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

For the next few days, both sides remained inactive.

The Don Quixote family's officers stayed cooped up in the abandoned manor every day, never venturing out.

The gene warriors of the Roy Pirates maintained a state of outward relaxation but inward vigilance, secretly monitoring that area.

Roy himself would spend his days strolling around Dressrosa with Tezzolo.

Today I'll stroll through the shopping street, tomorrow I'll visit the plaza, and the day after tomorrow—

Visit the bullfighting arena.

Tesoro stared at the magnificent arena before him, unable to help but click his tongue in amazement.

"Boss, are you sure it's okay for us to go shopping every day for the next few days?"

Roy strode into the arena and said calmly,

"What's the problem?"

"If Doflamingo doesn't move, neither will we."

"Let's see who loses their temper first."

Tezzolo scratched his head.

"But... what if he doesn't move at all?"

A faint smile curved Roy's lips.

"He won't."

"He brought all his core staff all the way to Dressrosa, not for a vacation."

"He must be waiting for something."

"Wait until he feels it's the right time."

"We just need to wait."

Tesoro nodded thoughtfully.

The two took their seats in the VIP section.

Below, in the arena, two swordsmen are engaged in a fierce battle.

The clash of swords and the back-and-forth exchanges drew cheers from the audience.

Roy picked up his teacup, took a small sip, and while his gaze seemed to be fixed on the arena, it had actually already passed over the crowd and was looking into the distance.

The Observation Haki quietly unfolds.

Inside the abandoned manor on the outskirts of the city, those dozens of auras remained quietly in place.

There was no unusual movement, no departure, and no probing.

Roy's smile deepened.

Doflamingo, you really know how to hold back.

Let's keep watching then.

Let's see who has the last laugh.

…………

As the sun sets, the day's competition comes to an end.

Roy and Tezzolo left the arena and strolled through the streets of Dressrosa.

Along the streets, vendors were packing up their stalls, children were chasing and playing, and lovers were strolling hand in hand.

Everything was so harmonious and beautiful.

As if they had no idea that a storm was brewing in the shadows.

Tesoro couldn't help but say,

"Boss, what do you think Doflamingo is really up to?"

"There hasn't been a single sound these past few days."

"Could it be that they're afraid of us and sneaked away?"

Roy shook his head.

"Won't."

"His ship is still in the harbor, and he is still on the estate."

"and--"

He paused.

"I could sense that he was waiting."

"Wait until I lower my guard, wait until I reveal a weakness."

"Or wait for a time when he deems it appropriate."

Tezzolo frowned.

"So we're just going to keep waiting like this?"

Roy stopped and turned to look at him.

The moonlight shone down, illuminating his young yet profound face.

"Tezzolo, remember this—"

"In the face of absolute power, any conspiracy or trickery is a joke."

"If Doflamingo wants to play, let him play."

"He'll come to us when he can't hold it in any longer."

"At that time—"

"Let's talk about whatever he wants."

"Whatever he wants to fight, we'll fight with him."

"The initiative has always been in our hands."

As Tesoro looked at Roy's calm and composed demeanor, his anxiety gradually dissipated.

He grinned.

"Understood, boss!"

"Shall we go to the arena again tomorrow?"

Roy nodded.

"go."

"I heard there are some very skilled swordsmen dueling tomorrow; it's worth watching."

"and--"

A glint of light flashed in his eyes.

"Perhaps that 'Shichibukai' will also go to see it."

Tesoro's eyes lit up.

"Boss, you mean...?"

Roy didn't answer, he just smiled and turned to walk towards the palace.

Under the moonlight, his silhouette appeared exceptionally composed and calm.

It was as if everything was under my control.

Tesoro quickly followed, secretly admiring him.

This is the boss.

Always so steady, no matter what the situation.

With a boss like that, what is there to be afraid of?

As night deepened, Dressrosa fell into a deep sleep.

And this silent standoff continues.

……

three days later.

The bullring in Dressrosa remains bustling with activity.

Inside the enormous circular arena, two gladiators are locked in fierce combat.

The sounds of clashing swords, cheers from the audience, and excited shouts from the commentator blended together, creating an extremely exciting atmosphere.

Roy and Tezzolo sat in the VIP section as usual.

Tezzolo sat beside him, listlessly resting his chin on his hand.

"Boss, it's been four days already."

"That Doflamingo guy is still not making a move."

Do you think he's really chickened out?

Roy was holding an ancient book he had borrowed from the Dresden Palace Library.

Those are books about the history of Dressrosa, recording the legends and myths of the country.

Among them, the legends about "fairies" piqued his interest.

"Fairies" often appear in the "flower fields" and near the main streets of Dressrosa, stealing food and valuables from residents, but they also leave behind some "gifts" in return.

This legend has been circulating in Dressrosa for hundreds of years.

But Roy knew that it wasn't a fairy at all.

Those are the Lilliputians.

The Dongdada Clan.

A race that is only the size of a palm in height, possesses extraordinary strength and agility, as well as unique plant cultivation techniques.

They lived a secluded life in the underworld of Dressrosa, far removed from worldly strife.

In the original story, they were enslaved by Doflamingo and used his technology to cultivate Devil Fruits and create "SMILE" artificial fruits.

And now...

Roy put down his book and looked at the agitated Tesoro.

"Won't."

"If he chickened out, he wouldn't have come."

"Once you arrive, you will definitely show up."

Tezzolo scratched his head.

"What if he doesn't show up at all?"

Roy glanced at him.

"Then we'll just keep waiting."

"Anyway, we have plenty of time."

"Perfect timing, I'd also like to watch more matches in this arena."

Tesoro followed his gaze to the arena and couldn't help but say,

"Boss, these gladiators are pretty good, but they're nowhere near as good as us, right?"

"What's so interesting about it?"

A faint smile curved Roy's lips.

"It's not just about strength."

"It's their fighting style, their beliefs, and the potential they unleash in dire circumstances."

"Sometimes these things are more interesting than simply being powerful."

Tezzolo nodded, seemingly understanding.

Below, in the arena, the battle has reached a fever pitch.

A burly man wielded a giant axe, hacking and slashing wildly.

The other, slender swordsman dodged nimbly, looking for an opportunity to counterattack.

The two fought back and forth, locked in a fierce and evenly matched battle.

The audience was thrilled, and cheers rose in waves.

Roy's gaze fell on the gaunt swordsman, a thoughtful glint in his eyes.

Although the swordsman's movements were not smooth or precise, every dodge and every counterattack was filled with a desperate spirit.

That's the look in the eyes of someone who has truly experienced life and death.

"interesting."

Roy murmured.

Tezzolo leaned closer.

"Boss, what did you say?"

Roy withdrew his gaze.

"It's nothing."

"Let's watch the game."

…………