"One of Doflamingo's top executives is a woman named Sugar," Dante began, his voice low and steady. "She looks like a little girl, but she's an adult, and a user of the Hobby-Hobby Fruit."
He let that sink in before continuing. "She can turn anyone she touches into a toy, completely at her whim. But that's not all. Anyone who knew the person transformed... loses every memory of them."
He gestured vaguely toward the window, in the direction of the palace. "That's why the kingdom of Dressrosa is filled with living toys."
Silence fell over the conference room once more.
The hope that had been extinguished in Viola moments ago flickered back to life. She could only stare at Dante, her expression a mixture of shock and disbelief. How could a Marine Captain from the East Blue possibly know so many of the Donquixote Family's deepest secrets? Even she, an executive, wasn't aware of the full picture. A chilling thought surfaced, did he already know about their current plan?
"If we can turn those toys back into people," Dante said, taking a slow sip of his tangerine juice, "all of Doflamingo's secrets will come spilling out." He seemed to enjoy the stunned looks on their faces, nodding with satisfaction before turning his gaze to Kuzan. "And at that point, Marine Headquarters will have every reason to move against the Donquixote Family. Wouldn't you agree, Admiral Kuzan?"
"I don't have much of an opinion on that," Kuzan replied, his tone unreadable. "I'm more interested in how you know all this."
'Damn,' he thought. 'Is Baroque Works' intelligence network really this good? I doubt even Cipher Pol would know this information. World Government would never let Doflamingo have such powerful asset.'
Dante, however, met Kuzan's curious gaze with an air of righteousness. "That's not what's important right now. What matters is Dressrosa. Come, let me make a proper introduction. This is the princess of Dressrosa."
He then gestured from Viola to the admiral. "And this, I'm sure you already know, is Marine Admiral Aokiji. If you have any grievances, any injustices to report, you can tell him. I'm certain the Admiral will see that justice is served."
"..." Kuzan shot Dante a weary look before turning to the princess, who was now staring at him with wide, expectant eyes.
This scene... But... He couldn't avoid it anymore.
He rubbed his forehead.
He knew this was going to be trouble.
Honestly, even after his bike got blown up, he should've just turned and left. He never should have stopped, not even after hearing this kid out.
"The kid might be right," Kuzan finally said, slumping back into the sofa. "But it's not enough. The Marines can't just arrest a Warlord based on your word alone. We don't have that kind of authority."
He spread his hands in a gesture of helplessness.
"Especially with that Hobby-Hobby Fruit you mentioned. If it really erases memories, any spies we send would be useless. One touch, and they'd fail without us ever knowing they were gone." He paused, a thoughtful look crossing his face. "In fact, if what you say is true, I'd bet Headquarters already sent agents to investigate the coup ten years ago. They all must have failed, and now we don't even remember sending them."
He let out a long breath, his tone turning serious.
"And you have to remember, Donquixote Doflamingo isn't just anybody. His relationship with the Celestial Dragons is more than a simple alliance. A single Admiral can't decide to arrest him on a whim. Even if I took this to Fleet Admiral Sengoku or the World Government itself, their hands would probably be tied."
Viola fell silent once more at the Admiral's words.
She knew some of this already.
The Donquixote Family were the former royal family of Dressrosa, the ones who once ruled the kingdom centuries ago. So she understood that what Kuzan said was likely true, toppling them wouldn't be easy.
Though disappointment washed over her, she also knew she couldn't overthrow Doflamingo on her own. But this information... this was enough. It was enough for her to finally make her move.
She raised her head and looked directly at Dante. "Thank you for telling me all this. I suspect you already know what the family is planning." Thinking back, she realized just how strange that day had been. "But I have to warn you, please don't underestimate them."
She gave Dante a slow wink with a smile, her demeanor shifting to that of the passionate dancer she was, her voice dropping to a low, sultry tone. "As for my gratitude... I'll have to find a way to repay you later."
Before she could finish her thought, a low whistle came from the sofa.
"Another brave princess," Kuzan drawled, a lazy grin spreading across his face. "But it's not like there's no way forward."
Viola stared, stunned into silence.
"You could ask this kid for help," Kuzan said, stretching his long limbs. 'It really is just like last time,' he mused. The only difference was that Crocodile had been stopped before he took over, while Doflamingo had already won.
He looked over at Dante. "Maybe he can help you. A little hint: he's already saved one World Government's member nation. Even an Admiral like me has to admit I'm impressed. I'm sure a righteous Marine Captain like him wouldn't hesitate." He leaned forward, his grin widening. "By the way, do you need me to approve your leave request this time? I can give you special clearance right here~."
The words hung in the air.
Dante's expression was blank.
Viola's eyes widened.
She stared in disbelief at the Marine Captain from the weakest sea. Recognized by an Admiral? Saved a member nation?
Hope surged through her again. Her gaze flickered to the quiet, dark-haired woman who had been silent this whole time. Biting her lip, Viola made her decision.
Taking a deep breath, her cheeks flushed slightly, she looked at Dante with the allure of a passionate dancer, her gaze full of charm. "Actually... the Donquixote Family are pirates. And since I'm an executive... that makes me a pirate too~"
Nico Robin, who had been observing quietly, merely smiled, her eyes narrowing slightly.
Kuzan, for his part, was momentarily speechless. He glanced at Dante, whose confident smirk had been replaced by a look of deep irritation. The Admiral's mood instantly improved. He leisurely took another sip of his chilled tangerine juice.
'A princess from the kingdom of love and passion, all right,' he thought. 'Much more direct than the one from Alabasta.'
A pity this situation was so much more complicated. The New World was a different beast entirely. How was the kid going to weasek his way out of this one?
But then, the unexpected happened.
"There's no need for that, Princess Viola," Dante said, his voice ringing with conviction. He straightened up, his expression one of unwavering righteousness. "As a Marine, how could I stand by and watch such evil unfold? It's my duty to act."
Then, before Kuzan could figure out what Dante was planning, or start wondering if the official pirate identity was more appealing to him this time,
He saw Dante turn toward him, smiling. "And I'm sure that our esteemed Admiral wouldn't remain indifferent after learning of such an injustice, either."
Kuzan froze. A knot of dread tightened in his stomach. "What are you getting at, kid?" he asked, his voice wary. "Let me be clear. I can't make a move until we have concrete proof."
"Don't worry," Dante said smoothly. "I'm sure that under your leadership, an opportunity will present itself."
As if on cue, a booming voice echoed from the doorway.
"Boss! One of the Donquixote execs just called, said they're on their way! Yo, Boss Kuzan, you're here too! We should head over to Romance Dawn later. Let me show you a proper welcome!"
Everyone turned to see the burly man filling the doorway.
One man's face was look of pure annoyance., the other looked utterly in disbelief.
'East Blue Overlord?' Viola thought, her expression baffled. 'Boss Kuzan?'
But before either she or the twitching admiral could say a word, Dante spoke again, his smile widening.
"You see?" he said, looking at Kuzan. "The opportunity has already arrived."
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