"You've been with Doflamingo for so many years, surely you've heard of Punk Hazard, right?" Adrian asked lightly, a subtle glint of hope flashing in Violet's eyes went unnoticed by him.
"Huh?" Violet was taken aback. Was this the foreplay she had heard about? Why was it so different from what she had expected?
"My lord, are you planning to take over that place?" Although perplexed, Violet answered truthfully. "That island was originally a secret research base for the World Government, where many prisoners were held. However, four years ago, a toxic gas leak turned it into an abandoned dead island. Somehow, Doflamingo managed to clear the poison gas three years ago and has been using it as a raw material for the man-made Devil Fruit, SMILE, by producing SAD."
"It's much more than that," Adrian said, raising an eyebrow. "They're also conducting experiments on humans to make them giants and developing a mass-killing weapon called the 'Gigantification'."
He had to admit, Doflamingo was putting his all into weapons research and development. Without his help, a scumbag like Caesar would have never escaped Marine's escort ship after being put in Seastone handcuffs, let alone occupy Punk Hazard.
"Are you planning to have me spy on that scientist named Caesar?" Violet asked after a moment of thought. It made sense. Adrian had now taken over the deal for Kaido's fake Devil Fruit, SMILE, so keeping an eye on Caesar was a logical next step.
However, Adrian shook his head. "Although he will be of great use to my future plans, there is a more important matter at hand."
"A more important… matter?" She was truly confused now. she couldn't begin to guess Adrian's true intentions.
"The reason I told you is to keep an eye on it as in the next few days, Marine Admirals Akainu and Aokiji are likely to start a fateful battle on that island for the position of Fleet Admiral," Adrian said, a hungry glint in his dark eyes.
He wasn't sure if this battle would unfold exactly as it did in the original story, but he had witnessed the tension between Akainu and Aokiji with his own eyes. In the last war, he had clearly sensed the friction between the two. After all, only one of them could reach the top. Aokiji, the favorite to win, had long been unable to tolerate Akainu's paranoid style. There was a high probability they would have a major fight at Punk Hazard, just like in the original. For Adrian, this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
"Huh? Marine Admirals…" Violet froze, a look of extreme shock washing over her face. She blurted out, "My lord, are you… planning to attack the two Marine Admirals?!"
She didn't even have time to wonder how Adrian could predict the future. The news itself was too explosive. The sheer audacity of Adrian's plan terrified her. These were two Marine Admirals. If Akainu and Aokiji were truly killed at the same time, Marine's rule would instantly collapse. Wouldn't the world be turned upside down?
To be honest, Violet was little scared. But she was right. Adrian was indeed ready to learn from Kaido and that was to play the role of the opportunistic fisherman. If he could successfully acquire either the Ice-Ice Fruit or the Magma-Magma Fruit, it would be an incredible gain.
Naturally, he wasn't expecting an easy win. He knew that when an Emperor-level powerhouse was on the brink of death, they could unleash a terrifying strength far exceeding their usual power, just like Whitebeard had. What if he ended up suffering a loss himself? That would be a laughingstock. Given his identity, he was destined to be an enemy of the Marines.
"Don't be afraid. Although they are difficult to deal with, they will fight to the death to compete for the position of Fleet Admiral." Adrian had a sly look on his face as he continued with a smirk, "We just have to wait until they're both injured. It will be much easier."
Violet shivered as she looked at Adrian, a chill running down her spine. Her delicate body trembled instinctively. The man in front of her was truly terrifying. He not only possessed the majestic ambition to dare to fight the World Government head-on but also had the cunning and scheming nature to launch sneak attacks and ambushes. His actions, both heroic and wicked, were impossible to predict. Compared to him, Doflamingo wasn't even fit to carry his shoes.
Phew…
Fortunately, I chose to join him then, she thought to herself, sighing in relief. Otherwise, I would be miserable right now. She didn't dare to think about it any further.
"Your subordinate understands, my lord. Is there anything else you need me for?"
"You can go."
"Huh? That's all?"
At the same time, in the Holy Land of Mariejois. The Hall of Authority in Pangaea Castle was still brightly lit.
The Five Elders sat together, their faces grim. The small table where the Den Den Mushi was placed had been smashed to pieces.
Doflamingo was killed. The entire World Government fleet was wiped out. The three Marine Admirals had returned. The World Government's expedition could only be described as a crushing defeat. The word "failure" was no longer enough. It was a complete disaster. Presumably, by tomorrow morning, when the news spread across the globe, the World Government's prestige would be gone, and its dominance and deterrence over the seas would plummet.
"Damn it! I didn't expect that fellow, Adrian, to possess such a forbidden power." Saint Ju Peter spoke solemnly, his old eyes filled with fear and anxiety. As the supreme rulers of the World Government, how could they not be aware of the prophecies circulating outside? It was just unbelievable that Adrian turned out to have the legendary Poseidon. It is preposterous.
"It's not just about Doflamingo and the destruction of the fleet anymore." Saint Nusjuro tightened his grip on his sword and said in a deep voice, "Poseidon is too great of a threat. If we don't have an equivalent strength, we can't defeat him on the sea."
"Is that why he's been so confident?" Saint Mars muttered to himself. "Having the power of one of the Three Great Ancient Weapons is terrifying even to think about!"
"What should we do next? Should we report this matter to Master Im?" Saint Saturn asked. The hall of power fell into a sudden silence.
After a long time, Saint Warcury said, "Let's not mention it for now. Let's send an envoy to Dressrosa first and see what that kid's attitude is."
No matter how angry or helpless the five were, they had to admit that the World Government was now powerless against Adrian. Unless they allowed Master Im to use the 'weapon', but that forbidden power came at a price. It was the World Government's trump card and could not be revealed so easily.
There was only one feasible path left: peace talks. The other four Elders looked at each other.
"Approved!"
"Approved!"
"Approved!"
"Approved!"