Time drifted by in a cycle of quiet, productive routine, and before anyone realized it, several months had passed. Kyle's sphere of influence was like a massive iceberg; only a tiny tip was visible above the waves, while the colossal body beneath the surface grew and systematically permeated every corner of the globe.
Gild Tesoro had become more withdrawn, yet simultaneously more formidable and dangerous. He had fully unleashed his terrifying business genius, no longer satisfied with mere financial accumulation. Instead, he worked actively alongside Karon—one playing the role of a 'good cop' and the other a 'bad cop'. Tesoro began subtly manipulating the economic lifeblood of numerous kingdoms through the power of capital, building a rock-solid financial foundation for Kyle's burgeoning empire.
After his initial shock and confusion, Sir Crocodile gradually found his purpose. He shed his former pride as a Grand Line hegemon and, as a high-ranking executive, completely restructured the intelligence network of Baroque Works, integrating it into Gecko Moria's existing system. The two individuals, both masters of deceit and strategy, worked together and, surprisingly, created a dynamic partnership. The intelligence network they jointly constructed was so efficient and clandestine that it even caught Kyle off guard. Crocodile had come to realize that standing on the shoulders of a giant like Kyle, rather than single-mindedly pursuing the elusive Ancient Weapons alone, seemed a much faster route to uncovering the world's ultimate truth.
Donquixote Doflamingo remained the "Joker," operating deep within the shadows. While he thoroughly enjoyed the conveniences afforded by his status as one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea (Shichibukai) , he was also furiously expanding his underworld businesses. He continuously supplied Kyle with the most vital intelligence and massive profits. Doflamingo was like a poisoned thorn embedded directly in the heart of the World Government, perpetually ready to deliver a fatal blow at Kyle's command.
"Hawk-Eyes" Dracule Mihawk was still Mihawk; his daily life centered on dedicated sword practice and occasional spars with Kyle. However, the Sword Intent that radiated from him had grown increasingly pure and serene. He was now like a magnificent divine weapon sheathed and enshrined ; he showed no outward signs during normal times, but once his blade was drawn, it was capable of cutting through absolutely everything.
Nico Robin, on the other hand, had become Kyle's true right-hand woman. She was no longer just a secretary tasked with pouring tea and sorting paperwork , but had fully transitioned into a strategist. She helped Kyle analyze the current global situation, meticulously organized historical texts, and searched through countless complex pieces of information for clues leading to the ultimate truth of the Void Century.
As for the underground shipyard, the modifications to the Ark Maxim were nearing completion. With the legendary shipwright Tom and the limitless energy source provided by Enel, an unimaginable Sky Fortress was about to be brought into existence.
Meanwhile, Kyle himself had returned to his standard, unshakeable state of idleness. His greatest daily pleasure was lounging in a beach chair, slowly sipping iced juice, catching up on the latest newspaper, and simply enjoying the perfect peace he had personally created. This feeling of being detached and completely at leisure was something he truly savored.
Just as he was enjoying this rare moment of tranquility, Karon's steady, rhythmic footsteps approached from a distance.
"Lord Kyle," Karon announced.
"Hmm? What is it this time?" Kyle lazily opened one eye.
"It's Enel... he, well, he's in the back mountain, fighting with Crocodile over a piece of empty land," Karon replied. His metallic jaw opened and closed slightly, his tone completely calm, as if he were discussing something trivial, like the nice weather.
"A fight? Why?" Kyle was genuinely taken aback.
"Enel claims the land has good feng shui and ample sunlight, making it an excellent spot to build a statue for the Main God," Karon explained. "Crocodile, conversely, plans to construct a large sand pit there for his daily training."
Kyle felt a throbbing headache begin at his temples.
Couldn't these two problem children give him a single moment of peace?
A fanatic religious zealot who wields the Logia-type Rumble-Rumble Fruit and the notoriously scheming Sand-Sand Fruit user, Sir Crocodile, fighting over the ownership of a patch of dirt? If news of this ever got out, what would happen to his reputation as the formidable "Underground Emperor"?
"I suppose I'd better go take a look." Kyle sighed, slowly pushing himself up from the lounge chair. Being a boss, he thought, you not only have to strategize for world domination but also mediate petty neighborhood disputes among your subordinates; it was absolutely exhausting.
He arrived at the back mountain to find a scene of utter destruction and chaos.
On one side, countless sand walls and razor-sharp sand blades, formed from churning yellow sand, had instantly converted half the area into a scorched desert. On the other side, a terrifying electrical net, woven from arcs of violent blue lightning, crackled and snapped with thunderous noise.
Crocodile stood resolute in the center of his artificial sandstorm, a cigar clenched in his mouth, his face set in a grim expression. Enel floated high in the air, arms crossed, wearing an arrogant smirk that clearly screamed, How dare you, a mere mortal, attempt to contend with me for this sacred ground?
"Sand Crocodile! I'm warning you one last time!" Enel's voice boomed. "This land, which is bathed in the Main God's sacred sunlight, already belongs to him! You absolutely dare not defile it with your filthy sand!"
"Hmph. Lunatic," Crocodile sneered back. "You want it? Come and take it from me if you can."
"You are asking for death!" Enel roared. Lightning flashed furiously in his eyes, and a bolt of thick, blinding lightning descended from the sky, striking directly at Crocodile's head.
"Sables!"
Crocodile remained completely unfazed. A massive sand tornado shot straight up into the sky, meeting the powerful lightning bolt head-on.
"Boom—!"
The clash between the lightning and the sand unleashed a truly astonishing amount of raw energy. The other residents of the villa were startled by the noise and immediately rushed out to watch the commotion.
Mihawk calmly leaned against the doorframe, his Black Blade, Yoru, resting casually in his hand, looking utterly unconcerned by the spectacle. Moria let out a high-pitched, mocking "Kishishishi" laugh, clearly finding the whole scene more entertaining than any play. Robin, holding a delicate parasol to shield herself from the sun, observed their fighting styles with detached interest.
"Enough!"
Just as the two were preparing to launch their second, even more devastating round of attacks, Kyle's voice cut through the noise. The voice was not particularly loud, but it clearly reached everyone's ears, carrying an undeniable ring of supreme authority.
Enel's and Crocodile's movements paused simultaneously, both freezing in mid-attack.
"Main God!" Enel instantly reined in his lightning and flew quickly to Kyle's side , like a child rushing to complain: "Look! This Sand Crocodile actually tried to steal your sacred land!"
Crocodile also dispersed his swirling sandstorm. He glanced briefly at Kyle ; although he said nothing, his stony expression clearly conveyed the silent message: This lunatic started the entire thing.
Kyle looked at the incredibly messy, destroyed backyard, feeling his headache intensify. He pointed first at the empty, contested land, and then at the two of them.
"You two are fighting like children over a simple patch of dirt, aren't you?" he asked.
"Boss, it was him…" Crocodile began to explain, his voice low.
"I don't care who started it," Kyle interrupted him, cutting him off completely. "Starting today, I will personally supervise both of your training sessions."
A benevolent, yet slightly unsettling, smile appeared on Kyle's face.
"Honestly, both of your strengths are a bit lacking in my eyes," he continued. "I promise you both that I will keep you so relentlessly busy that you won't even have a moment to argue."
Upon seeing the depth of Kyle's smile, Enel and Crocodile, for reasons they couldn't quite name, both shivered involuntarily. They were suddenly overwhelmed by a very bad, terrible feeling.
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