"It's quite efficient."
After learning from Doll that Donquixote Doflamingo had located the man he wanted, Vice Admiral Rosen gave a slight nod.
The decision to put the Seven Warlords of the Sea under his leash was proving correct.
With just a collar around the Heavenly Yaksha's neck, Doflamingo had already yielded results multiple times in a short span.
Once all Seven Warlords were bound by Rosen's hand, they would no longer be a disruptive force to the Marines, but instead a weapon.
The irony was not lost on him. The Five Elders had originally conceived the Seven Warlords system as a balancing tool, but the more powerful these pirates became, the more unruly they grew. Disobedience, selfish whims, and the disdain of Marine Headquarters turned the Warlords into a cancer within the World Government's order.
Summons were ignored, commands followed only when it suited them.
That would not be the case under Rosen's reign.
"Admiral," Vinsmoke Judge interjected, his voice tinged with curiosity. "Who exactly is it you seek?"
He understood well that Rosen's gaze never lingered on ordinary men. Especially not pirates. To be spared, to be courted rather than destroyed, meant that person held some extraordinary value—just as Rosen had once turned his eyes to him.
"Twenty percent of the world's Berry."
The words were simple, but they struck Judge like a thunderbolt. His eyes widened, the weight of the number sinking in.
Doll added, "But according to Doflamingo, he cannot handle this person on his own. That is why he contacted us—requesting support."
Rosen was not surprised.
After seizing the Golden Fruit, Gild Tesoro had gone into seclusion, pouring every ounce of will into mastering his new ability. That was why, even in the original course of events, Doflamingo had not tried to dominate the Golden Emperor but had chosen cooperation instead. The Heavenly Yaksha exploited weakness, but Tesoro was not weak.
"Shall I summon Bullet?" Doll asked cautiously.
"Bullet…" Rosen's eyes sharpened for a moment. "He will need to remain in seclusion a while longer."
The memory lingered—Douglas Bullet's duel with Rosen after escorting Judge back to the First Branch. No eyes had witnessed their clash. When Rosen returned, Bullet was unconscious in his grasp.
Since then, the so-called Demon's Heir had locked himself in isolation, silent, wounded more in spirit than body. Three days, and not a step beyond his chamber.
"Vice Admiral." Doll straightened, resolve in her voice. "Since Bullet cannot act, let me go. Even if I cannot match him, with Doflamingo's aid I can face Tesoro."
Her strength had grown. Under Rosen's sporadic guidance, her mastery of the Three Forms of Haki and martial prowess advanced steadily. Though her official rank was still Lieutenant Colonel, her combat power already stood on par with a Headquarters Vice Admiral.
Judge, ever pragmatic, stepped in. "The production of your combat uniform has not yet begun, but you may borrow Reiju's for this mission. A model built upon toxic compounds—abilities akin to the Venom-Venom Fruit. Without the bloodline factor modification you cannot fully control its toxins, so be cautious. One misstep and you may poison yourself."
Though arrogant, Judge had already committed himself as head of Rosen's Science Division.
He would not hold back Germa's technology from the First Branch. Doll, in particular, was slated to receive her own customized combat suit—lending her Reiju's was a natural choice. After all, this mission concerned nothing less than 20% of the world's currency.
Rosen rose from his chair, his presence filling the room like a storm. "No. I will go myself."
Both Judge and Doll stiffened.
The Golden Emperor was not just another pirate. He was the key to Rosen's envisioned headquarters. With Gild Tesoro under his control, Rosen would no longer scrape for resources. He would command wealth vast enough to build fleets, armies, and science beyond the World Government's leash.
Doll's brows furrowed. "Admiral, allow me to try first. I will not dishonor you by failing."
It was not defiance, but frustration—frustration at her own inadequacy.
Bullet, Rosen's right hand, could fight on the his behalf. Yet she, his left, still forced Rosen to act personally.
Rosen saw through her heart as though reading a page. He placed a firm hand on her shoulder. "Do not mistake me. I merely wish to stretch my legs. I have remained in the First Branch for too long."
But Doll lowered her gaze, voice taut. "Even so… an adjutant who must rely on her Admiral to act is a shame to her post."
A faint smile touched Rosen's lips. "What if I told you the Ope Ope no Mi was prepared for you?"
The room stilled.
Judge's eyes snapped toward him. The Operation Fruit—the most coveted of all Devil Fruits, valued at five billion Berry. To bestow such a treasure freely upon a subordinate? The thought alone was staggering.
Doll was struck dumb, her heart pounding. The Operation Fruit, not as a bargaining chip, not as a tool for leverage—but given to her, entrusted to her hands.
"Admiral…" her voice trembled.
"Do you understand now?" Rosen said calmly. "You will have your chance. Even upon the world's greatest stage, your moment will come. Do not rush. Do not doubt."
He turned, cloak of Justice flowing as he strode past her.
Doll stood frozen, staring at his retreating figure. Her eyes burned with loyalty—unyielding, absolute. Rosen was not simply her superior. He was her justice, her future, her entire creed.
The Golden Emperor awaited. And with him, the key to reshaping the world.