Dressrosa.

Dragon came to Caelan looking depressed and covered in dust.

"How did it go?"

Caelan looked at his disheveled state and asked curiously.

He already knew what Dragon had in mind, but he had no intention of stopping him.

Since the item had been sold, it had nothing to do with him anymore. He would never take it back, because his reputation mattered.

But still, he was the leader of the Revolutionary Army, a man on the level of a Yonko.

Why did he look so worn out?

"The Navy sent Kizaru and Aokiji to capture Caesar. I clashed with that guy Aokiji. It was just getting interesting, but Kaido swooped in and took advantage!"

"Oh, what bad luck!"

Dragon waved his hands, looking depressed.

"That must have been lively. I almost regret not going. The Yonko, the Revolutionary Army, the Navy's admirals… just hearing about it sounds entertaining."

Caelan spoke with a hint of regret.

A scene that big sounded fascinating. He always enjoyed watching a good show.

"My plan failed, yet you, my partner, seem very pleased," Dragon glared at him resentfully.

"Good thing I didn't try to stop you." Caelan smirked and said, "The things Tesoro bought from me were stolen by my own allies the moment they left my hands. That would've been terrible for my reputation."

God forbid, he was an honest man, and he dealt seriously.

Just like with Doflamingo before, if he said he would sell the Gold-Gold Fruit, he sold it. If he promised the Flame-Flame Fruit as a prize, he delivered. He wasn't joking.

"Alright, alright, my fault."

Dragon admitted quickly.

He knew it wasn't exactly honorable, but the artificial Devil Fruit technology was far too tempting.

There had been so many powers present that night, and every one of them wanted it.

After admitting fault, Dragon frowned. "Now that Kaido has the artificial Devil Fruit technology, once he raises an army of ability users, it will be a huge problem."

He didn't even want to imagine it.

Kaido was already terrifying and uncontrollable. If he had a powerful army at his back, it wouldn't be impossible to recreate Rocks' era of glory.

Such a Kaido would spell disaster for both the Revolutionary Army and Caelan's Neo Navy.

"You worry too much. Whether Kaido can mass-produce artificial Devil Fruits depends on my mood."

Caelan chuckled.

"What do you mean?" Dragon asked, confused.

Kaido had the skills and the money. Why would he have to rely on Caelan?

"The raw materials for artificial Devil Fruits can only be cultivated in large amounts here. I'm an indispensable part of the process."

Caelan smiled.

Caesar's artificial Devil Fruit technology required raw materials that only the Tontatta Clan could produce.

The Tontatta were already under Caelan's control.

In other words, the supply of artificial Devil Fruit materials was firmly in his grasp.

Even if a few grew naturally, the numbers would never be enough for Kaido's needs.

That was why Caelan had dared to sell the technology in the first place.

"You really have a dark heart!" The latest_epɪ_sodes are on_the NoᴠᴇFɪre.nᴇt

No matter who obtained the technology, in the end, it would still come down to Caelan's will.

As long as he raised the price, or simply refused to sell, he could make others dance to his tune.

"Wait a second. You once told me my Revolutionary Army couldn't afford artificial Devil Fruits. Don't tell me you plan to sell the raw materials at a high price!?"

"So, you're looking down on us, thinking we can't afford it!" Dragon accused.

"Don't misunderstand. I just don't betray my allies," Caelan replied, then added with a grin, "As for your poverty, well… that's just a minor factor."

As he spoke, Caelan pinched his fingers together, leaving only the tiniest gap.

Dragon looked at him regretfully.

So he was right after all.

This guy clearly thought they were too poor to afford the raw materials.

"Let's not talk about this anymore. What are your plans now?"

Caelan kindly changed the subject, sparing Dragon further embarrassment.

"As for me, I'll go back and continue developing the Revolutionary Army."

Dragon thought for a moment before answering.

His purpose in coming to Dressrosa had been to recruit Caelan. The artificial Devil Fruit incident was only a sudden diversion.

Although Caelan refused to join the Revolutionary Army, forming an alliance with him was already a good outcome.

"By the way, I plan to let Koala stay here as a liaison with you," Dragon suggested cautiously.

Their alliance with Caelan was only verbal for now, so someone was needed to maintain it.

"No problem. I'll take good care of her."

Caelan agreed without hesitation.

"…"

Dragon suddenly felt he had made a mistake.

It seemed like he had just handed over his apprentice's childhood friend. Hopefully Sabo wouldn't hold it against him.

(To be continued.)