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Noir generally avoided copying talents that required an "Ordeal" to unlock their benefits.
Judging from Doflamingo's and others' experiences, even if he had protagonist-level luck, he'd likely suffer greatly.
Noir instructed the System, "Copy the String-String Fruit's ability. Replace Conqueror's Swordsmanship."
(The Talent he Copied from Shanks!)
Even though his mastery of the String-String Fruit wouldn't match Doflamingo's, a fully awakened Devil Fruit ability was better than nothing.
Moreover, his swordsmanship had reached a plateau. With a Black-Gold talent already in his possession, the Gold-Quality Conqueror's Swordsmanship was no longer providing significant benefits.
As their ship slowly docked, Noir led Lucci and Blueno down the gangplank, heading towards Doflamingo.
Doflamingo stood with his hands in his pockets, observing Noir through his crimson sunglasses.
He was undeniably striking, a man who lived up to the moniker "Devil."
At close range, Doflamingo could clearly sense the Haki emanating from Noir – completely restrained, yet brimming with power.
He was indeed the youngest of the Seven Warlords, and far more formidable than the has-been Moria.
Doflamingo greeted him as Noir approached. "Noir, what brings you here so soon after becoming a Warlord?"
Noir smiled. "I've established a kingdom. You've heard, I presume?"
Doflamingo tilted his head, feigning contemplation. "Word does get around."
Noir continued, "I'm here to see if your kingdom has anything I can learn from."
Doflamingo nodded, seemingly understanding. "In that case, allow me to be your guide."
It was a reasonable excuse. As a fellow Warlord, Doflamingo had no grounds to refuse.
However, he feared Noir might uncover the kingdom's secrets, and his subordinates were no match for him.
Thus, he decided to personally escort the young pirate.
Noir didn't decline. "Sure."
Doflamingo frowned slightly, then turned and led the three into the heart of Dressrosa.
As they walked through the town, they were surrounded by the sights and sounds of delicious food and lively music.
Scantily clad young women danced sensually in the streets.
This was one of Dressrosa's selling points.
To Noir, their style of dance resembled the flamenco of his past life.
Doflamingo, his voice laced with a hint of wickedness, explained, "Dressrosa is known as the Island of Love and Passion. Beauty and an excessive obsession with love are never in short supply."
"But these women are also incredibly jealous. Betrayal leads to a fury of attacks. So, men who come here seeking thrills should also be mindful of their safety…"
Noir's lips twitched.
Why was Doflamingo telling him this? Did he think he was here for pleasure?
And you know what? He probably did…
Doflamingo couldn't fathom why Noir would go to such lengths to rebuild a kingdom, then use such a flimsy excuse to visit Dressrosa.
As a pirate, and a Warlord at that, he could easily take over a prosperous kingdom with a few underhanded tricks.
Why bother with the hard work?
Thus, in Doflamingo's mind, Noir was not only strong and unconventional but also… lecherous.
Noir's eyes lit up as he observed the scantily clad dancers in the streets.
Lucci and Blueno looked away, slightly embarrassed.
This further confirmed Doflamingo's suspicions. Seizing the opportunity, he said, "I hear you were attacked recently?"
Noir knew he was being tested. He answered candidly, "Yes, and that's another reason I'm here."
Doflamingo let out a sigh of relief, then chuckled. "Do you think I'm responsible?"
Noir didn't deny it. "Of course. Your influence in the Underworld makes you a prime suspect."
Doflamingo adjusted his glasses, his hand in his pocket clenching slightly. His voice was low. "So, you're here for revenge?"
As a natural-born king, Doflamingo wouldn't stoop to explaining himself, even to another Warlord.
Noir sensed Doflamingo's readiness to fight. He said calmly, "Don't be so tense, I just need your help with something."
Doflamingo scoffed. "And why would I help you?"
Noir smiled. "I want you to use your network to find out who put a hit on me."
Doflamingo leaned forward, his tall frame resembling a predatory flamingo. "And what's in it for me?"
Noir shrugged. "I'll pay for the information, of course."
Doflamingo shook his head, a smirk playing on his lips. "I don't need your petty cash."
Noir's tone hardened slightly. "Then what do you want?"
Doflamingo stared intently at Noir for a long moment, then suddenly burst into laughter. "Don't be so uptight, Noir."
"I'll help you investigate. Consider it a friendly gesture between new acquaintances, alright?"
Noir nodded without hesitation. "Deal."
He knew Doflamingo was trying to form an alliance, so there was no need to escalate the situation.
While the man's thoughts and methods were dangerous, making Noir uncomfortable, there was no need to create unnecessary enemies.
He couldn't do anything about Doflamingo's actions in Dressrosa, or his overthrow of King Riku.
If not for his connection to Noitem, Noir would probably have taken over a powerful kingdom himself, just like Doflamingo and Crocodile.
Doflamingo led Noir to a corner cafe and sat down on a lounge chair. "Actually, I've already looked into it for you, even before you arrived."
Noir raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "And? Who is it?"
Doflamingo, basking in the admiring gazes of passersby, leaned back in his chair.
"The bounty on you in the Underworld has been there for a while. It just recently increased significantly, becoming more noticeable, which is probably how you found out about it."
Noir was taken aback. "You mean someone has wanted me dead even before my conflict with the Marines and the World Government?"
Doflamingo nodded, a cryptic smile on his face. "Think about the people you angered when you were just a rookie in the Grand Line. Who might that be?"
Noir's expression suddenly turned awkward.
Could it be… that guy?
Someone powerful enough to put a hit on him in the Underworld, and someone he fought early on… it seemed to fit.
Was that guy really so petty…?
...
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