Chapter 67: Arriving in Dressrosa
On a Marine Warship, New World Waters
The sea breeze was light, but the sun beat down on the deck. The warship cut through the waves like a beast, its sights set on the tropical, resort-like island in the distance: Dressrosa.
At the bow, Gion (Momousagi) 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. "Hunting the Donquixote Family... that's been Vice Admiral Tsuru's lifelong mission."
Her voice was soft, but with a sharp edge. "But that flamingo... he's as slippery as an eel. Tsk. He'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 new pirate crew in the North, and she immediately re-routes me here. You're trouble, you know that?"
She winked, her tone teasing. "You really know how to keep a girl on her toes, '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."
"He's one of the Seven Warlords now, Roy," Gion reminded him, "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. "The second he shows his fangs... I'll personally pluck every last one of his feathers."
"I'm looking forward to that," Gion whispered, tapping her sword hilt. "I hope this trip is more than just a pleasant cruise."
In the distance, the clouds thickened, and the sky turned dark. The warship charged forward, its sails full. The storm was coming.
Dressrosa - Royal Palace Plaza
The sunset was the color of blood, bathing the palace in a deep red light. The plaza was filled with the sounds of screams and crying, the air thick with the smell of smoke.
The broken crown rolled to King Riku's feet. He knelt on the stone, covered in blood, his eyes empty, his arms trembling. The blade in his hand was dripping with the blood of his own soldiers.
Around him, the horrified citizens were screaming in betrayal.
"The King has gone mad!"
"He's killing his own guards!"
"We trusted him... and this is how he repays us?!"
The crowd was on the verge of a riot.
And the source of it all—
High on the balcony above, Doflamingo watched it all, his shadow cast long, like a demon's.
"Fufufu... what a touching scene."
He slowly bent down, his strings forcing King Riku to stand, like a marionette.
"You were willing to kneel and beg for your precious 'people'... but look at them," he sneered. "They hate you. They curse you. They want to tear you limb from limb."
"Is this what you wanted to protect?"
Doflamingo clenched his fingers. The strings went taut, and King Riku's body went rigid, moving against his will. His face was pale, and he watched in horror as his own hand, holding a torch, moved toward a civilian's house.
"Burn it... Burn a few more houses. Then you can never go back!"
But just as the torch was about to fall—
"Doffy!! This is bad!!!"
Trebol came stumbling onto the balcony, snot-faced and panicking.
"A warship... A Marine warship is here!!!"
Doflamingo didn't even turn. "So what? I'm one of the Seven Warlords, a ruler recognized by the World Government..."
Trebol shrieked, "B-But... the man on that ship... It's ROY!!!"
"What?!"
Doflamingo's smile vanished. A cold dread shot up his spine.
His fingers twitched, and his control over the strings faltered. In the plaza below, King Riku collapsed, the torch rolling away.
Doflamingo spun around, his eyes locking onto the harbor.
There, a warship was cutting through the sunset, and on its bow, a white "Justice" coat was flapping in the wind. He instantly recognized the man he had come to hate and fear: Marine Rear Admiral, Roy!
"That damn bastard...!!"
He gritted his teeth, his knuckles white. "Why... Why is he here?! Was it Tsuru? Or Sengoku?!"
"He's ruined the plan!"
Doflamingo's panic lasted only a second before his cold, calculating mind took over.
"Trebol! Activate the perimeter! Get Sugar underground! Everyone else, prepare for battle!"
Trebol stumbled, "Y-yes! But Doffy, we..."
"Shut up!!" Doflamingo snapped, his eyes cold. "What are you panicking for? Don't forget, we have Kaido at our back!"
"Even if it's Roy, I will not let him take Dressrosa!"
He took a deep breath, his voice like ice. "Roy... since you dared to come, don't even think about leaving Dressrosa alive!"
In the distance, on the deck of the warship, Roy stood with his hands behind his back, his gaze fixed on the palace.
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