"Allied with me?" Ashveil was utterly bewildered. With his current strength, there was no need for him to form an alliance with anyone.
"Yes, Ashveil-san," Doflamingo began, his tone unusually serious. "Since the Marineford War, I've gained financial control over three countries. But my scouts recently brought troubling news—the World Government seems to be preparing to make a move."
He clenched his fists, the veins on his forehead bulging with frustration. "If nothing unexpected happens, they'll reclaim the two nations I gained after the war. And after that, they'll come for me."
Ashveil raised an eyebrow, his expression calm but curious. "You're overthinking this, Doflamingo. Even if the World Government wants to act, it couldn't be this fast, could it?"
He had indeed expected retaliation from the Government, but not so soon. The Marines had suffered devastating losses, and Marineford itself had been reduced to rubble by his hand. Surely, they would need time to recover.
Doflamingo exhaled slowly, his usual smirk fading. "I'm not one hundred percent certain they'll act right now, but I'm at least eighty percent sure." A sharp glint flashed through his wine-red sunglasses.
"Oh?" Ashveil's gaze sharpened slightly.
"Vergo, a Vice Admiral, is my mole within the Marines," Doflamingo revealed, his voice dropping low. "Just a few days ago, the Marine high command met with the Gorosei. After that meeting, the Marines began large-scale training. According to what Vergo learned, they're preparing to settle accounts with every rebel from the Marineford War."
"This order," Doflamingo added grimly, "comes directly from the Gorosei."
Ashveil let out a quiet chuckle, the corners of his lips lifting. So, the World Government still can't let go of their humiliation.
Still, he couldn't help but feel that Doflamingo's request wasn't entirely unreasonable. With his own temperament, however, a long-term alliance sounded troublesome.
"Seeking my protection is fine," Ashveil said finally, his tone calm but edged with indifference. "I don't care about the Gorosei. But forming a permanent alliance… that's a hassle."
Doflamingo's eyes brightened instantly. He had heard the key part—Ashveil was willing to protect him.
"You don't have to worry about logistics," Doflamingo replied quickly. "My Donquixote Family will take care of our own food and lodging. And every day, we'll also provide supplies for your Whitebeard Pirates."
Before Ashveil could respond, Doflamingo snapped his fingers. Trebol and several cadres carried in massive sacks, the sound of treasure clinking filling the air.
"This is just one year's worth of payment," Doflamingo said, grinning. "Please, accept it as a token of our sincerity."
The Whitebeard Pirates' eyes gleamed like hungry wolves.
"Excellent! I never thought a Shichibukai would be this rich!" Marco said eagerly.
"Hahahaha! We should trade all of this for wine! The Whitebeard Pirates could feast every night!" Diamond Jozu roared with laughter.
Before Ashveil could even speak, the crew was already hauling the treasure toward their storage.
"I… I haven't agreed yet!" Ashveil sighed, rubbing his temples. "You guys…"
Meanwhile, Doflamingo simply grinned. As long as they accepted his treasure, he knew Ashveil wouldn't refuse.
Finally, Ashveil relented. "Fine. But tell me—do you have anything like computers?"
Doflamingo blinked, confused for a moment. But as Ashveil explained what he meant, realization dawned on his face, followed by a confident smile.
"I don't have what you described, but I can have it made," Doflamingo replied. "Caesar, this one's yours."
Caesar Clown laughed, full of confidence. "Heh, leave it to me!"
Ashveil's expression softened slightly. Perhaps this alliance isn't such a bad idea after all.
Just then, a smooth, commanding voice echoed across the deck.
"It seems I'm not the first to arrive."
Everyone turned as Boa Hancock, the Empress of Amazon Lily, descended the ship's ramp, her heels clicking against the deck. Her regal beauty drew every gaze.
Doflamingo's grin widened. "Well, what a rare guest, Hancock."
"That's none of your concern, Doflamingo," Hancock replied coldly, her glare icy enough to freeze the air.
"Fufufufufu… still as beautiful and cold as ever," Doflamingo chuckled.
When Hancock reached Ashveil, however, her demeanor changed instantly. The proud Empress softened, her tone warm and almost shy.
"The world has changed, Ashveil. Even my beauty can't protect me anymore. The World Government has turned its sights on Amazon Lily."
"Fortunately, I discovered their plans early. I brought my people here seeking refuge… only you possess the power to shield us." She bowed her head gracefully. "Please, take us in."
Ashveil frowned slightly. His territory was vast, stretching across lands he had claimed after the Marineford War, but managing it all was already troublesome. Adding Doflamingo's crew and Amazon Lily's people… it might become chaotic.
Seeing his hesitation, Hancock quickly continued, "We only need a small piece of land. In return, I'll pay ten billion Berries every year."
The crew's eyes nearly popped out.
"Ten billion?! We're rich!" Marco cheered.
"Come on, Ashveil, say yes! Are you really going to turn away someone like her?"
Ashveil sighed helplessly as his crewmates surrounded him, pleading on Hancock's behalf. If it weren't for that rent, none of them would be saying this.
He gave Hancock a long, assessing look.
"Ashveil," Hancock said softly, lowering her eyes. "If you'll allow it, this queen can handle household chores for you."
Ashveil was struck speechless, staring at her in disbelief.
His crew, meanwhile, broke into wide grins. "Looks like the captain's getting a personal maid!"
Ashveil pinched the bridge of his nose and muttered, "This is going to be a long day."
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