Magic Valley Town
After nearly an hour of discussion, the three individuals had reached a preliminary agreement regarding the alliance.
Although Crocodile and Doflamingo had their own hidden agendas, as Gnar had pointed out, with the threat of the Marines and the World Government looming over them, cooperation offered more advantages than disadvantages. Additionally, Gnar's possession of the design drawings for the legendary Ancient Weapon, Pluton, was a significant incentive.
"So, now that the two of you are on board with forming an alliance, it's time to discuss how to put it into action."
"No problem!"
Doflamingo was the most enthusiastic.
"Although my manpower is somewhat limited, don't worry. Give me some time, and I'll soon gather a group of at least 5,000 people."
With his reputation, recruiting subordinates was relatively easy for him.
Crocodile also agreed.
"My people aren't just from the Baroque Works; I also have some contacts in the Rainbase. Gathering 5,000 people will be no problem."
"In that case, with the manpower on my side, we should be able to assemble at least 15,000 troops. Although the number is a bit small, it should be sufficient to support a war."
The mention of war excited Doflamingo, and Crocodile asked curiously,
"Where do you plan to start this war?"
Gnar, who had been prepared, revealed his chosen battlefield.
"East Blue! Kingdom of Corkia!!!"
The three of them looked puzzled. They had never heard of this country and wondered why Gnar had chosen it.
"It's quite simple. Among the prisoners who escaped from Impel Down with me, there are a pair of brothers from the Kingdom of Corkia. They hold special status there. With them, we will have a pretext to start a war that won't provoke a strong reaction from the Marines or the World Government, especially since we lack the power to face them head-on right now."
Crocodile and Doflamingo nodded. Both were astute conspirators capable of seeing the advantages of this plan.
"Secondly, this country is currently engulfed in conflict. The war has been raging for countless years, and the royal family has drained the country's resources to sustain it. The people there are desperate for a savior. Furthermore, even if we use this situation to overthrow the royal family, it won't create significant waves."
"Finally, although this land doesn't have special products, it is a fertile and valuable area. In the relatively weak East Blue, it can serve as our logistical and food supply base."
A sinister smile appeared on Doflamingo's face.
"What a delicious land!"
"Indeed, this land is perfect for our first territory. As for how we'll divide it, that's something we can discuss later. For now, let's focus on winning this first war."
Crocodile frowned and said,
"I'm fine with that, but East Blue? How do we get there? We're not Marines and don't have the means to cross the Calm Belt."
"Hahaha, leave that to me. Do you think I could hide those prisoners in these seas without a plan? I'll give you a month to prepare everything..."
As Gnar spoke, his blood surged, and two blood-colored bats flew out and landed in front of them, transforming into small, palm-sized gargoyles.
"When the time comes, my associates will inform you of the meeting place. If anything comes up during this month, you can contact me through them. Although replies might be slower, it's safer than using a Den Den Mushi, which can be easily monitored."
The two men took the bloody gargoyles and put them away.
By now, most of what needed to be discussed had been covered.
Gnar gave a final warning.
"Both of you should understand better than I do what the consequences will be if anything we discussed today is leaked. Therefore, until we have enough power to confront the Marines and the World Government, only the five of us will know about this conversation."
"Bah, bah, bah, no problem. I've even killed my own brother for this!"
Doflamingo smiled sinisterly.
Crocodile also spoke with a murderous intent.
"The people below don't need to know our plans, as long as they know what they're supposed to do!"
"Hahahaha, yes, exactly... It's so satisfying to have partners like you two! Robin, Zala, bring the wine!"
A short while later, Robin and Zala brought a bucket of wine and three large bowls from the kitchen, pouring wine for the three of them.
Gnar raised his bowl filled with wine, and Crocodile and Doflamingo did the same, smiling.
"Then, from this moment on, our alliance is officially established. I hope that on the final day, the three of us can share the fruits of victory together! Cheers!!!"
"Guhahahaha, cheers!!!"
"Baaaaaaaaaaaaaaah, cheers!!!"
At that moment, the Marines and the World Government would never have guessed that their long-planned Seven Warlords of the Sea plan had been overtaken by others, becoming one of the greatest threats to them in the future—a third of the great power of this sea...
After the alliance was established, the three of them said their goodbyes and began preparations.
Gathering 5,000 soldiers in one month was no easy task. It required not only recruiting enough people but also obtaining a large amount of weapons and supplies to support such a sizable army.
As for a formal treaty, it was unnecessary. The three were pirates; a piece of paper could not bind them. Profit was the only binding force. After Crocodile and Doflamingo left, Gnar wasted no time and departed directly with Robin and Zala.
However, instead of leaving Gaya Island, they went to the other end of the island.
Gnar's fishing boat, now disguised, was discreetly docked on the coast.
When Gnar returned to his ship, he felt a sense of homecoming. As soon as he was aboard, he embraced Robin and Zala, retreated to his cabin, lay down on the bed, and enjoyed the warmth and softness of their presence, sighing in contentment.
"This is life!"
He then rolled over and pressed Robin beneath him, eager to enjoy the tenderness he had missed for over three months.
But at that moment, he noticed something was off with Robin's expression...
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