Enel possessed little subtlety.
Through their brief interaction, Caesar had already grasped the core essence of Enel's character—he never concealed his true thoughts.
But what exactly was Cyrus planning?
Caesar silently analyzed the situation based on Cyrus's actions in Dressrosa and the two conflicting accounts currently circulating across the seas about the events there.
Watching the Perfume Yuda and the vessel he'd arranged depart, Caesar directed his subordinates to load supplies and personnel while contemplating what might unfold next.
Cyrus's power had reached a level where he couldn't be carelessly challenged.
The World Government and Marines' current cautious reactions demonstrated this clearly.
Perhaps within a very short time, the Hunter Guild would become the most powerful force outside the World Government and the Marines.
"Still, even if they can't deal with Cyrus now, they won't just sit idle," Caesar mused aloud. Never before had such a significant, systemic threat as Cyrus emerged.
Therefore, the World Government and Marines would certainly take major actions, though Caesar couldn't predict exactly what.
Their ultimate goal remained simple: crush Cyrus and any resistance forces across the seas.
If that were the case, they'd need to bolster their own strength drastically.
"This could make things even more interesting." Caesar was no pacifist himself, and the thought of potential future conflicts stirred a dark excitement within him.
...
The following day, in Dressrosa.
The banquet proceeded as scheduled, however, attendance remained quite sparse.
After all, King Riku and Violet knew little about Cyrus beyond his formidable power, and this terrifying reputation had become common knowledge among those in the seas who knew of him.
"Mr. Cyrus!"
When Cyrus arrived with Robin and Baby 5, King Riku and the others immediately rose to their feet.
"No need for formalities. Treat this as your own home," Cyrus waved dismissively before taking a seat at the table beside Issho.
'As their own home?' King Riku and his companions exchanged complicated glances.
'This was, in fact, our actual home though?'
"You're early. Seems you've been enjoying your recent duties," Cyrus remarked to Issho after sitting down.
"If possible, I wouldn't mind continuing such work indefinitely," the blind swordsman responded.
Upon hearing Cyrus's words, Issho sighed and continued.
If the world were peaceful enough, he could do anything he wanted without needing to fight.
"Mr. Issho has been of great help to us," King Riku interjected with a polite smile.
As his words fell, food with distinct Dressrosa characteristics was served.
It was mostly fish, along with fruits and desserts, of course, this was typical of most food out on the sea.
"I merely offered a modest contribution," Issho said to King Riku before turning to face Cyrus.
"Shouldn't matters here be concluded by now?"
Cyrus was sampling the food on the table before him.
Hearing Issho's question, he nodded.
Seeing Cyrus and Issho engaged in conversation, King Riku and the others refrained from further interruption, quietly listening nearby.
"I've summoned Enel. Once he arrives, he'll be stationed here at the Hunter Guild," Cyrus announced.
"That's a good choice. His strength is certainly sufficient," Issho nodded. He then inquired about Cyrus's future plans, but the Guild Master didn't elaborate much.
Instead, he ended the conversation and turned his gaze toward the former toy soldier, Kyros.
The missing leg had greatly affected him, but his core strength remained intact.
"Do you wish to join the Hunter Guild?" Cyrus asked directly.
Kyros and Rebecca, seated beside him, were eating.
Upon hearing the question, Kyros immediately swallowed the food in his mouth and nodded repeatedly.
"Not just Kyros!" King Riku looked at Cyrus with sincere earnestness. "I hope Dressrosa can gain the direct protection of the Hunter Guild."
His words instantly silenced the surroundings.
Issho also looked up in surprise, turning his face toward King Riku.
Clearly, this decision took the swordsman by surprise.
Even Violet, who had previously invited Cyrus to the banquet, appeared astonished, evidently unaware that her father would make such a massive choice.
"Dressrosa is a member nation of the World Government, required to pay the Heavenly Tribute annually. This is a tremendous financial burden for our people," King Riku explained, not waiting for Cyrus to ask why he made this decision.
"If we can't pay the Heavenly Tribute, we will no longer receive protection from the World Government and the Marines."
"As if you actually get protection even when you pay," Cyrus remarked bluntly.
"Exactly. So, like many islands in the New World, I wish to raise your flag over Dressrosa."
King Riku's goal was simple.
Current Dressrosa certainly couldn't afford the Heavenly Tribute, so he made an alternative choice.
Just like how major Pirate Emperors in the New World demarcate territories, raising a certain flag signifies that the place is under the protection of the overwhelming power behind that flag.
Seeing Cyrus remain silent, King Riku's voice grew urgent.
"From now on, all expenses of the Dressrosa Hunter Guild branch will be completely covered by us, and we will fully support its development."
King Riku continued to sweeten the offer, and the others looked at Cyrus, eagerly awaiting his response.
"This place is close to Mary Geoise and Marine Headquarters, and you should know what I've been doing. Have you considered the severe potential consequences of such an overt display?" Cyrus didn't care about the World Government, but King Riku couldn't afford the same indifference.
Even dealing with just one Doflamingo was beyond them, let alone the full might of the World Government and the Marines.
"We don't have a better choice," Riku looked at Cyrus with great sincerity.
For now, he would cling to the powerful ally right before him.
As for whether it would truly provoke attacks from the World Government and the Marines in the future, he couldn't be certain, but he had already weighed the pros and cons.
He also understood clearly that a powerhouse like Cyrus would serve as a massive deterrent to the authorities.
Moreover, Riku genuinely believed that the Hunter Guild had great potential.
"Since you've made your decision, I won't refuse."
There had to be a first one eventually.
Since King Riku of Dressrosa had requested it himself, Cyrus naturally wouldn't turn him down.
After all, similar geopolitical situations were bound to arise more frequently in the future.
This would also serve as an opportunity to observe how Dressrosa fared under their banner afterward, helping to determine the future operational model of the Hunter Guild.
The banquet continued, and after Cyrus agreed to Riku's request to join, the atmosphere noticeably relaxed.
Baby 5, standing faithfully beside Cyrus, occasionally brought food from the table directly to his lips, and it seemed she took great pleasure in doing so.
Not to be outdone, Robin nearby mirrored her actions.
Although the mood had lightened, given Cyrus's current status and power, no one was tactless enough to interrupt the trio.
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