Hachinosu Island.
"Goodbye, Uncle Wang Zhi!" Roa waved at Wang Zhi as a final farewell. The great snail fleet rumbled imposingly away from Hachinosu Island, aimlessly heading towards some unknown part of the New World.
Wang Zhi stroked his chin, gazing at the retreating shadows of the grand fleet. What will Roa do next? The entire New World was gradually becoming restless. Although the monsters inhabiting this sea wouldn't cause him trouble, if he considered himself a merchant, what would he do when all the markets started boycotting him? It's truly something to look forward to.
Inside the palace at the center of the distant snail fleet, Roa leaned languidly on his throne, toying with a sword. This was the famous blade, Enma, which had accompanied him in battles against top-tier masters like Golden Lion Shiki, Roger, and Whitebeard. However, this sword had become useless to Roa after he mastered Conqueror's Haki Infusion. Aside from its ability to directly convert Conqueror's Haki, Enma's purpose was to absorb Haki and unleash powerful slashes, but in this regard, it was completely outclassed by Hu Po. After absorbing Haki, Hu Po's released blood aura was far more potent. Since it was now a mere trifle to him, he might as well give it to someone who needed it.
Roa looked up, casually tossing the sword in his hand. "Doflamingo, this sword is yours."
Below, Doflamingo caught the flying famed blade, a bewildered expression on his face. "For me?" I don't even use swords!
Roa said earnestly, "Enma can absorb Haki and convert it into powerful slashes." He continued, "Even Conqueror's Haki can be absorbed by it, allowing one to use Conqueror's Haki-infused attacks even without mastering Conqueror's Haki Infusion."
Bullet's aptitude was certainly enough to master Conqueror's Haki Infusion, and he didn't use swords anyway, so he had no use for it. King didn't have Conqueror's Haki, and he already had Ame no Habakiri, so he didn't need it either. Only Doflamingo, Roa estimated, would probably struggle to master Conqueror's Haki Infusion. Since he was already an equipment-oriented fighter, one more piece of equipment wouldn't hurt.
"If you're not skilled in swordsmanship, then use your ability to change Enma's form," Roa said. "Whether it's a gauntlet or a shoe, whatever's convenient."
Doflamingo's eyes instantly lit up. That's right! I can do that!
"Fufufufu! Then I won't be polite!" Doflamingo immediately grinned. He would, of course, learn Conqueror's Haki Infusion in the future. But he was still young, and that technique was too far off for him. So, for now, he would use this sword to get a taste!
Thinking this, Doflamingo drew Enma.
Then.
"Wahahaha!!" Visible to the naked eye, his right arm instantly withered. This withering rapidly spread along his shoulder towards his body. Doflamingo immediately shrieked in terror, "Boss! Save me!"
Bege, standing next to Doflamingo, burst into laughter at his pathetic state. He had thought this guy had gotten another incredible weapon, but it was a double-edged sword!
"It seems you don't have the qualification yet," Roa said, unsurprised. Enma was as docile as a puppy in his hands, but that didn't mean Doflamingo could achieve the same. He casually flicked his index finger, and the surging Haki, guided by his willpower, transformed into a marble, striking directly on Enma's blade.
"Ugh!" Enma clattered to the ground, and Doflamingo stumbled backward, his face full of horror. He couldn't help but look down at his right arm, which was now shriveled like a piece of wood.
"Don't worry," Roa said casually. "It'll be fine after a few days of rest."
What could Doflamingo say? He could only give a dry laugh and lower his head, looking at the cursed blade on the ground that had almost taken his life. "Boss..." Or maybe, I just shouldn't take it?
But.
"You need to tame it soon, Doflamingo," Roa said earnestly. "Don't disappoint me."
"...Yes, Boss." Doflamingo forced a smile and nodded vigorously. He couldn't refuse it, even if he wanted to. Damn it! He knew what would happen if he disappointed Roa.
Meanwhile, Moria, who had observed the entire process, was astonished by something else. The cursed blade that could instantly drain a person was as docile as a kitten in Roa's hands. And now, he didn't even need this sword anymore. Just how strong had this guy become? Moria, who had been confined inside Bege's stomach and hadn't personally witnessed Roa's fight with Whitebeard, sighed in his heart.
