Queen took a deep drag from his cigar, slowly exhaling a cloud of smoke as he turned to Kaidou. "Boss, how should we respond to the World Government?"
Kaidou pondered for a moment before curling his lips into his signature grin. "Tell them they can have the Sea Stone, but first they must gift us a Mythical Zoan Fruit, along with the training methods for Navy Six Styles and Life Return as a welcoming present."
"Mythical Zoan?" Queen raised an eyebrow, twirling the cigar between his fingers. "Would the World Government be willing to part with that? And what use are those training methods to us?"
"Wororororo..." Kaidou's deep laughter echoed through the room. "Queen, don't underestimate the World Government's reserves. Even if they can't produce a Mythical Zoan, a few Ancient Zoans would suffice. Remember, we offer Devil Fruits every year during the Fire Festival. They won't refuse a Sea Stone trade."
He stood up and walked to the window, continuing, "As for Navy Six Styles and Life Return, while useless to me, they'll benefit you officers greatly. Especially Life Return - its effects are more pronounced for those who've eaten Zoan-type Devil Fruits. These are systematic training methods the World Government has refined over centuries, perfect for promising newcomers."
Queen nodded thoughtfully, extinguishing his cigar in the ashtray. "Understood, boss. I'll negotiate thoroughly with those World Government fellows and secure the best terms for you!"
"Good. After concluding the deal with the World Government, I plan to set sail for about three to six months," Kaidou said with a nod.
"Leaving? Captain, are you leaving Wano? Take me with you!" Enel, who had been bored nearby, immediately perked up upon hearing this.
"Brother Kaidou, if you leave now, Wano's situation might become unstable," King chimed in from the side.
"Indeed, Boss Kaidou. The recently subdued Wano might rebel again," Queen added.
"Worororo... That's exactly the point. If I don't leave, how will those sewer rats come out of hiding?" Kaidou stated plainly.
"Brother Kaidou, you mean to lure out the rebels this way, then return to eliminate them once they reveal themselves," King analyzed.
"Luring out the rats is true, and leaving Wano is also true," Kaidou explained. "I'll openly depart with most of our combat forces, then leave the majority of officers in nearby waters. Once those rats emerge, King, Queen, you'll handle all rebel forces. Given our recent policies, I believe any rebellion in Wano won't be significant. King, I trust you can handle it easily."
"But Brother Kaidou, I want to go with you," King said to Kaidou, his tone carrying a hint of reluctance.
"King, Wano Country is our stronghold, and this won't change for a long time to come. Therefore, King, I need you to protect this place for me." Kaidou patted King's shoulder and spoke with utmost seriousness.
"Yes, Brother Kaidou, I will definitely protect Wano Country for you." King responded firmly, his eyes gleaming with loyalty.
"Boss Kaidou, do you have any plans for this voyage?" Queen asked Kaidou.
"Originally, I planned to travel around the Four Seas and recruit some promising subordinates, but I had to return to the New World because of Wano Country's affairs. Now that the situation in Wano has settled, I intend to continue my previous journey." Kaidou said.
At this point, Kaidou thought of Doflamingo, also known as Heavenly Yaksha Donquixote Doflamingo. If he remembered correctly, Doflamingo's mother died of illness in 1491 of the Sea Calendar, though the exact month wasn't specified in the original work. It was currently July 1491 of the Sea Calendar, with five months remaining until year's end. He wondered if he could save Doflamingo from his impending crisis.
Moreover, that island not only had Doflamingo but also Vergo and Pica, both around ten years old and promising talents. With proper training, they could at least reach the level of Navy Vice Admirals in the future.
"Hmm!" King and Queen nodded in acknowledgment.
Just then, Enel, standing nearby, excitedly interjected: "Captain, can I go with you?"
Before Kaidou could respond, Queen cut in: "Kid, you should stay put! My research on the Rumble-Rumble Fruit isn't finished yet." Ever since Enel ate the Rumble-Rumble Fruit, Queen had developed a strong interest in this powerful Logia Type ability. He frequently dragged Enel into various experiments, attempting to analyze the power of lightning.
Kaidou was well aware of this. Queen had previously reported wanting to study the Rumble-Rumble Fruit's Lineage Factor to modify one of his heads to gain lightning abilities. Considering Queen had already eaten the Snake-Snake Fruit, Mythical Zoan, Eight-Headed Serpent Form and possessed eight lives, Kaidou had tacitly approved this dangerous experiment.
"Enel, you should continue cooperating with Queen's research." Kaidou finally decided. To his surprise, after spending so much time with Queen, Enel had actually developed an interest in science and technology. This guy who originally only knew how to blast people with lightning now frequently immersed himself in the laboratory, clearly trending toward becoming a scientist. But thinking about it, in the original work, Enel had single-handedly built the Ark Maxim, demonstrating considerable scientific talent.
"No, I want to sail with the captain." Enel shook his head without hesitation in response to Queen's words.
"Heh heh heh, Queen, let's pause the research on the Rumble-Rumble Fruit for now. This time, I plan to take only one or two executives and Enel on this voyage. With the power of the Rumble-Rumble Fruit, Enel can make many tasks more convenient." Kaidou stated directly.
"Alright then! Boss Kaidou." Queen could only nod in agreement.
"Yes! That's great!" Enel exclaimed joyfully upon hearing this.
Kaidou said coldly, "I'll be taking Kawamatsu, Nekomamushi, and Inuarashi with me on this trip. Before I return, Oden Castle in Kuri, along with those who still hold hope for Kouzuki Oden, no longer need to continue existing."
"Brother Kaidou, I'll handle it thoroughly," King immediately responded.
"Fool!" Queen interrupted him. "How can we say it was us? It was clearly the rebel army that attacked Oden Castle, destroying both the castle and everyone inside." The older Queen obviously knew better how to cover up the truth.
Kaidou nodded with satisfaction. "Make it so."
Only then did King understand Queen's intention. Clenching his fist, he replied in a low voice, "Understood. I'll arrange it properly."