G-5 Branch, Rehn's extravagantly luxurious chief steward's office.
The noise outside came in waves like heat, but the office was so well soundproofed that only a faint buzzing could be heard, making the interior feel eerily quiet.
Rehn lounged in his boss chair made from the hide of some unknown sea beast, swirling a glass of crimson wine in one hand while idly playing with a golden Den Den Mushi in the other.
His desk was piled high with newly delivered recruit rosters, along with… a large stack of "gift lists" sent by various underground forces trying to "pull strings."
"Honestly, these people… if they'd known this would happen, why act like that before?"
Rehn took a sip of wine, a mocking smile curling at his lips.
"Back then, hearing the name G-5 was like seeing the plague. Now? For a single spot, they'd even send their own mothers as hostages."
He set down his glass and looked at the golden Den Den Mushi.
That was a secure line directly connected to the royal palace of Dressrosa.
"Alright, about time to give that 'big sucker', ah no, our big sponsor, a reply."
Rehn cleared his throat and dialed.
purupuru puru
The call was picked up after just two rings.
For a man who ruled a vast underground empire, that kind of response speed was almost unbelievable; it was as if he had been waiting by the phone the whole time.
"Hello…"
The voice of Donquixote Doflamingo came through, low and controlled, though Rehn could still detect a trace of tension and anticipation.
"Is that Mr. Rehn?"
"Yo, Doflamingo. Didn't interrupt your sunbathing, did I?"
Rehn crossed his legs, his tone casual, showing none of the respect one would expect toward a former Warlord of the Sea. Instead, he sounded like a supervisor talking to a subordinate awaiting performance results.
"Fufufufu… not at all."
Doflamingo laughed, a hint of flattery in his tone. "I've been waiting for your call. I wonder… is Admiral Renzo satisfied with the 'tribute'?"
At that moment, far away in Dressrosa's palace, Doflamingo was anything but calm.
That Dark-Dark Fruit was his biggest bargaining chip.
If even that couldn't earn Renzo's approval, he'd be coughing up blood from frustration.
Rehn deliberately paused for a few seconds, listening as the breathing on the other end grew heavier, before leisurely speaking:
"Doflamingo, I've got to say… you handled this well."
"Lord Renzo just saw that batch of fruits, especially that black one."
Rehn emphasized his tone.
"His lordship said that although it looks ugly, it's perfect as a championship prize. He's very pleased."
"Ha…"
A long breath of relief came from the other end.
Immediately, Doflamingo's voice rose with excitement:
"Fufufu! As long as he's pleased! It's an honor for the Donquixote Family to contribute to Lord Renzo's grand event!"
"And that's not all."
Rehn shifted posture, his tone turning slightly more formal, though still carrying arrogance.
"Lord Renzo has given high praise to your efficiency."
"You know how he is, he hates trouble, and he likes smart people who can get things done perfectly without being told."
"And you, Doflamingo… he thinks you're smart."
At the word "smart," even behind his sunglasses, Doflamingo's eyes seemed to gleam.
In the New World, praise from an Emperor meant you were being used. Praise from the Fleet Admiral meant you were being stabilized.
But praise from Renzo…
That meant you had latched onto a thigh thicker than the Red Line itself.
"Mr. Rehn, please convey my deepest gratitude to Lord Renzo!" Doflamingo's voice trembled slightly.
"Don't rush. There's something more important."
Rehn cut him off, his tone turning meaningful.
"Lord Renzo asked me to pass on a message."
"From today onward, you, Doflamingo, and your family, are considered 'our own people' in G-5."
Boom!
Those words exploded in Doflamingo's mind, sweeter than becoming Pirate King.
"Our own people."
In this world of survival of the fittest, those three words carried immense weight.
"As long as you keep working for Lord Renzo, as long as you remain a partner of G-5…"
Rehn continued, his voice filled with domineering confidence,
"Then whether it's the old geezers of the World Government or the so-called Emperors of the New World…"
"Anyone who wants to touch you will first have to ask whether Lord Renzo's blade agrees."
"I trust you know how bad his 'wake-up temper' is?"
"Fufufufu! I know! I know it all too well!"
Doflamingo laughed, bending forward in pure ecstasy.
With this, his position in the New World would be unshakable.
Even someone like Kaido would have to think twice before making a move.
This deal, was beyond worth it. That Dark-Dark Fruit had been a perfect investment.
"But…"
Just as Doflamingo reveled in joy, Rehn's tone suddenly shifted.
"Since you're one of us now, there are some rules you need to understand."
Doflamingo immediately composed himself. "Please, go ahead."
"Lord Renzo doesn't care about your little schemes, that's how you survive."
Rehn's voice turned cold.
"But he's still wearing a Marine uniform. And G-5 still flies the banner of 'justice.'"
"Some things don't go too far. Don't make them ugly."
"He doesn't need idiots who slaughter recklessly without purpose."
