"But until now, the other party has only challenged the captain in terms of strength, and hasn't disrupted the captain's plans and business. Of course, I personally lean towards the arrangement of fate, Straw Hat is not that smart."
Hawkins said, "Especially after that so-called Sun God Fruit was exposed, the captain commented that he didn't have the will to conquer the fruit. Instead of saying it was a successful awakening, it's more like he was influenced by the fruit's will."
"Fufufufu, a guy qualified to fight Sage was actually evaluated as a Prison Beast... there's still some difference, right?" Doflamingo laughed out loud.
When a Zoan-type Fruit awakening fails, one becomes a Prison Beast. They may appear human, but their body structure and consciousness have long been occupied by the chaotic will of the fruit.
This is something that Zoan-types must go through. Of course, every Zoan Fruit can awaken, which is an advantage. Unlike Logia-type and Paramecia-type, awakening requires a suitable person.
Zoan-types can definitely awaken at a certain level, but if one recklessly tries to awaken without assurance, they will fail and become a Prison Beast with strong recovery abilities and physique.
There's still a difference between Straw Hat and a Prison Beast, and Doflamingo doesn't underestimate that guy. He was defeated once, but that was just a pirate competition. He may look down on him in rank, but never in combat power.
No need to mention that guy once fought against Sage in Wano Country.
"Not for long."
Hawkins said, "Straw Hat and I started at the same time, so I know a little about him. But the captain said, that guy's current way of forcefully boosting combat power and repeatedly awakening... you should have seen it, that fighting style only overdraws life force. Running wild on the sea for a few years will lead to death."
"It's as if the Nika Fruit chose him as a vessel to exert itself on the sea. Use it up and discard it. If the demon wills are all like that..."
Hawkins clutched his chest, "Should I say our compatibility hasn't reached that level, or does the fruit I ate not count as a high demon level?"
Of course, fruits have different levels. It's always been the case that there's no such thing as a useful ability versus a useless ability user.
In reality, useless abilities can only find corresponding ability users. Even if the compatibility is high, seizing a more suitable Devil Fruit host won't raise the level too much.
Just like some useless fruits would never seek out Sage.
There are also Devil Fruits that don't match.
But once they match, useful abilities and talented ability users can unleash different power.
Of course, who's in control is a question.
Hawkins can be certain that he is in control of his fruit.
And Straw Hat...
Anyway, the captain is not fond of his approach.
Hawkins also agrees that Sage has a point.
He's also into transformations, especially inspired by Sage, having developed a new second stage form. Its endurance is definitely lasting, unlike Straw Hat who needs lots of food to replenish after a short while.
That's completely forcefully pushing growth.
Clearly not lacking talent, and the time gained with the ability doesn't seem short, yet it's developed into such a mess.
Hawkins also gathered intelligence, curious about Straw Hat being able to clash with Sage, and specifically paid more attention, acquiring previous combat intelligence.
After all, Lucci is right here.
The second and third phases are short, facing Doflamingo was short too, now in the fifth phase after awakening... still short.
Isn't rubber supposed to be resilient?
Usage time should be long. Why, in his hands, is every phase so short?
Hawkins can also engage in a full power mode using both abilities and Haki, but he can ensure a fight lasting twenty-four hours or longer if conserving energy a bit.
No way that talent can't match with the Nika Fruit.
Two generations back, all were renowned figures on the sea.
Or is it that the Nika Fruit is so strong that even Straw Hat's talent can only barely use it?
Or maybe the fruit itself is like that...
"Does it mean transient? Why?"
Hawkins murmured, "Once liberated, do the people no longer need the Sun God? Or have those people re-established order and not only don't need but even resent it... ephemeral things are indeed ridiculous."
"Fufufufu, you know a lot, Hawkins."
Doflamingo was visibly taken aback, then laughed, "Indeed, the Nika Fruit is like this. Freedom and rule inherently conflict, but freedom is always short-lived. Lasting freedom only causes chaos, eventually forming order, and order naturally leads to rule... Nika brings a brief chaos, of course..."
While speaking, they had already entered the Royal Palace, and with Hawkins' guidance, headed towards a bedchamber. As Hawkins pushed the door open, Doflamingo strode in, grinning at the crowd ahead:
"For those oppressed within that order, it's also hope!!"
The hall before them was decorated as a conference room, with only a large long table. On both sides of the table, people were seated.
On the left, wearing a leather suit but exposing the head, displaying Lunarian characteristics sat King, with Queen and Jack seated beside him.
Further left was Katakuri, adjacent to the former Sweet Commanders Smoothie and Cracker.
On the right sat the main cadre of the Cross Guild, beside which were Vegapunk and his several clones, and Fujitora sitting with closed eyes and holding a sword.
At the foremost throne, Sage was seated, with Lily and Marika standing beside him on either side. A pink-haired girl was giggling with her legs crossed on the table.
Closer to Sage on both sides sat the Three Phases. As for those without seats, they stood beside each of their core cadres, including the Seven Stars, the Tobi Roppo, and Big Mom Pirates Ministers.
"The theory is correct, which is why I've decided to ascend to godhood."
Sage nodded, pointing to the vacant seat near the Cross Guild, "That's yours."
"Oh? The annoying guy showed up."
Crocodile, seeing Doflamingo, exhaled a puff of smoke and laughed, "Ha, ha, ha, ha... Our experiences are quite similar, Flamingo. However, I still dislike you."
"Fufufufu, the Sand Crocodile who once said he'd not collaborate with anyone, ultimately had to abandon solo play due to changes in the era? I told you long ago, only cooperation has a future."
Doflamingo grinned, unabashedly settling into that seat, then glanced at Fujitora, "Hey, Issho, you got rid of the Seven Warlords of the Sea, but isn't it now gathered just the same? I've long told you, your plan is useless, only pushing us to the opposition of the World Government."
At this point, what's the difference between having the Seven Warlords together here,
Crocodile, Doflamingo, Mihawk, Boa Hancock, Buggy who joined later, and now Weevil, who's part of the Three Phases...
That makes six!
There's also Kuma, whose body is still at O'hara. This much Doflamingo knows.
So that's seven!
On the World Government side, the Seven Warlords can never be fully assembled, yet here in Sage's, they're gathered and having a meeting.
"But it also curbed your misconduct. At least in O'hara, you can't create darkness as recklessly as when working with the World Government."
Fujitora calmly said, "Of course, as the National Security Officer, in the New World, it's better for all important figures to be restrained. If you disrupt the regional peace, I have the authority to trouble you."
"You've got a decent job, Issho!"
Doflamingo gave him a grim smile, then looked at Sage, "So, what work will you assign to me, Sage? I won't do meaningless tasks!"
Since he accepted the invitation, he naturally knew Sage had some work for him.
Funless jobs are a no-go!