The Den Den Mushi went silent.
Kaido sat still for a long while, face twisting into a monstrous scowl.
That feeling—
It was like spending years training the perfect war machine, only for someone else to snatch it away at the finish line.
The rage, the betrayal, the sheer humiliation seethed inside him, hot enough to boil the sea.
Then, his roar split the skies.
"DOFLAMINGO!! AND THAT BASTARD RON!! I'LL KILL YOU BOTH!!!"
The calm waters around Onigashima trembled under the thunder of his voice.
One of the Three Calamities, King, tilted his head in confusion.
"Boss… what happened? Did Doflamingo screw something up?"
What the hell was going on?
That clown had always been obedient — practically bowing every time Kaido so much as breathed in his direction.
And now, this sudden fury…
And who the hell was "Ron"?
Kaido uncorked the massive gourd hanging from his waist and took a long, burning swig.
"Not sure yet," he growled. "But we'll find out when we reach Sabaody."
For this coming war, every member of the Beast Pirates had mobilized —
all except Queen, who was left behind to oversee the SMILE factory.
Just then, the Den Den Mushi in Kaido's hand started to ring again.
Buru-buru-buru…
He opened the line.
Big Mom's voice crackled through, low and amused.
"Kaido, that red-haired brat is heading your way. He'll reach you in a few days. Be careful."
Kaido's expression darkened even further.
Meanwhile — The Universal Tavern
Back in the tavern, Doflamingo stared at the shattered remains of his own Den Den Mushi.
His face was calm — but inside, regret gnawed at him like acid.
He'd gotten greedy.
He'd let the promise of power cloud his judgment.
If Kaido turned his ships around now, if he decided to vent his rage on Punk Hazard, destroying the SMILE factory and capturing Caesar Clown…
The deal with Ron would be ruined.
And when that happened, the entire Donquixote Family would be wiped off the map.
Even the chickens back in Dressrosa would have their eggs scrambled from the shock.
All Doflamingo could do now was pray that Kaido didn't put the pieces together too fast.
He poured himself another drink. Then another.
The whole jar was empty within minutes.
Ron, watching him, finally said quietly,
"If you're worried about Kaido's revenge… then stop wasting time.
Strengthen your family. Make them strong enough to rival the Four Emperors themselves."
Doflamingo's mouth twitched.
How does he make becoming a Yonko sound like setting up a franchise…
He sighed and nodded.
"You're right. I'll send the next batch of SMILEs as soon as possible."
He stood, straightened his pink feathered coat, and swaggered toward the door — though his steps were heavier than before.
Excitement and fear warred in his chest.
This deal could either elevate him to godhood… or destroy him completely.
"Master, dinner's ready!"
Rem's cheerful voice called from the kitchen.
Ron smiled — but before he could respond, the mechanical chime of the system echoed in his mind.
[Ding! Customer: Donquixote Doflamingo – Session Complete.]
[Ding! Associated individual: Kaido – will visit the tavern soon.]
[Ding! Customer abilities available: String-String Fruit, Conqueror's Haki, Armament Haki, Observation Haki. Choose one.]
"Store the String-String Fruit," Ron said calmly.
A ripple of energy filled the air, and a strange white fruit appeared in his system inventory, marked by its twisted thread-like patterns.
By the time he looked up again, Rem and Ram had finished setting the table.
Today's meal was extravagant — a full-course seafood feast built around a one-meter-long ocean fish.
Just as Ron reached for his chopsticks, the tavern door creaked open a sliver.
A black cat slipped in, tail flicking lazily.
It sniffed the air, clearly drawn by the rich aroma of wine, then stretched contentedly and curled up by the window to nap.
Oddly enough, none of them — not Ron, not the twins — even noticed it.
Hours passed.
No new customers came.
After dinner, Ron exhaled a thin wisp of smoke and said,
"Close up early tonight. Get some rest."
The twins nodded, tidied the bar, and retreated to the back for their evening wash.
Ron was just finishing his last cigarette when the tavern suddenly flooded with brilliant light.
[Ding! Tavern upgrading…]
The light pulsed brighter and brighter.
On the windowsill, the black cat jerked awake, fur standing on end.
Its golden eyes narrowed to slits, muscles tensed, every whisker bristling with alarm.
And then — silence.
When the glow faded, the tavern was transformed.
The floor gleamed. The tables shone with polished wood. The entire bar seemed twice as wide.
Above, the old ceiling lamps had been replaced by a grand chandelier made of eighteen crystalline lotus petals.
Under its radiant glow, the place looked almost… sacred.
Ron whistled softly.
"Guess it's time to hire more staff."
If business kept growing, Rem and Ram would never keep up.
He turned to head toward the back room — and froze.
There, on the counter, was the black cat, calmly licking its paw.
Ron picked it up, holding it under the light. He tilted his head, studying it.
Then, without warning, he spread its legs apart.
"Meow?!"
"Huh." Ron smirked. "A female. Perfect — you can stay. The tavern could use a pet."
The cat's golden eyes flashed — unmistakably full of disdain.
Ron chuckled.
"What's that look for? Relax. Maybe I'll get you fixed later."
"MEOW!"
The cat exploded into hissing rage, fur puffed out like a black dandelion.
Ron grinned wider.
"Or maybe I'll find you a mate. Or—" he paused, eyes glinting mischievously,
"—I could volunteer myself."
"Meow-meow-meow!!"
The cat flailed wildly, claws out — but Ron vanished in an instant.
His voice echoed through the empty tavern:
"Stay here, Yoruichi Shihōin. Drinks are on the house."
The cat froze.
Yoruichi Shihōin — from the world of Bleach.
Former Captain of the Second Division of the Gotei 13.
Ex-Commander of the Onmitsukidō (Stealth Force).
Head of one of the Four Great Noble Houses of Soul Society.
And right now, sitting on his counter, tail twitching in disbelief.
The lights dimmed.
A wisp of violet smoke enveloped the cat — and when it cleared, a tall, sleek woman stood in its place.
Golden eyes gleaming.
Lips curved into a slow, dangerous smile.
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