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Noir mused aloud, "Is Crocodile really that petty?"
Doflamingo, lounging comfortably in his chair, replied, "Probably. The first bounty on you appeared around the time you left Alabasta."
Noir felt a sense of relief. Now that he knew his opponent, the threat seemed less daunting.
Initially, he'd suspected another plot by the Marines or the World Government, and he'd been ready to retaliate…
But if it was just Crocodile, the solution was simple.
He could always make a return trip to Alabasta and deal with Crocodile and his Baroque Works.
Or, if he felt particularly ambitious, he could even recruit Crocodile to his crew.
Crocodile's power fluctuated wildly. In the desert, he was nearly invincible, and even at his worst, he could still manage a stalemate and escape. But at sea, his strength was significantly diminished.
Noir was confident he could handle him anytime.
Things were different now. His growth far surpassed anything Crocodile could imagine.
Seeing Noir's composure, Doflamingo couldn't help but chuckle. "You seem confident you can handle Crocodile."
"Don't forget, he's a Warlord, just like us."
Noir clenched his fist, a cold smile playing on his lips. "There are levels to being a Warlord. Do you honestly think you'd lose to Crocodile?"
Doflamingo simply smirked, not bothering to answer. If they were to fight seriously, outside of a desert environment, he was confident he would win.
Noir sat down beside Doflamingo and grabbed a glass of juice. "Now then, let's talk about cooperation between our kingdoms."
Doflamingo looked at him, surprised. "You're serious about rebuilding that kingdom?"
Noir gave him a strange look. "Of course. Isn't that why I came here?"
Doflamingo shook his head, a sigh escaping his lips. "I don't understand you… Fine… Trebol!"
At his call, the mucus-covered man emerged from a nearby alley and hurried over.
Trebol, snot dripping, stood beside Doflamingo, casting a wary glance at Noir.
Ignoring his gaze, Noir listened as Doflamingo gave his orders. "Noir's kingdom wants to establish trade relations with Dressrosa. See to the arrangements."
Trebol nodded quickly. Noir watched, a flicker of envy in his eyes.
With a few simple words, Doflamingo had delegated this tedious task to his subordinate.
The ultimate form of hands-off management…
Doflamingo leaned back, his arms behind his head, his voice casual. "Say, Noir, are you interested in a little business venture? It could be quite beneficial for your kingdom."
Noir asked, "What kind of business?"
Doflamingo grinned, a sinister glint in his eyes. "The kind they deal in the Underworld…"
Noir frowned and immediately refused. "No thanks!"
What kind of business was done in the Underworld? Arms dealing, smuggling, mercenary work, and the one thing Noir swore never to touch – human trafficking.
It wasn't that Noir was too virtuous to consider those lucrative ventures.
In the world of pirates, might made right.
But the core population of Noitem was unique. Besides the slaves he'd rescued from Mary Geoise, there were also the war-weary remnants of Noitem.
They had all been victims of the Underworld's illicit activities. To engage in those activities for profit would be to betray their trust. Noir wasn't that foolish.
Besides, Noitem wasn't lacking in funds, but rather in technology and knowledge.
Doflamingo seemed to have anticipated Noir's refusal and said nothing further.
He knew about Noitem's situation. He'd thought Noir might be tempted by quick riches, but it seemed the young pirate wasn't so easily swayed…
But if Noir refused to get involved in such matters, it meant they could still become enemies in the future.
Hopefully, that fool Crocodile could cause Noir some trouble. That would give Doflamingo an opportunity to capitalize…
As the two sat in an awkward silence, Trebol suddenly returned, whispering something into Doflamingo's ear.
Noir watched them, his senses on alert. Just then, his Den Den Mushi rang.
It was the one he used to communicate with Robin.
He quickly answered, and the snail morphed into Robin's likeness, her voice urgent.
"Is it safe to talk?"
Noir glanced around. Doflamingo and Trebol had moved away. "It's fine. What is it?"
"Noitem has been attacked."
Noir frowned. "Was anyone hurt? Did you catch them?"
Robin sounded frustrated. "No, they got away."
Noir was surprised. This warranted his attention. "Did Issho and Enel not intervene?"
Robin explained, "They did, but the attackers were numerous, and several escaped."
Noir's expression darkened. "Who were they? Did you identify them?"
Robin sighed. "We've never seen them before. But their fighting style was… strange."
"Some of them were incredibly resilient, and they all wore matching combat suits of different colors. They managed to keep Enel occupied."
"And their soldiers… they were like mindless machines, always jumping in to take hits for them."
This description... could it be Germa 66?
The Infamous Germa, was a mercenary force led by Vinsmoke Judge, Sanji's father.
Moreover, Germa 66 was a notorious family of assassins in the Underworld. Could it be that Crocodile's bounty had attracted this criminal organization?
On the other side, Trebol was reporting the same news to Doflamingo.
Doflamingo looked at Trebol in surprise. "Germa 66 mobilized their entire force just to destroy that fledgling kingdom?"
Trebol nodded. "That's what the Underworld sources say."
Doflamingo's interest was piqued. "Interesting. Crocodile must have offered them a hefty sum."
"They're still scum, but they're far more capable than those other hired thugs. I wonder how Noir will handle this…"
For Noir, Noitem was his home base. Although they had repelled Germa's initial attack, for safety's sake, he needed to return and assess the situation!
Noir stood up abruptly and spoke into the Den Den Mushi. "Prepare for another possible attack."
"I'm on my way back."
...
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