"Mr. Yami, welcome to the Kingdom of Dressrosa."
Before Yami's group had time to stroll this theme-park-like tropical resort island, Diamante appeared before them and spoke very politely. "I am Diamante, one of the top executives of the Donquixote Family. My young master specifically sent me to invite you up to the King's Plateau for a chat."
Same kind of person, same kind of lines.
Although the Pegasus did not fly a pirate flag, Yami and Nami had broken the rookie bounty record and were defined as pirates.
Unless they joined the Revolutionary Army, they could not shake off the pirate label, just like Hawkeye.
Facing super rookies of the pirate world, Diamante naturally would not call himself a minister of the kingdom, nor would he call Doflamingo the king.
"Lead the way. I came here specifically to find Joker," Yami said with a nod.
At that, a sharp light flashed in Diamante's eyes.
Just as Doffy had said, they were here for business.
Diamante put on a mask-like, enthusiastic smile and led Yami's group toward the King's Plateau.
Along the way, Carina and the others had their eyes drawn to the toys lining the streets.
"These dolls are so lifelike, just like real people."
"Humans actually date toys. As expected of the Grand Line—every island truly has its own quirks."
Nami and Carina sighed softly, while Perona was full of yearning.
The ghost princess, though already an adult, was still very childish and had almost no resistance to toys.
For example, she was currently hugging a handmade ghost plush.
Watching the moving toys, Perona felt like a child clutching a little figurine who suddenly sees a walking robot—she nearly couldn't take another step.
But Yami's next words snapped Perona out of it and made Diamante's heart sink.
"These toys are actually all humans, just the work of the Paramecia Hobby-Hobby Fruit."
Yami reminded them with a light smile. "So be cautious. Beware of anyone who tries to approach strangers. If you're touched by the wrong person, you might become a toy like this."
Before even meeting, Yami delivered a warning shot to Doflamingo.
"They're all humans?"
"An ability that turns people into toys—too terrifying."
Even having seen many powerful Devil Fruits, Nami and Carina couldn't help exclaiming.
Diamante, walking in front, broke out in a sweat and raised his estimation of Yami's group to the highest threat level.
Back at the King's Plateau, Diamante immediately leaned to Doflamingo's ear and relayed the news.
With sunglasses on, no one could see Doflamingo's eyes change.
But with Observation Haki, Nami sensed a faint ripple in the aura of the sinister man before her.
"Fufufufufu… super rookies who shook the world, welcome to the Kingdom of Dressrosa."
With his duck-footed stride, Doflamingo introduced himself with that unique laugh. "I am Donquixote Doflamingo, King of the Kingdom of Dressrosa. You can call me Doffy, or Joker."
"An honor, Joker."
Yami extended his hand and smiled politely. "I'm Yami. Pleased to meet you."
"Fufufufufu… likewise."
Doflamingo shook Yami's hand with a smile, but his heart grew heavy.
Having just realized the other party knew about the Hobby-Hobby user on his side, he understood these were no ordinary newcomers. No wonder they had escaped an Admiral.
They had just exposed a strategic trump card of his, yet showed no arrogance, only excellent manners.
These people… would be troublesome.
Yami's opening shock had worked, making Doflamingo take him with the utmost seriousness.
In truth, even without that shock, Doflamingo would not have dared underestimate him.
Among the Warlords, Doflamingo was one of the most successful; his social acuity surpassed even his strength.
He knew exactly how powerful Yami's team's potential was.
He also knew the World Government and Marine Headquarters had deployed at the Sabaody Archipelago precisely to target Yami and Nami.
By revealing only a single Float-Float user, they had effortlessly defused an almost certain-death setup.
Given time to grow, the foundation of a hegemonic force—three pillars—was already there.
If Doflamingo thought he could win against a team that might become a hegemon, he would have struck now to eliminate them.
Unfortunately, he did not have that ability.
Therefore he had to treat Yami's group with caution and try to earn their goodwill.
Otherwise, after they left, a floating island might soon fall from the sky.
They were pirates with command of the skies, unafraid of a Buster Call. They would not care that Dressrosa was a World Government member nation.
"To what purpose do you all seek me out so specifically?"
After seating Yami and the others, Doflamingo snapped his fingers. A maid opened a bottle of fine wine, and he looked at Yami in curiosity.
"This time we're here to do a bit of business with a dark broker."
Yami didn't beat around the bush. "I have a large quantity of gold on hand, measured in tons. I can sell it to you at a discount, but I need you to help me with a few things."
"Gold measured in tons?"
Doflamingo was slightly taken aback. He straightened in his seat and asked gravely, "And you want my help?"
There's no free lunch in this world.
With that much gold, if he sold it to Gild Tesoro he would certainly fetch the highest market price and earn the Golden Emperor's favor.
If Doflamingo sold it to Gild Tesoro at a premium, he could also gain a favor in return.
But now Yami was offering so much gold at a discount, which clearly meant he needed help with something major.
So it truly was.
Yami slowly opened his mouth and said, "…"
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