The young man standing on deck was none other than Rosinante Donquixote, one of the key officers of the Donquixote Family from the North Blue.
And the one he was speaking to through the Den Den Mushi was his brother, Donquixote Doflamingo the infamous underworld broker of the North Blue, once a Celestial Dragon, now feared across the seas under the codename Joker.
Rosinante said nothing as he handed the Den Den Mushi to the man beside him, Diamante, another high-ranking officer of their family known by the codename "Spade."
"Doffy," Diamante greeted casually as he caught the snail.
The Den Den Mushi took on Doflamingo's signature smirk, its voice low and taunting. "Fufufu... Diamante, I just received word. That old man Tutel has been killed by Capone Bege. The entire West Blue underworld is now under his control."
Diamante's expression shifted instantly. "Doffy, doesn't that mean our deal's off? We'll lose two hundred million Berries! What are we going to do?"
The Donquixote Family had been working with Tutel's syndicate for nearly two years. Their arrangement was mutually beneficial, and though the family had only recently consolidated control over the North Blue, they didn't expect the West Blue's situation to change so quickly.
Of course, they underestimated how fast the tides of power could shift.
"The law of the sea never changes," Doflamingo replied calmly. "The weak are prey to the strong. Tutel was too soft, and he paid the price. But the business must continue. Go to the Gang City and meet this new 'king' of the West Blue."
Diamante frowned. "You mean... we're working with Capone Bege now?"
The snail grinned wider. "Of course. Let's hope this so-called 'underworld king' can keep his throne warm for long. In this world, I only tolerate dogs who know how to obey."
"Once the deal's secured, return immediately. There's still plenty to handle back home. North Blue is far too small to satisfy me, Diamante. Our family's true throne lies in the New World. Fufufufufu..."
With that chilling laugh, the Den Den Mushi's eyes drooped shut.
Rosinante remained silent, watching seagulls wheel freely through the blue sky above.
Half a day later, their ship docked at the harbor of Gang City. The crew Diamante, Rosinante, and several family officers entered the city with fanfare, announcing themselves openly.
They were soon escorted to the grand castle at the heart of the city.
Inside, Capone Bege sat leisurely in his chair, a cigar burning between his fingers. Smoke curled around his face as his sharp eyes swept over the visitors.
"So," he began coldly, "what brings Joker's people to my city?"
"Capone Bege, we've come to discuss business," Diamante replied arrogantly, calling him by name without hesitation. To him, only Doflamingo was worthy of respect the true king destined to rule the world's underworld. Bege was nothing but a local thug who'd gotten lucky.
"Think about it," Diamante continued, smirking. "If you work with our family, you'll make a fortune. Two hundred million Berries a year easy."
Bege blew out a plume of smoke, unimpressed.
Once upon a time, he might've feared Joker's network. But now, with the backing of a new and powerful ally, things were different. A man with Admiral-level strength stood behind him the same man whose mere name silenced the seas.
And that man was Liam Ross.
Bege's lips curled in disdain. "If Joker wants a deal, he can come himself. Who are you to speak for him?"
"You!" Diamante's face darkened. "Do you have any idea who you're talking to? You think ruling one sea makes you our equal? Maybe you need to be reminded of your place."
His right hand flashed as he drew his rapier, slicing the air with a slash of brilliant, crescent energy.
The sword aura ripped forward like lightning.
Bege didn't flinch. Sitting still in his chair, his body hardened and shifted Castle-Castle Fruit powers activating. Four cannon ports opened across his chest, each firing black cannonballs.
"Boom! Boom! Boom!"
Explosions tore through the hall, shaking the castle. When the smoke cleared, Diamante stood firm, cloak hardened into steel, deflecting the bombardment.
He sneered. "That all you've got, gangster?"
Then, with a twist of his wrist, his sword bent like a snake, its blade twisting and darting unpredictably as it lunged toward Bege.
But before it could strike
A sharp gust cut through the air.
"Clang!"
A silver arc sliced through the twisting blade, shattering its momentum.
The pressure of the counterattack forced Diamante back several steps, boots scraping against the marble floor.
Standing between him and Bege was a figure clad in dark uniform, eyes cold and hawk-like Liam Ross. His sword, Falling Crimson, gleamed faintly in the light.
"I didn't expect Joker's men to be so poorly trained," Liam said calmly, voice edged with mockery. "Can't even control your mutts, huh?"
Diamante's fury exploded. "What did you just say?"
"Calm down," Liam replied, his smirk razor-sharp. "If you don't want to die here, you'd better learn some manners."
Before Diamante could retort, the Den Den Mushi in his pocket began to ring.
"Buru buru... buru buru..."
He snatched it up. "Doffy, we've hit a snag," he said quickly.
A pause. Then Doflamingo's voice came through, low and dangerous. "What happened?"
Diamante opened his mouth to explain, but Liam's voice cut in first, tone dripping with mockery.
"Joker... or should I say, Donquixote Doflamingo. Seems you can't even keep your dogs on a leash. Care to explain why they're running wild in my city?"
Silence.
Then, through the receiver, came the faint sound of grinding teeth. "You're not Capone Bege, are you?"
Liam smiled. "You're quick."
"So it's you then," Doflamingo said darkly. "You're the one backing Bege. I should've known the West Blue wouldn't fall so easily."
Liam didn't confirm, nor deny. He simply said, "If you want to talk business, Doflamingo, come in person. But if you send your dogs barking again, I'll tear their jaws off myself."
The Den Den Mushi went silent for several seconds.
Then, the corners of its mouth curled into that familiar, chilling grin.
"Fufufufufu... interesting."
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