Doflamingo's suggestion struck a chord with Kaido. Looking at the current state of the Grand Line, Buggy the Clown seemed like the perfect candidate for their plans. While Kaido knew Buggy was essentially a comedic figure, the rest of the world didn't share that inside knowledge. Buggy's reputation as a former member of the Pirate King's crew and his brother-like bond with the Yonko Red-Haired Shanks were enough to make anyone think twice before crossing him. Between those legendary ties and his uncanny luck, Buggy was a force to be reckoned with in the eyes of the public.
Kaido reached a decision quickly. "Doffy, I want you to handle the communication. Tell him he can keep my half of the profits."
Kaido didn't care about the money. If he could shatter the World Government's absolute control over information, he was willing to take a financial loss.
"Fufufufufu! Consider it done, Lord Kaido!" Doflamingo replied with a flourish of his pink coat.
Morgans, sensing a massive opportunity, chimed in as well. "I'll do my part too. Once Doffy finishes the deal with the Clown, I'll step in. My World Economic Journal has the most skilled reporters and intelligence agents on the sea. I'm sure they wouldn't mind acting as salesmen for such a revolutionary product."
"Good. When you leave, I'll give you the Lead Snails," Kaido said. "Maybe you can even create some interesting programs to help these items sell faster."
"Programs?" Morgans' eyes gleamed with professional curiosity. "That's an incredible idea. I can already see a brand-new future for the media industry..."
Kaido turned back to Doflamingo, his expression sharpening. "Doffy, what's the word on the Marines? How is the World Government reacting?"
Doflamingo let out a mocking laugh. "Fufufufufu! It isn't going well for them at all. Their plan to publicly execute Fire Fist Ace was a total disaster. Even though Whitebeard eventually fell, the world witnessed the terrifying power of Lord Kaido and the Whitebeard Pirates. People are scared. They don't want to be pirates, but they're even more terrified of joining the Marines and dying. After you destroyed G1, the World Government tried to hide the truth, but many of the surviving Marines have developed a deep-seated fear of pirates."
In this timeline, the war at Marineford hadn't been the victory the Marines hoped for. Kaido's intervention had shifted the balance of power entirely. The simultaneous appearance of three Emperors and Blackbeard had crushed the Marines' momentum. Between Kaido's declaration and the destruction of a major base, the Marines had lost their grip on the Grand Line.
Morgans nodded in agreement. "That photo of you destroying G1 would have been the headline of the century. It was a god-like display of power. Unfortunately, the Five Elders ordered every copy of those photos to be destroyed."
"Worororo! It doesn't matter," Kaido laughed. "It won't be long before we bypass their censorship and bring the truth to the people."
The three of them shared a dark, insidious laugh. Then Kaido asked, "And what about those two monsters?"
Doflamingo knew exactly who he meant. "That isn't going smoothly either. Especially that man, Issho. He told the World Government that if he joins the Marines, the Warlord system must be abolished."
This was news to Morgans. "Is that so? Doffy, it sounds like you might be out of a job soon."
Doflamingo shrugged carelessly. "Maybe that would have bothered me before, but not now. Fufufufufu! I have the backing of Lord Kaido now." He looked at the Governor with a respectful nod.
Kaido grinned. He appreciated men like Doflamingo and Judge—ambitious men who knew when to align themselves with real power.
"Worororo! Don't you worry, Doffy," Kaido promised. "If that day comes, the Beasts Pirates will have your back. If you want to join us officially, I can't promise an All-Star seat, but I'll reserve a spot for you among the Tobi Roppo."
Doflamingo's smile faltered slightly, and he frowned.
"What's wrong?" Kaido asked. "Are you unhappy with that promise?"
"No, no..." Doflamingo said, feeling the immense pressure in the room, yet refusing to hide his ambition. "Forgive me, Lord Kaido, but I believe that if that day comes, I would be much more useful to the Beasts Pirates in a higher position."
Instead of being angry, Kaido burst into a fit of laughter. Doflamingo felt a wave of relief wash over him, but it was short-lived.
"Doffy, do you know what your biggest problem is?" Kaido asked, his voice dropping an octave. "You're just too weak."
Doflamingo stiffened.
"I've always liked your philosophy: only the victor is justice," Kaido said. "But while you might be a big shot in the first half of the Grand Line, your current strength just doesn't cut it in the New World."
Seeing the unconvinced look on Doflamingo's face, Kaido continued. "I'm a fair leader. I'll give you a chance. Once the tournament in the arena is over, I'll take you to the training grounds where I keep the younger generation. I'll bring the All-Stars and the Tobi Roppo along. You can challenge any one of them. If you can win, I'll grant you the status you want. How does that sound?"
Doflamingo hesitated. He was a smart man and knew his own limits. He knew he couldn't beat a monster like Kaido, but he didn't believe he was weaker than the rest of the crew. The only one he considered a peer was King. The idea that he might lose to a member of the Tobi Roppo was insulting, but he knew Kaido wasn't the type to make empty claims.
"Fufufufufu! I accept. I'm looking forward to it!"
"Worororo! It's a deal then. Those brats have probably been bored with their training anyway. This will be a good chance for them to stretch their legs. Is there anything else?"
Morgans stayed silent, but Doflamingo spoke up with a hint of mockery in his tone. "Actually, there is one more thing. Some people are hoping that the conflict between your side and the World Government won't interfere with their private business."
Kaido blinked, then erupted into a booming laugh that brought tears to his eyes. "Worororo! No problem at all! Tell them the Sea Stone business is still open. This world is truly getting interesting! Worororo!"
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