Doflamingo drummed his fingers, slapping the table with one hand, then leaned forward, grinning at the person below.
"So, tell me, what’s your purpose?"
Facing Doflamingo’s question, Aeridar didn’t answer immediately. Instead, he surveyed the surroundings, then glanced at the Donquixote Family executives sitting opposite him, and countered, "Do you trust everyone here?"
Doflamingo paused slightly, his thoughts racing. He guessed Aeridar’s meaning and promptly replied, "They are my family, my closest family. There’s nothing I hide from them."
To Doflamingo, the foolish father who caused his persecution and the brother who betrayed him were nothing compared to the Donquixote Family executives; they were his true kin.
"In that case, I’ll be direct then."
Aeridar nodded, stating plainly, "It’s the same proposal as last time: the Seven Warlords Alliance!"
"The Seven Warlords Alliance?!"
The numerous Donquixote Family executives on the left stared at Aeridar in astonishment. Such a thing... how could it be possible? The World Government and the Marines would never permit it.
"Oh, that interesting proposal. So you want me to join, fufufufu~" Doflamingo raised an eyebrow, grinning with a playful expression.
"Just a collaboration," Aeridar said, glancing at the Donquixote Family executives.
"It’s not impossible, but what’s in it for me?" Doflamingo was a man who prioritized profit. He wouldn’t engage in anything without sufficient benefit.
"Besides, how many Warlords have actually joined this Seven Warlords Alliance? Fuffuffuffuffu~"
After all, the Seven Warlords Alliance would need multiple Warlords to join, otherwise, it wouldn’t be called a Seven Warlords Alliance. He had no interest in joining an empty shell of an alliance.
"As a Seven Warlord yourself, you’ve utilized your authority to the fullest. All illegal businesses are legitimate for you. So, with us possessing the same authority, even the simplest business collaborations, intelligence exchanges, or defensive alliances would still be a profit for you, right, Joker?" Aeridar looked directly at Doflamingo, spreading his hands with a strange smile.
For members of the Seven Warlords of the Sea, even illegal businesses were tolerated by the World Government and the Marines. As long as there wasn’t enough evidence or they weren’t defeated by someone below a Yonko, there would be no repercussions.
"Fufufufufu~ It seems your eloquence has improved quite a bit from that speech." Doflamingo chuckled noncommittally.
"As for how many willful individuals have joined... do you think I’d come to you if no one had joined?" Aeridar’s lips curled up, his smile deepening.
"Who knows, huh? Why don’t you introduce them, or at least tell me the number?" Doflamingo feigned ignorance, asking with a simulated interest.
"Hey, hey~ Let’s skip the boring probing, shall we?" Aeridar sighed, pursing his lips.
There were only a few Seven Warlords. Once he revealed the number, it would be easy to deduce who they were. So, it was best not to disclose such information freely.
"Fufufufufu~ You’re right, it’s boring!"
Doflamingo’s shoulders shook, laughing strangely.
"Actually, I have another objective, something I came to you for help with. But it seems, you won’t be helping after all," Aeridar said, not waiting for Doflamingo to speak.
"Oh? You need my help?" Doflamingo’s expression shifted, looking at Aeridar with slight interest. "That depends on what it is, and if it aligns with my interests."
At the same time, Doflamingo pondered what kind of matter would compel this man to seek his assistance.
"Alright, I won’t beat around the bush. This matter is also related to the Seven Warlords Alliance, and the Seven Warlords Alliance certainly doesn’t just include me. Either we cooperate, or I’m turning around and leaving right now."
Aeridar was getting a bit impatient. Constantly playing mind games didn’t quite suit his personality.
"Hey, hey~ You’re too impatient. What a badly behaved and willful fellow."
Doflamingo leaped onto the table, grinning viciously. "Fufufufufu~ Joining the Seven Warlords Alliance isn’t impossible, but if the numbers are too low, I’ll pull out."
For him, if it was truly as the other party said, then joining the Seven Warlords Alliance would bring immense benefits and profits.
"If you join, we’ll be more than half the total. Would you still pull out?" Aeridar pointed his index finger at Doflamingo, a subtle curve forming on his lips.
"More than half of the Warlords?"
"That’s impossible, right?"
"That’s too crazy, for such big shots to unite."
"...Is the sea about to churn?"
Hearing Aeridar’s words, the Donquixote Family executives couldn’t help but gasp, their jaws dropped in disbelief.
"Fufufufufuwahahahaha~"
Doflamingo’s body trembled. He started with a low chuckle, then his laughter grew louder and louder, grinning broadly.
After laughing for over a minute, Doflamingo finally stopped. He gazed at Aeridar with a wild, distorted grin, and asked immediately, "Those troublesome individuals aren’t easy to get along with. Tell me, who else is in?"
"Besides you and me, there’s Desert King Crocodile and Knight of the Sea Jinbe. That’s four Warlords. In the future, I plan to visit Amazon Lily. If successful, that would make five." Aeridar didn’t mince words, telling him directly.
"Fufufufufu~ Truly impressive. That Mihawk fellow is a lone wolf, not even joining the Red-Haired Pirates, so this alliance naturally wouldn’t attract him. Kuma has practically become a World Government puppet; who knows if the World Government and Marines wouldn’t find out the moment the term ’Seven Warlords Alliance’ is uttered. Not including him is a wise choice. So, besides that narcissistic woman from Amazon Lily, everyone else has united. Impressive! Impressive!"
Doflamingo couldn’t help but praise him. Just a few months ago, this person wasn’t even a Warlord and was even injured by him. Yet, in mere months, he replaced Gecko Moria as a new Warlord, and then even united several Seven Warlords, including himself. What incredible means he possessed.
"Then, welcome aboard."
Aeridar smiled, raising the teacup in front of him.
"Here’s to a pleasant collaboration in the future!"
Doflamingo jumped off the table, picking up his own teacup.
Then, both of them simultaneously drained their teacups, exchanged glances, and burst into hearty laughter.
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