Chapter 45
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Chapter 45: Bet The Whole Donquixote!
Doflamingo was at a loss as to Kaido's true intentions.
Could the snow girl simply be a diversion, or was she his actual objective?
Would offering a higher price truly tap into Kaido's power?
Ultimately, the decision to strike a deal rested almost entirely with Kaido, leaving Doflamingo with no influence.
"I can help you raise the price of arms sold to the World Government by three percent more," Doflamingo said, unwilling to miss a chance to up the stakes.
His relationship with Kaido was grounded in collaboration, and he trusted that Kaido would not double-cross him over some treasure. At worst, it was a grand bet, with both substantial risks and the potential for soaring rewards. As the king of the underworld, Doflamingo had never once lost a gamble.
"Not enough," Kaido responded, unswayed.
"The Zoan fruits from around the globe—I collect them and present them to the Beasts Pirates as gifts," Doflamingo declared, doubling down on his offer.
"Not enough," came the reply once more.
"Artificial Devil Fruit—I'll cut the price by 30%," Doflamingo conceded, now clearly feeling the pinch.
The arms that Kaido supplied were the bedrock of his operations, balanced against the artificial Devil Fruits. A dip in profits from this side of his business would, undoubtedly, create a significant strain, leaving no immediate alternative to cover the loss. Moreover, requesting the World Government to raise their arms prices would undoubtedly come at a cost.
"IS THE POWER THAT COULD MAKE YOU ONE PIECE SO CHEAPLY VALUED BY YOU, JOKER?" Kaido challenged, indirectly demanding more concessions.
The power to aid in achieving the stature of One Piece—no pirate could remain indifferent to such a prospect. It was Kaido's promise that the power he possessed was the key to becoming One Piece.
But why hadn't Kaido claimed the title for himself? Did he simply not desire it? Doflamingo was left bewildered, questioning whether Kaido was merely toying with him.
"Let's be clear. I don't covet One Piece; it would be mine in a moment if I so chose, but it's nothing more than a mundane and insignificant title," Kaido declared dismissively, his hands crossed over his chest.
"The most it offers is sway over a band of fanatical pirate zealots. I have no need for such a role, so it's better to let my subordinates aspire to be One Piece."
"And I? I will always stand above any king."
Doflamingo and the other Donquixote cadres were dumbfounded. The aura of confidence and command exuding from the imposing figure surpassed anything they had previously encountered.
The notion of a pirate, much less one of the Four Emperors, who didn't desire One Piece was unheard of. Never had they encountered a member of the Four Emperors who wasn't pursuing the throne to dominate the seas.
The memory of Conqueror's Haki, which they had witnessed with Golden Lion, flashed through the minds of Trebol and Diamante. Their humiliating retreat to North Blue and the overpowering presence they had witnessed remained etched in their memories.
Now, here stood Kaido, exuding a might greater than Golden Lion's without even utilizing Conqueror's Haki.
Was this the resolve of the man proclaimed the strongest in the world today? In his eyes, One Piece was a lesser title. The fame, wealth, and power it brought were meaningless.
To harness the power to be a king, yet hold no regard for the title, aiming instead to perpetually rise above it—this was his way.
So, did Kaido intend to make Doflamingo his subordinate?
With his mind racing, Doflamingo noted that Kaido's message was crystal clear.
He is determined to train his subordinates into becoming the One Piece and now he faces the chance to make a decision. He, who is loyal to Kaido, attains One Piece. If he backs down and retreats, nothing will happen; he could remain a king in Dressrosa forever. Behind his sunglasses, Doflamingo's eyes gleam with resolve. He vividly remembers how his family left Mariejois, became commoners, and were shunned by the entire world. The reason he's worked so hard until today is to have the world pay the price!
In his quest to rise above all "kings," Kaido's purpose needs no further explanation. Only by siding with Kaido can one's ultimate goal be fulfilled. Doflamingo is ready to make a huge gamble, willing to risk his entire fortune on this bet.
"I'm willing to bet the whole Donquixote Family," Doflamingo states emphatically, ready to become nothing if he fails. "But I want to see if you have the strength to make me the One Piece."
"Oh?" Kaido expresses his surprise. Why does Joker think he can challenge him? Doflamingo then shifts his gaze to Yamato, who is standing beside Kaido, and with a smirk says, "This lady has some impressive strength. I assume she's another one you're training. Why don't you let me see how well you've trained her?"
He seems to mistake Yamato as a pirate whom Kaido has picked up, just like himself. It seems reasonable for him to test how far Kaido's so-called "power" has developed her. Kaido smiles at the challenge, not expecting an offer for a fight. He reflects on Doflamingo's intelligence, but notes that cleverness can be a double-edged sword.
"Me?" Yamato asks, pointing to herself in confusion. She has been silently observing her father's display of courage and is even somewhat awed by it. Now, unexpectedly, she has been challenged to a fight. Yet it's fine with her; since Law ran away directly, her excitement was left unsatisfied, and it's not too bad to have someone willingly step up for a warm-up.
Looking at Kaido with anticipation, she awaits his response. Kaido, seeing her eagerness, doesn't seem inclined to deny the request and responds, "Are you willing to give everything you have if you lose?"
"Donquixote is all I have," Doflamingo replies. If he wins, there's no need for Kaido to state the obvious benefits, but it would also make the so-called world's strongest Four Emperors lose credibility.
"Great," Kaido nods, looking at the focused expression on Doflamingo's face. He smiles, feeling solemn, "Alright then, Yamato, go have some fun with him. But, don't be too rough."
"Okay, Daddy!" Yamato exclaims, beaming with joy. Her wish has been granted. She licks her lips with satisfaction and looks at Doflamingo, suggesting, "Shall we take the fight outside?"
However, inside the room, Doflamingo and his officers are left suspended mid-air in shock. Kaido's daughter? How have they never heard of her before? The officers cast worried glances at Doflamingo, feeling a sense of foreboding... Perhaps they've made a grave mistake...
Doflamingo himself appears petrified, with a whirlwind of thoughts flooding his mind.