Chapter 41: Emergency Rescue!

North Blue, a certain expanse of the sea.

Massive snails were scattered across the water, transforming into huge sailing ships that cleaved through the waves.

On the backs of these snails rested small buildings, and upon the back of the largest snail in the center stood a luxuriously designed royal palace.

Inside the palace courtyard, Roya lay leisurely on a lounge chair, sunbathing while a few pretty maids waited on him.

With every breath he took, vast amounts of dark mist were drawn in and absorbed into his body.

"Now this is what I call living."

Roya stretched lazily and comfortably, feeling that every single part of his body and mind was at complete ease.

Life, as it turned out, was meant to be lived in comfort.

Just as he was sighing with satisfaction, dark clouds suddenly rolled across the sky, followed instantly by heavy raindrops pelting down.

Even outside the Grand Line, the weather at sea was exceptionally volatile.

"How utterly lacking in tact. Can't you see I'm trying to enjoy myself?"

Horns sprouted from Roya's forehead. "Scatter!"

The thick dark clouds vanished in an instant, replaced by brilliant sunshine and a clear, cloudless blue sky.

For the next few weeks or so, not a single drop of rain would fall upon this small patch of the ocean.

Roya had just engineered a minor drought right here.

What a pity, considering they were out at sea.

Even so, there were those who looked upon this with awe.

Not far away, Doflamingo, who was silently running laps with heavy weights strapped to his body, could not help but curse inwardly.

That was entirely unreasonable.

It was one thing for his ability to twist human hearts at will, but to manipulate the very heavens with such effortless ease!

It made his own String-String Fruit look utterly foolish.

"What are you looking around for again?"

The back of his head suffered yet another merciless blow.

Doflamingo bared his teeth as he stumbled forward a couple of steps, not daring to turn his head, only daring to grit his teeth and swear in his heart.

Bullet, you bastard, you just wait!

"Does it look like you're not convinced?"

Bullet walked up to Doflamingo, looking down at him by virtue of his height advantage.

"N-No, not at all."

Doflamingo turned his head slightly to the side, struggling to keep his voice steady.

"Today's physical training ends here."

A malicious smile spread across Bullet's face. "It's about time I taught you how to actually fight!"

Doflamingo raised his head, looking somewhat dazed.

How to fight?

How was one supposed to teach that—

"Here it comes!"

A fist the size of a sandbag smashed straight toward him.

Doflamingo was instantly sent flying with blood spurting from his nose.

So that was the teaching method?

Bullet, you bastard, you just wait!

Meanwhile, Roya watched their scuffle with a fond motherly smile. "Such good friends."

After all, young boys built their bonds through playful brawls.

Though, come to think of it, the scent of the dark mist emanating from Doflamingo's body wasn't half bad.

"Boss!"

Gajel hurried over.

Compared to a few days ago, he had lost some weight, with dark circles under his eyes—anyone could tell he had pulled several brutal all-nighters.

Though he looked exhausted, his spirit remained wildly excited.

"The modification is complete!" he said. "In about a month and a half, the first batch of artificial human soldiers will be ready for cultivation! Compared to the original design, their physical stamina will be about a fifth weaker, their lifespan takes the hardest hit, and their absolute limit is ten years."

"Splendid, Gajel!"

Roya praised Gajel cheerfully before continuing, "With a new labor force and army about to step up, shouldn't we start constructing a new armory? And don't let up on the research regarding the combat suits and cyborgs either."

Gajel yawned, then nodded without hesitation. "I'll start preparing immediately!"

"Hey! No need to rush, sharpening the axe won't delay the work of cutting wood!"

Roya said earnestly, "Go get some rest first. Just look at those dark circles."

He wasn't some heartless capitalist; how could he bear to excessively exploit his chief scientist?

"Go get a few hours of sleep before you work."

"Boss!"

Gajel was moved to the verge of tears, unshed moisture shimmering in his eyes. "You care about me so much! I understand! I'm going to sleep for four full hours right now!"

"Good, that's it. You must learn to balance work and rest."

Roya wore the expression of a teacher molding a promising student.

"Yes!"

Gajel stood even straighter than Bullet.

"Boss, you have a call!"

At that precise moment, Dylan walked over, holding a ringing Den Den Mushi that was chanting *puru-puru*.

"Does Brother Kaido want something from me?"

Roya casually took the Den Den Mushi and answered.

In the entire world, only Kaido had his contact information; this call, naturally, came from his good sworn brother.

That was what Roya believed, however—

"Is this Lord Roya?!"

From the other end of the line came not Brother Kaido's voice, but a completely unfamiliar one, fraught with anxiety and panic.

"Oh?"

Roya raised an eyebrow. "One of Brother Kaido's subordinates? Could something have happened to my most respected eldest brother?"

The person on the other end clearly froze for a moment before blurting out, "Yes, Lord Roya! We were attacked by the Marines! Brother Kaido was captured by that bastard, Fist Garp!"

Ah?

Fist Garp?

Roya was somewhat surprised.

How had Brother Kaido managed to provoke the Marines?

Given the World Government's usual policy of turning a blind eye to the New World, there was no reason for them to suddenly go out of their way to trouble him!

"Please, you must save Brother Kaido, Lord Roya! The Marines came for you! Fist Garp wanted to extract your whereabouts from Brother Kaido's mouth!"

The person on the other end cried out, "Until he was beaten down and captured, Brother Kaido didn't say a single word!"

"Before he was defeated, Brother Kaido gave us this number and told us to seek your help!"

Oh wow, Brother Kaido, you truly... you're making me want to weep.

What a true brother!

So he had simply gotten caught in the crossfire because of him?

The World Government was truly persistent when it came to him; honestly, it was getting a bit pathetic.

So what if he had taken out a bunch of Celestial Dragons? Wasn't he doing them a favor by clearing out useless trash that only drove up the price of rice?

Vindictive, narrow-minded, courting their own deaths—just you wait!

However, Brother Kaido, you really did hand me quite a difficult problem.

If you were a true brother, shouldn't you have endured it alone and spared me the disturbance? To think you actually gave my number to your subordinates.

Should I go save you?

Hero Garp, though—a true monster. While flying meant he could escape easily, getting beaten up still wouldn't feel very pleasant.

On the other hand, Brother Kaido was his dear friend and confidant, the honorary vice president of the company, who had just recently spoken of mutual support and watchfulness.

Such a dilemma.

Seeming to sense Roya's hesitation, the voice on the other end hastily added, "Of course we won't let you make the trip for nothing! We are willing to offer you all the treasures we've collected over the years! Including a Zoan-type Ancient Species Devil Fruit!"

Oh?

Though not much, that was enough to tip the scales.

"Hey, what are you saying!"

Roya assumed a righteous expression. "Brother Kaido is my sworn brother of a different mother; since he's in trouble, I will naturally step in!"

"So, where are you located?"