One Piece: Start by Saving Roger, I Was Invited to Join the Crew

"Our headquarters is located in Wano Country, a land rich in rare and special materials. Whatever unique resources you need, we'll arrange for their procurement. This partnership can be long-term. Under Mr. Kaido's protection, you'll have an extra layer of security. Even if the World Government abandons you in the future, we'll provide you with shelter and support."

"Shoo, wow, wow, wow… sounds really tempting, I will consider it." 

Okay, pass. I will contact you when the time comes, hoping to hear your good news."

…

Caesar Clown floated excitedly through his lab, a crazed look in his eyes.

"Now that I've got double protection, I can finally do my experiments in peace! I've got funding and protection from the World Government, and from Kaido! I'm a genius—an absolute genius! Hahaha!"

Marshal Sengoku's Office

"Sengoku, Morgans has been publishing false articles without authorization. He must be dealt with, or the Navy's authority will be questioned."

Sitting with his legs crossed and arms folded, the speaker radiated disdain, not acknowledging Sengoku's rank as Fleet Admiral.

Sengoku's expression darkened as he sat silently in his chair, though a faint twitch at the corner of his mouth betrayed his irritation.

Gone was his usual afro—now, he wore a Navy cap emblazoned with the word "Justice," adorned with a seagull ornament. His glasses were frog-shaped, and his beard was neatly trimmed, with a long braid hanging from his chin.

"I've already tracked Morgans down, but that sly old bird has relocated his headquarters. Even the World Government doesn't know how he slipped away unnoticed." Sengoku seethed. Despite issuing direct orders, Morgans had ignored their agreement and altered the published content after receiving payment.

"Morgans has always claimed neutrality, but even so, he can't act as if the World Government doesn't exist. The public relies heavily on his newspapers. He can't be allowed to run wild."

Vice Admiral Tsuru, as always, was calm and serious.

"He hasn't changed one bit," Sengoku thought to himself, though he nodded politely on the outside.

"Enough about Morgans. Tsuru, I actually called you here to ask for your opinion."

"Please speak, Fleet Admiral."

"Just call me Sengoku."

"No. In Navy headquarters, we address each other strictly by rank."

Sengoku cleared his throat and adjusted his expression.

"Ahem… Lieutenant General Tsuru, here's the latest intelligence. The Whitebeard Pirates are heading to the South Blue—likely to confront the Roger Pirates. I just returned from Mariejois. The Five Elders told me to make the final decision. Should we take advantage of the situation?"

Tsuru's eyelid twitches. "Take advantage"? Was that really how the Five Elders phrased it?

"Fleet Admiral, are you suggesting we wait until both sides are worn out, then swoop in to clean up the aftermath?"

"Exactly. The Five Elders may have left it to me, but that's clearly their intention."

"In that case, I agree. You haven't made a major accomplishment yet as Fleet Admiral. If you pull this off, your position will be solidified, and your reputation boosted." A barely visible smile flashed across Tsuru's face. She knew Sengoku well—he'd already made up his mind but wanted her confirmation.

"Good. Then let's be patient. No matter who wins or loses, we'll make our move and take down a few of them."

Meanwhile, in a lavish palace…

Five young men gathered. At the center was a cold-faced youth with a sly grin.

Wearing purple sunglasses, a fluffy pink coat, cropped pants that showed off his ankles, and pointed shoes—this was Donquixote Doflamingo, 19 years old.

Standing before him were four fiercely loyal subordinates:

a man with short pot-top hair, very muscular, named Vergo, 17 years old this year.

Wearing a flat hat, with a runny nose, a bit of a hunchback, and a silly smile with his mouth open, the man's name is Trebol, and he is 17 years old this year.

The man with long wavy hair wearing a multi-cornered helmet with a golden cross star is named Pica and he is 17 years old.

The man with two red stripes on his face extends from his forehead, through his eyes, to his chin. His name is Diamante, and he is 17 years old.

"Hehehehehehe~!" Doflamingo's eerie laugh echoed as he grinned, clearly in high spirits.

"Dofla, why'd you call us here?" Vergo crossed his arms, awaiting orders.

"Hehehe… I read something interesting in the paper. That guy, Reid—his Devil Fruit power is similar to the one used by Fleet Admiral Sengoku."

"So what's the plan? We've been idle too long!" Diamante rubbed his hands eagerly.

Just as Doflamingo was about to speak, Trebol slithered beside him like a slug, snot dangling as he muttered in a creepy tone:

"Hey hey hey~ Doffy, it's been ages since we've had any fun! Hey hey hey~ Doffy, it's been ages!"

"Go away." Doflamingo's demeanor darkened as he glared at Trebol.

"Hey hey hey~ Okay… Hey hey hey~ Okay…"

Pica didn't speak, watching Trebol in silence.

Then, Doflamingo adjusted his sunglasses, rested one hand on his thigh, and said with a sinister grin:

"From what the article suggested, Devil Fruits can be replicated or created. If we want to restore the glory of the Donquixote family, we'll need a powerful Devil Fruit army. Planning starts now."

"So, you want to obtain this method?" Vergo's eyes gleamed.

"Hehehe~ That's the idea. I'll find a way to gather more intel on this Reid. Ideally, we'll form an alliance."

"Hey hey hey~ I support it! Just like back when I gave you the String-String Fruit~ hey hey hey~ I support it!" Trebol slobbered as usual, sticky goo dripping onto the floor.