'That does sound like Doflamingo's style.' Cyrus wasn't surprised by Violet's explanation.
What did surprise him was how Doflamingo had managed to acquire so many real Devil Fruits.
After all, Devil Fruits were rare, and ability users were even scarcer on the seas.
Most people who ate Devil Fruits could easily make a name for themselves, which was why people mistakenly thought the fruits weren't hard to obtain.
"They could serve as rewards for the Hunter Guild later, or as prizes for the Hunter Exam half a year from now," Robin suggested.
Cyrus had previously used the three Devil Fruits obtained from the Sabaody Archipelago as prizes for the upcoming exam, and the fruit from Punk Hazard had been handled the same way.
Since Devil Fruits could be preserved for a long time—as long as no one ate them—they seemed capable of being stored indefinitely.
"Yes, but let's exclude the artificial ones," Cyrus agreed.
Those SMILE fruits had severe flaws, and while Kaido might not care, Cyrus wouldn't use such defective items as exam prizes.
Still, these things weren't completely useless; perhaps they could be traded at a ratio of three or five to one.
"See if we can find someone to trade these Artificial Devil Fruits with."
As Cyrus spoke, Violet's expression changed.
The SMILE factory had brought not only enslavement to the people of Dressrosa but also severe toxic pollution during its operation.
'Could it be that Cyrus intends to keep the factory running?'
Noticing Violet's expression, Robin seemed to guess her thoughts. "Don't worry, Cyrus won't continue with it. He just wants to trade the ones we currently have on hand."
After Robin clarified, Cyrus also looked at Violet. "Indeed, the factory will remain permanently closed. As for the items inside, you can handle them as you see fit. They should still hold some scrap value."
Hearing this, Violet breathed a heavy sigh of relief.
"Mr. Cyrus, my brother-in-law Kyros wants to join your Hunter Guild."
'Kyros?'
The name wasn't unfamiliar to Cyrus, he was quite an important figure in the original Dressrosa storyline.
After being turned into a toy and losing a leg, he protected and raised his daughter even though she had absolutely no memory of him.
In terms of strength, he should be comparable to Diamante, whom Cyrus had defeated back in the East Blue.
Moreover, as a native of Dressrosa, his joining would be a good thing for local morale.
"Alright. When did you say the banquet would be held? I'll attend then."
"Sir, the timing of the banquet is entirely up to you," Violet responded, this having been decided earlier after discussions with her father.
"Then let's make it tomorrow evening!" Cyrus gave a time without wasting words.
"Understood. I'll go inform my father right away."
After speaking, Violet bowed slightly with Rebecca and turned to leave.
"Is this Kyros sufficient?" Robin asked after Violet left, referring to the candidate Cyrus had mentioned earlier to manage the local Hunter Guild branch.
"No, his strength isn't sufficient. We need someone at least at the Warlord level," Cyrus shook his head.
Robin was speechless.
At least Warlord level? People of that caliber were already top-tier powerhouses on the seas.
After all, these were individuals specifically selected by the World Government to keep other pirates—and even the Pirate Emperors of the New World—in check.
To accomplish such a task, their strength was naturally incredible.
Perhaps they were nothing in Cyrus's eyes, but to others on the seas, they were already formidable figures.
Such people weren't easy to find.
"If that's the case, I might have someone in mind," Robin spoke up after a moment of thought.
Cyrus turned to look at her, his eyes questioning.
"Enel!" Robin uttered the name.
"I have plans for that guy. He's supposed to be the final boss for the Hunter Exam on Sky Island later," Cyrus shook his head.
"But that's half a year from now, isn't it? Between now and the Hunter Exam, you haven't assigned him any tasks. Moreover, with his strength, wouldn't it be a waste not to utilize him?"
After Robin's analysis, Cyrus began to seriously consider it.
She was right.
As a Logia user of the Rumble-Rumble Fruit, having him idle around with Crocodile for half a year was indeed less productive than putting him to work here.
As for the bureaucratic affairs of the Hunter Guild branch, even if Enel couldn't handle them well, they could be delegated to others.
For instance, to someone like Violet or a clever administrative individual sent by Crocodile.
As long as the combat role was filled, everything else could be managed.
This aligned perfectly with the way things worked in this world: combat power was everything.
As for whether Enel could fulfill this combat role, Cyrus wasn't worried.
Once this guy improved his Armament Haki and physical prowess, his potential was immense.
After mastering Armament Haki and gaining more New World combat experience, his strength would rival that of an Admiral without issue.
After all, he wielded the raw power of lightning, renowned as the most destructive elemental force.
With this in mind, Cyrus pulled out a Den Den Mushi and, under Robin's gaze, contacted Crocodile.
The snail connected quickly.
"President!" Crocodile's voice came through, sounding rather weary.
"Is Enel with you? Have someone escort him to Dressrosa. The Hunter Guild here needs him to hold the fort for half a year," Cyrus ordered, getting straight to the point.
Crocodile fell completely silent on the other end.
After a long pause, the Warlord's resigned voice finally sounded.
"President, I'm already short-handed here. Even though Enel isn't the brightest, his strength is more than sufficient, and he's quite useful to me."
"Enough excuses. I believe that with your capabilities, you can easily handle the tasks I've assigned even without Enel." Cyrus ignored Crocodile's complaints.
"You think too highly of me," Crocodile fell silent again, his tone sounding even more listless.
"If I didn't think highly of you, I wouldn't have gone all the way to Alabasta to find you."
"Fine. Enel should be arriving at Punk Hazard soon. We need someone to oversee the transport of goods from there, as well as those children."
An escort mission!
Cyrus nodded. "Alright, have him come directly to Dressrosa after."
"What about the goods and the children?" Crocodile asked.
"Caesar's strength is decent, and he has plenty of tricks up his sleeve. Have him personally escort the goods back to you, and then you handle the arrangements. Caesar has mastered some useful techniques, see if there's any way to utilize them."
"Caesar Clown? Understood." This time, Crocodile didn't refuse.
He also knew about Caesar Clown—a top-tier scientific talent who previously worked for the World Government.
Such individuals held considerable value.
"Oh, by the way, President!" Crocodile seemed to remember something and spoke again. "Boa Hancock from Amazon Lily is also looking for you, apparently because of your action in killing the Celestial Dragons."