One Piece : Winged Dragons of the Beast Pirates

The surprise came so suddenly that Judge almost wondered if he had misheard.

Could it really be possible to cooperate with the Beasts Pirates? 

Even from the distant North Blue, Judge knew—thanks to following the news—that the Beasts Pirates were one of the strongest crews in the world. 

Even the Whitebeard Pirates had failed to gain an advantage over them.

If he could gain their support, who in the entire North Blue could stop the Vinsmoke family's expansion? 

At this thought, Judge's heart burned with excitement.

"Is it true, Ian?"

Judge had already forgotten the previous conflict, his eyes filled with intense anticipation, longing, and hope as he looked at Ian. 

Doflamingo even felt that Judge was gazing up at Ian as if looking up to a godfather.

"Can the Beasts Pirates really work together with the Vinsmoke family?"

"Uncle Queen said that, in terms of genetic lineage factor expertise, Judge, you are second only to Vegapunk in the world,"

Ian spoke casually, making things up. Uncle Queen, of course, had never praised Judge; every time he mentioned Judge, it was with hatred and disdain. But since he wasn't here right now…

This is the art of words! 

This is emotional intelligence! 

"Your children are products of lineage factor modifications, right? Isn't that impressive? I think if we combine the combat power of the Beasts Pirates with your technology, we'll get a fantastic synergy."

So, hurry and bring your technology to Wano.

Judge was so excited that he teared up again. "Yes, yes! My technology combined with your strength—what could possibly stand in our way?"

What could stand in our way, indeed?

Ancestors, there is hope for the Vinsmoke family's revival! 

Doflamingo, watching Judge tear up once more, couldn't help but chuckle.

This guy… he seems pretty easy to fool.

Why didn't I run into him first? 

But even he had to admit, if the Beasts Pirates joined forces with the Vinsmoke family, their power would be unmatched across the North Blue. No one could stop them.

Hm? 

But suddenly, Doflamingo noticed a flaw in the plan.

It seems that with or without the Vinsmoke family, the result would be the same. The Beasts Pirates are already more than capable of sweeping through the North Blue with ease—any one of the top three commanders could be sent over to handle it.

"Well then, it's settled."

"Ian!"

Judge, covered in dust and grime, struggled to his feet, his face filled with excitement as he made a vow to Ian. "I swear, if your Beasts Pirates can help the Vinsmoke family reclaim control over the North Blue, I'll do anything you ask!"

Ian's lips curled slightly.

Anything, huh? 

Maybe let your daughter make that promise instead.

Oh, wait—your daughter's only nine this year. Never mind, then.

"I'll show my sincerity first!"

Judge shouted loudly.

Then, in one swift move, he turned and shot the old king lying limply to the side.

Old King: ?

Hey, man, what does proving your sincerity have to do with me?

"It's this guy who hired me to stand against you all!" Judge defended himself with conviction. "So, he deserves to die!"

Fair enough.

Ian nodded lightly.

Since Judge had shown his sincerity, it was only fair for him to respond in kind.

Ian called out toward the distance, "Yamato, that's enough! Come back."

"Aww!!" Even from afar, the disappointed cry of the young woman was clearly audible.

Then, Ian turned to Judge. "Now, let's find a place to sit down and talk."

Later, off the coast of the island, in one of the palace halls within the massive snail-protected offshore structure…

Rosinante exited the restroom with his usual calm expression and returned to the palace where their group was being hosted.

Judge had warmly invited everyone to enter the Germa Kingdom, and now he was off discussing matters with Ian, leaving the rest waiting here.

The Vinsmokes, huh?

Rosinante sighed inwardly.

Bad news just keeps piling up.

Please make a decision soon, Sengoku-san.

Inside the palace, Drake was looking around in wonder.

So, this is the palace of the notorious Germa 66?

And now, they've allied with the Vinsmoke family. That guy Ian—he really is the epitome of evil!

All children who grew up in the North Blue had, at one point or another, read the serialized comic strips in the World Economic Journal, where Germa 66 was depicted as the villainous army, and the Vinsmoke family as the rulers of that army—the ultimate villains.

Even Law couldn't help but glance around curiously. Before he had fallen ill, he too had grown up reading those comics.

But Jack and Black Maria were a bit lost.

Vinsmoke?

Who were those small fries? Why should the big shots of the New World even care?

"Vinsmoke! Even in the New World, that name isn't unfamiliar!" 

Umit mused. "This trip is turning out to be even more eventful than expected."

"Doffy, do you really think the Beast Pirates will help the Vinsmoke family conquer the North Blue?" 

Trebol quietly asked Doflamingo, who was lounging on the sofa.

Doflamingo simply chuckled.

Ian isn't a fool.

**********

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