"I knew it..."
Rebecca looked at King Riku, her eyebrows arching like crescent moons as she smiled sweetly and said, "Grandpa would never hide things from us. Grandpa has always been on our side." Viola nodded in agreement with Rebecca's words.
Brushing the hair from her forehead, Viola smiled faintly and said, "Father, since this map isn't very important, let's just give it to Chris."
"Trading a map of little value for the safety of all of Dressrosa is undoubtedly a very cost-effective deal."
King Riku frowned, his weathered face showing a trace of worry. After a moment of hesitation, he said, "Giving the map to Chris isn't the issue."
"What concerns me is whether he'll go back on his word after getting the map and refuse to help us." King Riku looked at the two of them, his expression grave as he continued, "This is something worth pondering!"
Rebecca nodded, stroking her delicate chin as she analyzed the situation.
"Grandpa makes a good point. This is indeed worth considering."
"Chris is asking for something first before agreeing to help us, which puts us at a huge disadvantage."
"If he takes the map and just leaves, there's nothing we can do about it."
Rebecca looked at Viola, blinked her beautiful eyes, and smiled. "Auntie, do you have a better idea?"
Viola shrugged, a bitter smile appearing on her pretty face as she said helplessly, "You don't understand Chris's personality. He's too domineering and doesn't allow anyone to question him. There's no room for negotiation."
"If he's made his demand, then we have no choice but to comply. There's no other option."
Viola looked at King Riku and Rebecca, her expression deadly serious as she said, "But I can guarantee that he won't go back on his word."
"Just based on the fact that Bakkin is a Lucky-Lucky Fruit user, I wouldn't doubt him."
Rebecca nodded, smiling brightly. "That's true. Since he knows we have something he wants, he could easily contact Doflamingo."
"In that case, we wouldn't be able to keep the item anyway, so we might as well give it to him willingly."
"So, I agree with Auntie's opinion. We can hand the map over to Chris."
King Riku frowned, his aged face showing a contemplative expression as he weighed the pros and cons.
Finally, he sighed and said with emotion, "Fine. Let's give it to him."
"After all, this is our only hope. If we miss this opportunity, there won't be another one."
"Doflamingo is the king of the underground world, a man of great renown, with connections everywhere."
"The only one who dares to challenge him is Chris."
King Riku looked at Viola and said solemnly, "Contact him now and agree to his terms."
"Rebecca and I will listen in to confirm the situation."
Rebecca's eyes sparkled, her face full of smiles as she chimed in.
"That's right! Grandpa and I will be here to assess whether Chris is sincere in helping us."
"Auntie, make the call, hurry! I'll observe carefully, hehe~"
Viola shook her head and smiled wryly. "You're overthinking it. That's not how it works."
"If we call, it'll be Bakkin who answers, not Chris."
After saying this, she took out the Den Den Mushi and placed it on the desk.
Rebecca waved her hand dismissively, looking nonchalant.
"Auntie, it doesn't matter who answers. Just make the call."
"I'm fully focused and will observe every detail carefully."
Viola rolled her eyes at her and said reproachfully, "Still as mischievous as ever. You never grow up."
Without further hesitation, she dialed the number...
On the Chris Pirates' ship, in the women's quarters...
"Do you think Viola will call back?" Perona floated in the air, looking at the others curiously.
Kalina leaned back in her chair, crossing her legs, and smirked confidently. "Of course she will. There's no doubt about it."
Nojiko nodded, smoothing her blue hair as she smiled faintly. "Chris already said it—Doflamingo isn't just any Warlord."
"He has the backing of Emperor Kaido. Who would dare challenge him?"
"Even the monsters of the New World wouldn't dare clash with Doflamingo head-on."
Nami blinked her big eyes, stroking her fair chin thoughtfully. "That's true."
"He's not just the king of the underground world—he also has ties to the World Government. He's got connections everywhere."
Nami clenched her fists, her face full of excitement. "A pirate like him is living so shrewdly, so impressively!"
Vivi looked at her and said gracefully, "He may live shrewdly, but Chris said he's destined to be washed away by the tides of the era."
"After becoming the king of Dressrosa, he grew arrogant and complacent. He stopped training, and his strength stagnated."
"When the waves of the new era came, he couldn't survive. Impel Down is where he belongs."
Makino shook her head slightly and sighed. "Chris may not speak much, but every word he says hits the mark. It's full of meaning."
Kaya nodded repeatedly, her eyes filled with admiration as she gazed at the man in front of her.
"Lord Chris is the most outstanding man in this world."
Sweet Pea looked at them and said with a smile, "So don't overthink it. It won't be long before she calls. That's beyond doubt."
"Unless she doesn't want to save Dressrosa. Then forget what I said."
Just then, a crisp ringing sound echoed through the room.
The women exchanged glances, their eyes lighting up.
Carmen crossed her arms and said with a smile, "Speak of the devil. It must be Viola calling."
Betty took a puff of her cigarette, as calm as ever. "She's definitely more anxious than we are. That's only natural."
Without hesitation, Bakkin quickly picked up the receiver and answered the call.
"Bakkin, it's Viola."
The Den Den Mushi mimicked her appearance—still as beautiful and dignified, the epitome of a noble princess. Rebecca and King Riku both watched the Den Den Mushi intently.
Her deep red hair and exquisite features suggested that Bakkin must be very beautiful.
"I know."
Bakkin smoothed her hair and smiled gently. "Viola, I've been waiting for your call. The moment the Den Den Mushi rang, I knew it was you."
"So, have you asked your father? Did you find what you were looking for?"
The women stayed silent, all ears, eager to hear the answer.
Viola nodded, her eyes curving into crescents as she replied gracefully, "We found it, Bakkin."
"I asked my father, and it turns out what Lord Chris wants is actually a map."
"It's a fragment of a map. If all the pieces are gathered, it can lead to the Tree of Devil Fruits."
Viola leaned back in her chair, crossing her legs, which accentuated her alluring figure. She was truly captivating.
"Bakkin, could you ask Lord Chris if this is what he wants?"
"If not, I'll keep searching. No matter what, I'll make sure Lord Chris is satisfied. You have my word."
"Thank you, Bakkin."
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T/N:
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