Chapter 663: Kuro, You Need Us!
Chapter 663: Kuro, You Need Us!
Donquixote Doflamingo, one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea, the Joker of the underworld, and one of the greatest "Kings" – perhaps not the strongest in raw power, but undeniably among the top-tier in terms of influence.
His danger level, whether viewed from the Navy, pirates, or even the Revolutionary Army, ranks among the absolute highest.
A master manipulator of wars, arms trafficking, and deals with both the World Government and the Four Emperors.
In Dressrosa, he imprisoned countless Navy personnel, government officials, Revolutionary Army spies, pirates, soldiers, rioters, and civilians.
Now, in a corner of Dressrosa, inside one of the Navy's tents, Seastone chains filled the area like a cage. At the central area, a grime-covered figure was bound in chains.
"Kshhhkshhkshh, so you finally came, Kuro!"
The man lifted his head, revealing a pair of sinister eyes beneath his shattered sunglasses. He licked his lips and grinned.
Clang!
Rattle!
The chains trembled violently.
"Hey, let me go! You should know I can't afford to fail!"
Kuro studied him. The man was a mess - his pink feathered cloak gone, his clothes in tatters, and most tellingly, his iconic sunglasses shattered.
One of the world's greatest unsolved mysteries - Donquixote Doflamingo's sunglasses.
Right up there with whether the Snake Princess wears briefs.
"Give me a break", Kuro exhaled a puff of smoke. "Didn't I warn you? Never fail. And in the end, you couldn't even handle two little pirates. Now you've got the nerve to ask me to release you?"
The words made Donquixote Doflamingo's struggling pause momentarily.
"Don't blame me for this! I took that Luffy brat seriously!" he growled.
"Hey, bring me a chair."
Kuro waved outside. Soon, a Navy officer brought a chair.
Kuro grabbed the chair and sat down facing Donquixote Doflamingo. "Stop joking. You serious? You were still clinging to your World Noble pride when you crashed. Look at your chest."
He pointed at the dried blood on Donquixote Doflamingo's chest. "Got stabbed by that little brat Law? Even our mortal bodies can't withstand ability attacks, can they?"
He had sensed it immediately - even after two days, Donquixote Doflamingo's aura remained weak, and the chest wound told the story. He knew about Law's Surgery Fruit abilities - carelessness could easily get you caught in them.
Unlike Kuro, who might look down on everyone, but always prioritized self-protection.
"Tch."
Donquixote Doflamingo's expression darkened. "Are you here to mock me, Kuro?"
"Not at all. I'm personally overseeing your custody now."
Kuro tilted his head, cigarette dangling. "As for your request..." He pointed upward. "It's still under discussion. What the outcome will be, I don't know. But understand this - your failure has severely damaged our prestige. Another defeat... another one gone."
"Crocodile, Gecko Moria, and now you."
Kuro's voice grew heavy. "The three of you were supposed to be the backbone of the Seven Warlords of the Sea, yet all of you failed. Panda is useless now, Harlequin only has some influence but no real power, and this new Whitebeard Second Generation..."
At that name, Kuro's pupils flickered with killing intent.
"Putting that aside. Among the old guard, only Hawk-Eye and Snake Princess remain - just two. Because of your failure, the Seven Warlords system is on the brink of collapse."
He jerked his chin toward the tent flap. "You understand our brother's demands, right?"
"Kshhhkshhkshh, at this point, there's nothing I can do about it", Donquixote Doflamingo grinned, his sinister eyes locked on Kuro. "But I know you, Kuro! Your hidden ambition requires us to maintain balance, doesn't it? You're not ready to confront the World Government yet. You need us! You need me!"
"Huh?"
Kuro raised an eyebrow. "What the hell do I need you for?"
"You won't admit it? Kshhhkshhkshh, no matter. Whether you admit it or not, you can't allow the Seven Warlords system to collapse!"
In Doflamingo's eyes, this man harbored immense ambition.
Ten years developing his prestige in the East Blue, eliminating countless pirates with his subordinate 'Colossal Shield' Kas, building an enormous reputation there. Many who joined the Navy in the East Blue did so not for the Navy itself, but for this man.
Similarly in the West Blue.
Through his subordinates' networks, he built massive influence there too.
Now at Headquarters, he'd become a rising star - cultivating relationships with Navy colleagues, securing the top position among the Navy's core strength, and expanding his influence.
He controlled Shabondy, maintained good relations with the World Nobles, and now commanded G-3 with a bridgehead in the New World.
That place housed around five thousand elite troops!
Does a Marine Branch really need that many forces?
During the Top War, the Navy had to gather elites worldwide to muster a hundred thousand troops.
And all his troops were elites.
G-3's Navy was already famous, and his own 'Dougleg' Navy division was one of the most renowned within the Navy.
In terms of elite forces alone, he already commanded a twentieth of the Navy's Top War strength, plus his immense prestige and years of strategic planning...
The conclusion was obvious!
There was only one answer!
This man wanted to control the entire Navy!
Even more...
He wanted to overthrow those in power above!
To become the supreme ruler of this world!
"Kshhhkshhkshh, hahaha! You need me, Kuro! You won't let the Seven Warlords system disappear!"
Kuro twitched his lips. This guy suddenly getting so worked up was a bit bewildering.
But he was right - Kuro indeed had no desire to see the Seven Warlords system vanish.
Deliberately turning these powerful combatants into enemies would be the stupidest move.
This world was too chaotic, fragmented by endless wars between nations.
Though the World Government bore the name "world", its actual effectiveness probably didn't even match the "United Nations" from his past life.
Some powerful nations alone could shake the World Government's foundations.
As the force maintaining balance in the Grand Line, the Seven Warlords' role could not be easily discarded.
(End of Chapter)
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