One Piece: The user of the Nen-Nen Fruit, who overturned the sea.

Roy's words were like ice water poured over Cyrus's head, instantly calming him down.

His hand, which was gripping the sword hilt tightly, trembled slightly—not from fear, but from anger and helplessness.

"A major upheaval?"

Cyrus's voice was deep.

"What do you mean?"

"Roger becoming the Pirate King was just the beginning."

Roy picked up his teacup, his eyes deep and thoughtful.

"Next, the whole world will be plunged into turmoil."

The navy will expand its military on a massive scale, the world government will strengthen its control, and the powerful figures in the new world will frantically expand their territories.

A wealthy country like Dressrosa, like a lighthouse in the darkness, attracts countless greedy eyes.

Roy looked at Scarlett.

"Your Highness, your father, King Riku, is a wise and virtuous ruler."

But in this era, wisdom can sometimes become a weakness.

Kindness often attracts the covetousness of evil people.

Scarlett's face paled as she recalled the deep worry that had etched itself on her father's brow during her recent audiences with the king.

King Riku has mentioned more than once that pirates in the surrounding waters are becoming increasingly rampant, and even several non-member countries have been occupied by pirates.

"Cyrus, you are undefeated in three thousand matches in the arena, that's quite impressive."

Roy continued,

"But have you considered what if the attackers were Logia-type Devil Fruit users?"

Is it a powerful being who has mastered domineering aura?

Is it a monster like Kaido or Whitebeard?

Can your sword alone stop it?

Cyrus was speechless; he knew Roy was telling the truth.

In the arena, he faced opponents who all followed the rules.

But in real pirate battles, there are no rules.

"Join us, not just to become stronger yourself."

Roy stood up, walked to the window, looked at the distant palace, and quietly released his spiritual power, his voice carrying a seductive quality.

"Moreover, it is to gain the power to protect Dressrosa."

"Once you become members of the Roy Pirates, any force that wants to harm Dressrosa will have to think twice before considering whether they can withstand our retaliation."

Roy's slightly seductive words stirred Cyrus's mind; he simply couldn't imagine Dressrosa being breached by pirates.

How heartbroken must King Riku be, the one who had been so kind to him, who had guided him onto the right path, and who had even gone so far as to marry his princess to him?

Cyrus's face flickered in the candlelight.

Roy's words were like a key, unlocking the door to his deepest fears—

He did indeed wake up countless times in the middle of the night, dreaming of Dressrosa engulfed in flames, Scarlett weeping, and himself powerless to help.

"I..." Cyrus's voice was hoarse, "I need time to think."

Roy nodded in understanding.

"Of course, this is a life-altering decision."

I'll give you three days. Three days from now, I'll be waiting for you in the sunflower field outside the city at dusk.

Roy got up and walked towards the door, but as he opened it, he seemed to suddenly remember something and turned back.

"Oh, by the way, there's something you might want to know."

Roy's tone was casual, yet it sent a chill down Cyrus's spine.

"Don Quixote Doflamingo—you should have heard of that name, right? The former master of Dressrosa."

Cyrus's pupils suddenly contracted.

Of course he had heard of them! The Donquixote family, one of the twenty royal families who founded the World Government eight hundred years ago, once ruled Dressrosa for hundreds of years.

Until King Riku's ancestors overthrew their rule with the support of the people.

"Doflamingo is now the overlord of the West Blue underworld. He is ruthless and ambitious."

Roy continued, each word striking Cyrus's heart like a hammer blow.

"As far as I know, Doflamingo has lost his status as a Celestial Dragon."

Do you think he will reclaim the 'lost kingdom'...?

"After all, he is still a Celestial Dragon."

I think the World Government wouldn't object if he took Dressrosa!

"Enough!" Cyrus roared, veins bulging on the back of his hand.

Roy looked at him calmly.

"I'm just providing you with information."

Three days, Cyrus. Tell me your choice in three days.

The door closed softly, leaving the room in a deathly silence.

Scarlett trembled as she embraced her husband: "Cyrus..."

"Is what he said... true?"

Cyrus's voice was hoarse.

"Is Doflamingo really after Dressrosa?"

Scarlett paused for a moment, then said in a low voice,

"Father...did mention it a few times."

It is said that the Don Quixote family is becoming increasingly active in secret, as if they are plotting something.

Cyrus slumped down and covered his face with his hands.

On one hand, there is a stable life, a beloved wife, and a respected legendary status in the arena;

On the other side lies an unknown adventure, the possibility of losing everything, but also the power to protect loved ones.

Even more terrifying was Roy's final words—that Doflamingo's threat was like a Damocles' sword hanging over his head.

If that man really had designs on Dressrosa

Given the Riku royal family's mild-mannered nature, can they withstand the conspiracy of the underworld's overlord?

"Scarlett".

Kyūkyūrṇas raised his head, his eyes bloodshot.

"If...if I really joined a pirate crew, would you blame me?"

Scarlett knelt before him and took his hand.

Whatever decision you make, I will support you.

But Cyrus, do not choose out of fear, but out of hope.

She said gently but firmly.

"You are the strongest swordsman in Dressrosa, and you should not be threatened by anyone to move forward."

If you join the Roy Pirates, I hope it's because you see the possibility of becoming stronger.

They saw hope in protecting the country, not out of fear of Doflamingo.

----------

------

Roy stepped out of the cabin, the door closing gently behind him.

He didn't leave immediately, but leaned against the wall outside the hut.

With his eyes closed, his Observation Haki spread out like mercury.

In his perception, Cyrus and Scarlett inside the room were breathing rapidly and heavily, their emotions fluctuating violently.

The two exchanged a few words in hushed tones, followed by a long silence.

Suddenly, Cyrus stood up: "I must go see His Majesty."

"Now?" Scarlett's voice was filled with surprise.

"It has to be now."

Cyrus's tone was resolute.

"If Doflamingo is really plotting something, Your Majesty must know."

Moreover... I want to hear His Majesty's opinion.

Roy's lips curled into a slight smile.

Very well, Cyrus did not make a blind decision out of fear, but chose to seek more information.

This is exactly what he wanted to see—a swordsman with independent thinking and a strong sense of loyalty and righteousness.

Rather than a puppet driven by fear.

Cyrus and Scarlett took advantage of the darkness and made their way to the palace via a side path.

Cyrus knew the streets of Dressrosa like the back of his hand, and led Scarlett past all the patrols to the back gate of the palace.