The foundations of Nightless City had already been completed, but there were still many things left to be done in the later stages.
For example, setting up gambling systems for the casinos, negotiating with major merchant associations, perfecting the amusement park facilities, introducing cuisines from all regions, and so on.
However, none of these had much to do with Rosinante.
First, he simply did not have such an extensive network in the Blue Sea.
Second, he was extremely skilled at delegating everything away. With a grand excuse called "trust," he handed all authority directly to Doflamingo.
If this were the modern world, such a hands-off management style would probably result in all his assets being transferred away without his knowledge. After all, giving someone that much opportunity and power would almost make them feel embarrassed not to take advantage of it.
But this was a world where force ruled supreme.
And a world ruled by force had its own advantages.
Everything bowed before strength.
As long as you possessed overwhelming power, there was no need to worry about anyone playing tricks behind your back.
Because absolute strength could simply deny everything.
And so, all the follow-up matters once again fell into Doflamingo's hands. Now, Doflamingo was even busier than he had been during the early construction of Nightless City.
Even with Laki helping him process documents, he still had to negotiate daily with countless merchant groups, major powers, and even the World Government itself.
Every negotiation involved enormous利益 and could not afford the slightest mistake.
Yet despite being so busy he barely touched the ground, Doflamingo did not complain this time.
Because these negotiations benefited him just as much. They greatly expanded his network and economic sphere.
As the greatest intermediary in the underground world, connections and capital flow were his lifeline. After this, his personal empire would soar to new heights.
Meanwhile, the idle Rosinante summoned Moria and Daolang.
"There's something I need your help with," Rosinante said.
"Shi shi shi, Captain, just give the order," Moria replied obediently.
"I am willing to assist," Daolang said calmly.
"This is also an experiment involving your Devil Fruit ability," Rosinante continued. "Moria, in a moment you'll cut off Daolang's shadow and insert it into my body. I want to borrow his shadow to experience the realm of an advanced swordmaster, so I can accelerate my swordsmanship training."
"Shi shi shi, I see. That's a very good idea," Moria said with interest. "Daolang, don't worry. Shadows are usually inserted into corpses. When placed inside a living person, they don't last long, about ten minutes. During that time, as long as you avoid sunlight, there won't be any problems."
"Let's do it," Daolang said without hesitation.
He knew very well that if Rosinante ever wanted to harm him, it would take mere seconds. There was no need for tricks.
They then entered a sealed room. Under a focused spotlight, Moria seized Daolang's shadow and used a massive pair of scissors to cut it free.
...
The shadow was then inserted into Rosinante's body.
Relying on his powerful haki, Rosinante easily endured the fusion. Absorbing a single shadow caused him no discomfort at all.
He drew the long blade at his waist and gave it a casual swing. He used no particular force, yet a sharp blade aura flew out, carving a fierce sword mark into the wall.
"So this is the realm of an advanced swordmaster?" Rosinante murmured thoughtfully.
"Moria, I have a task for you," Rosinante suddenly said.
"Shi shi shi, what task? Captain, I'll carry it out perfectly," Moria asked eagerly.
He had joined Grey Domain for some time now, yet his official position had not been decided. He was very much looking forward to knowing his standing within the organization.
"I need shadows. Shadows of all kinds of experts. Swordmasters, martial artists, fist fighters, even espionage specialists. They don't have to be overwhelmingly strong, but they must possess unique abilities in their respective fields. Go and take them. I'll have Daolang and the Ghost Warriors assist you. You will form the Shadow Hunt Unit, temporarily placed under the Guard Corps. Once you show results, I'll determine your status based on your achievements," Rosinante said.
"Yes. Shadow Hunt… I like that. Shi shi shi!" Moria laughed excitedly.