"How about it, Kronos? Let's work together!"
Doflamingo spread his arms wide with his usual reckless grin as he spoke to Kronos.
After listening to Doflamingo's proposal, Kronos finally understood his intentions—but he wasn't particularly impressed.
Standing beside him, Albedo glared at Doflamingo with undisguised fury.
"You lowly human! What right do you have to speak of cooperation with Lord Kronos?"
"If you're sincere, then kneel and pledge allegiance! Submit to Lord Kronos!"
Hearing Albedo's scornful and disrespectful words, Doflamingo's brows furrowed, and a wave of intense Haki surged from his body.
The once lively and celebratory banquet hall instantly fell into silence, the atmosphere turning heavy with tension.
"Hey, Albedo... you've gone a little too far. Stand down," Kronos said calmly, breaking the standoff.
Albedo reluctantly stepped back behind him, still glaring daggers at Doflamingo.
Kronos turned to Doflamingo, a faint smile on his face.
"Apologies. She has a bit of a temper. I can't always rein her in—please don't take it personally."
Doflamingo's scowl softened slightly. Since Kronos had offered an apology, it seemed things hadn't completely fallen apart yet.
Still, the tension remained thick in the air.
But Kronos's next words lit the fuse again.
"Though... I have to admit, I agree with her."
Kronos's expression turned cold and serious.
"Between you and me, there is no basis for cooperation. I'm not interested in your proposal."
"To rule the world, I only need myself—and my crew. The weapons you speak of are trivial. Dispensable."
"So if you really want to work together, there's only one option."
Kronos's eyes narrowed.
"Submit to me."
The room fell deathly quiet.
Doflamingo's expression froze. In that moment, he realized that further discussion was pointless.
And Kronos's arrogance made his blood boil.
Without another word, Doflamingo released his Conqueror's Haki in a violent burst of fury!
Not to be outdone, Kronos activated his own Conqueror's Haki—just as fearsome!
The two forces clashed like thunder, shaking the palace to its core!
The shockwave wasn't limited to the hall—it extended beyond the palace grounds!
Servants and attendants collapsed instantly, unconscious with foam at their mouths.
Even civilians living in the residential districts near the palace were overwhelmed by the intense spiritual pressure!
Only Doflamingo and his top officers—and Kronos's crew—remained standing.
"I guess that means there's nothing more to talk about," Doflamingo said coldly as the clash of Haki ended. Though powerful, he had clearly come off second-best.
Kronos gave a casual shrug.
"To be honest, there was never anything to talk about in the first place."
"Hmph. Then I suppose we're finished here," Doflamingo muttered, struggling to suppress his fury.
But Kronos just smiled.
"Finished? Oh no. We're not going anywhere yet."
"There are only two paths left to you..."
Kronos's gaze turned razor sharp, and a suffocating pressure poured from his body.
"Surrender... or die."
Doflamingo froze for a moment.
Then let out a low, bitter laugh.
"Heh... heh heh heh heh heh..."
"Kronos, don't push your luck!"
"I admit you're powerful. I'm probably no match for you. But even a cornered rabbit will bite!"
Kronos's response was completely unfazed.
"Too much? I don't think so. I'm still giving you a choice, aren't I?"
Doflamingo fell silent, his rage simmering just beneath the surface.
"So? What's it going to be, Doflamingo?"
As Kronos pressed him for an answer, Doflamingo's fury surged to the boiling point.
His entire body trembled with rage, and his Haki flared uncontrollably into the air!
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