"Boss," Dylan interjected at the opportune moment. "Umit sent word that many countries in the New World have tightened their checks, making it difficult to transport weapons into those countries now."
"That's a bit annoying," Roa tugged at his collar. "They won't let us do business honestly. Isn't that bullying honest people?"
"Hmm," he pondered, "It's also possible they don't know how effective our products are yet." He added, "In that case, let's find an opportunity to go door-to-door and try to open up the closed trade routes all at once."
Yes, Morgans had told him when reporting on New World developments that some non-affiliated nations in the New World wanted to unite to resist him. This was unbearable; his bloodline for counter-sanctions was awakening. He didn't know what they wanted to resist, he wasn't their enemy at all. However, this was a good opportunity to showcase their products. In that case...
In the New World, the Likum Kingdom.
This country was one of the many non-World Government affiliated nations in the world. Like most non-affiliated nations, it was resource-poor, economically backward, and its people lived in destitution. However, compared to typical non-affiliated nations, this country had a significant advantage. It possessed a relatively strong army.
The Likum Kingdom had always been called barbarians by other nations. The people living in this country were wild and rough. Furthermore, this island was home to many powerful wild beasts, and the Likum Kingdom's army had mastered a special method of taming these beasts. Therefore, they had formed a unique beast cavalry that was practically invincible in the surrounding sea. Relying on this powerful army, even pirates rarely bothered this country. After all, they were not weak and were extremely poor; the gain simply did not justify the effort. Instead, this country often dispatched its own army to raid at sea to sustain its national livelihood.
And now, after Roa's secret was revealed, this country had become an anti-Roa vanguard. Although there was no rebellion within their country, this did not prevent the King of this country from eagerly inviting numerous non-affiliated kings to discuss countermeasures.
"This is an opportunity!" In the dilapidated royal palace, a man wearing only a skirt-armor, a cape, and with a muscular bare upper body, shouted, "The damned World Government has always hindered communication between nations! Economics and culture cannot truly intertwine, dividing the world into isolated islands!"
"This time is a good opportunity! If it's to target Roa, the World Government will not only not organize against us, but will even encourage us!"
"If we can take this opportunity to form an alliance with other countries, our nation will surely see rapid development!"
Most of the countries in this world were too small; it was difficult for them to develop on their own. But if they could achieve resource exchange with other countries, that would be completely different! The brawny king's face showed intense yearning. He seemed to already see the future of this nation prospering and growing strong under his rule!
As for opposing Roa? Whoever wants to oppose him can go ahead; I'm just borrowing this name. He didn't dare to be an enemy of Roa, who had a bounty of three billion and an unknown vast hidden influence. At most, he would just clean up his own country to prevent that rebellion from igniting within his borders.
Just then.
"Your Majesty! The kings have arrived!" A burly soldier rushed in to report. "They are at the port now!"
"Good!" The brawny king's face immediately broke into a wide smile. "Form ranks at once! Let's go welcome them!"
Soon, at the country's equally dilapidated port. The kings who had traveled from afar witnessed the country's military strength for the first time. Massive beasts stood like statues on either side of the road, and beside each beast stood a sturdy warrior wielding a spear or musket. This sight left the kings dumbfounded. Regardless of the fierce tigers, lions, and leopards, the quality of these soldiers was something their own armies couldn't even compare to, both in physical prowess and training.
"Hahahaha! Welcome, esteemed guests!" The brawny king arrived riding a white tiger over five meters tall at the shoulder. He was not only the king but also the strongest warrior in his country, so he rode the strongest beast. "Let's go, a grand banquet has been prepared! Tonight, we must drink to our hearts' content!"
