Don't have too high hopes.

"Even if a Devil Fruit of that caliber existed, Doflamingo would keep it hidden and cultivate his own trusted subordinates."

Tesoro paused for a second, then said,

"Understood, boss."

"I'll keep a close eye on him."

Roy nodded.

"Okay, then that's settled."

"I have some things to take care of here, I'll go back in a few days."

"yes!"

The phone hangs up.

Roy put away the Den Den Mushi and looked towards the distant horizon.

Doflamingo's connections are indeed useful.

That guy, no wonder he's so successful in the underworld.

If this cooperative relationship can be maintained, Beehive Island's wealth and strength will grow even faster.

Of course, you can't completely trust him either.

That guy is a complete schemer.

They could stab you in the back at any time.

but--

Roy's lips curled into a faint smile.

As long as we have absolute strength to suppress him, we are not afraid of his tricks.

He turned around and looked at Lafayette and Van Augur, who were still practicing on the deck.

Both of them were so engrossed in their cultivation that they didn't notice that Roy had already finished his call.

Roy didn't disturb them; he simply walked to the bow of the ship, took control of the sailboat, and headed towards Fighting Island.

............

Fighting Island is located somewhere in the first half of the Grand Line.

That place is a paradise for fighters and a playground for gamblers.

Every year, countless people flock there to participate in the annual fighting tournament.

And Burgess, the helmsman of the Blackbeard Pirates in the original story, should be there right now, wreaking havoc.

A hint of anticipation flashed in Roy's eyes.

I wonder how strong Bages is now?

Is it worth it for him to make the trip himself?

……

Two days later.

A huge island came into view.

The island is filled with towering buildings, the most eye-catching of which is a huge circular arena, even larger than the Colosseum in Dressrosa.

The port was filled with all sorts of ships—

Pirate ships, merchant ships, fishing boats, and even a few naval warships.

The dock was teeming with people, a cacophony of languages, creating a noisy scene.

Roy maneuvered the small sailboat and moored it in a corner of the harbor.

Lafayette and Van Augur woke up from their meditation, stood up, and stretched their limbs.

Although the two days of training were short, both of them felt they had gained a great deal.

Lafayette, in particular, has already faintly touched the threshold of Observation Haki.

"Captain, is this Fighting Island?"

Lafayette gazed at the enormous arena, a flicker of interest in his eyes.

Roy nodded.

"Um."

"Let's go down and take a look."

The three jumped off the boat and joined the crowd at the port.

The streets were filled with enthusiastic fighting enthusiasts.

There were muscular burly men, sharp-eyed swordsmen, menacing pirates, and well-dressed businessmen.

They gathered in small groups, discussing something animatedly.

"...I heard there's a monster among this year's contestants!"

"Yes, yes, yes! Burgess! That guy is crushing everyone; no one can last three moves against him!"

"That's terrifying! Those muscles, that power—one punch could send someone flying!"

"I'm betting on him to win! I've already wagered 100,000 Pelés on him!"

"Haha! Me too!"

Such conversations occasionally broke out from the crowd.

Lafayette and Van Auger exchanged a glance, both seeing a hint of seriousness in each other's eyes.

Burgess...

This name seems to be quite famous on Fighting Island.

Roy listened to the discussions, a faint smile playing on his lips.

It seems we've arrived just in time.

……

The three walked along the street toward the fighting arena.

Along the way, there were advertisements for the fighting tournament everywhere.

The walls were covered with posters featuring the names of this year's well-known competitors.

The largest one is of a muscular man.

He was shirtless, his muscles were as sharp as granite, and he wore a ferocious smile with his fists clenched, looking arrogant and domineering.

At the bottom of the poster, a line of large text was written—

[Bajs – The favorite to win this tournament! He's been dominating the competition, unmatched!]

Van Augur looked at the poster and couldn't help but say,

"Captain, is this the person you're looking for?"

Roy nodded.

"Um."

Van Augur paused for a second, then said,

"It does look very strong."

Roy smiled slightly.

We'll find out tomorrow whether it's strong or not.

The three continued on their way.

Soon, a huge hotel came into view.

The hotel, named "House of Fighters," is located next to the fighting arena and is one of the best hotels on the island.

Several uniformed waiters were standing at the entrance, greeting the guests.

Roy strode into the hotel.

The lobby was equally bustling.

People dressed in all sorts of outfits gathered here; some were drinking and chatting, some were exchanging information, and some were debating the outcome of tomorrow's match.

Roy walked to the front desk,

"Three rooms."

The receptionist glanced at him, then at Lafayette and Van Auger behind him, and immediately put on a professional smile.

"Yes, sir! Three luxury suites, 100,000 Berries a day, is that alright with you?"

Roy casually tossed out a stack of pewter rings.

"Can."

The waiter took the money, quickly completed the formalities, and handed over three keys.

"Sir, your room is on the fifth floor, 506, 507, or 508."

Have a pleasant stay!

Roy took the keys and led Lafayette and Van Augur upstairs.

All three rooms are luxury suites, exquisitely decorated and fully equipped.

Open the window and you can see the fighting arena not far away.

Lafayette and Van Augur went into their respective rooms, tidied up briefly, and then went to Roy's room.

"Captain, shall we go and gather information now?"

"Lafayette asked."

Roy nodded.

"Um."

"You two, go and find out more about Bages."

"When is the next match? Who is the opponent? Where will the match be held?"

"I'm going to take a walk around."

Lafayette and Van Auger exchanged a glance.

"yes!"

The two left the hotel and blended into the crowd.

Roy stood by the window, gazing at the enormous fighting arena, a thoughtful glint in his eyes.

There are quite a few naval personnel on this island.

He saw at least three warships at the port just now.

Those naval soldiers, mingling in the crowd, though dressed in civilian clothes, exuded an aura of disciplined training that couldn't escape his Observation Haki.

What are they spying on?

Or is it just a routine patrol?

Roy withdrew his gaze, turned, and walked out of the room.

……

In the evening, Lafayette and Van Auger returned to the hotel.

"Captain, we've found out."

Lafayette said as he entered the door,

"Bajs is indeed competing, and he is absolutely dominating the game."

"He has played a total of seven matches since the qualifiers."

"Seven wins out of seven, and in each one, the opponent was defeated within three moves."

"The worst one was punched so hard that half of his body was shattered, and he died on the spot."

"Right now, he is the biggest favorite to win this tournament."

Roy nodded.

"What about the next match?"

Lafayette Road,

"The semi-finals are tomorrow morning."

"My opponent is a guy called 'Iron Arm' Arms, who is also a strong contender in this tournament. He has only lost one match so far."

"It is said that he is quite strong and is known for his defense with both arms."

A glint of light flashed in Roy's eyes as he walked to the window and looked out at the fighting arena under the night sky.

The huge arena is brightly lit, and a night match is underway.

The cheers and shouts of the audience could be faintly heard.

"I'll go take a look tomorrow."

Roy said calmly.

Raphael nodded.

"yes!"

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