Heard the man's scolding, and the expression on the phone snail in his hand mirrored Tesoro increasingly grim flawlessly.
After a brief silence, Tesoro spoke in a deep voice, "Doflamingo, the Marines' stance is resolute, and the Five Elders stand in support of their decision. My only recourse is to keep pressuring the Marines."
Faced with this cryptic response, the man seated on the sofa offered no reply and terminated the call.
It was Donquixote Doflamingo.
Formerly a Celestial Dragon, now the ruler of Dressrosa, one of the Seven Warlord of the Sea, and the King of the Underworld—a man exuding an air of power, seated on the couch.
The industry had been affected, and Doflamingo had bribed Celestial Dragons to halt the Marines' actions. However, this was merely an emergency maneuvering.
The crucial task at hand was what Kaido had entrusted to him.
Regardless of the means employed, he had to prevent the Marines from capturing Ace before his arrival.
As long as Ace lingered in the Sabaody Archipelago, Kaido's long-anticipated ultimate battle would soon commence.
"Fufufufu... Things are truly becoming more intriguing," Doflamingo erupted into laughter suddenly, only for the sound to abruptly cease, his countenance clouded with gloom.
"Kaido, what schemes are brewing in that mind of yours?!"
If not for Kaido, he wouldn't have found himself embroiled in this chaotic mess.
The arms business, drug trade, auction houses, and several other industries in the Sabaody Archipelago did not have to be disrupted for this drama to unfold.
You couldn't hide the glance of someone harboring intentions to end your life.
At least, that's how Doflamingo felt. If his strength permitted, he'd fight Kaido himself .
At that moment, Diamante, the leader of the Donquixote family, pushed open the door and entered, speaking in a deep voice, "Doffy, something interesting just happened."
"Reports from those tailing Ace suggest that the owner of a tavern in the 12th area unexpectedly fended off the attacks of both Akainu and Ace simultaneously, and it appears that Rayleigh frequently visited this tavern."
Doflamingo's pupils contracted, a surge of panic enveloping his heart.
"This tavern is situated in Area 12. If someone managed to fend off both Akainu and Ace simultaneously, there's no way one wouldn't hear a commotion."
Driven by curiosity, Doflamingo slowly stated, "Join me tomorrow."
"Let's visit that tavern and sample their wine."
...
Sabaody Archipelago, Marine temporary station.
"Report: the target has disappeared. Ace was last seen at the amusement park in Area 20," a soldier informed solemnly.
"Leave," Akainu waved his hand irritably.
Not only had he been swindled out of 50 million today, but he also had to restore the damaged area outside the tavern to its original state.
The more he pondered over the day's events, the more vexed he became.
For a moment, Akainu subdued his turbulent emotions and activated the anti-surveillance phone snail on his wrist.
Soon enough, the call connected, and Sengoku's grave voice resonated, "I hope for positive news."
Taking a deep breath, Akainu recounted the recent happenings.
Sengoku couldn't help but gasp after hearing the account. Recollecting Ron's appearance, he sensed an air of unrivaled prowess.
If this were true, Ron's strength would rival that of an Admiral!
"Continue the pursuit. You have seven days. Whitebeard and Kaido are anticipated to arrive at Sabaody Archipelago within seven days."
"Moreover, until Ron joins the Marines, Marine personnel are prohibited from approaching Ron's tavern."
Having briefed everything, Sengoku concluded the call.
Turning his attention to Gion, who was conferring with a group of generals in the conference room, Sengoku asserted, "Irrespective of the means, ensure that Ron becomes part of the Marines!"
"Did something happen?" Gion inquired curiously.
Sengoku relayed the entire incident to the Marine generals present.
For a period, the immense conference room remained in silence.
The Lava-Lava Fruit is acknowledged as one of the most deadly fruit.
In the Marines, only a few capable of launching an immediate attack on Akainu without sustaining damage.
There exist only two Admirals, namely Aokiji and Kizaru.
After a considerable pause, Gion's nonchalant voice broke the silence: "Really... any method will suffice?"
Numerous methods exist, but the most efficient and time-saving approach comes with a somewhat hefty sacrifice.
It boils down to ensuring Ron has a happy ending...
All the high-ranking Marine officials present reacted promptly, their gazes unanimously fixed on the top of the tokikake, as if they had glimpsed a flourishing green meadow.
...
Wanjie Tavern.
Following Akainu's furious departure,
Rayleigh playfully proposed having dinner, and Ron readily agreed.
It was just a meal, considering he had just extorted... No, earned 50 million Berry.
At that moment,
The mechanical system suddenly chimed in:
[Ding, customer Akainu, the two-faced turtle has finished speaking.]
[Ding, customer Akainu reveals the topic: Doflamingo, who will soon visit the tavern.]
[Customer Akainu: Lava-Lava Fruit, Observation Haki.... Host can choose one of the abilities.]
[Customer Double-faced Turtle: Fire Dragon Scale, Spinning King Baquan....]
What on earth? Spinning Wang Baquan... Ron was momentarily baffled, then muttered: "The Dragon Scale of Fire."
"Akainu's Devil fruit Lava-Lava Fruit."
[Ding, commence settling rewards.]
With the conclusion of the announcement.
An additional fiery red dragon scale and Lava Fruit appeared in the system warehouse.
Due to Rayleigh's observant presence, Ron found it challenging to extract the Fire Dragon Scale for experimentation.
Suddenly, Ron recalled something and shared in a hushed tone, "Today, I helped Ace incidentally."
"Let's just overlook that, you did granted me Roger blade."
After a pause, he contemplated, "If a similar situation arises again, I might just toss Ace out. His fate will be left to chance."
Well... I made quite a profit today.
Not only did I earn a substantial sum, but I also garnered Rayleigh's favor in the process.
"Pfft..." Rayleigh took a sip of his wine, wearing a stern expression. "You're quite ruthless, aren't you?"
"Darker than Shakky!"
That's a supreme grade sword, one of only twelve in the entire world!
And now this favor is gone?
Is Shakky truly that ruthless? I feel like I know something crucial... Ron raised his eyebrows and shifted the conversation with a smile, "Let's eat first, and I'll join you for a drink today."
Just then, Rem and Ram set the table with dinner.
The evening meal was particularly lavish, featuring some unnamed fish.
Three rounds of drinks later,
Rayleigh completely let loose. He meticulously removed seven thorns from the leftover fish and placed them on a bed of vegetables.
Following the events of the previous night, Rayleigh's mouth corners began to rise exuberantly, and he looked at Ron with pride, "Young man, remember, one leaf with seven thorns is merely the body's limit, not mine!"
Ron was momentarily stunned, gazing at the bizarre sight before him and questioning the choices in his life.
Is this the kind of thing people come up with?
Indeed... no matter how old a man is, he remains a teenager until he dies.
At that moment, the tavern door swung open, and a tall figure entered, wearing high heels.
When Rayleigh turned to look, his aged eyes widened with horror.