Chapter 119: The Stage is Set
After passing through the toxic gas zone and entering the core area, the air was completely fresh and non-toxic.
"This isn't a winter island, so where did such a large area of ice and snow come from?" Skylark wondered aloud, bending down to pinch a handful of snow. It was genuinely cold, colorless, and odorless, not seeming like artificial snow. "The temperature in the town ahead is clearly still quite high. Why is there such abnormal snow and ice around the research institute?"
"An ability user," Ian revealed. "There's a Logia-type user working with Caesar Clown." He then continued, directing their attention forward. "We're finally here. Look at the ice and snow area ahead. Hahaha, there are several Video Den Den Mushi! A multi-camera live broadcast of our deaths? These guys really have a strong sense of the dramatic."
Following Ian's cue, his officers began observing their surroundings vigilantly. After Ian's earlier lecture, they were all filled with a powerful resolve. This island was their first mission as a team in the New World. Moreover, with so many underworld figures watching live, they were determined not to embarrass Ian.
…
Inside Laboratory #3.
In front of a multi-screen projection, a woman with round glasses spoke in a sweet voice. "Master, the Video Den Den Mushi are ready. Joker just sent a message; the underworld intermediaries have received the live broadcast notification. You can begin at any time." She paused, then added, "And Master... are you sure you don't need me to go out and teach them a lesson? Those greenhouse flowers have no idea of the cruelty of the New World. Ufufu…"
The woman was tall, with long, wavy green hair and delicate features. She wore a blue-and-white striped tube top and had a deceptively harmless smile.
Snow Woman, Monet!
User of the Snow-Snow Fruit, a Logia-type Devil Fruit!
Ostensibly Caesar Clown's secretary, she was actually a member of the Donquixote Pirates. The reason Doflamingo dared to cooperate with the unstable Caesar was precisely because of Monet's presence, ensuring a constant flow of information. Doflamingo would never easily trust a madman; planting a spy by his side was the safest approach. The icy region surrounding Laboratory #3 was Monet's creation.
"Monet, no unnecessary actions," Caesar ordered. "Open the Video Den Den Mushi connection and begin the live broadcast! Just sit with Vergo and watch my lovely pets take down these Marines! Shurororororo…!"
Caesar Clown raised his hands and pressed the red button in front of him. On a sofa inside the room, a man wearing sunglasses and a custom Marine coat sat drinking coffee, his expression stern. He seemed unruly, resolute, and ruthless. A stark contrast was the fork stuck into the left side of his face.
Vergo!
The undercover agent of the Donquixote Pirates, secretly planted within the Marines. Over more than a decade, he had risen from a low-ranking Marine to the rank of Vice Admiral. He was now the base commander of the G-5 branch and deeply loved by his subordinates. The poor, loyal Marines under his command had no idea they were following a cold-blooded and cruel boss.
"Begin, Caesar," Vergo said calmly, picking up his coffee cup. "I hope your killing weapon is as effective as you claim. If Jock Ian cannot be killed, I will have to handle it myself. No outsider who discovers the secrets of this island will be allowed to leave alive."
…
Simultaneously, Caesar Clown's limited-time live broadcast room, named "Kingdom of Death," opened. Access was restricted to VVIP members of the underworld.
…In a dark room somewhere, Big Mom's subordinates, Tamago and Pekoms, entered the live broadcast room.
…In another dark room, one of the underworld emperors, the Loan Shark King "Duffman," entered the live broadcast room.
…In a special meeting room in the Dressrosa kingdom, Doflamingo and other core cadres of the Donquixote Pirates entered the live broadcast room.
…In a cozy little house somewhere, another underworld emperor, the Queen of the Pleasure District and Ian's new... acquaintance, Stussy, entered the live broadcast room.
…On the ten-kilometer-long golden ship, in a magnificent hall, the "Gold Emperor" Gild Tesoro entered the live broadcast room.
Doflamingo's efficiency in spreading information through the underworld was top-class. In just half an hour, using the eye-catching headline of the "Sea King's Death," he had attracted the attention of numerous major players. Beyond the top rulers of the underworld, other core figures also tuned in.
The name "Sea King" Jock Ian was not only famous in the first half of the Grand Line. Through a series of high-profile incidents, his reputation had spread to the New World. On his very first day as commander of a New World base, he faced such a massive crisis. Many were curious to see where Caesar Clown's confidence came from, that he could personally execute Ian and his officers under the watchful eyes of so many powerful figures.
As Caesar Clown pressed the button…
BOOM!
A giant object, wrapped in what looked like candy paper, was launched from the top of Laboratory #3 and landed heavily on the distant snowfield. The thick layer of snow cushioned the impact, allowing it to land safely without damage. However, the resulting cloud of snowflakes blocked the view of Ian's subordinates.
"What fell from the sky?"
"Is that… candy?"
"What a huge piece of candy!"
"Are they planning to kill us with this thing?"
"…"
After the object was clearly visible, the officers expressed their surprise.
Caesar Clown picked up a communication microphone and began his commentary in the live broadcast room. "Sorry for the wait, distinguished guests of the underworld… This candy you see before you is an important prop in today's execution experiment. Although it is still a work in progress with many areas for improvement, everyone can still witness its extraordinary lethality, which will render these Marine elites utterly helpless. And now, our main attraction has arrived, my dear pet… The world's greatest research achievement, a poisonous monstrosity that has consumed a Devil Fruit… SMILE (Slime)!"
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