Carrying the flask, Bullet turned and walked toward his trophy display shelf, carefully placing the container of blood on a specially crafted wooden stand.
The other blood containers on the shelf were neatly arranged, glistening under the lights.
He was quite satisfied as he slowly admired his collection.
Kid struggled to his feet, his legs feeling as heavy as lead.
It was then that he noticed the shelf neatly lined with over a dozen sealed blood containers, each bearing a meticulous label:
Paramecia Class: Silence-Silence Fruit
Zoan Class: Ox-Ox Fruit
Logia Class: Swamp-Swamp Fruit
"This bastard..." Kid clutched his abdomen, cursing with a livid expression.
But he could only leave unwillingly.
He knew that staying would only deepen his despair.
Killer supported him, his expression equally grave beneath his mask.
They had not only lost the battle but were also forced to surrender precious blood. For them, this was undoubtedly a heavy blow to their pride.
"We'll figure something out when we get back," Killer said quietly. "We can't just admit defeat like this."
Though his voice was soft, it carried determination—failure was only temporary.
As long as they still had breath, they would never give up.
Bullet gazed quietly at these blood samples emitting peculiar auras, a satisfied smile appearing on his face.
Every drop of blood carried immeasurable value, shimmering with alluring brilliance in his eyes.
This plan hadn't come out of nowhere—it had occurred to him in a fleeting moment several days earlier, when he had witnessed a destitute ability user with his own eyes.
The man had been dressed in tattered clothes, his eyes revealing exhaustion and helplessness as he sold his own blood to the Eternal Kingdom, just for a chance to trade for resources.
At that moment, Bullet felt as if struck by a sudden revelation.
He realized that instead of going through the trouble of robbing money, it would be more efficient to collect the blood of powerful individuals through gambling.
This method was both clever and straightforward—losers only had to provide their own blood, while winners could reap substantial rewards.
It was precisely this unique plan that allowed him to accumulate a considerable fortune in just a few days.
However, Kid and Killer were well aware of Bullet's terrifying strength.
They clearly understood that, given their current abilities, they were no match for him. Thus, they could only return to devise a plan.
"Next time, I'll make sure he pays the price!" Kid gritted his teeth.
Killer nodded. "Let's go back and study whether there's any way to deal with him. Perhaps we can also use the same method to 'gamble' and make others suffer."
Killer's mind was already racing as he considered various strategies.
The Eternal Kingdom had strict regulations prohibiting fighting, but as long as both parties willingly engaged in a "wager," such behavior was permitted.
This rule was like a double-edged sword—granting people a degree of freedom while concealing countless risks.
The two exchanged a glance, understanding each other without words.
Just as they were about to turn and leave the area, they heard faint footsteps approaching Bullet.
"Hey, big guy..." A sinister voice suddenly emerged from the shadows.
Gecko Moria's figure gradually materialized, a sly and greedy glint in his eyes.
"I heard you're trading in blood? I'm very interested in your Fusion Fruit..."
Bullet turned around, a faint purple-black sheen of Armament Haki flickering across his skin. He narrowed his eyes, scrutinizing this onion-headed fellow.
Suddenly, he grinned. "Oh? You want a piece of the action too? Fine—trade me your blood!"
Moria let out his signature creepy laugh. "Kishishishi... No need to rush. We can discuss the terms properly."
A shrewd gleam flashed in his eyes, as though he were calculating a scheme.
"Hmm? Let's talk inside." Bullet gave a slight nod, signaling for Moria to follow him in.
Seeing that the two didn't come to blows, Kid snorted coldly and returned to his residence. Along the way, his heart swelled with resentment.
Recalling the recent encounter, he couldn't shake the feeling that Bullet had been lying in wait for them specifically.
"That bastard... treating us like prey!"
Killer stood silently nearby, his eyes behind the mask gleaming with thoughtful intensity.
Perhaps it was time to reassess the dangers of this Devil Fruit trading assembly.
The situation in the Eternal Kingdom was far more complicated than they had imagined, and Bullet's strength was by no means ordinary.
They were like travelers groping in the dark.
"We can gamble with others in the same way," Killer murmured softly, his gaze sweeping over the surroundings as if searching for any victims they could exploit.
Kid nodded.
Though his heart was filled with rage, he understood that acting impulsively would only plunge them deeper into trouble.
Only by remaining calm and rational would they have a chance.
....
The Next Morning.
As the first rays of sunlight timidly peeked over the horizon, attempting to dispel the gloom of the night, the floating islands of the Eternal Kingdom were shrouded in a hazy mist.
Doflamingo had long since arrived.
How could he miss such a trading event that gathered countless powerful individuals and endless opportunities?
In his mind, this event was a perfect chance to expand his influence and consolidate his position as the underworld's Joker.
Moreover, he had heard that the top prize for this event would be a Logia Devil Fruit—a priceless treasure that could make any strong individual's heart race.
A faint, almost imperceptible smile curled at the corner of his lips.
"Such an opportunity... why not take it?"
Guided by the receptionists of the Shandia tribe, Doflamingo and his group passed through one gate after another.
Traversing layer upon layer of islands, they finally arrived before Ron's reception room.
The door slowly opened, and a solemn, imposing aura washed over them.
Doflamingo walked at the forefront, followed closely by several Donquixote Family executives escorting three disheveled figures.
These three were none other than Momonosuke, Kin'emon, and Kanjuro, bound tightly with ropes and reduced to prisoners.
"Fufufufu... Ron-sama," Doflamingo said, his lips curling into a wicked smirk. "I've brought a special 'gift' this time."
Catching these samurai had been quite a hassle, but looking at the prize before him, he knew it was worth the effort.
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