confident demeanor faltered.

It was as though he'd stepped into an ice cellar—his body temperature plummeted, the hairs on the back of his neck stood on end, and his blood seemed to freeze in his veins.

The oppressive weight of an invisible force—perhaps Conqueror's Haki—descended upon him like a mountain crushing an ant.

Doflamingo drew a sharp breath, his gaze slowly shifting to the figure seated at the head of the room. The aura of the man before him radiated pure authority—the unmistakable presence of an emperor.

Standing nearby was a tall girl with long, flowing black hair. She hadn't been among those present during last night's competition. Her beauty and grace far outshone the maids outside, but it was her commanding presence that truly stunned him.

Suddenly, a surge of Conqueror's Haki erupted from her, rippling through the room with terrifying power.

Caught off guard, Doflamingo's own Conqueror's Haki flared instinctively to meet the challenge, but it was futile. Under the onslaught of a second, more potent wave, his resistance crumbled like paper, tearing apart effortlessly.

Doflamingo staggered back a few steps as Hancock, who had been at Alex's side, let out a soft, coquettish sigh. She leaned closer to Alex, feigning weakness in the aftermath of the clash.

Doflamingo's mind raced.

Who was this mysterious woman? Not only did she wield Conqueror's Haki, but she also seemed strong enough to overpower him outright. Why hadn't she appeared during the competition?

Despite his growing curiosity, Doflamingo couldn't shake the unease bubbling within him.

Why was the Shogun applying pressure instead of granting rewards? Had his calculations been wrong all along?

"Al… Shogun Alex…" Doflamingo stammered, his usual composure faltering. Fear crept into his voice, barely hidden behind the reflective shield of his sunglasses.

"Having Conqueror's Haki, it seems you're more than just a North Blue king," Alex remarked, his tone calm and flat.

But that calmness struck Doflamingo like a hammer. His heart tightened, and cold sweat began to bead and slide down his cheek.

Steeling himself with a deep breath, Doflamingo offered a shaky compliment: "Compared to Shogun Alex, I'm still far behind. Truly, you are the overlord of the New World."

The oppressive aura in the room seemed to ease slightly, as if he'd given the right answer. Doflamingo felt a wave of relief wash over him, though he didn't dare let down his guard. His earlier excitement about this meeting had all but vanished.

"You must be strong enough to take on the arrangement I plan to entrust to you," Alex said, his gaze piercing. "If anything goes wrong, I won't be responsible for Kaido causing trouble for you."

There was no attempt to soften the blow or provide reassurance—it was clear Alex intended to test Doflamingo's capabilities, regardless of how fragile his ego might be.

Hearing this, Doflamingo's tension eased slightly.

Could this… mostly be a good thing? And wait—did he hear that right? This arrangement involved another major figure in the New World?

"I wonder what arrangement the Shogun is referring to?" Doflamingo ventured cautiously.

He had originally aimed to build a relationship with Alex, hoping it would open doors to further his influence in the New World. However, if this arrangement involved Kaido and carried excessive risks, the potential losses might outweigh any benefits.

"The Devil Fruit transaction between me and Kaido will take place in six months," Alex explained. "You'll act as the middleman. Your job will be to oversee the operation, ensure confidentiality, and maintain security on both sides."

Alex leaned back slightly, his lips curling into a faint, enigmatic smile. "What do you think?"

"Fuffuffuffu…"

The characteristic laugh bubbled up as Doflamingo adjusted his glasses, his grin widening. Relief coursed through him.

A deal like this? It was better than he'd hoped. He had feared something more dangerous—perhaps direct involvement with Kaido's wrath—but this was simply a transportation arrangement.

Although he couldn't rival Umit, the so-called King of Sea Transport, Doflamingo prided himself on his network and his ability to secure any cargo, even in the perilous waters of the New World. Being personally responsible for such a golden route, involving two of the most powerful figures in the world, was an opportunity he wouldn't pass up.

It was perfect. Everything was falling into place.

This was beyond good fortune—it was a windfall, a deal brimming with benefits beyond his expectations!

"Aren't you curious?" Alex interjected, cutting through Doflamingo's daydreams. "About transporting Devil Fruits?"

For a moment, Doflamingo froze, uncertain of the Shogun's meaning. But as Alex continued, his smug expression morphed into one of shock.

"After six months, the shipment will consist of eighteen Devil Fruits. Thereafter, it will be an annual event, with the numbers increasing every year," Alex said casually, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

Doflamingo, a man with extensive experience in auctioning rare items, understood the sheer rarity of Devil Fruits. Their value was astronomical—priceless treasures that couldn't simply be found on the market.

And yet, Alex spoke as though Devil Fruits grew in his backyard, with quantities set to increase annually.

Doflamingo struggled to keep his composure.

Alex's voice broke through his turmoil, carrying an ominous weight. "This is the crux of the deal, Doflamingo."

The Shogun's eyes locked onto his, the intensity cutting through even the tint of his sunglasses.

"Can you grasp the meaning of the term man-made Devil Fruits?"

The words hit Doflamingo like a thunderclap. His eyes widened in shock, and his body trembled ever so slightly, unable to hide his astonishment.