Chapter 214: Hidden Dangers, Ryuunosuke's Method!
Three days passed in a flash.
Doflamingo now stood before Ryuunosuke, his face dark and unreadable.
Initially, he had assumed the infiltration within his organization was minimal. At worst, a few outer members—not anyone who mattered.
But reality hit harder than expected.
Three cadre-level officers were discovered to be spies.
And that wasn't all.
Ryuunosuke's investigation revealed over thirty individuals with ties to the World Government or rival pirate factions. Most of them had completely escaped Doflamingo's notice.
To him, it wasn't just a failure—it was a disgrace.
An insult.
"Now, that's the situation," Ryuunosuke said calmly, reclining in his seat. "Doflamingo, let's talk about the current governing structure of Dressrosa."
"Your system seems to be working fine—citizen satisfaction isn't low either."
"But have you ever considered the hidden risks?"
He gave a faint smile.
"What happens if something happens to Sugar?"
"In a single moment, your entire foundation would collapse."
Doflamingo lowered his head slightly. Of course he'd thought about it.
But the truth was—he had always planned to use time to gradually assimilate the people. Win their trust. Replace opposition with loyalty.
A slow, tedious, but relatively safe path.
"…Boss, I…" Doflamingo started, but then paused.
He realized something.
If Ryuunosuke brought this up—he must already have a plan.
Doflamingo didn't need to overthink it.
"What are your instructions, Boss?"
Ryuunosuke's voice was clear.
"Bring me the special toys."
"I'll speak to them myself."
Doflamingo blinked.
Even for someone like Ryuunosuke, to handle this personally…
But then again—if he didn't do it himself, it wouldn't be secure.
"…Understood."
Doflamingo nodded and pulled out a large roster compiled by Sugar—only she could remember the true identities of the transformed individuals.
From the list, a group of former elites were selected.
These weren't ordinary people. They held power, influence, and public voice in Dressrosa before their transformation.
Convincing them would be difficult—but once they were on board, the rest would follow like dominoes.
Soon, six toys were brought into the chamber.
It was the first time they'd seen daylight since being turned.
"Boss Ryuunosuke," Doflamingo said, "these are the individuals I've chosen."
"This is Kachi—the former owner of Dressrosa's largest hotel. His wife is now running it."
"There are also others with ties to influential families… including this one—Xenato."
Ryuunosuke flipped through the intelligence in his hands, then pointed.
"Sugar. Restore Xenato's form."
Sugar nodded silently and stepped forward, placing her hand on Xenato's plush body.
In the next moment, he transformed—back into a middle-aged man.
Eyes wide, breath short.
And then—
"Doflamingo, you—!"
Buzz!
Before Xenato could even finish his sentence, a massive translucent fish appeared, wrapping tightly around him.
Its gaping jaws opened threateningly above his head.
"You should probably be quiet," Chrollo said cheerfully. "Unless you want to stay quiet forever."
The chilling aura of death settled over Xenato. One wrong word, and he'd be gone.
Ryuunosuke's voice cut through the silence.
"Xenato. I am Ryuunosuke, Captain of the Dragon Hunter Pirates—and Doflamingo's superior."
"You have one choice. Just one."
"Do you want your life back?"
"Or do you want to remain a toy forever?"
Xenato stared at him defiantly.
"I will never bow to you!"
"You're just pirates! This is Dressrosa—the allied kingdom! My home!"
"How could I hand it over to pirates?!"
He was shaking—but the flame of King Riku's ideals still burned in his heart.
He had once been Captain of the Third Unit in the royal army—among the strongest in the nation.
If Ryuunosuke thought he'd fold easily, he was wrong.
"…Pirates, huh?" Ryuunosuke said, smiling lightly. "Yes—we are."
"But maybe you should ask your wife. Your children."
"Do they want to go back to those days—living in fear, starving, powerless as your country bowed to other kingdoms?"
Ryuunosuke leaned forward, tone calm—deadly calm.
"In the old Dressrosa, how often did you lie awake wondering if war would break out again?"
"How many times did you ask yourself: Will my family survive tomorrow?"
"You may not like it, but this country now has peace. Wealth. Stability."
"And we brought it here."
He didn't raise his voice.
He didn't need to.
Because for a man like Ryuunosuke, anger wasn't necessary.
He looked at Xenato the way a man looks at an insect.
Not with hatred. Not with contempt.
Just the casual willingness to crush.
"…You…" Xenato muttered.
Memories surged.
Of starving civilians. Heavy tribute to the World Government. Friends lost in senseless wars.
Even he, a respected officer, could barely guarantee his family's safety.
Compared to now…
The people were happier.
And even if it was built on a darker foundation—was it not better than the misery before?
Xenato fell silent.
"So," Ryuunosuke said. "What's your answer?"
"If you submit, I'll restore your name. Your life. Your family."
"If you refuse… you'll stay a toy. I won't hurt your family, but you'll never see them again."
"One choice. No second chances."
At that moment, Ryuunosuke's aura exploded—like an invisible storm crushing the air.
Xenato's will cracked under the pressure.
"…I do," he whispered.
Then dropped to his knees.
The shame burned—but it was also… relief.
Humans were like that. Seeking survival over pride. Given the choice—he chose to live.
And Ryuunosuke… had never forced him.
"You made the right decision," Ryuunosuke said, waving a hand.
From the rear, a door opened.
Two children and a woman rushed forward, tears streaming down their faces.
"Papa!!"
They tackled Xenato in an instant, sobbing into his chest.
He froze.
Then cried too.
Tears of joy, of release, of overwhelming relief.
From the depths of despair—Ryuunosuke had offered him hope.
A second chance.
A new life.
And Xenato knew—he would never forget this man's name.
Ryuunosuke.
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