The figure enveloped in crackling lightning was none other than the legendary Thunder God, Enel.
Jack and the others were not unfamiliar with Enel. As captains of the Grey Kingdom's Squadrons, they naturally knew that the BloodSworn Guards had a Lightning Fruit user, though they hadn't seen him much in action.
What surprised them was that in less than a year, a former recruit had already forged such a formidable reputation. A Lightning Fruit user, known as the Thunder God, capable of destroying over a thousand ships in a single strike — even their own fame paled in comparison.
Yet, who was the figure cloaked in the cape? From this person radiated an intense, suffocating aura.
And behind Katakuri, who was this youth ready to confront anyone? The tension in the room suggested a fight was imminent.
Then, there was the most arrogant of them all — the one with his feet on the table, exuding an overwhelming confidence. Unlike Enel, his arrogance wasn't an act; it was genuine, unshakable.
Hemmie and Bartley exchanged glances, suddenly realizing just how unfamiliar the Grey Kingdom had become.
"Doflamingo!" Raelmann exclaimed in mild surprise.
Being from the North Blue, Raelmann naturally knew of Doflamingo. In the North Blue, Doflamingo was a household name. Although Raelmann had little direct contact with him, trading and conflicts in the Blues often required the services of the Donquixote family, the largest brokers in the underworld.
"Hohoho, isn't this Captain Raelmann ? Did the last batch work out? From now on, we're all family. Anything you need, just leave it to me!" Doflamingo said with a grin.
"Family? Are you planning to join the Grey Kingdom?" Raelmann asked.
"Hohoho, don't you know? I'm Donquixote Doflamingo, and your captain is Donquixote Rosinante. Hohoho, your captain happens to be my little brother. I've decided to join the Grey Kingdom as the Zero Squadron Captain, handling intelligence. Ah, having such an outstanding brother puts a lot of pressure on me as the elder sibling!" Doflamingo laughed.
He had already decided that, for a longer life, being a squad captain was safer — a position of freedom and distance from Rosinante. Doflamingo had a premonition that staying too close to Rosinante would drastically shorten his lifespan.
"I see! I was worried I'd be lost after being inactive in the Blues for so long. Having a big broker like you as the intelligence officer makes things much easier," Raelmann said with a laugh.
Hermi and Bartley exchanged a few words with him as well, recognizing the importance of intelligence from past experience. Only Jack remained indifferent, taking a seat quietly.
Shaxia then served tea to everyone along with Robin and Laki.
Seeing that Rosinante hadn't arrived, Raelmann asked Katakuri, "Looks like the captain will be here a little later. We all know Enel and Doflamingo. What about the new member? Shouldn't the vice-captain be introduced?"
"Enel has officially joined the BloodSworn Guards and is a core member, codename: Thunder God. This one is also a core member, codename: Death God. Ignore the other one," Katakuri said coolly, glancing at Bratt.
"Death God!" Raelmann and the others were shocked as their eyes fell on the petite figure.
They weren't rookies. Death God had already made a name for herself in the dark mercenary world for years, completing tasks thought impossible, with even traces in the New World. They knew her reputation, but they hadn't expected such a tiny girl to be the infamous Death God.
The Thunder God, capable of obliterating thousands of ships in an instant, and the enigmatic, deadly Death God — the Grey Kingdom had indeed become a terrifying force. Just these individuals in this hall were enough to rival any power in the world.
"What do you mean 'ignore him'? How can I not be introduced? I, Bratt, am a paragon of charm and heroism! You can't ignore me!" Bratt began to boast.
"A one-on-one duel? Loser goes to the black room for three days," Katakuri said calmly.
"Forget it, I'll introduce myself! I'm Bratt. Your captain begged me to join the BloodSworn Guards. I'm now the vice-captain!" Bratt declared proudly.
"Shut up!" Katakuri's aura surged, emanating Haki so strong that even the battle-hardened Bratt dared not speak further.
In the months prior, Katakuri had tempered Bratt's reckless nature. Originally a battle-crazed man, Bratt had become uncontrollable after consuming the Honey Pot Fruit, eager to fight anyone. At first, even Katakuri's Conqueror's Haki could not suppress him.
But after being brought to Birka and confined in the black room, Bratt was forced to cultivate his Observation Haki and train his mind.
The Heart Net technique required focused meditation, and with Katakuri's modifications combined with Rosinante's principles, it had a profound effect on calming Bratt's furious spirit.
As he trained, Bratt's mind became clearer, and although his fighting spirit remained, it was no longer reckless. Whether this was truly beneficial or not, at least his uncontrollable rage no longer posed a risk to the Grey Kingdom.
After a period of training, Bratt was released. His first action was to challenge Katakuri to a duel — predictably, he was thoroughly defeated.
After repeated defeats and brief confinements in the black room, Bratt gradually grew wary and cautious, finally learning the lessons of restraint after a dozen such encounters.