"Trebol, if you still can't master Tekkai by the next time, you're done. You can go handle our maritime transport instead!"
Doflamingo clenched his fists, veins bulging on his forehead, his tone far from friendly.
Though the results of his newly acquired power left him in high spirits, Trebol's pathetic lack of progress was starting to wear on his patience.
Half a year. Half a damn year, and he still can't get Tekkai down? This guy's physical talent is atrocious. Maybe he's grown too comfortable. Should I send him to the New World to open up new markets?
"Cough, Doffy, it's not that I'm slacking—your growth is just too monstrous. You're a born king. How could we possibly keep up with your pace?"
Hearing Doflamingo's barbed words, Trebol stiffened. He had been traumatized over the past four years of relentless sparring. Adjusting his crooked little green hat, he quickly changed the subject.
"Doffy, I just got word—the newly established Germa Kingdom has been drifting through the North Blue for the past three months after crossing the Red Line. They're now heading toward the Four Nations of Beaudice."
The Four Nations of Beaudice occupied a massive island, once renowned for its rare peace.
Talinn and Esania, located inland, cultivated grain along their rivers and leveraged the waterways to develop trade, supporting the entire region's economy through taxation. Meanwhile, Viarat and Finnland, positioned on the outer edges, defended against pirates, ensuring stability for all four nations.
But nobles, as always, were insatiably greedy. The island had since become one of the Donquixote Family's major clients.
"Germa has returned to the North Blue? The royal families of Beaudice haven't signed the APPROVAL agreement, have they? Get in touch with our clients there—and those idiot royals."
"Also, leak Germa 66's movements to them. Include some intel on Germa's past—remind them who once ruled these waters. See how much they're willing to pay for your slime bombs. Make sure Germa gets a proper 'welcome.'"
"Once Lao G returns, your Plum Army will be under his command."
Doflamingo's gaze swept over Trebol, whose physique had grown slightly leaner after four years of training. His voice remained cold.
Jora, Lao G, and Machvise—failures in the New World—had been picked up by him when he passed through the Calm Belt on his way to Spider Miles.
Jora, soft-hearted as ever, immediately took Lao G and Machvise under her wing, joining the Donquixote Family out of gratitude.
Doflamingo figured he'd need to recruit more fresh blood to balance out the "debuff" these failures brought.
"Yes, Doffy. Officially, none of the Beaudice monarchs have signed the agreement. However, King Viarat V secretly signed it under the guise of supporting the rebel army."
Trebol, still nursing his injuries, bowed his head as he spoke.
"Interesting. Seems like King Viarat has ambition. Trebol, only inform him. Sell him as many weapons as he can take. Bleed Beaudice dry."
Dismissing Trebol, Doflamingo turned to Rosinante, who stood nearby. Compared to him, his younger brother appeared noticeably leaner.
"Rosi, any promising new recruits? How many potential Family members has Diamante gathered?"
"There's one, Brother. His name is Senor Pink, from the commercial island Akureyri in the North Blue. His family was wiped out when the local Marine branch colluded with the underworld to seize their assets.
"He's a Paramecia-type Devil Fruit user—the Swim-Swim Fruit. He survived by hiding underground and joined our Family a year ago. His mission success rate is around 70%. He's worth grooming."
"As for Diamante's recruits, he has taken in over 2,000 war orphans. We've eliminated 900 of them due to age, cowardice, or poor physical aptitude. The rest have been placed in our factories as apprentices, while 1,100 remain potential Family members."
Senor Pink? Loyal, fearless, strong. He's worth investing in.
"Fufufufu. Excellent. I provide them security; they work for me. It's a fair exchange. Investigate the Marine presence in Akureyri and put a bounty on them through the black market. Give Senor Pink access to Rokushiki—let him choose two techniques to train in. Any news from Vergo?"
Doflamingo understood the power of information and knowledge. Three years ago, after securing their base in Spider Miles, he had embedded Vergo into the Marines.
One year ago, Vergo's exceptional performance earned him a spot in Admiral Zephyr's training camp. He was now a member of the Navy and had begun feeding valuable intelligence back to the Family.
"Yes, Brother. Vergo wants to report personally."
Rosinante handed over the Den Den Mushi, and Vergo's steady voice came through.
"Doffy, the Marines have recently deployed a massive force to the New World. Fleet Admiral Sengoku, Hero of the Marines Garp, and Vice Admiral Tsuru are all heading there. However, I haven't been able to confirm their exact mission."
"Fufufufu. Good work, partner. This information is invaluable. Prioritize your safety, Vergo. If your identity is at risk, leave the Marines immediately."
"Understood, Doffy. I'll stay hidden."
Click.
The call ended, and Doflamingo fell into deep thought.
1495. The New World. A major Marine mobilization.
There's only one event that fits—Ed War.
Whether they're trying to stop Roger and Shiki from joining forces or hoping to take advantage of the chaos, the Marines have no choice but to act.
No wonder Vinsmoke Judge is making his move. As a World Government affiliate, he has the audacity to invade Beaudice without fearing Marine retaliation.
Where did he get his intel? The World Government?
Makes sense. That old bastard was once part of MADS. He must have cut a deal to avoid being hunted down. But what did he sacrifice?
And later, when Tsuru finally had the time, she kicked him out of the North Blue…
Which means when she was done, she turned her attention to me.
Damn it! So it was you who ruined my plans!
But Vinsmoke Judge's bloodline factor research and cloning technology were undeniably valuable.
Five years to manufacture a 20-year-old soldier, complete with ideological conditioning…
Absolute loyalty.
No—why stop at soldiers?
They'd make the perfect workforce—tireless, uncomplaining laborers. Five years per batch, renewable indefinitely.
With this, anyone could become a benevolent ruler.
Right now, Reiju hasn't even been born yet, and those perverted little chefs aren't even on the horizon.
Judge's bloodline enhancement is still incomplete. His Raid Suits are unproven.
This is a rare, golden opportunity.
Originally, I just wanted to strip Beaudice of its wealth. But now?
The land, the people, the technology—I want it all. Who knows? I might just usher in the era of artificial Devil Fruits twenty years ahead of schedule.
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+100 chapters on p@treon/tambeerg