The news was becoming an addiction.
Every morning people rushed to the docks, betting berries on who would make the front page. This time the winner was obvious.
**"DONFLAMINGO NOW 'EL MINGO'! FORMER WARLORD TURNS OVER A NEW LEAF — KING OF THE PEOPLE?"**
The headline was everywhere.
---
In Mary Geoise, the Five Elders sat around their round table, faces twisted in fury.
Mars slammed a newspaper onto the table. "He's already started making his moves. That's exactly what you'd expect from the Joker."
Warcury's voice rumbled. "He's winning the hearts of the people. He's using them as a shield."
Saturn's eyes narrowed. "The commoners are losing faith in the Marines… and in us. They never liked us to begin with. Now they have a reason to fight back."
Garling leaned forward, tone cold. "Doflamingo could always control people's bodies with his fruit. Now he's controlling their hearts. So what do we do? Do we call off the elimination?"
Mars shook his head. "We continue as planned. CP-0 has already been dispatched. They work quietly. If they fail, we send the Holy Knights. And if they fail…" He paused, eyes darkening. "I will go myself."
---
Far away, Toku sat on a rooftop, legs swinging over the edge, reading every paper he had missed.
One of the SOS spies appeared beside him, whispering the latest intel.
"CP-0 is coming for El Mingo."
Toku's grin widened.
He was genuinely impressed.
"Tell Mingo I'll handle it," he said, folding the newspaper neatly. "I was getting bored anyway."
The spy bowed and vanished.
Toku leaned back, laughing softly to himself.