"How could that be?"
Stussy smiled sweetly. Raised a hand to stop her subordinates from moving.
"Working with Lady Sami is Lord Aus's order. How could I possibly complain about Lord Aus's decisions?
Unless... Doflamingo-san, you think Lord Aus made a mistake?"
Turned it right back on him.
Doflamingo's arrogant grin froze. The smile died on his lips.
"Of course not. Just showing concern."
Sharp-tongued bitch...
But it was just a minor clash.
No matter how cutthroat the business competition, nobody had the balls to start shit here.
Doflamingo didn't want real trouble either. Led his Donquixote officers forward. Then spotted another familiar face.
"Well, well—Miss Tsuru? Fufufu... What brings you here? Come to arrest me?"
Different part of the main street. Marine Chief of Staff Vice Admiral Tsuru stood watching the underworld bosses stream past. Hands clasped behind her back. Marine soldiers and officers lined up behind her.
She looked at the evil former Celestial Dragon brat calmly. Eyes like deep water.
World Government's orders sounded official—dispatched to maintain civilian safety and order on Sabaody Archipelago.
Translation? They were glorified security guards.
If she had a choice, she wouldn't want the Marines playing babysitter for criminals.
But this meeting affected World Government finances, Marine funding, and stability across the seas.
Even if these weren't good people, the Marines had to keep the peace.
"Doesn't look like an arrest to me! Such an organized formation—protecting us, perhaps? Fufufu..."
Doflamingo felt invincible. Taunting his natural predator to her face.
Like the days of getting chased across the ocean by Tsuru were ancient history.
"Hope you're still this cocky when you get back to North Blue, brat."
Tsuru's face stayed calm. Like Doflamingo's provocation didn't register.
But her hands clenched tight behind her back. Mood wasn't nearly as peaceful as she looked.
Doflamingo didn't give a shit about the threat.
Right now—strength, influence, everything was rising. Big shot backing him up.
Sure, his power wasn't enough against Marine Admirals or old-generation monsters.
But as long as he stayed useful to Aus, the man would protect him. Plus he used to be a Celestial Dragon. Knew secrets...
If this wasn't the wrong place, he'd blast Conqueror's Haki right in her face.
Unfortunately—
After the warning, Tsuru apparently lost interest. Led her team toward another street.
He wanted to keep playing, but more important business waited.
"Pretty lively out there."
Sitting by the window, Aus spread his Observation Haki across hundreds of thousands of meters. Entire Sabaody Archipelago in his awareness.
Mixed bag. Enemies and allies both.
What cracked him up most? That slacker monkey lounging in a chair filing his nails.
Even the Marines got dispatched to keep order. If this meeting went to hell, or people started fighting on Sabaody—
Would it end with "Marines, clean up this mess!"?
Not just that.
Heard the underworld bosses prepared gifts for him. Looking real eager to impress.
Aus appreciated the gesture. Even if he didn't need anything.
But the respect felt good. Made raising these guys worthwhile.
Letting them do business using his name made them half his people anyway.
Behind Aus, Sami, Little Hawk, and Little Sand stood quietly.
They'd attend the meeting too.
Among everyone working under Aus, there were levels. These three were the inner circle.
"Alright then... let's go, everyone."
Aus drained his expensive wine. Headed for the venue with his crew.
Used to be a luxury hotel. Part of Sami's operations.
Closed to the public today. Residents lined the streets watching curiously. Marines walking alongside pirates and mafia.
"What kind of event is this? Marines are just... watching?"
"Celestial Dragons?"
"No way—I recognize that guy! He's a big-time pirate!"
Unlike the sea overlords who made headlines, underworld businessmen kept low profiles. Legit or not.
Only the wanted ones or publicly famous got recognized by civilians.
Hotel entrance. Two massive guys standing guard. Checking IDs of everyone entering.
"Fufufu... Worthy of Lord Aus—even the guards are Haki users!"
"Heard Lady Sami picked them from slaves. Talented seeds."
Voice beside Doflamingo. He glanced over. Smiled.
"Well if it isn't News King Morgans. Lord Aus's personal propaganda machine."
Hearing the half-mocking tone, Morgans adjusted his hat. Didn't seem bothered.
"All serving Lord Aus... We could cooperate more on intelligence, Heavenly Yaksha."
"Fufufu... True enough."
Not just Doflamingo. The six original underworld kings, plus monopoly bosses from every industry, filed inside one by one.
Among the diverse crowd—
Blonde guy in flip-flops. Holding a wine bottle. Following along in the queue.
"Who the hell is that? Never heard of him in the underworld."
"Yeah... looks familiar though."
"Think he's crashing for free food?"
Lots of people noticed him. Speculating. Some figured he was just a drunk trying to sneak in.
But when the guards respectfully ushered him inside, expressions changed.
"What the... Even those underworld kings didn't get treated that nice!"
"Wait! I remember now!" Someone slapped their forehead. Face shocked. Drew everyone's attention.
"That guy with the wine bottle—he's the legendary Pirate King's right hand...
'Dark King' Silvers Rayleigh!"
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