Elior hadn't expected Doflamingo to already have news about the Flame-Flame Fruit!

That truly surprised him.

Just a few days ago, Elior had ordered Doflamingo to gather information on the Flame-Flame Fruit, the Tremor-Tremor Fruit, the Dark-Dark Fruit, and the Ice-Ice Fruit. And now, only days later, there was already news of the Flame-Flame Fruit.

It had to be said—Doflamingo's efficiency was remarkable!

Of course, this was largely thanks to Elior's Absolute Command, which ensured Doflamingo's unwavering loyalty. Under normal circumstances, there was no way Doflamingo would devote himself so completely to Elior's cause.

What Elior didn't know was that Doflamingo had practically abandoned most of his other business just to focus on tracking down the Devil Fruits and the Poneglyphs Elior wanted.

"Doflamingo, where is the Flame-Flame Fruit now?"

"My king, I'll bring the Flame-Flame Fruit back to Dressrosa and deliver it to you. Three days at most—perhaps even two."

"That will do."

With that, Elior ended the call with Doflamingo.

"Husband, did you just say… the Flame-Flame Fruit?"

Reiju, who had been massaging Elior's shoulders, looked at him curiously.

The Flame-Flame Fruit—the power once wielded by Ace. A Logia, and naturally, a very powerful one.

"That's right."

"I'll decide which of you should eat it."

"Us? Eat the Flame-Flame Fruit?"

"Not Bonney—she's already a Devil Fruit user. Between you and Gion, one of you will eat it."

Reiju hesitated. "And what about Hiyori?"

"Hiyori can wait."

To be honest, Elior's attitude toward Hiyori was nothing more than amusement for now. After all, he had killed her retainers and her brother. He intended to break her completely before anything else—without even using Absolute Command. Slowly, he would make her yield.

As for the Flame-Flame Fruit, after removing all its drawbacks with his ability, it was an incredibly powerful gift. Elior was inclined to give it to either Reiju or Gion.

Meanwhile, in the kitchen, Gion was cooking with Bonney helping on the side. With her apron tied and her long hair pulled back, Gion looked every bit the image of a perfect wife.

Of all the women around him, Elior was most satisfied with Gion. Naturally, he leaned toward giving her the Flame-Flame Fruit—it suited her well, especially without side effects.

Reiju smiled gently. "Then it's just between me and Sister Gion. I think you should give the Flame-Flame Fruit to her."

Understanding and thoughtful, she knew how important Gion was in Elior's heart. And to her, flames combined with swordsmanship made Gion an ideal match for the fruit.

"Mmm."

Elior stroked Reiju's head, genuinely pleased by her selflessness. He despised inner strife among his women, and fortunately, there was none.

"When we find another strong Devil Fruit, I'll give it to you. I've already told Doflamingo to track down the Ice-Ice Fruit."

"Really?"

Reiju's eyes lit up.

"Do you like that?"

"Anything my husband gives me, I'll treasure."

Elior grinned. "Then I should reward you."

In the kitchen, Gion was still cooking when she heard the distinct rhythm of sounds coming from outside. Both she and Bonney blushed. Through the glass window, they saw Elior and Reiju… "busy."

"Hmph! Shameless man."

Gion rolled her eyes but went back to cooking. Soon, ten delicious dishes were laid out on the table, their aroma filling the house.

"Dinner's ready"

Gion called out as Elior finally released Reiju, who looked completely drained. Bonney quickly served her a bowl of rice.

"Reiju, don't expect me to feed you. You're not a child."

"As if I'd need that!"

Though exhausted, Reiju shot her a glare—then glanced helplessly at Elior, knowing she couldn't possibly satisfy him alone.

Elior tasted the dishes and looked impressed. "Gion, your cooking's improved again?"

It was just as good as the meals they'd had from top chefs in Gran Tesoro.

Bonney smirked. "Of course. Sister Gion's been practicing just for you, hubby."

Elior walked to Gion's side. She understood his intent immediately and knelt down with practiced ease.

Breakfast began soon after, and Elior had to admit—Gion's cooking was incredible.

"This kind of life… is really pleasant."

These days had been blissful for Elior. No fighting, no killing. Even after executing four Celestial Dragons, neither the World Government nor the Marines had moved against him.

But Elior knew peace wouldn't last. In just over twenty days, he would march against the Red-Haired Pirates. That would mark the true beginning of his campaign to overturn the world. Shanks was only the first target.

He hadn't forgotten the Whitebeard remnants or the Revolutionary Army, either. They would eventually come for him—and both were on his kill list.

"If only I could steal Devil Fruits directly…"

He thought about how much easier things would be if he gained the power to plunder others' abilities. Not only Devil Fruits—if he traveled to other worlds someday, he would seize their powers as well.

Even better would be the ability to share such powers with his subordinates or women. He didn't need every ability for himself. Imagine transferring Marco's Phoenix fruit to one of his women—perfect.

Two days later, Elior and his group boarded their ship and departed Gran Tesoro under Tesoro's watchful gaze. Now Elior's subordinate, Tesoro would come when called.

On deck, Elior lay back with his head resting on Gion's lap, enjoying the calm sunlight.

Gion had originally planned to part ways with him—after all, as a Marine, she couldn't remain at his side openly. But until Elior clashed with the World Government completely, she still had work to do for him.

He intended to give her the Flame-Flame Fruit, which Doflamingo had already secured. With Elior's ability to remove its drawbacks, it was a perfect gift.

For Gion, it wasn't about power—it was about receiving her first gift from Elior. Even a single word of affection would have delighted her, and this was far more meaningful.

If only Elior belonged to her alone… but she knew that was impossible. Still, she could take comfort in the fact that in his heart, she was the most important.

She silently vowed to stand behind him, to support his rise to greatness.

Soon, Doflamingo contacted Elior again, arranging to meet on an island to deliver the Flame-Flame Fruit.

That night, just as Elior and Gion were about to get "busy" the system's voice chimed unexpectedly.

[Sign-in successful. Reward: Mutual Enhancement Physique]

Elior blinked. "What the hell is that?"

As the knowledge flooded into his mind, he finally understood. In short—it was dual cultivation. Whenever Elior and his women "worked together," both sides would grow stronger.

For him, the improvement was modest. But for them, the growth was immense. In time, Gion and the others could gain power rivaling—even surpassing—Big Mom herself.

"This is broken… but I love it."

Elior laughed and immediately began experimenting. The results were spectacular.

By the next day, his women could all feel it—their bodies stronger, more powerful than before. At first, they thought it was just an illusion, but when they compared notes, they realized they had all experienced the same.

Blushing, they understood only after Elior explained.

"This is our secret. Don't tell anyone—or the whole world's women will be after me!"

"Scoundrel!"

"Shameless!"

Gion snapped at him.

On the other side of the island, Doflamingo and his crew were already waiting with the Flame-Flame Fruit.