Chapter 50

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Doflamingo obviously did not ask about Kaido's specific plans. After nodding, he pondered the role he could play. Embodying a greater role would prove more useful in Kaido's presence, potentially leading to greater rewards or a faster increase in strength. Success on Kaido's part might even mean a share of the spoils for Doflamingo. Then, a trace of solemnity crossed his face as an idea struck him, "Are you sure you want to deal with the Straw Hats on the ground in Sabaody? I would suggest placing people in the New World."

Kaido appeared confused, narrowing his eyes at Doflamingo, prompting him to ask, "Your reason?"

"Crocodile, Moria, Boa Hancok, Kuma, Jinbei," Doflamingo listed these names, frowning as he felt a subtle thread of danger from his fingertips. "Although I hate to admit it, these individuals are far from simple."

He then detailed the backgrounds of each for Kaido. "Crocodile, for instance, managed to draw with the devil heir then known as the second in combat power on Roger's ship. He even attempted to assassinate Whitebeard and survived despite failure and losing a hand, later becoming the first Shichibukai. How could such a man be defeated by a novice at sea?"

"If the Straw Hat's strength is truly so weak, why would Crocodile, after escaping from prison, go out of his way to help in the Summit War?"

"Did Crocodile just laugh off the fact that his ten-year plan to control a country was ruined and he was mocked in Impel Down? I can't believe it; something is off here."

Doflamingo paused to allow Kaido some time to process the information.

Kaido then collected his thoughts, his mind racing. On the blue star, he could dismiss these occurrences as illogical, but in this real world, they carried an odd sensation. Crocodile showed no intent for revenge despite Luffy ruining his plan and aspiring for Whitebeard's life every day since Whitebeard had maimed him.

Then, Hawkeye's words echoed, "Luffy's strongest strength is his ability to attract everyone in the room." Could this actually be true?

Could it be related to the power of the "liberated warriors," Joyboy, and the Nika fruit?"

Why is the Empress willing to help him infiltrate Impel Down? I researched it at the time, and only she seemed capable of bringing Luffy in. But why?" Doflamingo threw his hands up, stumped by these questions.

"Why did Jinbei risk his life to save the Straw Hat? Was it because he was released from prison or due to Luffy being Ace's brother?"

"Why did Kuma risk expulsion from the Shichibukai to save the Straw Hat Crew?"

He continued, "And about Gekko Moria. You are best qualified to judge his strength. Do you really believe he would be defeated by someone too weak to even use Haki?"

Kaido's eyes sparkled with insight. Explaining the female emperor was easy; her actions were driven by love. Jinbei's allegiance was shaped by loyalty. Kuma's ties to the Revolutionary Army made sense, and it was understandable that Joker might not be aware of it. Kizaru posed questions, but learning about Akainu revealed the presence of some corrupt individuals. However, Moria truly baffled Kaido. This man had faced him in Wanokuni twenty years prior, managed to escape, and even robbed the tomb of the sword god Ryoma. His strength, at least, indicated he was a master of Haki.

One could argue that Moria's skills had declined significantly due to inactivity and decay, although the drop was almost laughable. "Hawkeye, too, seems to have crossed paths with them in East Blue," Kaido mused, "Now it seems I'm the only former Shichibukai who hasn't encountered him, cluck~." "So am I to be the one who aids him? Or will I be defeated and used as a stepping stone?" 

Kaido pondered the role he might play. "Straw Hat Luffy is quite the amusing character," Doflamingo interjected, chuckling heartily. He couldn't hide his curiosity about this rookie pirate who'd been active for only two years and his fate against such an opponent.

"Actually, the strangest part is..." Doflamingo began, but before he could finish, Kaido interjected. "Enies Lobby?" Kaido guessed the topic on Doflamingo's mind. 

"Yes, that symbol of government for 800 years. What stopped its revenge?" Doflamingo continued, gesturing with his right hand and speaking quickly so Kaido wouldn't cut him off again. "He beat Celestial Dragons, attacked Impel Down." These were unforgivable crimes that not just one individual could evade responsibility for, especially alone. "Who would have imagined he'd still be alive and thriving after such deeds?" The legendary escapades that no one dared to conceive seemed to fall into his lap, elevating his fame time and again.

"It's as if..." Doflamingo hesitated, his words trailing off as anxiety took hold. He feared pushing the conversation further might offend some unseen power he hadn't yet identified, a force capable of condemning him to death in the dark of night. Kaido cut through the tension sharply. 

"It's as if someone has been secretly protecting him, orchestrating events to broadcast his fearless and valorous acts across the seas so that everyone knows the legend of the straw hat." Kaido stated bluntly.

"Right," Doflamingo conceded, feeling a chill sweat on his cheek as he exhaled. As Kaido pondered the existence of such a guardian, his thoughts turned to Im. What could the goal be? For Luffy? More likely, it concerned the Nika Fruit, Joey Boi. The fruit seemed to be the central player. Kaido's excitement grew.

"Let them come, as many as they wish. No matter the size of the power backing him, the number of protectors, or the peculiarity of his strength and experiences," Kaido declared, a grin spreading across his face, his eyes ignited with a murderous rage. "I'll kill them all!" Kaido's battle spirit was unmistakable.om October 1 to October 7.