Chapter 1: System Activation

Sea Circle Calendar 1517!

In the late hours of the night in West Blue, a merchant ship bearing the flag of the Donquixote Family blazed in flames!

In a scene of chaos and destruction, Duke forcefully entered the treasure chamber of the Donquixote Family's merchant vessel.

As he laid eyes upon the vast hoard of gold and silver treasures within, his gaze gleamed with greed.

"With these riches, I'll have plenty!" he exclaimed.

"System, replenish my resources!"

[By expending one billion units of wealth, the alliance lottery system is now activated.

You have one opportunity to randomly draw a level. Would you like to proceed with the draw immediately?]

"So, you've finally activated the system," remarked Duke.

"System, commence extraction!"

Duke stared coldly at the now-empty treasure chamber, his resolve unwavering.

In the following day,

"Duke, what have you done?" questioned a concerned voice.

"That's a vessel of the Donquixote Family," remarked another.

"Do you intend to invite ruin upon the Green family?"

Within the halls of the Green family's mafia headquarters,

Godfather Greene Hansen unleashed a furious tirade at Duke standing before him.

News had just arrived that Duke, along with some members of the Green family, had raided a Donquixote Family merchant ship.

This act was bound to bring calamity upon the Green family.

In contrast to the globally renowned and influential Donquixote Family,

the Green family's power paled in comparison.

Especially their leader, Doflamingo, head of the Donquixote Family and one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea, the dark world's emperors!

What chance does the Green family stand against the formidable might of the Donquixote Family?

Are you willing to stake your life on this gamble?

Godfather Greene Hansen's anger surged as he pondered these thoughts.

His eyes bore a palpable intent to kill as he gazed at Duke.

"Perhaps swiftly severing Duke's head and offering it to the Donquixote Family,

alongside a substantial tribute of gold and silver,

could earn forgiveness from them?"

Green Hansen's mind raced with conflicting thoughts,

"If we simply dispose of him like this,

how can I secure favor from the world government?

After all, he is rumored to be the father of Nicole Robin, the alleged child of a devil fruit user!

If his capture leads to the apprehension of this 'devil's child,'

perhaps the World Government would support my claim as one of the five prominent families in West Blue!"

Despite the fearsome reputation of the Donquixote Family,

the might of the world government loomed larger.

Greene Hansen had engaged in clandestine dealings with certain Marine officers in West Blue.

In exchange for wanted criminals and favors,

he received protection and backing from these officers.

"Bringing ruin upon the Green family?"

"Apologies, isn't that your own doing?" retorted Duke.

"Selling out our kin to the world government,

plotting internally to eliminate any threats to your leadership,"

"I'll likely be the next target of betrayal and assassination."

Duke, typically deferential, slowly lifted his head to meet the godfather's gaze, his voice growing in resolve.

"What's the purpose of a family like this?" Duke's voice echoed in the Green family's conference hall, cutting through the tense silence. "The Green family met its end when you turned against our own, Greene Hansen!"

Duke had long foreseen this moment when he decided to seize the Donquixote Family's ship at any cost.

Change was inevitable.

As Duke concluded his words, the once-quiet disciples of the Green family rose to stand behind him, their gazes fixed on their former godfather.

As members of the mafia, they knew no fear of blades or bullets on this unforgiving sea. Death was a familiar companion.

Yet, what they couldn't accept was the betrayal by a once-trusted leader.

On the seas, those who abandon their own are scorned by all, be it pirates or seafarers—the remnants of loyalty remaining.

"Heh, what do you all understand?" sneered Greene Hansen, facing the multitude of eyes locked on him.

Despite a tinge of fear creeping into his heart, his anger swelled as he laughed mockingly.

"If not for trading those cadres to the Marines for protection, what claim would the Green family have in these waters?"

"Do you not grasp the reality?" he continued sharply.

"On these merciless seas,"

"We're nothing but specks!"

"The weak survive only by clinging to the powerful."

"I alone can elevate the Green family's stature!" Greene Hansen asserted boldly. "But even insects desire a voice and autonomy," Duke countered, stepping closer to confront Greene Hansen directly. "Nobody wishes to remain insignificant forever. At least, I refuse to be a mere insect any longer!"

Duke cast a meaningful glance at the man behind him, his determination unspoken but understood.

"Heh, is that so?" Greene Hansen scoffed, his contemptuous smile unwavering. "Then prove it to me!"

"Let us not forget why I ascended to the position of godfather," Greene Hansen reminded with a hint of menace. "I am the embodiment of the Green family!"

With those words, Greene Hansen's form underwent a startling transformation. His entire body became shrouded in thick fur, his once-refined attire torn asunder. Saliva dripped from his menacing fangs, and his claws scraped against the conference room's floor, emitting sparks.

"I am a hyena who devoured the Hyena-Hyena Fruit," Greene Hansen declared menacingly. "Traitors, I shall slay you all..."

Before he could finish his threat, a thunderous blast echoed through the room. Several hefty lead bullets struck Greene Hansen squarely in the chest.

"Enough with the theatrics!" a man behind Duke spoke in a low, gravelly voice, holding a cigar in his mouth and a smoking double-barreled shotgun in hand.

His name was Graves, known as the Outlaw.

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