Adrian's victory over Doflamingo and the liberation of the toys spread like wildfire across Dressrosa, thanks to the propaganda methods Betty, a Revolutionary Army veteran, had honed over the years. The process of taking over Dressrosa was surprisingly swift and simple, exceeding his expectations. He couldn't help but marvel at how effective the methods of mass mobilization could be, even if he knew that Betty had used his own teachings to secure the throne for him. He imagined Dragon's reaction if he ever found out, and a sly grin touched the corners of his mouth.
A booming sound echoed through the ruins of the Kings Plateau as a colossal palace of stone erupted from the ground. Its grandeur rivaled the ancient city of Pangaea in Mariejois, which Adrian had used as a model. After seizing billions from the Donquixote family, he had used his VIP Plunder ability to acquire Pica's Stone-Stone Fruit. Of all the Devil Fruits in the Donquixote Family, this was the one he coveted most. Just as the Float-Float Fruit was a strategic powerhouse, the Stone-Stone Fruit was irreplaceable for nation-building.
With enough stone, Adrian could conjure a bustling metropolis for tens of thousands of people in minutes, an efficiency far greater than a hundred thousand laborers combined. He could also move through these structures freely, controlling any rock or stone building he touched. As long as the material was classified as "rock," he could manipulate it at will, effortlessly altering the terrain and landscapes. Any structures or trees attached to the rocks would also be assimilated and controlled.
"Your Majesty Adrian, I hope you will treat this country and its people kindly," the gray-haired King Riku III said, his expression a mix of awe and melancholy as he stood before the young man seated on the throne. He had heard from Violet that Adrian had rescued Dressrosa from Doflamingo, but it was clear the young man had no intention of returning the throne. The king had long since accepted that the world belonged to the strong. Laws and rules were meaningless to them. He simply hoped Adrian would not rule with the same cruelty as Doflamingo.
"Riku Doldo III, as the king of a country, you should weigh corresponding responsibilities," Adrian said, his voice cold and unforgiving. "If a pirate's promise can be trusted, there would be no more war or death in this world."
King Riku's eyes grew heavy, his face filled with guilt and self-blame. His own weakness and naivety had led to eight years of suffering for his people. The truth behind his actions to save them was irrelevant; the public had lost all faith in him the night of the "massacre." No one wanted him back on the throne. The people looked at Adrian, their new monarch, with infinite gratitude and hope.
"My lord, I was impulsive. Please forgive me," Violet suddenly said, kneeling before Adrian. "I will dedicate the rest of my life to serving you, to repay you for saving Dressrosa."
Violet's sincerity came from a place of genuine gratitude, but also from a newfound sense of reality. She knew that her own power was insufficient to avenge her family and the country's suffering. Only by aligning herself with Adrian could she ever hope to achieve her revenge. The title of "princess" meant nothing to her anymore.
"Rise," Adrian said, a subtle, almost imperceptible smirk playing on his lips. "Don't let it happen again."
He watched her carefully. Violet was no simple woman; she was far more astute than her father. Though her combat ability was average, her Clairvoyance was unparalleled. With a 4,000-kilometer range, she could detect incoming enemies long before they reached Dressrosa, giving his army ample time to prepare. It was because of this ability that he had allowed King Riku's family to live.
Suddenly, the phone bug in the Empress's arms rang. "What is it, Betty?" she asked.
"Lord Hancock, the Sky Island garrison has spotted a large pirate ship heading toward Dressrosa. We can't make out the flag yet due to the distance," Betty's voice crackled through the phone bug.
"Jiehahaha, Master Captain, do you think that guy Kaido has come himself?" Bullet said, his eyes gleaming with anticipation.
"Possibly," Adrian replied, finding it hard to predict the actions of a man who sought out danger and challenged the Marines and other Emperors for sport. "But one thing's for sure: they're here to back up Doflamingo."
"Hey, looks like another fight is on the horizon," Shiryu said with a sneer. He, too, had become as eager for battle as Bullet since Adrian had promised him a powerful new sword.
"My lord, if I am not mistaken, that is Jack the Drought, one of Kaido's 'All-Stars,'" Violet said, activating her Clairvoyance without being asked. Having secretly dealt with the Beasts Pirates for years, she knew their top cadres well.
"Only him?" Adrian almost laughed in disbelief. "Kaido sent a lackey to deal with me? He must think very little of me."
"He's shrewd enough to know that Jack can't get Dressrosa back for him," Adrian continued, his voice hardening. "Shiryu, Jack is yours. But don't kill him yet; we still have business to do with Kaido."
"I hear ivory's are quite valuable," he added, a cruel smile spreading across his face. "Break it off for me!"