Chapter 65: The Unresigned Flamingo
On the New World shipping route.
The sea wind cut like a blade, sweeping across the deck and snapping the Marine flag. The warship tore through the waves like a beast, its sights set on the tropical, resort-like island in the distance: Dressrosa.
At the bow, Gion stood against the wind. Her pink blouse was offset by the formal "Justice" coat, which billowed around her. Her military boots were planted firmly on the deck. The elegant silhouette contrasted sharply with the deadly "Famous Blade" Konpira at her hip.
She tapped the hilt, her gaze cutting through the waves. "Vice Admiral Tsuru has been chasing the Donquixote family for years..."
Her voice was soft, but with a sharp edge. "But that flamingo... he's as slippery as an eel. Tsk. It's disgusting."
A moment later, a tall figure appeared beside her.
Roy, also in his "Justice" coat, stood at the port bow, looking in the same direction, his aura as sharp and contained as a sheathed sword.
"This time is different," he said, his voice low and firm. "The entire Donquixote family is gathering at Dressrosa. Intelligence reports a major operation. Vice Admiral Tsuru believes this is our chance to expose him."
Gion turned, a smirk on her face. "So you're the 'reinforcements' Tsuru-san mentioned? I just finished putting down a rookie pirate crew in the North, and she immediately re-routes me here. Are you that much trouble, 'little brother' Roy?"
Roy sighed. "You always love to tease me, Gion-san."
His smile faded, and his gaze returned to the sea. "Besides, Doflamingo and I... we have an old score to settle."
Gion's expression turned serious. "You've fought him before? And he escaped?"
"Mhm." Roy nodded, his voice complex. "I had a chance to clip his wings once... but because of certain 'factors,' I let him go. It seems he just won't learn his lesson."
Gion didn't press for details. "He's one of the Seven Warlords now, Roy. A 'legal' pirate. We can't just attack him, you know~"
"Tch." Roy scoffed, his eyes like knives. "You think he can stop himself from doing something stupid? I'm hoping he makes a big scene."
He turned, his gaze flat and sharp. "As long as he shows his fangs... I'll personally pluck every last one of his feathers."
"I'm looking forward to that," Gion whispered. "I hope this trip is more than just a pleasant cruise."
In the distance, the clouds thickened, and the sky turned dark. The storm was coming.
Dressrosa - A Secret Villa
Thick velvet curtains blocked out all light. In the dim meeting hall, the core officers of the Donquixote Family sat in silence, the air thick with a tense, musty aroma.
At the head of the table, Doflamingo sat, his fingers interlaced, his aura pressing down on the room.
"Tap... tap... tap..."
The rhythmic sound of his finger on the wood was the only sound.
Trebol leaned on his staff, his body oozing. "Y-Young Master... nee, nee... are we really doing this? That Roy... he's not just some normal Marine..."
The air froze.
"Fufufu..." Doflamingo's low laugh was cold. "Trebol, your courage seems to shrink every year."
He suddenly stood, slamming his hands on the table. "Who am I?! I am one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea, officially recognized by the World Government! Does a mere Rear Admiral have the right to stand in my way?! Fufufufu—!!!"
Pica's high-pitched voice was the first to answer. "The Young Master is right! We have nothing to fear!"
Diamante waved his sword. "Let's kill him! Show the Marines what we're made of!"
Doflamingo grinned and sat back down, crossing his legs.
"Besides, we aren't alone in this. We have Kaido at our back!"
"One of the great monsters of the New World! An Emperor! With an ally like that, are you still worried? That little Marine will be forced to run with his tail between his legs."
The officers' eyes turned fanatic.
Doflamingo's smile grew even wider. "I'm just taking back what is rightfully mine. Fufufu..."
Trebol spoke again. "And... Caesar's research? The 'SMILE' trade...?"
"Monet is already watching Caesar," Doflamingo said, annoyed. "Jack, one of Kaido's All-Stars, was just here. He delivered Kaido's directive. Caesar is already working on their demands. The test subjects and the weapons orders will soon be ready."
He stood and ripped open the heavy curtains. Blinding sunlight flooded the room, illuminating him from behind.
"Our primary objective now is to take complete control of Dressrosa!"
He raised his hand as if to crush the kingdom in his grip.
"The plan... begins now."
At the same time, Dressrosa's Western Port
A massive transport ship, a steel beast with a roaring, tusked mammoth for a figurehead, was pulling away from the island, spewing black smoke.
On the deck, a mountain of a man stood unmoving in the wind.
"Hmph... what a boring mission."
Jack (who had just turned 18) growled, crushing his cigar. His gaze was cold and brutal as he looked back at the receding island.
"That bastard Doflamingo... really thinks he's someone, huh? If it wasn't for Lord Kaido's orders, I wouldn't waste my time on this trash!"
His crew trembled, not daring to speak.
Jack slammed his foot on the steel railing, buckling it. "Hey! Faster! Why is this tub so slow?! At this rate, we'll never get back to Wano!"
"B-But Lord Jack..." the helmsman stammered, "this is top speed...!"
"Useless!"
Jack roared, grabbed a heavy iron barrel from the deck, and hurled it into the sea, where it exploded. The ship rocked from the force.
He laughed, enjoying their fear.
"If anyone else gets in my way..." he snarled, clenching his massive fist. "I'll crush them!!"
The transport ship plowed on, disappearing into the sea-fog.
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