"Z of the Immortal Pirates, Ivalis, Fallon, Wind Calamity Queen of the Beasts Pirates, their ace Elburn, and Smoothie and Galette of the Big Mom Pirates..."
In the private VIP room backstage at the Auction House in Grove 1, Tesoro listed the names of the powerful executives of the Yonko crews.
Also sitting in the room were two others: the Warlords of the Sea Doflamingo and Mad Treasure.
"I only agreed to form a pirate alliance because I heard you had a way to defeat Alucard, Doflamingo. Yet, you've offered nothing so far. Are you trying to deceive me?" Treasure wasn't overly concerned with Tesoro's words; apart from seeking treasure, his other major goal was to surpass Alucard.
Many found Treasure to be similar to Moria, and that was precisely the case. Both were defeated by a Yonko—Alucard and Kaido, respectively—had their crews annihilated, and were left as the sole survivors, eventually becoming Warlords under the banner of "defeat with honor." To this day, surpassing Kaido was Moria's ultimate goal, while surpassing Alucard had become Treasure's biggest ambition.
Doflamingo was exploiting this very point to lure Treasure into an alliance. In truth, this alliance was meant to be a three-way pact that included Tesoro.
However, Treasure's strength was slightly inferior to Doflamingo and Tesoro. All three were Paramecia users, but Doflamingo had reached the Awakening state, Tesoro had touched the threshold, while Treasure showed no sign of reaching the threshold yet. Even so, he was a rare and valuable ally, and more importantly, Treasure possessed the ambition to surpass Alucard.
"Fufufufu... Don't be impatient, Treasure. You must understand that surpassing a Yonko is not something that happens overnight. We must think long-term and formulate a plan." Doflamingo first stabilized Treasure's emotions, then addressed Tesoro. "How are the preparations for the Devil Fruit coming along?"
"Smoothly. The Government also promised that after the transaction is complete, they will allow us to use the World Nobles' exclusive channel to the New World and guarantee protection for all my businesses," Tesoro crossed his arms and laughed proudly. "This way, even in the New World ruled by the Yonko, I can develop my strength with confidence."
Doflamingo glanced at the clock on the wall and said, "Time is up. Let's split up. Treasure and I will use the Marines' designated route, and Tesoro will handle the transaction. There are Yonko crewmates everywhere; let's not cause any trouble."
"Get lost. I'm not walking with a peacock who can fly. That's annoying." True to his nature, Treasure did not enjoy being associated with Doflamingo. He showed no deference and left immediately.
…
Groves 60 to 69 of the Sabaody Archipelago are garrisons for the Marines and the Government.
Following the earlier sensational report caused by Dr. Indigo, the Government naturally intensified its precautions. Besides the highest spy organization, CP0, the two Admirals, Aokiji (Kuzan) and Kizaru (Borsalino), were standing guard, a force capable of matching any Yonko's top executives. Doflamingo's statement that "the Government is the true hegemon of the sea" was not without merit.
At this moment, the various pirate crews were utilizing their unique abilities, observing the transaction, and waiting for the right moment to seize the Devil Fruit.
Doflamingo and Treasure left first. Their partnership must not be revealed to the world yet.
Perched upside down on the largest Yarukiman Mangrove tree in Grove 66, a bat hung from a branch, observing the CP0 agents and other Government personnel standing guard at the Government's entrance. Upon closer inspection, it would be noticed that the bat was merely a bat-shaped black shadow, not a real, living animal.
Alucard was currently using this "shadow," enjoying the services of a high-end restaurant while viewing the unfolding Devil Fruit struggle as if he were watching a movie.
Dressed as he was, Alucard was indeed difficult to recognize. The key was that his usual attire was too conspicuous, making his current look feel completely different. Even Boa Hancock and Scarlett would probably not recognize him in under half a minute.
Alucard's vision was linked to the situation in Grove 66, and he could see that many individuals had already concealed themselves without the Government's detection.
Soon, Tesoro walked over, clad in a pink suit, followed by countless subordinates in black security uniforms, with Baccarat in her evening gown standing out.
"Where is the item?"
The CP0 agent, whose face was hidden behind an iron mask, asked, hands in his pockets, completely dismissing Tesoro.
"Don't be so hasty." Tesoro tilted his head and snapped his fingers.
From the ground behind him, Tanaka's large head gradually floated up, holding a delicate steel box in his hands.
Just as the CP0 agent moved to take it, Tanaka instantly retreated back into the ground.
"What is the meaning of this, Tesoro?" The CP0 agent, feeling fooled, had veins faintly visible on his forehead.
"Ha! Don't tell me you haven't noticed the changes in the atmosphere around us? If I hand over the item here, won't your battle with them involve me?" Tesoro didn't explicitly state his meaning, but CP0, Kuzan, and Borsalino all understood.
The moment the Devil Fruit was displayed, the great pirates hiding in the shadows would definitely swarm them. At that point, Tesoro would merely become a plump sheep in the eyes of the hungry tigers.
"What do you want?" the CP0 agent said, his face clouding over.
"I will leave my subordinate Tanaka behind. After I leave through the World Nobles' channel, I will have him deliver the item to you. Naturally, you must not prevent him from leaving, either."
This was a fair self-preservation measure from Tesoro, and the Government agreed to his request.
Half an hour later, Tesoro and his crew had left the Sabaody Archipelago. At this point, one of Tanaka's hands gradually surfaced from the ground, holding the steel box.
The CP0 agent bent down to pick up the box, and Tanaka immediately retracted his hand into the ground, slipping away unnoticed.
Under the fully vigilant watch of all present, the CP0 agent opened the box to inspect the goods. Simultaneously, the Immortal Pirates and the Beasts Pirates, hidden in the shadows, rushed out at a single command, emerging from the ground, the sky, and the thickets.
However, the face of the CP0 agent froze when he saw what was inside the box.