Nami was utterly dejected, staring at Orochimaru with a crestfallen expression, her eyes filled with resentment, as if accusing Orochimaru of 'deception'.
Orochimaru felt a bit uncomfortable under her gaze, so he cleared his throat, quickly turned his head away, and said casually, "One hundred million, not a penny more."
These words were like a flash of lightning piercing through the gloom, instantly illuminating Nami's world.
Her eyes sparkled brightly again, the gloom on her face vanished, and she excitedly pounced on Orochimaru, hugging his arm and rubbing against him intimately, saying sweetly, "It's a deal!"
Her beaming expression left the surrounding crowd dumbfounded, their faces filled with helplessness and speechlessness.
Was it really necessary to be so excited?
Zoro looked at the scene with a disgusted expression, grabbed a bottle of wine nearby, and took a big gulp. As the liquid slid down his throat, he suddenly frowned, made a 'tsk' sound, and muttered with a look of distaste, "Wine."
He impatiently wiped the corner of his mouth, then turned his gaze to Orochimaru and asked loudly, "Hey, Orochimaru, what are we going to do next? The Marine has already arrived."
At this moment, everyone's eyes were focused on Orochimaru, waiting for his response.
Orochimaru looked at Doflamingo, then at the gladiators in the arena. After all, they were Luffy's future subordinates, so he felt it was appropriate to ask for their opinions.
"What do you all say? Weren't you going to take Doffy's head?"
When the crowd saw Orochimaru's gaze shift to them, they shook their heads in unison. They had already realized the subtle relationship between Doflamingo and this Orochimaru.
And ultimately, their rebellion was partly due to anger and partly to repay a debt of gratitude.
But now they all knew that the first mate of the Straw Hat Pirates might not necessarily need their gratitude.
Moreover, after this series of battles, regardless of the reason, they suddenly felt that the Straw Hat Pirates were not bad.
So, there was no longer any need. Besides, they realized that apart from being turned into toys and exploited for a long time, they hadn't suffered any actual losses.
As for the tragic state of Dressrosa, not only was it not true, but the common people who had defected at the last minute were truly not worth it.
Just as everyone was lost in thought and the atmosphere was subtle, a steady, powerful sound of footsteps approached from a distance.
Fujitora Issho, wearing a Marine Justice cloak, led a group of heavily armed Marines, quickly surrounding them.
"Doflamingo, as an Admiral candidate from Marine Headquarters, I am arresting you according to the law."
Fujitora's voice was deep and firm, each word carrying an undeniable authority.
Upon hearing this, Doflamingo slowly stood up.
His characteristic arrogant smile reappeared on his face, and as he moved, he didn't forget to hold Orochimaru securely in his arms like a doll, seemingly completely disregarding the surrounding Marine forces.
"Arrest me?" Doflamingo raised an eyebrow, his voice full of mockery and disdain.
"What right do you, an Admiral candidate, have to arrest me?"
A fierce glint flashed in his eyes, as if he was demonstrating to Fujitora and provoking the entire Marine faction.
The air seemed to freeze instantly, and a tense atmosphere spread among everyone. A major battle was imminent.
Fujitora Issho's expression was solemn. With his Haki locked onto Doflamingo, he said unequivocally, "Because you usurped the throne! And enslaved the common people of Dressrosa!"
His voice was deep and powerful, spreading steadily through the commotion, carrying the unique justice and authority of the Marine.
Having spent so much time with Orochimaru, Doflamingo hadn't mastered other skills, but his sophistry had reached perfection.
He curled his lips into an evil smile and calmly began to refute.
"Usurped? Humph, Dressrosa originally belonged to our Donquixote Family 200 years ago.
I was merely reclaiming what was rightfully mine. Is there something wrong with that?
Moreover, I was merciful enough to spare the lives of King Riku's family. As for the exploitation you mentioned..."
He paused, his gaze sweeping over the people around him, and continued:
"You ask them, did I really exploit them? Turning people into toys, that was a rule I set as King.
Just as King Riku once allowed the Tontatta Tribe to freely take items from the common people, these were all for the governance of the country.
After all, for the development of a country, some people always have to sacrifice.
This is my national policy, understand?
Furthermore, those who were turned into toys all signed a contract with the Donquixote Family, promising not to harm the citizens.
Therefore, some toys could live freely on the surface,
while others were punished to work underground because they startled humans.
All of this has a reason and rules. How can you call it enslavement?"
Doflamingo spoke eloquently and logically, as if he truly was the innocent and righteous party.
Doflamingo slightly raised his chin, his eyes full of triumph, and continued to speak self-righteously,
"And you ask them, before I took control of Dressrosa, they all lived lives of hard toil, facing the yellow earth and toiling under the sun, worrying about food and clothing every day.
But after I took over? I gave them a life of abundance!"
As he spoke, he gestured wildly with his arms, as if showcasing his 'great achievements' to everyone.
"Look at Dressrosa now, the city is prosperous, and resources are plentiful.
They no longer have to worry about going hungry, nor do they have to toil for a meager harvest.
I provided them with stable jobs, gave them income, and allowed them to live in peace."
Doflamingo looked intently at the surrounding crowd, "Isn't this my achievement as King? How can it be called enslavement and exploitation?
Regardless of the process, they are the ones who ultimately benefit.
Fujitora, don't let those false statements blind your eyes. Oh... you don't have eyes to begin with."
The Straw Hat Pirates looked at Doflamingo, who seemed possessed by Orochimaru, and couldn't help but applaud (good children shouldn't learn this). It was truly a magnificent inversion of right and wrong, making them want to kill him.
Fujitora Issho was momentarily speechless, choked by Doflamingo's sophistry, and his expression became slightly grim.
He knew that arguing with Doflamingo on these issues was pointless, so he decisively chose to change the subject.
He slightly raised his hand, pointed to the humanoid creature Doflamingo held in his arms, which was Orochimaru, and said,
"Then how do you explain your close relationship with the first mate of the Straw Hat Pirates? He is a great pirate. You are a Shichibukai."
Fujitora's voice was low, clearly audible in the tense atmosphere.
The surrounding Marines also stiffened, their gazes all focusing on Doflamingo and Orochimaru in his arms, and the atmosphere grew even more solemn.
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