"If your business creates outrage, refugees everywhere, corpses piling up… even affecting Lord Renzo's mood while he sleeps…"
"You should know the consequences."
"He can protect you… and just as easily erase you."
"Understood?"
Though it sounded like a warning, to Doflamingo, it felt more like parental discipline.
It meant Renzo truly regarded him as part of his faction, not just a transaction partner.
"I understand completely!"
Doflamingo immediately assured, "I'm not some mindless butcher. I'll control the scale, no disgrace to G-5, and absolutely no disturbance to Lord Renzo's peace."
"We'll become his most elegant and efficient 'gloves.'"
"Good."
Rehn nodded in satisfaction.
"Glad you understand."
"That's all. The martial arts tournament is about to begin. You're welcome to come watch, but don't bring too many people. Lord Renzo dislikes noise."
"Of course! I'll personally attend!"
After hanging up, Rehn played with the Den Den Mushi and scoffed.
"Heh, a Warlord… in front of absolute power, just a dog craving bones."
"Still… a useful dog."
…
Dressrosa, Royal Plateau.
After ending the call, Doflamingo remained frozen, still holding the receiver.
A full minute passed before he suddenly threw his head back and burst into wild laughter.
"Fufufufufu! Fufufufufufu!!!"
His laughter echoed through the grand hall, filled with madness and release.
"Young Master?"
Trebol slid over from the doorway, worried. "What happened? Did something go wrong with Renzo?"
"We succeeded, Trebol! We succeeded!"
Doflamingo shot to his feet, his feather coat flaring dramatically.
He spread his arms as if embracing the world.
"That Dark-Dark Fruit was the right call!"
"Rehn himself called, he confirmed it. We are now Renzo's 'own people'!"
"Behehehe! Really, Young Master?!"
Trebol trembled with excitement. "Then we don't have to fear Kaido anymore?!"
"Even Kaido will think twice now!"
Doflamingo walked to the window, overlooking Dressrosa.
Before, he always felt like he was walking on thin ice, used by the World Government, pressured by Kaido.
But now… everything had changed.
He had found a stronger backer.
A monster who could challenge Emperors and crush Marine Headquarters, Renzo.
"Listen, Trebol."
Doflamingo turned, his gaze sharp.
"Send orders immediately. Tell Diamante, Pica, and the rest, "
"From now on, all family operations will prioritize G-5!"
"What Renzo wants, we provide. Money, fruits, women, whatever he desires!"
"And!"
He recalled Rehn's warning.
"Tell everyone to restrain themselves. No more massacres like before!"
"We're transitioning into a 'civilized' mafia. A 'rule-abiding' business."
"Anyone who angers Renzo… I'll skin them myself!"
"Yes, Young Master!" Trebol left excitedly.
Left alone, Doflamingo picked up a newspaper featuring Renzo's yawning face on the front page: {"Savior of the Marines? Or Nightmare of the New World?"}
He flicked the image lightly.
"Fufufu… a 5-billion-Berry gamble."
"Renzo… no, Lord Renzo."
"The stronger you are, the steadier my throne becomes."
"You just keep sleeping up there, suppressing everything."
"And down in the mud… I'll handle all the dirty work."
"That… is the perfect symbiosis."
He grabbed a bottle of fine wine and drank straight from it.
The burning liquid fueled his growing ambition.
With G-5 as protection, he could extend his reach further than ever before… even into forbidden trades, so long as he didn't cross Renzo's line.
"One week until the tournament…"
His eyes gleamed.
"A perfect chance to show face."
"I'll go personally, with an elite team to compete."
"Even if we don't win, placing in the top hundred will prove our worth."
He picked up the Den Den Mushi again.
"Diamante? Stop playing in the arena. Pick your best fighters, ones who look strong."
"We're heading to G-5… to attend a true feast."
"Remember, we're not going to kill. We're going to prove our value."
"Anyone who embarrasses me goes straight to the fighting fish pit!"
…
Meanwhile, G-5 Base.
After finishing with Doflamingo, Rehn stretched lazily and looked out the window at the endless line of recruits.
"Boss? Check. Fighters? Check. Money? Check."
He stroked his chin and grinned.
"Now… let's see how this grand show plays out."
Then his gaze sharpened.
In the crowd, a suspicious figure lurked, dressed like a beggar, but secretly observing G-5's defenses.
"CP0 spy?"
Rehn narrowed his eyes and raised a hand.
BOOM!!!
A massive bolt of lightning struck down instantly, blasting the unlucky man.
The crowd panicked briefly… then quickly calmed down, at G-5, being struck by lightning had become almost routine.
"Done."
Rehn dusted off his hands.
"Trying to cause trouble on Lord Renzo's turf? Better luck next life."
This… was G-5 now.
An iron fortress, a kingdom of wealth… and absolute power.
....
30 Chapter, [email protected]/DaoistJinzu