"Fuffuffuffu… a piece of paper, you say? Oh, but this isn't just any piece of paper. This is the kind of paper that can drive the entire world mad!" Doflamingo fanned the golden note between his fingers, his grin widening. "Are you really sure you want to use this entire trillion Berries to build that so-called Evernight City?"
"Oh?" Rosinante raised an eyebrow. "Do you have a different idea?"
"This place is dangerously close to Marineford—and the World Government's headquarters isn't far either," Doflamingo said, his tone suddenly sharp. "A trillion Berries… that's a fortune people couldn't earn in a dozen lifetimes. If one day the Grey Nation clashes with the World Government, that entire investment goes up in smoke! And your promises—hah, they're nearly impossible. 'People don't have to kneel before the Celestial Dragons?' That alone will have those pampered gods fuming! You know, a few of those high-ranking Dragons have actually grown fond of you. They come to me asking about you, even. But if you do this… that fondness will turn into outrage!"
Truth be told, he thought pouring a trillion Berries into building some fantasy city was sheer madness.
Rosinante's so-called "promises"—abolishing discrimination, allowing fish-men to live freely, standing equal before Celestial Dragons—were nothing short of impossible dreams.
From Doflamingo's perspective, the Lawless Zone was already a gold mine. Controlling it alone meant controlling the main artery to the New World. With a bit of smuggling—arms, ammunition, forbidden goods—he could make mountains of profit.
There was absolutely no reason to sink that much capital into building a city. Especially not one trillion Berries!
And above all, the proximity to the Marines and the World Government made the risk sky-high. If the government ever decided to strike, everything would be reduced to ashes in an instant.
Rosinante looked at him calmly. "Do you know what the most profitable thing in this world is?"
Doflamingo blinked, caught off guard.
As the underworld's top broker, he knew better than most—arms, drugs, slaves, rare treasures, Devil Fruits—those were the most lucrative trades in the world.
But if Rosinante was asking, the answer clearly wasn't any of those.
"The most profitable thing in this world," Rosinante said, his voice low and firm, "is something that you have, and no one else does. The one and only thing that exists in the entire world. Everything else—arms, drugs, slaves—those are fool's trades. Slavery, in particular, might look like easy money, but for a great power, it's a poisoned deal. Too many enemies. Too much hatred."
He leaned forward slightly, his eyes gleaming. "Think about it. Imagine a place where no one cares about your status. Where you don't have to kneel to anyone. Where you're treated equally. A place where you can watch fish-men and mermaids swim freely, see all kinds of rare races from across the world, buy treasures from the deep sea, enjoy the wonders of Sky Island's shell technology, taste the finest wines and food from every nation, gamble in the most luxurious casinos, explore the most beautiful resorts. That's what I'm building, Doffy—a city that exists nowhere else in the world."
He pointed at the golden note in Doflamingo's hand. "And once Evernight City is built, the Grey Nation will earn that much every year—just by sitting still."
Even Doflamingo, who had seen the darkest depths of the world, nearly dropped the golden note. His hands trembled.
"A trillion Berries… a year? That's impossible!" he said in shock.
A trillion a year? He'd spent years as the underworld's broker, trading weapons, secrets, and lives—and even combined, it was nothing close to that sum. But if what Rosinante said came true, then this Evernight City would be a gold vein that never ran dry. One worth investing any amount.
"At first, maybe not," Rosinante said calmly. "But within a few years, it'll surpass that easily. You know how our Grey Nation works—through the vassal system. Every allied kingdom pays tribute, not for exploitation, but as a way to showcase their specialties. Once those goods are displayed and sold here, they'll become the world's most sought-after treasures. This will be where every tribute is presented—our headquarters. The beating heart of global trade. A trillion Berries will be nothing compared to what's to come."
Doflamingo frowned. "But this place is too close to the Marines and the Government. You're not afraid they'll attack? Or worse—they'll try to seize it once they see how much money it makes. Even the Celestial Dragons won't ignore this kind of profit."
"Of course they'll be tempted," Rosinante replied with a faint smile. "Everyone will. But it doesn't matter whether we're near or far—they'll always try to stick their hands in. And when that time comes, we'll negotiate. Give them a cut if we must. You can't make big money in this world without feeding the sharks a little meat. They're parasites—but they're useful parasites."
He paused, then added, "And that's exactly why I want Evernight City built here. This is the world's center—not just geographically, but politically. Imagine it, Doffy. A rising power establishing its capital right beside the World Government and the Marines. What do you think the people of the world will see?"
For once, even Doflamingo looked rattled. His ever-present grin faltered, replaced by an expression of sheer disbelief. He stared at Rosinante as though seeing a monster.
Rosinante had originally planned to use the trillion to build a massive warship. But after seeing the devastation left in the Lawless Zone, he changed his mind.
This place would become the heart of the Grey Nation. Its proximity to the World Government wasn't a weakness—it was a statement. By setting his capital beside the world's rulers, Rosinante would gain something far greater than territory: legitimacy.
"Fuffuffuffu… build it," Doflamingo said suddenly, a twisted grin spreading across his face. "This Evernight City must be built!"
"But remember," Rosinante said, his tone turning solemn, "it's not the buildings or the wonders that will make Evernight City unique. It's the promises I made—the equality, the freedom. Anyone can copy the walls, the casinos, the lights. But only we can create a place where the world's oppressed can finally breathe. That's the kind of business no one else can imitate. That's what makes it one of a kind."
"I get it now," Doflamingo said, eyes glittering. "I'll start immediately. I'll spread word through the underworld, place orders for materials—everything we need. First, we'll build the foundation. My family's got a man named Pica, a Stone-Stone Fruit user. With his powers, construction will go quickly. As for labor… hah, shame your men killed so many earlier. They'd have made excellent workers!"
"This city will borrow heavily from Sky Island's designs," Rosinante added. "Their shell technology will be integrated throughout the city. I'll send architects from Sky Island to assist you. Evernight City will be breathtaking."
"I can't wait to get started!" Doflamingo laughed, excitement blazing in his eyes. The great manipulator, the self-proclaimed puppet master of the underworld—was now thrilled to be part of someone else's dream.
Watching him throw himself into work with manic energy, Shaxia and Robin exchanged a glance.
They didn't need to say anything. Both were thinking the same thing.
A new kind of man had just appeared in the Grey Nation—
one who chose to be exploited by Rosinante, and loved every second of it.