North Blue, a certain sea area.
Giant snails dispersed, transforming into colossal warships that cut through the water. On the backs of these snails were small structures, and on the back of the central, largest snail was a luxurious royal palace.
Inside the palace courtyard, Roa leisurely reclined on a deck chair, basking in the sun, attended by several beautiful maids. With each breath, a large amount of 'dark aura' was drawn in and absorbed by him.
"Now this is living," Roa comfortably stretched, feeling utterly at ease in both body and mind. Life, indeed, should be lived comfortably.
Just as he was sighing in contentment, dark clouds suddenly rolled in across the sky, followed by large raindrops falling downwards. Even outside the Grand Line, the weather at sea was unusually fickle.
"How rude, didn't you see I was enjoying myself?" Roa's horn grew on his forehead. "Disperse for me!"
The thick dark clouds vanished in an instant, replaced by brilliant sunshine and a clear, cloudless sky. For the next few weeks, this small sea area wouldn't see rain. Roa had created a small drought here. What a pity it's at sea.
Nevertheless, some people were amazed by this. Doflamingo, who was quietly doing weighted laps nearby, couldn't help but curse under his breath. Unreasonable enough. Not only can his ability twist people's hearts at will, but he can also manipulate natural phenomena with such ease! This makes my Clank-Clank Fruit seem quite idiotic.
"What are you gawking at again?" Another merciless blow landed on the back of his head. Doflamingo grimaced, stumbling forward two steps, not daring to turn his head, only swearing in his heart. Barrett, you bastard, just you wait!
"You seem unconvinced?" Barrett walked up to Doflamingo, looking down at him with his height advantage.
"N-no." Doflamingo slightly averted his face, trying his best to keep his voice calm.
"Today's physical training ends here," Barrett's smile was full of malice. "It's time to teach you how to fight!"
Doflamingo looked up, somewhat bewildered. How to fight? How will he teach—
"It's starting!" A fist the size of a sandbag already slammed into him. Doflamingo immediately got a bloody nose. This is how you teach? Barrett, you bastard, just you wait!
Over here, Roa watched their squabbling with an auntie-like smile. "They get along so well." Boys, their bonds grow through roughhousing. On another note, the 'dark aura' coming from Doflamingo actually smelled pretty good, huh.
"Boss!" Judge hurried over. He had lost some weight compared to a few days ago, and his eyes were dark, clearly indicating he'd pulled several all-nighters. Although he looked exhausted, his spirits were still high.
"The modifications are complete!" he said. "In about a month and a half, the first batch of clone soldiers will be fully cultivated! Their physical abilities are about one-fifth weaker than the original design, and their lifespan is the most drastically reduced, only able to live for a maximum of ten years."
"Excellent, Judge!" Roa praised Judge happily, then said, "New labor and military forces will soon be in place. Shouldn't a new armory begin construction as well? And don't forget your research on the Raid Suits and modified humans."
Judge yawned, then nodded without hesitation. "I'll start preparing immediately!"
"Hey! No rush, sharpening the axe won't delay chopping wood!" Roa said earnestly. "Go rest first. Look at your dark circles." He wasn't some black-hearted capitalist; how could he bear to overwork his chief scientist? "Go sleep for a few hours, then work."
"Boss!" Judge was instantly moved, tears even sparkling in his eyes. "You care about me so much! I understand! I'll go sleep for four hours right away!"
"Good, you should learn to balance work and rest," Roa said, looking like an appreciative teacher.
"Yes!" Judge stood even straighter than Barrett.
"Boss, phone call!" Just then, Dylan walked over, holding a Buruburu chirping Den Den Mushi.
"What does Big Brother Kaido want with me?" Roa casually took the Den Den Mushi and answered. Only Kaido in the entire world had his contact information; this call must be from his good buddy.
Roa thought so, but—
"Is this Lord Roa!" The voice on the other end was not Big Brother Kaido's; it was unfamiliar, filled with urgency and panic.
"Oh?" Roa raised an eyebrow. "Kaido-大哥's subordinate? Could it be that my most respected elder brother is in trouble?"
The other side was clearly stunned for a moment, then quickly said, "Yes, Lord Roa, we've been attacked by the Navy! Big Brother Kaido was captured by that bastard 'Iron Fist' Garp!"
Huh? 'Iron Fist' Garp? Roa was somewhat surprised. How did Big Brother Kaido provoke the Navy? Given the World Government's usual hands-off approach to the New World, there's no reason for them to suddenly bother him, is there?
"Please, you must save Big Brother Kaido, Lord Roa! The Navy is after you! 'Iron Fist' Garp is trying to get your whereabouts from Big Brother Kaido!" The person on the phone said, "Until he was defeated and captured, Big Brother Kaido still said nothing!"
"Before he was defeated, Big Brother Kaido gave us this number and told us to ask you for help!"
Wow, Big Brother Kaido, you really, I could cry. Good brother! So he was caught in the crossfire? The World Government was truly persistent about him; honestly, it was a bit off-putting. Didn't he just eliminate a bunch of Celestial Dragons? Wasn't it good to clean up those good-for-nothing eaters for them? You guys are vengeful, narrow-minded, and asking for death. Just you wait!
However, Big Brother Kaido, you've really given me a tough choice. If you were truly a good brother, shouldn't you bear it alone and not bother me? Yet you even gave your subordinates my number.
Should I go save you? Hero Garp, a true monster. Although it would be easy for him to fly and escape, getting a beating wouldn't be pleasant either. On the other hand, Big Brother Kaido was his dear friend and kin, the honorary vice president of his company. They had just recently said they would look out for each other.
What a dilemma.
As if sensing Roa's hesitation, the person on the phone quickly said, "Of course, we won't let you come for nothing! We are willing to give you all the treasures we have collected over the years! Including an Ancient Zoan Devil Fruit!"
Oh? Although it wasn't much, if that's the case, the scales were tilting.
"Hey, what are you talking about!" Roa said earnestly. "Big Brother Kaido is my true brother from different parents. If he's in trouble, of course I'll help!"
"So, where are you?"