Chapter 132

Chapter 178: Heading to the Grand Line? (24 guaranteed, please subscribe!)

After returning to Gabriel Island, Abel was immediately summoned by Donquixote Doflamingo to his room.

"Prepare yourself, we're setting off the day after tomorrow to the Grand Line," Doflamingo announced.

Abel was completely taken aback by Doflamingo's statement. 

How could they suddenly be heading to the Grand Line?

What about the North Blue? Are they abandoning it?

At this time, the Donquixote Family had only just established a foothold in the North Blue, but they hadn't completely conquered it.

They had hopes for this year, but the Navy, led by Crane, dealt them a severe blow. Not only did they destroy their base, but they also tarnished the family's reputation, eroding much of their hard-earned prestige.

This incited various disgruntled factions to frequently challenge the Donquixote Family's control over their industries.

Though it didn't shake the family's foundation, it caused them significant trouble.

Doflamingo had to send his officers to extinguish these fires.

If the Donquixote Family were to leave North Blue now and aggressively move into the Grand Line, it would be overly ambitious and likely lead to a major setback!

Abel figured that as soon as they left, Crane would lead a force to uproot all of the Donquixote Family's remaining influence.

It would be a wasted effort.

Knowing Doflamingo, Abel thought he wouldn't overlook this drawback.

So, what had happened to prompt such a sudden decision?

While Abel pondered, Doflamingo spoke first, "What's the matter, you don't seem too happy. Do you want to stay in the North Blue forever?"

Abel shook his head, "Not really, I'm just surprised by the news. If we leave, the people left behind might not be able to hold onto our businesses, right?"

Abel's tactful reminder was met with laughter from Doflamingo.

"Hahaha, it's not like we won't come back. We're just going to an island to take care of some business. It won't take long. Or do you think Senor Pink and the others have become that weak?"

"Right, after all, someone among us is a 'great pirate' and 'great swordsman' with a bounty of 50 million Berries. It's normal to be concerned~"

Abel was speechless at Doflamingo's sarcastic humor.

So, it was just a business trip. Instead of 'flying domestically', they were now 'flying internationally'.

He was serious, thinking the 'company' was moving 'overseas' and abandoning business in the North Blue.

But, of course, Doflamingo wouldn't be that foolish.

False alarm!

Abel wasn't opposed to venturing into the Grand Line, but he was still 'leveling up'.

Why rush to a higher-level zone when he could easily gain 'experience' in the beginner's village?

Ever heard of the Sword God of Ten Li Slope?

"Actually, this trip is because of you."

After laughing, Doflamingo got to the point.

"Me? What did I do?"

"Remember the Navy Colonel you killed?"

"Deep background? Family can't protect me, so I should run?"

Abel's three soul-searching questions made Doflamingo's forehead crease.

"A mere Navy branch Colonel doesn't concern me. Run? As if the Navy could force that."

"It's actually the casino's backer that's troublesome."

Doflamingo explained what happened during his absence, helping Abel understand why they needed to make a trip to the Grand Line.

Turns out, the casino's public face, Doug, reported everything to the shadowy boss behind the scenes, the notorious loan shark king of the underworld – Du Feld. Doflamingo quickly made contact with him.

Since the Donquixote Family's main business relied on the black market, they often dealt with underworld kings. It was clear to discerning eyes that Doflamingo had ambitions, but no conflicts had arisen yet.

Moreover, the North Blue was too far away, so for now, there was peace.

Doflamingo didn't want to clash with these powers before he was ready.

After the incident, Doflamingo contacted the loan shark king, offering ample compensation.

Normally, with face and compensation given, the matter would be settled.

But the Navy went crazy.

Instead of troubling the Donquixote Family, they targeted the casino, shutting it down without discussion.

First, it was for a month, but soon it became indefinitely, intending to halt the casino's business in North Blue.

Doug, baffled and targeted by the Navy, tried to use connections and money to resolve the issue. He then learned

 that the order came directly from Vice Admiral Crane, who argued that such entertainment venues, unable to guarantee the safety of Navy personnel, had no right to continue operating.

Imagine the frustration of the Navy officers, unable to confront the Donquixote Family, venting their anger elsewhere.

Unable to resolve the issue, Doug contacted the loan shark king again.

But Du Feld was also helpless.

Though powerful, he operated in the shadows.

Perhaps normally, he could have found a way, influencing corrupt elements within the Navy to allow the casino to continue.

But against Vice Admiral Crane, Du Feld's influence was worthless.

He wouldn't dare use his methods in front of her.

Annoyed, Du Feld blamed Doflamingo for the chaos, reasoning that had the Donquixote Family not caused trouble on his territory, killing that Navy Colonel, things wouldn't have escalated.

To be honest, he had a point!

Fine, Doflamingo wanted to compensate for the loss, so let him.

For each day the casino was closed, he'd pay that day's revenue.

A month's closure meant a month's revenue.

A year's closure would bankrupt the entire Donquixote Family!

And this didn't even include the lost profits from loan sharking.

Du Feld thought himself quite 'merciful', but how could Doflamingo agree to such absurd compensation?

Unless he had lost his mind.

Under these circumstances, Du Feld proposed a solution.