The kings boarded luxurious carriages pulled by several beasts. Though called luxurious, they still exuded a rough, rustic style. Through the carriage windows, the kings instinctively observed the country. Most of the area was grassland; livestock farming was the country's main economic pillar. On the vast grasslands on either side of the road, wild beasts occasionally attacked, and then, the country's warriors would directly pounce on them, wrestling with the beasts with their bare hands. Seeing these sights, the kings couldn't help but gasp. No wonder everyone says the Likum Kingdom's military is strong; with soldiers like these, it's impossible not to be strong.If it's an army like this, perhaps—
The brawny king, riding his white tiger, had a wide smile on his face. They've witnessed my country's power, haven't they! In that case, the alliance negotiations might proceed very smoothly.
Indeed, things unfolded as he expected. During the subsequent banquet, the kings of these nations maintained a very friendly demeanor, and the atmosphere was exceptionally harmonious for a time. Deep into the drinking, the brawny king raised his arm and exclaimed, "Gentlemen, Roa and his evil empire are now threatening all nations!"
"Unlike those World Government affiliated nations, we have no Marine assistance, and Roa will have no scruples! If there's destruction, it will certainly start with us!"
"Therefore, we must save ourselves!" The tower-like strongman clenched his fists. "The strength of a single nation is weak; it absolutely cannot resist Roa's encroachment! But, if we unite, it will be different!"
"As long as we cooperate sincerely, even Roa—"
Just then, another voice cut in, "Shut up. Do you even deserve to make Boss your imaginary enemy?"
The voice was cold and imbued with an intense annoyance. It instantly silenced the entire banquet hall. The kings instinctively turned their heads and saw the man who had appeared in the center of the hall at some unknown point.
After a brief glance, one king stumbled and fell to the ground, his arm sweeping over the table, scattering food everywhere. "Th-this guy is! Mercury Bullet!!"
"Mercury Bullet?" The kings' faces changed drastically. Roa's right-hand man, a great pirate with a bounty approaching 500 million! This guy was actually here! Could it be—
Thinking of a possibility, the kings instantly turned ashen, their expressions filled with extreme dread.
"Why are you here! Mercury Bullet!" The brawny king was also drenched in sweat. He just wanted to seize the opportunity to get some benefits; he truly didn't want to be an enemy of Roa. How did he find them so quickly?
"Boss said," Bullet spoke calmly, "that refusal might simply be due to a lack of understanding. He wants to give you an opportunity to understand our products, so he sent me for a door-to-door sales pitch."
Sales pitch? The kings were stunned. This intimidating presence, which seemed ready to crush everyone, was actually here for a sales pitch?
The brawny king's face slightly changed, then suddenly bloomed into a brilliant smile that completely contradicted his persona. "Actually, I've always admired Roa—ugh!"
He couldn't speak. Bullet, quick as a phantom, had already seized his throat.
"Our fleet has arrived. Now, order your army to sortie."
The brawny king's expression was blank.
At the same moment, at the country's port, chaos had erupted. Because, on the sea, five giant snails were rapidly approaching.
"It's Roa's snail fleet!"
"Quick, quickly report to His Majesty the King!" The people on the shore shouted, their voices a mixture of terror and urgency.
On the head of the central snail among the five approaching ones, Doflamingo stood. He was clad in the Poneglyph battle armor, with Bege also encased within the armor.
"Fufufufu! In that case, let's start with a greeting! Bege, are you ready?" Doflamingo grinned. Inside Bege's body-castle, a heavy cannon was already aimed at the port ahead. And next to the heavy cannon, the black-eyed man, the former World Destroyer, Byojack, stood silently.
"Of course!" Bege was also in high spirits.
"Fufufufu! Then we can begin our greeting!" Doflamingo laughed loudly. "Fire!"
Boom.
A very faint sound, and a cannonball the size of a ping-pong ball flew out from within Bege's body. The moment it left Doflamingo's sturdy outer shell, the ping-pong ball expanded twice, instantly becoming a behemoth several meters in diameter! The massive cannonball suddenly tore through the air, emitting a piercing shriek, and smashed violently towards the distant port.
BOOM—!!!
In an instant, roaring flames erupted like hellfire, completely engulfing the entire port! The earth-shshattering energy detonated a mushroom cloud that blotted out the sky, surging violently upwards, making even the sea tremble!
"Fufufufu! The product demonstration can begin!"
The snail fleet, landing!