Caesar wore a grim expression as he watched the new top lapdog carry out orders.
The Germa 66 army had just taken full control of the military forces across all of Flevance.
No one dared to resist.
The remaining hundred thousand or so citizens of Flevance were herded like sheep to the grand plaza in front of the royal palace.
"Boss, all of Flevance's citizens are assembled."
"I'm aware."
Sensing the life energy across the entirety of Flevance, Doflamingo looked down at the sea of people and nodded in satisfaction. Then, his figure slowly rose into the air.
The crowd below watched him ascend, their eyes shifting between the airborne Doflamingo and the palace still burning behind him. They swallowed nervously.
With a slight movement of Doflamingo's fingers, Rosinante was forcefully lifted into the air.
Feeling the weight of everyone's gaze on him, Rosinante wished he could find a hole to crawl into.
"Rosi, why don't you explain the situation to these poor souls?"
"Huh?" Rosinante was stunned for a moment.
Gathering his scattered thoughts, he pointed to the white spots at his temples.
"Listen, everyone. First of all, Amber Lead Syndrome is real. These white patches are proof."
"The World Government and the royal family hid the truth for the sake of money."
"To keep what happened here a secret, Flevance was sealed off, and supplies were cut short."
Rosinante's words instantly shattered the fragile hopes of many, their relief turning into sheer panic.
"No way! That's impossible!"
"Amber Lead Syndrome is a lie! The doctors tricked us!"
"What is this?! The World Government treats us like nothing! We're people too!"
"I don't want to die! Let me out of here!"
"What about our children...?!"
Boom!
A streak of black and red lightning flashed across the crowd.
All at once, the citizens of Flevance fell silent, their minds momentarily blank.
Had Kaido or Big Mom been present, they would have noticed just how refined Doflamingo's Conqueror's Haki had become. Not a single person outside of Flevance was affected.
"Brother, they're just—"
"It's not your turn to speak yet. Listen carefully."
Doflamingo silenced Rosinante and spoke in an eerily lighthearted tone.
"Though the World Government and the royal family have abandoned you, my dear Rosinante, wanted to save you."
"So, I bought you all from the World Government."
"My name is Doflamingo.'"
He ignored the mixture of fear and gratitude on the faces below. With a mere thought—
"Papa!!!"
"Doctor Bones!!!"
As Law and Lina cried out, Dr. Bones was lifted into the air.
"However, you still cannot leave this country. That is a small agreement I have with the World Government."
"But don't worry. Food and resources won't be lacking. Dr. Bones will lead the remaining doctors in continuing research on Amber Lead Syndrome."
Dr. Bones put on a righteous expression but could only nod in silent compliance.
"If, by the time you're on the brink of death, Dr. Bones and his team still haven't found a cure—"
"I'll provide a final solution. Caesar, Judge."
Caesar immediately transformed into a gaseous form, drifting above the citizens of Flevance. His gaze was like a butcher inspecting livestock.
"Shurororororo! That's me, the top scientist under Boss!"
"Correction, I am the chief scientist. Now, everyone, line up to receive your food!"
Clone soldiers carried in supplies.
The emotionally subdued citizens obediently stepped forward, receiving their rations one by one.
Back in his private quarters, Doflamingo wore a satisfied smile.
Now, he had test subjects for years to come.
And not only that—
These people should be grateful for the opportunity.
...
Loguetown
With Weevil in tow, Miss Bakkin made her way toward the Donquixote Club.
As they approached, they could hear several unique Seastone-coated speakers broadcasting rules.
"Attention, all participants! Registration is free—do not trust anyone claiming otherwise!"
"After signing up, you'll receive complimentary lodging at the Donquixote Grand Hotel!"
"Within seven days of registration, an intra-island tournament will be held."
"Each island will produce ten winners. Each winner receives a prize of one million Belly!"
"The regional finals for the Four Seas will take place in Loguetown and three other locations."
"The Grand Line tournament will be hosted in Mock Town."
"Each of these events will yield ten winners, with a prize of ten million Belly each!"
"And finally, the ultimate Gambling Tournament will be held in the Sabaody Archipelago!"
"The final victor will receive their award from the great Doflamingo himself!"
The gathered crowd had been completely ignited by this prize structure.
"One million... ten million... a billion?! That's more money than I'll see in a lifetime!"
"You wouldn't make that in ten lifetimes!"
"Ooooohhh! I'm going to be the Gambling King!"
"Move! I'm signing up first! My name is Gao—"
Like a tidal wave, people surged into the Donquixote Club.
In an instant, it was packed to the brim.
"Such bold ambition."
Miss Bakkin's eyes glinted as she adjusted her sunglasses.
On six out of ten islands she had visited in the East Blue, the Donquixote Family had a foothold.
What was that brat, who could stand against Kaido, planning?
"It doesn't matter. Whatever it is, Mommy's taking this prize money."
She pointed at the packed crowd.
"Weevil, clear a path for Mommy."
"Okay, Mama!"
Weevil responded enthusiastically.
Like a child swinging his favorite toy, he slashed his blade.
Squelch!
"Aaaaaahhh!"
Fragile human bodies were torn apart like rags.
Pink flesh and vibrant-colored organs spilled across the floor.
Scarlet steam rose visibly into the air.
Under countless angry yet terrified gazes, the elderly Miss Bakkin pushed her glasses up and sashayed her way toward the registration booth.
...
Sabaody Archipelago
Stella moved in close, gently laying Tesoro's head on her lap.
With delicate fingers, she massaged his temples as she gazed at his bloodshot eyes.
"Why don't you rest for a bit, Tesoro?"
"Stella, you should rest first. Sorry—I was planning to take you to the amusement park."
His massive golden hands flipped through reports from around the world. The headache only worsened.
Holding a gambling tournament had attracted more and more cutthroats—pirates and bounty hunters alike.
The bloodstains outside the casinos had become nearly impossible to wash away.
"It's fine, Tesoro. We have plenty of time. Tomorrow, I'll tell you about a little guy who can fly. He's quite interesting."
Stella's eyes sparkled as she watched her busy lover.
She was already content with this life.
"Sounds good."
Tesoro turned to the afrotopped figure beside him.
"Gladius, go rest."
"Young Master, let me stay by your side. I must protect you."
Tesoro sighed, cursing the man's lack of tact, and handed over a document.
"Gladius, this is the latest update on Franky and the Fishman, Tom. Interested?"
Gladius took it, said nothing, and left the room.
Boom!
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