Alabasta was a nation brimming with newfound vitality.
A large ostentatious ship with designed resembling a flamingo, docked at the bustling port of Alubarna, the grand capital city.
"Fufufufufu!"
An extremely arrogant and distinctive laugh echoed from the vessel as Doflamingo, the ship's captain, strode confidently down the gangplank.
The dock was a hive of activity—burly workers were busy hauling heavy cargo, while shrewd merchants engaged in loud, animated haggling over prices.
Despite the lively and chaotic scene, everything remained remarkably orderly, a testament to the city's efficient management.
"Hmm? So prosperous?" Doflamingo paused his confident stride, taking a moment to survey his surroundings.
The vibrant and energetic scene before him took him by genuine surprise.
In his memory, Alabasta had always been a barren and struggling land, mostly covered in vast, unforgiving deserts, making it far less prosperous than his own kingdom of Dressrosa.
But now, as he observed it, the nation seemed far wealthier than he had ever imagined.
Beautifully constructed shops lined the clean streets, their shelves filled with a dazzling and diverse array of goods from all over the world.
The people walking by wore bright, genuine smiles on their faces, and the entire city radiated an aura of authentic prosperity and contentment.
"Interesting," Doflamingo stroked his chin, a playful and dangerous smirk curling his lips.
As a master of Observation Haki, he could keenly sense the city's thriving and positive energy.
It was a stark and noticeable contrast to the artificial, hollow prosperity he had manufactured back in Dressrosa.
The happiness here was completely genuine.
"Captain Mike... truly mysterious..." he muttered to himself, his already high estimation of Mike rising even higher.
After all, revitalizing an entire desert nation to such a remarkable extent in such a short amount of time was certainly no easy feat.
It seemed he had chosen the right person to ally himself with this time.
As Doflamingo wandered through the streets, a deep and gravelly voice called out from behind him.
"Doflamingo."
Turning around, he saw the figure of Sir Crocodile standing there with a thick cigar clenched between his teeth.
"Fufufufufu!" Doflamingo laughed his signature laugh.
"My dear business partner, have you come all this way just to greet me!"
"Hmph—" Crocodile exhaled a contemptuous ring of smoke before turning away.
"Let's go. Mihawk is already waiting for us in the palace."
....
The palace of Alabasta was a magnificent structure, resplendent with shimmering gold and breathtaking grandeur.
Inside the vast grand hall, the three powerful men sat around a large, ornate table.
Mihawk, the World's Greatest Swordsman, occupied the head seat, his expression as indifferent and unreadable as ever.
Crocodile lounged casually in his chair, puffing away at his cigar.
Doflamingo leaned forward slightly, his extravagant pink feathered coat casting an eerie and flamboyant glow under the bright palace lights.
"Let's skip the small talk," Mihawk broke the silence first, his voice calm and direct.
"Since we're all here because of that kid Mike, let's cooperate properly."
"Doflamingo," Crocodile's sharp gaze settled on him, with smoke swirling mysteriously around his face.
"From what I understand, you have quite a few shady dealings under your belt as the 'Joker'."
"Oh?" Doflamingo raised a curious eyebrow.
"And?"
'Joker' was his well-known alias in the underworld.
As a fellow Warlord, Crocodile naturally had his sources.
It wasn't surprising that he knew the name.
"I would suggest that you clean up your mess, and sooner rather than later," Crocodile's tone carried a distinct and serious warning.
"Do you know why the captain went to Fish-Man Island this time?"
"Why?"
"To deal with those damn slave traders who just won't stay dead," Crocodile emphasized his words with a grimace.
"The captain despises that kind of filth. Even in the red-light business, he prefers mutual consent, not coercion." He leaned forward.
"Hmph—with all your shady dealings, just wait until the captain arrives in Dressrosa. You're in for a beating."
"!!!"
Doflamingo's smile vanished instantly, and his expression darkened considerably.
'Damn that Crocodile... always hitting exactly where it hurts!'
The humiliating memory of the beating he took from Mike back in Mock Town was still painfully fresh in his mind.
If he hadn't reacted quickly in time, who knows what would have become of him by now.
But... Crocodile wasn't wrong.
He really needed to clean up those underhanded businesses of his.
If there was something Mike didn't like, it was far better to get rid of it quickly.
Otherwise, if Mike decided to step in and handle it himself, he'd be well and truly finished.
"..."
After a long moment of tense silence, Doflamingo finally muttered.
"I get it."
Knock knock—
Mihawk lightly tapped the table with his knuckle, cutting off their conversation.
"Then the basic cooperation agreement is settled." His hawk-like gaze swept over the two other men.
"Now, let's discuss the details."
The subsequent negotiations went smoothly.
And so, the powerful Triangle Syndicate was officially formed.
****
Fish-Man Island, Coral Hill.
"La la la~"
A soft, melodious voice drifted into his ears, feeling like the gentlest seaweed in the ocean brushing against his heart.
Mike slowly opened his eyes to a beautiful kaleidoscope of colorful, vibrant corals surrounding him.
"Captain Mike, you're awake~" A sultry voice, still husky and warm from sleep, tickled his ears like a feather teasing his heartstrings.
"Mhm."
Mike stretched lazily, feeling utterly refreshed and revitalized—all the exhaustion from the previous night had long since vanished without a trace.
Before him were several delicate and beautiful faces, their cheeks still faintly flushed, their eyes brimming with a mixture of adoration and admiration.
"Captain Mike, you were truly amazing~" the mermaid with wavy sea-blue hair said, her words practically melting into honey.
"Hahaha, of course," Mike smirked proudly. Was that even a real question?
"Captain, are you hungry? We will prepare your breakfast now."
"Sure," Mike nodded. He was, indeed, feeling a little hungry.
The mermaids rose gracefully from the coral bed, each one attending to their different tasks.
Some began to dress him with gentle, careful hands, their fingers occasionally—and quite deliberately—brushing against his chest, sending pleasant shivers down his spine.
Others went to prepare a delicious breakfast, their figures swaying elegantly as they moved, their colorful tails shimmering enticingly in the soft sunlight filtering through the water.
A few of the mermaids began to massage his shoulders with just the right amount of pressure, making him want to hum in pure contentment.
"Captain, are you leaving today?" the pink-haired mermaid asked softly as she adjusted his collar, her eyes filled with a clear reluctance to see him go.
"Yeah, there's still work to do," Mike smiled.
"But I will be sure to visit often when I have the time."
"Really?" Her eyes sparkled like stars in an instant.
"Don't worry, how could I ever bear to keep my little angels waiting?" He playfully booped her nose, which earned him a coquettish pout in return.
"Captain, you better keep your word!"
"Hahaha, since when have I ever lied to you?" Mike laughed heartily, his mood exceptionally bright.
Fish-Man Island was truly a paradise, not just for its stunning scenery, but especially for its beautiful mermaids.
This mermaid café, in particular, was practically heaven on earth for men.
Next time, he would definitely make plans to stay much longer!
"Captain, your breakfast is ready~"
"Alright, I'm coming."
...
Banaro Island.
"Zehahahaha!"
"Ace!"
"Teach!"
The figures of Blackbeard and Ace clashed violently on the desolate, war-torn island.
Devastating waves of darkness and roaring torrents of flames intertwined with each other, painting the entire landscape with apocalyptic hues of black and orange.
BOOM—
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