"Commodore Griffin is as handsome as ever! Being on the same ship with him makes even the sea breeze smell sweet~"
"That's right~ Even his back view is so dashing~"
...
Behind the battleship's artillery mount, two young Marines—one male and one female—whispered quietly to each other, peeking out with half their heads to secretly watch Griffin sitting cross-legged on the deck.
The male Marine couldn't help but remark, "I think the title of the most beautiful person on the seas shouldn't belong to that Pirate Empress. It's obvious to anyone that Commodore Griffin is more beautiful!"
...
"Haven't you heard? The Snake Princess's title has already changed from 'World's Most Beautiful Person' to 'World's Most Beautiful Woman.'"
"Only those clueless pirates would dare compare Commodore Griffin to that unspeakable person."
The female Marine looked at the male Marine with disdain. "Really, you don't even know about this? And I brought you along thinking you were one of the rare male soldiers who genuinely appreciate aesthetics."
"Exposed, aren't you!"
The male soldier quickly waved his hands in explanation. "No way! I'm absolutely steadfast in the Aesthetics Faction for Griffin!"
"President, you know my loyalty! I've even tattooed Commodore Griffin's face on..."
...
Within the Marine Headquarters, there were numerous supporters of Griffin, primarily consisting of young Marines.
Without factions, things would be strange—especially among these passionate young people.
Two factions held the most substantial influence.
The first was the 'Aesthetics Faction,' which absolutely opposed any speech or action that insulted Commodore Griffin's appearance and sought divine punishment against anyone attempting to challenge his 'supreme aesthetic' status!
Their simple yet extreme faction philosophy attracted many to join. Rumor had it that even the descendants of some high-ranking officials at Headquarters were among the cadres of this faction.
There were even whispers that the mastermind behind this faction could 'reach the heavens directly,' receiving sponsorship from a certain prominent figure above.
...
Unlike the Aesthetics Faction, which was mainly composed of women, the other major faction was the 'New King Faction.'
Many Marines of the previous generation had joined the Marines because of the prestige and charisma of Garp, Sengoku, and Zephyr.
In recent years, Sakazuki's firmness and Kuzan's magnanimity had also drawn in quite a few.
These individuals valued the power represented by the Marines—strength and the immense sense of accomplishment from protecting civilians.
Rising to fame at a young age, the youngest commodore in history, repelling enemies that even Admiral Kizaru couldn't handle, a super monster who left all others in the dust at the Officer Training Camp...
Griffin fulfilled all their fantasies of strength!
This faction consisted mostly of young male soldiers, eager to achieve merit and make a name for themselves, hoping to join Commodore Griffin's fleet.
Their creed was—
Pirates have their Pirate King, so why can't we Marines have a Marine King!
Commodore Griffin, with his kingly qualities, will be the monarch of the new era, and we will be the legendary Marines who follow him to fame across the seas!
Hence, they called themselves the 'New King Faction.'
...
This faction later surged ahead, briefly overshadowing the Aesthetics Faction for a time.
However, because they went too far, they were suppressed by the oldest and most powerful faction—the "Garp Hero Faction"—and had to rein themselves in, now competing on equal footing with the Aesthetics Faction.
In addition, there were several relatively niche factions.
For example, the "White Wolf Beast Form Faction," the "Human-Beast Form Faction," the "Invincible Sharingan Faction," and so on, as well as the recently emerged "Nether Entanglement Armed Faction."
——
Griffin only knew that he had many supporters among the new generation at Marine Headquarters, completely unaware that they were so finely divided into factions.
He had no mind to bother with such matters.
Sitting cross-legged on the deck of the warship, his consciousness had already traveled to the New World.
...
——
——
New World.
Kingdom of Dressrosa.
This was a tropical island with a resort-like atmosphere, most famous for its Bullfighting Arena.
Ten years ago, a legendary gladiator achieved three thousand consecutive victories without a single defeat, cementing the arena's reputation and attracting a flood of travelers.
The current king was Riku Dold III, a generous and benevolent ruler under whose governance the lives of Dressrosa's residents were quite prosperous.
...
In a bustling corner of the street.
Doflamingo crouched on a red-tiled eave, watching the laughing crowds passing by, a thoroughly sinister smile stretching across his lips.
"Without the rule of the Donquixote Family, who gave you permission to laugh…"
...
Eight hundred years ago, it was the Donquixote Family that ruled this country.
After the Donquixote clan ascended to the Holy Land as World Nobles, the Riku family became the new royal lineage.
Tap… tap…
Griffin, moving in his Kari form, walked up behind Doflamingo.
"Report your plan."
Doflamingo frowned slightly, turning his head to reply in a low voice, "My original plan was to threaten King Riku into gathering 10 billion Berries within a day, forcing him to extort money from the citizens, then control his soldiers to slaughter the people, making him completely lose their support."
"After overthrowing him in the ensuing chaos—"
"I'm not here to listen to nonsense, Flamingo."
The gaze from his crimson pupils solidified like a tangible force, landing squarely on Doflamingo.
Doflamingo's frown deepened, and he grinned, "I just wanted to demonstrate my strategic abilities to my partner, Kari. You should be a little more patient."
Griffin remained expressionless, replying indifferently, "I've always been patient. It's you who's been pointlessly draining it."
"You barely qualify as a Celestial Dragon. Perhaps killing you might slightly quench my thirst…"
Clang—
Spring Rain at his waist was drawn half an inch from its sheath, an intangible aura of lethal intent spreading out!
...
...
"Dressrosa's once-in-a-decade 'Grand Tournament' is about to begin. My people have found out that King Riku intends to invite craftsmen from Wano Country to forge a Good Grade Sword-level weapon for the champion."
Doflamingo quickened his speech, saying, "I've passed the information upward. A Celestial Dragon who's very interested in famous swords has shown interest in descending."
"The problem now is… the people King Riku sent to Wano Country were driven out."
...
Doflamingo sneered as he looked at Griffin, "We both know the current state of Wano Country—Kaido has taken over there."
"You have a close relationship with King of the Beasts Pirates. If you contact him, you can definitely get Wano Country to send craftsmen!"
"If the plan goes smoothly, not only can you kill that descending Celestial Dragon, but the craftsmen can also forge a weapon for you!"
...
"I know you had Gild Tesoro searching for famous swords. Our cooperation involves me helping you lure the Celestial Dragons, while you help me reclaim this country."
As he spoke, Doflamingo let out an excited laugh: "Fufufufufu... Every place you've appeared has never remained intact. This time, feel free to cause as much destruction as you want!"
"When the time comes, I'll appear as this country's hero! I'll make them understand who their true savior is!"
"A perfect plan, isn't it? We can achieve all our objectives at once - it's truly a win-win situation!!"
You... still dare to hope for the role of a hero?
Win-win...
You're right - I'll win twice.
...
Griffin nodded.
"Truly worthy of being the most outstanding broker in the underworld, quite skilled at utilizing connections and resources..."
"You have King's contact information, don't you?"
Doflamingo took out a Den Den Mushi from his pocket and laughed: "This is the basic quality of an excellent intermediary."