Chapter 110: 110. Cp0 Visits, SMILE Trades

Check out advanced chapters on P@treon: [email protected]/CosmicKaminari ---------- "Shogun... please, don't misunderstand," the lead CP0 agent pleaded, his voice strained under the oppressive weight of Alex's Conqueror's Haki. Struggling to speak through the overwhelming force, the agent continued, "This... this is all the information we've gathered from other forces." The words did nothing to ease the crushing aura. Instead, the weight seemed to intensify, wringing pained groans from the trio. Despite the agony, they grit their teeth and persisted. "We... we have spies inside Doflamingo's operations!" At the mention of Doflamingo, Alex's expression shifted slightly. His lips moved as he whispered the name in a tone as cold as steel. Instantly, the suffocating aura vanished. Of course, this show of anger was just a facade. But he can't help but marvel at the audacity of CP0. For the sake of achieving their objectives, CP0 would sacrifice even the hard-won assets of the Marines. They betrayed the very spies they'd placed with painstaking effort, reporting them without hesitation if it suited their agenda. Truly, the Cipher Pol organization embodied ruthlessness. But it doesn't matter, anyway, the information has been conveyed to the World government, and Rosinante's role will come to an end. Alex's voice broke the silence, measured and sharp. "Since you're aware of this matter, you should also understand the stakes involved. Also, do you really think Kaido will compromise in this?" "We also heard about this from Doflamingo." Since they abandoned the spy, he removed any hesitation and said, "The industrial chain on your side will continue to expand over time, and other trading channels will be developed in the future. Our World Government hopes to be one of the secondary buyers." The agent paused before delivering the bait. "And, of course, we're prepared to pay twice as much as Kaido of the Beasts." Man-made Devil Fruits already cost more than half the value of natural Devil Fruits. Offering twice the price meant that buying at the cost of a normal devil fruit. Although expensive, their value is assured even without a dedicated market. Additionally, the World Government's substantial financial backing ensures profitable investments. "Not enough," he said, his voice dripping with disinterest. "If that's all the World Government has to offer, you might as well turn around and go home." The three CPs looked at each other in blank dismay, Kaido accepted similar terms, there is no reason why Alex would not be moved by this. Yet, the fact that Alex hadn't outright rejected their terms hinted at the possibility of negotiation. This sliver of hope drove the agents to push further. The CP0 agent on the left seemed to have a revelation and spoke up. "About the Punk Hazard incident," he began cautiously, "the World Government could—" Before he could finish, an invisible force struck him with brutal efficiency, sending him hurtling into the wall with a deafening crash. The impact left the agent crumpled in a heap, groaning in pain. The remaining two agents froze in shock. 'When did he move?' Their eyes darted to Alex, who now stood before them, having crossed the room in an instant. His commanding figure loomed over them, his presence dominating the space. "The Punk Hazard incident?" Alex's voice was ice-cold, his piercing gaze boring into them. "You used the newspaper to brand me as an evil pirate, so that debt was settled. Or have you forgotten?" Of course, the matter wasn't truly resolved. Punk Hazard is a vital island directly under the control of the World Government and it held incredible strategic value and its core scientific research division is now commandeered by Alex. But under Alex's withering stare, the CP0 agents found themselves unable to press the issue further. "It's decided," Alex declared, his tone cold and final. "If you don't have something worthwhile to show, you'll remain here. Without absolute benefit, there's no reason not to revert to a normal hostile relationship." The ground beneath his feet began to tremble, as if reflecting his simmering impatience. Tiny particles, barely visible, began to float into the air. The wind's direction shifted subtly, the particles spiraling in an orderly manner until they formed a growing, encircling barrier. The ring of energy enclosed the CP0 agents, its suffocating presence leaving them breathless. "What other conditions does Shogun Alex require? We will do our best to meet them—within reason." You should've said that from the start, Alex sneered inwardly. "I need ten large warships," he said bluntly. At his words, the CP0 agents froze. The request was staggering. Warships of this caliber were a cornerstone of the World Government's military strength and a critical symbol of its dominance on the seas. Built with special Seastone components to deter Sea King attacks, the massive vessels combined size with unparalleled flexibility. Their endurance and firepower made them superior tools of war, capable of executing operations on par with a Buster Call. The cost of constructing even one warship was immense, and Alex was demanding ten. After a long silence, the lead CP0 agent gave a resigned nod. "It will be done." The trade-off was clear. Compared to the potential long-term benefits of acquiring the artificial Devil Fruits, the expense of ten warships could be justified—even for the World Government. To them, it was just another investment with guaranteed returns. Meanwhile, for Alex, the deal was a triumph. Not only would he continue selling the Devil Fruits to the World Government—laying a hidden trap in the process—but he would also gain top-tier warships, saving himself time and resources. Once the deal was finalized, the remaining two CP0 agents retrieved their unconscious companion and left the room, leaving behind the special Den Den Mushi used for communications. After their departure, Alex wasted no time. Picking up his Den Den Mushi, he dialed a familiar number. The connection was established quickly, and the smug, self-assured voice of Doflamingo came through. "Ah, good afternoon, Shogun Alex," Doflamingo greeted with his trademark laugh. "What can I do for you today?" As the intermediary between Kaido and Alex for the production and distribution of SMILEs, Doflamingo had reaped significant profits. His ambitions of carving out a stronger foothold in the New World were becoming more tangible with each passing day. Alex's voice, however, cut through the pleasantries like a blade. "I'm not in a good mood, Joker." The casual mention of his underground alias caused Doflamingo's confident smirk to falter. His jovial tone was replaced with caution. "I see... Please, tell me—has one of my short-sighted subordinates caused trouble without reporting it to me?" Alex's tone turned colder. "I don't know which of your underlings leaked information about the artificial Devil Fruits to the World Government, but there are spies among your ranks. They've been feeding them intel directly." The sound of cracking wood interrupted the conversation. Doflamingo had gripped his chair's armrest so tightly that it splintered under his fingers. His usual composure gave way to disbelief, the veins on his forehead pulsing as anger simmered beneath his sunglasses. Alex continued, his voice unyielding. "I've already finalized a deal with the World Government. You'll handle the logistics of the second transaction line." The statement hung in the air for a moment before Alex delivered his final blow. "Of course, Kaido's fury is your problem to manage. And you'll provide me with an explanation for this breach in your organization." Doflamingo broke into a cold sweat. He knew there was no escaping the wrath of either Kaido or Alex if he failed to smooth things over. Stammering out reassurances, he promised Alex a satisfactory resolution before hanging up the call. Alone in his office, Doflamingo leaned back in his chair, his mind racing. The room was silent except for the steady rhythm of his fingers tapping against the desk. 'Spies in my family? Unforgivable.' For Doflamingo, neither managing Kaido's anger nor meeting Alex's demands was the true issue. Those were costs he could bear. But betrayal within his own ranks? That was something he would never tolerate.