Chapter 218

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Days passed, and at first glance, Water 7 appeared the same as ever, with tourists coming and going non-stop.

But beneath the surface, turmoil was brewing!

Below the central tallest building, Abel stood proudly, Onimaru in hand.

Dozens of corpses lay trampled under his feet.

"Weak, far too weak."

"How dare they claim to be powerful with such meager strength?"

Abel sneered disdainfully, then signaled for the people behind him to quickly clean up the battlefield.

After all, this was a tourist city; displaying so many dead bodies wasn't for public consumption.

Ever since he declared war on all the pirates stationed in Water 7, things had gone as he expected; why would these haughty newcomers fear a nobody from some insignificant family?

So there Abel waited, for wave after wave of them to walk right into his trap.

Today's group was already the fifth.

Without exception, all met their demise at the edge of his blade, with not a single survivor left.

Such brutality naturally deterred many.

Even those newcomers who were confident in their own strength chose not to confront him directly, as it simply wasn't worth the risk.

Compared to the risks, the gains were too small.

Thus, after dealing with this group of stubborn pirates, for a while, none dared to step forward and challenge him.

This made many who were originally keen on seeing him fail unable to find amusement in the situation anymore.

When someone's wild boasts become reality, they're no longer boasts but facts!

Even the peripheral members of the family that Abel had brought along began to worship him immensely.

They were ready to work even harder to imprint the island thoroughly with the Donquixote family's mark, the first order of business being to expand their manpower.

The number of people Abel had brought was simply insufficient.

Next would be to acquire local businesses and establish auction houses.

That could kickstart their smuggling operations and the underground black market.

These were vital to the Donquixote family's foundation and could not be compromised.

Just as Abel was preparing to quickly secure this place before moving on to the next island, forces and gangs whose interests had been affected began to discuss their options fiercely.

"As the old saying goes, even a powerful dragon cannot suppress the local snakes. Even if the newcomer has ill intentions, as long as we unite, we can still drive them out!"

"Heh, easier said than done. Have you forgotten how many corpses have been buried in the Central Plaza these past few days?"

"After observing, I believe that the Donquixote family, for some reason, can't spare more manpower right now, hence only sending that killing machine here. It's clear to imagine that once they are able to concentrate their forces, we will no longer have a place on this island."

Everyone nodded in agreement, though no one took Abel's little maid seriously.

"What do you think, Boss Sugar?"

"I've said it before; if someone takes the lead, I'll be sure to follow. But if you're thinking about using my men as cannon fodder, then don't bother speaking."

Boss Sugar stroked his shiny forehead, smirking coldly.

The rest, their ulterior motives exposed, felt somewhat embarrassed.

"Come on, what are you talking about? Out of everyone here, you, Boss Sugar, have the strongest armed force; our guys are nothing compared to yours."

"Spare me the lip service; you're the ones in a hurry, not me. I'm just a sugar dealer, and I don't believe they can drive me out. Worst comes to worst, I'll take my brothers elsewhere. We'll be fine."

With that, Boss Sugar left, ignoring the displeased looks from those around him.

"A bunch of trash, I never should have joined this crappy alliance."

As he left, Boss Sugar spat towards the door, an expression of contempt. Do they really think he's foolish?

He's been hiding out near the battlefield these past few days, and the conclusion he's reached is clear: he's no match at all!

If the opponent were merely a master of swordsmanship, he wouldn't be afraid. He could rely on the power of his Devil Fruit to utterly defeat them.

But this young man's strength is unfathomable, especially the terrifying black flame that doesn't extinguish even when it contacts water—that's something he can't handle.

After much thought, he considered this both a crisis and an opportunity.

Thus, he immediately turned his jet ski around, ready to take a gamble.

...

"Lord Abel, there's someone called Boss Sugar who wishes to see you."

Boss Sugar?

Abel recalled that sister-obsessed bald man and then set down the several-ton gym equipment he was holding.

Bam!

"Take him to the parlor and tell him to wait. I'm going to take a shower."

"Yes, Lord Abel."

Half an hour later, Boss Sugar, his face unchanged, finally met his host.

"I remember you. Since you've once offered me a warning, I won't touch you today. Speak, what brings you here?"

"Indeed, you're already preparing to take action against the 'Commerce Guild'."

Boss Sugar was glad he made the trip today.

"This island can only have one true ruler, and that's my Donquixote family. Normal business is fine, but dreaming of having a monopoly like before? That won't happen."

"If there is to be a monopoly, it will be mine. It's not your turn."

Abel's words were arrogant and domineering.

"No room for negotiation?"

"Heh, tell everyone, prepare their coffins and await death."

"Aren't you afraid of driving them into desperation, leading to both of us perishing?"

"A dog is still a dog, what can it do even if it leaps over a wall? It's still just food for the lion. Think you can tear through my net? You're far from able."

Boss Sugar nodded, then suddenly asked, "What would I gain if I brought people to your side?"

Abel had already anticipated his intentions, which is why he had been pressuring relentlessly, leaving no room for hesitation – all to give Boss Sugar no chance to reconsider.

Currently, he indeed needed more hands. If Boss Sugar could bring people over, that would solve a significant problem.

"Our Donquixote family is always in search of talent. If Boss Sugar is willing to join us, you will naturally be well-compensated. Earning several times more than what you do now is no issue."

"Moreover, when I'm gone, you will be in charge of everything on this island. Our Donquixote family doesn't just focus on the present."

Abel readily painted a big picture for him.

Boss Sugar wasn't deceived, but at this point, he had no other choice.

Would he rather be killed as soon as he stepped out, or risk a better future before others could react?

His face unsettled, he finally gritted his teeth and made a decision, "Alright, my Gummy Fruit Pirate Crew will join the Donquixote family. I hope for Lord Abel's support."

"Wait, you think you can join us just like that? Isn't that a bit childish?"

"I understand. Give me three days, and I will bring a token of my allegiance."

Leaving with a fierce look, Boss Sugar prepared to deliver the heads of his comrades from the Commerce Guild to pave his way to success!

And now, with no one aware of his betrayal, was the perfect opportunity.