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

Dressrosa Royal Palace.

The guards were visibly surprised to see Scarlett, but at her signal, they kept quiet and let the two in.

Inside the palace, the lights were still on in King Riku's study.

The wise king was reviewing documents, his brow furrowed, clearly worried about the recent situation.

When Scarlett and Cyrus pushed open the door and entered, King Riku looked up.

He was taken aback at first, then a loving smile appeared on his face.

"Cyrus, Scarlett? It's so late..."

"Father."

Scarlett knelt down to pay her respects, and Cyrus followed suit.

King Riku keenly sensed the awkward atmosphere, waved for his servants to leave, and closed the study door.

"What happened?"

Cyrus raised his head and recounted Roy's visit and Doflamingo's threat in detail.

Roy locked onto the group with his Observation Haki and listened quietly.

He wanted to know how King Riku would choose to face such a crisis.

"Doflamingo..."

King Riku repeated the name in a low voice.

"I met him once, a descendant of the Don Quixote family."

He was just a child then, but his eyes already held a disturbing ambition.

He turned to look at Cyrus and Scarlett.

"What that 'Heavenly Path' Roy said is very likely; Doflamingo is indeed eyeing Dressrosa."

In fact, I discovered three months ago that there were quite a few members of underground forces in the Kingdom of Dressrosa.

"This must have been arranged by Doflamingo!"

"What?" Cyrus was shocked.

Scarlett's face turned pale: "Father, why didn't you tell us...?"

"I don't want you to worry."

King Riku sighed.

"Moreover, I believe that those underground figures are only using Dressrosa as a hub for their operations."

So I didn't take it to heart.

So I didn't take it to heart. (Continue)

King Riku walked to the window, gazing at the tranquil royal city in the night, his voice heavy.

"But now it seems that I was too naive."

The news brought by Captain Roy connected these scattered clues.

These people were probably planted by Doflamingo; they plan to gradually erode the Kingdom of Dressrosa...

Upon hearing this, Roy's Observation Haki subtly faded, and a smile appeared on his lips.

King Riku's judgment coincided with his own thoughts—

Doflamingo is indeed laying out a long-term plan, gradually controlling Dressrosa's economic and political lifeline through underground infiltration, ultimately achieving "peaceful evolution."

This is very much in line with Doflamingo's style.

That man loved to scheme and plot, aiming to gain the greatest benefit with the least cost.

Roy stopped listening and turned to disappear into the night.

He had gotten the answer he wanted; the rest was up to Cyrus to make his own choice.

Three days passed in the blink of an eye.

On the evening of the third day, the setting sun bathed the sunflower field in golden light. Roy and his group stood at the edge of the field, awaiting Cyrus's arrival.

It didn't take long.

Cyrus arrived on time, accompanied by Scarlett.

Both were dressed in clothes that allowed for easy movement; Cyrus carried a simple bag, while Scarlett carried a small box containing her personal belongings.

"It seems you've made your decision," Roy said with a smile.

Cyrus's expression was complex upon seeing the smiling Roy.

Finally, he stepped forward, knelt on one knee, and performed a standard knightly salute.

"Captain Roy, I, Cyrus, am willing to join the Roy Pirates and swear by my sword to follow you."

Scarlett also gave a noble bow.

"Scarlett is willing to join us and do my best for the pirate crew."

"A wise choice!"

Roy helped the two up.

"Welcome. From today onwards, you are our partners."

Roy turned around and introduced,

"This is Hawkeye Mihawk, the future world's greatest swordsman, who will be responsible for instructing you in swordsmanship from now on."

This is Barrett, my first mate, in charge of your physical conditioning and Haki training.

Eagle Eyes' sharp gaze swept over Cyrus.

"See you on deck at five o'clock tomorrow morning. Don't be late."

Barrett grinned, revealing his gleaming white teeth.

"The afternoon is my time. Be prepared, my training won't be easy."

Cyrus straightened his back and said, "Yes! Please give me your guidance!"

Just then, a voice came from afar: "Wait!"

Everyone turned to look and saw King Riku walking briskly towards them, accompanied by several guards.

The king was not wearing a magnificent royal robe, but rather simple casual clothes.

"Father!" Scarlett greeted him with delight.

King Riku took his daughter's hand, then looked at Roy.

"Captain Roy, please allow me to say a few more words."

Roy nodded: "Please speak, Your Majesty."

King Riku took out an exquisite badge from his pocket, engraved with the national flower of Dressrosa and the emblem of a sword and shield.

He solemnly handed the badge to Roy.

"Captain Roy, this is a token I used to sign an alliance with the Roy Pirates on behalf of the Kingdom of Dressrosa."

From this day forward, Dressrosa will be one of the Roy Pirates' most steadfast allies in the New World.

Roy took the badge, looked at the king with amusement, examined it carefully, and then put it in his pocket.

"Then thank you for your trust, Your Majesty."

"I, Roy, as captain of the pirate crew, promise that what happens in Dressrosa is our business."

King Riku nodded with satisfaction, then turned to Cyrus and Scarlett.

"Go, children."

Go forth and seek a stronger path, and witness a wider world.

But remember, wherever you go, this will always be your home.

He lowered his voice and spoke in a volume that only a few people could hear.

"I have already begun to deal with the threat posed by Doflamingo."

The royal guard will increase its vigilance, and I will also contact neighboring friendly countries to establish a joint defense mechanism.

So don't worry, just focus on getting stronger.

Cyrus nodded emphatically: "Your Majesty, I will certainly not let you down!"

The sun completely sank below the horizon, and night fell.

The Ark Proverb slowly rose into the night, its lights twinkling like stars.

Cyrus and Scarlett stood on the ship's railing, watching the Dressrosa ship gradually disappear into the distance.

My heart is filled with reluctance, but also with anticipation.

"I will come back."

Cyrus held his wife's hand tightly.

"We will definitely come back when we become strong enough."

Scarlett leaned on his shoulder: "Yeah, I believe you."

Roy stood at the bow of the ship, gazing at the night sky ahead, planning his next move.

Cyrus successfully recruited Dressrosa, making it an ally, and this trip to Dressrosa was quite fruitful.

"Next target..." Roy muttered to himself, "Crocodile, the Sand Crocodile. What choice will that ambitious Logia-type Devil Fruit user make?"

In the chessboard of the new world, Roy has made another important move.

As news of Roger becoming the Pirate King spread throughout the world, a true storm was about to break.

The Ark Proverb pierced the night sky, heading towards its next destination—the desert nation of Alabasta.

There, a battle against a Logia-type powerhouse awaits the Roy Pirates.