Chapter 44

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Chapter 44: "You Want To Be King Too? Two Logias? Not Enough!"

A trace of cold sweat dripped down Doflamingo's forehead as Doflamingo's carefree smile became strained. 

"Who are you speaking of?" He lowered his legs from the table and leaned forward slightly.

"A hundred beasts... Kaido," Gladius uttered with evident reluctance.

Trebol and Diamanti's eyes widened with terror. Their fear was understandable. The first two countries Kaido visited had been devastated, leaving them in ruins. One could only guess the fate awaiting them if Kaido took an interest in their own territory.

Doflamingo's heart was far from calm, but he maintained his composure as his fingers twitched. He demanded, "Where is he?"

"He's just crossed the border," Gladius informed.

Realizing Kaido would soon arrive at the palace, Doflamingo stood up, pushing his chair aside. He faced his subordinates with a stern expression, admonishing them, "We're the Donquixote Family. Have some courage and do not disgrace me in Kaido's presence."

Trebol thought privately, You're the most frightened of all, but he said nothing. He feigned his usual demeanor and declared, "Hey, hey~ Just stay brave. Our boss Joker is bound to reach the top one day, and we mustn't show weakness to Kaido."

"Yes! Joker is destined to be one of the Four Emperors! We shouldn't fear Kaido!" Diamanti affirmed, his gaze upon Doflamingo filled with unwavering trust.

Yet Joker took little joy in the accolades. His aspirations soared higher than just being an emperor. Eyes bulging with veins, he retorted fiercely, "Silence, my aim is the One Piece, not to be one of the Four Emperors. remember, it's through my efforts that we've gotten this far." Between his tense fingers, a faint thread could be seen.

Newer recruits like Gladius, Rao G, and Mahabais might believe Joker's success was built on cunning, ruthlessness, and formidable strength alone. However, the original four who had supported him from the beginning knew better. He had achieved his current status through a king's qualities and ambitions, tirelessly pushing the family forward.

"Go and gather all the cadres; let's welcome our guest," Doflamingo instructed.

Gladius was about to acknowledge when he was suddenly thrust aside, landing on the floor at a distance.

"Make way."

When Gladius looked up, Kaido was there, accompanied by the Black Dragon and a retinue including Yamato. Everyone in the room was dripping with sweat, their bodies rigid with fear.

Doflamingo smiled and greeted Kaido, "It's not very courteous to start things off with a throw, is it, Kaido?"

He wanted to prove himself before his crew so as not to be overwhelmed by Kaido's presence.

"Do you have a complaint?" Kaido responded with an indifferent stare.

The corners of Doflamingo's mouth quivered. He knew better than to be defiant now and instead replied slyly, "Cluck~ After all, we're business allies and friends that have supported each other, right?"

"Don't overestimate yourself, JOKER. Your role in the weapons trade is convenient because the World Government is too proud to ask me directly," Kaido scoffed mercilessly.

For Kaido, politeness held no value. His brute force and personality dictated his interactions, without need for careful words.

"Accurate? I have to endure that too," he admitted, contemplating the situation with the weight of expectation on his shoulders. His wealth of resolve is not accidental—it's born from his unmatched global prowess.

"Anyway, I just heard you mention what you're aiming to become," Kaido interjected abruptly. His sudden recollection seemed to unearth some unpleasant memories.

Doflamingo's pupils shrank in surprise, keenly aware that the Four Emperors, driven as they were to claim the One Piece crown, could never be apathetic about the ambitions of others. Declarations of becoming the One Piece were typically reserved as internal mantras, fueling one's growth rather than being boasted about carelessly. Only fools would publicly exclaim their desire to be One Piece without understanding the deadly consequences.

Glancing at Gladius, who was still near the door, Doflamingo's eyes sparked with a hint of murderous intent. He had just learned that Kaido had entered unexpectedly, having thought a few minutes would pass before his arrival.

It was all supposed to be grandiose talk before family, showcasing a solid spirit and outlining future plans. He hadn't anticipated Kaido overhearing and now worried that deception wouldn't be an easy escape.

Forced into an awkward smile, Doflamingo spread his hands and said, "That's merely an aspiration. You're well aware that dreams and reality can be worlds apart. My family needs this ambition to ignite our progress." This implication suggested that he had no intent to contest Kaido for the One Piece title, and did not regard him as an adversary. Failing to clarify this could cost him his life within seconds.

Trebol, Diamanti, and Gladius watched Doflamingo with shock and confusion in their eyes. But Doflamingo's focus was fixed on Kaido, who radiated an ominous aura akin to a black dragon.

Kaido's response was neither angry nor disdainful; instead, he posed a question. "JOKER, WHAT DO YOU THINK IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING TO BE ONE PIECE?"

Doflamingo felt bewildered by such an inquiry from Kaido. Anyone could give a textbook response, so he cautiously ventured, "Power?"

But power wasn't exclusively personal strength. Allies, networks, knowledge, finances, and influence—all could constitute power. Gol· D. Roger himself would not have reached the pinnacle of One Piece alone. Still, individual might invariably carried the most weight.

"Then do you believe you possess power?" Kaido probed further. Though Kaido stood across the long table, to Doflamingo, he seemed oppressively close, his presence as engulfing and limitless as the ocean.

Answering felt like rubbing salt in a wound—painful and raw. With reluctance etched in his voice, Doflamingo murmured, "No."

"If I were to give you power, how would you repay me?" Kaido's unexpected offer caught Doflamingo off guard. He stared into Kaido's tranquil gaze, sensing the truth behind the words, for a Four Emperor must indeed possess knowledge reserved for the mighty. This presented an exceptional opportunity, not to be missed.

He recalled Kaido's past interest in poaching the snow woman Monet at Punk Hazard. Could it be that Kaido had come for her? Tentatively, Doflamingo offered, "I'll give you the snow woman, along with a top-tier Logia fruit, the Mera-mera Fruit of Fire Fist Ace, former captain of the Whitebeard second team."

Kaido's reply was terse, "Not enough."