Doflamingo paused, his tone becoming much more formal. "Information on Devil Fruits of the Mythical Zoan or top-tier Ancient Zoan level is considered top secret, even within my intelligence network.
I need time to mobilize my forces and gather intelligence from various black markets and the underworld.
This... will take time."
Whitebeard heard this, pondered for a moment, then gave his final deadline:
"Alright. I'll wait for you here for one day. Tell me the results this time tomorrow."
Doflamingo nodded almost immediately, with no room for negotiation: "No problem! I'll give you a clear answer within a day!"
Facing the enraged Four Emperor, he now had only one thought—he could not afford to offend any of these Emperors who stood at the pinnacle of the sea!
Doflamingo suppressed his fear of Whitebeard and instinctively turned his gaze to the equally striking figure standing beside Whitebeard—Ace.
His gaze lingered on Ace, and the eyes behind his sunglasses flickered with uncertainty.
A previously deliberately ignored, highly unreasonable phenomenon suddenly surfaced in his mind.
Fire Fist Ace... no, now he should be called 'Flame Emperor' Ace... Doflamingo's heart churned violently. Didn't this guy go to hunt down the Whitebeard Pirates before?
But now... Doflamingo looked at Ace, standing beside Whitebeard as if it were only natural, even with pride, and saw not the slightest hint of hostility.
They were clearly family, bound by a father-son relationship!
Fufufu... So that's how it is! A chill instantly ran down Doflamingo's spine. From beginning to end, it was all a grand show for the whole world to see!
All of us, including the Marines and the government, were played in the palm of their hands!
Following this, images of Ace from the shocking war at Marineford uncontrollably flooded his memory:
The terrifying flames that scorched the sky and boiled the sea, the Navy Six Styles' Moonwalk that allowed him to leap through the air, and the news from the Marine ranks of a Six Styles genius rarely seen in a thousand years...
With each thought, Doflamingo's heart sank a little further.
He knew very well that even as a Warlord with considerable strength, facing a monstrous genius who could develop the Mera Mera no Mi to a profound level while also mastering the Navy Six Styles to its extreme, he probably... had no chance of winning!
Not to mention that behind the opponent stood the entire Whitebeard Pirates and Whitebeard himself, like a demon god.
A wise man submits to circumstances.
All calculations, probes, and petty thoughts were utterly crushed at this moment by the absolute disparity in strength and the terrifying truth.
Doflamingo swallowed with extreme difficulty, his previously somewhat stiff body completely relaxing, a surrender that abandoned all luck mentality and thoughts of resistance.
His signature fake smile vanished, replaced by an unprecedented solemnity, even with a hint of deference.
He faced Whitebeard, especially giving Ace a deep look, and stated his position in a dry but incredibly clear voice:
"I... understand. Please rest assured, within one day, I will mobilize all resources and channels, and do my utmost to search for intelligence on Devil Fruits that meet your requirements!"
He, Donquixote Doflamingo, chose complete submission when faced with an unmatchable force and unfathomable schemes.
Their demands must be met as quickly as possible!
...
That night,
Doflamingo hosted a banquet for the Whitebeard Pirates!
Although the luxurious banquet arranged by Doflamingo was filled with an array of fine wines and delicacies, and the atmosphere seemed lively, Ace's mind was not on the feast before him at all.
He sat among the boisterous crowd, appearing somewhat distracted, his fingertips unconsciously intertwining with a wisp of flickering pale flame.
Although Whitebeard had authoritatively subdued Doflamingo and given him a day to gather information, Ace still felt uneasy deep down. Doflamingo was a cunning man; was the information he provided reliable?
Even if reliable, would he truly find the most suitable Devil Fruit for Pops?
The more he thought about it, the more he felt that instead of placing his hopes on that dangerous Warlord, it would be better to...
Ace suddenly stood up, the surrounding noise seeming to instantly fade away from him. He whispered to Jozu, who was holding a huge meat bone beside him, "Jozu, I'm going out for some fresh air."
Jozu's mouth was full of meat, and he mumbled a response.
Ace quickly walked out of the noisy banquet hall and came to a relatively quiet terrace in the palace. The cool night sea breeze ruffled his black hair, and he unhesitatingly pulled out the incredibly familiar Den Den Mushi from his pocket.
Buruburu—Buruburu—
After a brief waiting tone, the call connected, and Ron's steady voice came through: "Ace? What's wrong?"
"Big Brother!" Ace's voice carried a hint of urgency and an irrepressible reliance. "Pops said he didn't want to bother you with this again... But, I still can't help but seek your opinion!"
He took a deep breath, as if grasping the most important lifeline, and spoke rapidly:
"We're in Dressrosa, asking Doflamingo about a suitable second Devil Fruit for Pops.
But that guy is insidious and cunning; I don't trust him!
Big Brother, you know everything; you must know what kind of Devil Fruit is most suitable for Pops's current physical condition, right?
You might even know where to find it!"
His tone was filled with unreserved trust and expectation for his older brother. "Please, Big Brother! Tell me! This is too important for me, for Pops, and for the entire Whitebeard Pirates!"
The gentle night breeze carried his words away. Ace tightly gripped the Den Den Mushi, holding his breath and waiting for Ron's response.
"Oh? You're actually in Dressrosa? What a coincidence."
His tone became somewhat playful. "There... there is indeed a very special Devil Fruit hidden there. In a sense, it might even be quite suitable for Whitebeard."
Ace's spirits instantly lifted upon hearing this, as if he had seen a ray of light in the darkness. He quickly pressed, "Really, Big Brother?! What Fruit is it? Where is it?"
Ron's voice was unhurried, but he threw out an answer that would make anyone gape: "Kaido's Uo Uo no Mi, Mythical Zoan, Azure Dragon form."
"Wh—What?!"
Ace cried out in surprise, almost dropping the Den Den Mushi in his hand. "Kaido's Azure Dragon Fruit?! How could that be in Dressrosa?! Big Brother, you're not joking, are you?!"
....
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