"The Marines are coming!" Ibes announced gravely to everyone.
Hearing Ibes's words, no one showed any fear; each one was remarkably arrogant.
"Hmph, isn't it just the Marines? It's not like we haven't killed Marines before. If they come, we'll kill them one by one. Their timing is perfect; my fists are itching for some blood!" Enel, his confidence soaring due to his greatly increased bounty, feared nothing from the Marines.
"It's not like the ones we've encountered before. This time, the Marines are serious. According to the information I've received, the Marines have dispatched two Admirals, along with the Seven Warlords of the Sea and World Government forces, preparing to wipe us out in one fell swoop," Ibes, paying no mind to Enel's words, dutifully reported everything she knew.
"This… two Admirals, and the Seven Warlords! The World Government and the Marines are trying to completely annihilate us this time!" Diamante said, his heart palpitating slightly.
The others, hearing Ibes's words, also felt a surge of tension and disquiet. Fortunately, those present were all family executives; the rank-and-file members had already been sent off by Doflamingo to relax. Otherwise, who knows how panicked the subordinates would be upon hearing such news.
Doflamingo himself hadn't expected that after rebuffing the Five Elders last time, they would hold such a grudge against him. This lineup was even grander than what King Luffy might receive! What virtue or ability did he, Donquixote Doflamingo, possess to warrant this?
However, upon careful reflection, Doflamingo felt the Five Elders' actions weren't wrong. It was always a good thing to nip an enemy in the bud! Otherwise, would they wait for the enemy to grow strong before trying to deal with them? Wasn't that foolish?
Doflamingo wasn't panicked by the World Government and Marine's movements, nor did he feel any regret. In this world, no one capable of capturing him existed yet. Possessing extreme speed, he was innately invincible.
But his Family members didn't have his kind of speed. Under the onslaught of the Marines and the World Government, it would be impossible for them to survive. Even if they did, they would be thrown into Impel Down to suffer imprisonment, which was something he didn't want to see.
Doflamingo felt a headache coming on. However, this was a hurdle that had to be overcome. But how to overcome it?
For now, the best solution was, of course, to enter the New World. That place wasn't somewhere the Marines could call all the shots. Various powers were entrenched there, the situation complex and intricate. The Marines certainly wouldn't dare to easily deploy large-scale forces there.
However, Doflamingo and his crew were currently still in the first half of the Grand Line. There was no easy way to enter the New World. The Marines had surely already set up an ambush at the Sabaody Archipelago, the entry point to the New World. Going there now would be no different from walking into a trap.
"Doffy, what should we do?" Enel, too, was surprised by the Marines' massive deployment. However, Doflamingo couldn't detect any nervousness on his face; instead, it revealed a kind of excitement – the thrill of hunting strong opponents.
"Actually, we're not without a chance of victory," Doflamingo said to everyone after a moment of thought.
Hearing this, everyone immediately fixed their gaze on Doflamingo, hoping to hear his plan.
For Enel and Doflamingo, the simplest method was, of course, to steamroll through them – simple and brainless. However, this was all predicated on a foundation of overwhelming strength.
Although Doflamingo considered dealing with one Admiral not to be a problem, if two came, it would be very strenuous for him. Adding other Vice Admirals, their Family's strength could probably cope. The only variable was the Seven Warlords of the Sea.
Regarding the Seven Warlords of the Sea, since Doflamingo would not be joining their ranks, their numbers were currently short by two. Knight of the Sea Jinbe hadn't joined yet. As for the other Warlords, Doflamingo estimated that not many would answer the summons.
Of course, Tyrant Kuma would definitely respond. As a spy for the Revolutionary Army, he would certainly obey the World Government's orders. And that fellow Mihawk would probably get involved too; after all, Doflamingo had killed his brother-in-arms and friend – Red Hair. Participating to avenge Red Hair wouldn't be out of character.
As for the others, Old Sand Crocodile disdained the World Government and was probably busy trying to find a way to defeat Whitebeard. The Nine Snakes Empress Hancock disliked the World Government and wasn't a major enemy. As for Gecko Moria, in Doflamingo's eyes, he was just trash, playing house ever since Kaido defeated him, nothing to be feared.
After analyzing the situation, Doflamingo realized that the Donquixote Pirates would be facing two Marine Admirals, several Marine Vice Admirals, and at least three of the Seven Warlords of the Sea. It had to be said, this kind of lineup was enough to fight a Yonko crew.
Of course, that would require them to go all out; Yonko crews weren't that weak.
"Our chance of victory lies with the Seven Warlords and the Ark," Doflamingo said unhurriedly.
"Hmm?" Everyone was somewhat puzzled. What did this have to do with the Seven Warlords?
Doflamingo, knowing their thoughts, continued, "The Seven Warlords are not of one mind with the Marines. They definitely won't exert too much effort. We don't need to clash head-on with them. Even if we are ultimately outmatched, we won't lose. When we are flying in the sky, they have no way to catch us."
Hearing Doflamingo's words, their eyes lit up. That's right! They were the second flying pirate crew! The Marines still didn't know their Ark could fly. Previously in the North Blue, although many knew of the Ark, it hadn't flown many times. It was normal for the Marines not to know.
Even if they did know, Doflamingo was confident he could leave with ease.
But could they really leave as calmly as Doflamingo thought?
No one knew for sure. Only when the real battle began would they find out!
"Then what should we do?" Diamante also voiced his question.
Doflamingo glanced at Baby 5, Law, Buffalo, Ibes, and Robin.
His gaze also made them tense up, not knowing what Doflamingo intended.
"You few will leave temporarily for now," Doflamingo said calmly.
"Young Master Doflamingo, I want to face the Marines with you all! I'm not afraid to die!" Law, hearing Doflamingo's words, quickly declared his stance.
"Young Master! I'm not afraid either!" Baby 5 also hurriedly said.
"Brother!"
"Doffy!"
Robin and Ibes also seemed reluctant to leave.
"I know you're not afraid to die. However, this is for your own good. This is not your battlefield right now. As long as you are safe, we are safe," Doflamingo comforted them.
The others didn't have any objections to Doflamingo's words. After all, the "three little ones" were too weak. Ibes and Robin weren't primary combatants either; one was an intelligence liaison, the other an archaeologist. Having them around would only distract Doflamingo.
The Donquixote Pirates had too many valuable assets: Doflamingo, a former Celestial Dragon; Law, the user of the Op-Op Fruit; Robin, who could read the ancient texts. These three individuals were all people the World Government wanted to eliminate or obtain. Looking at it this way, it wasn't entirely unreasonable for the World Government to deploy such a large force.
It was indeed a once-and-for-all solution. The Five Elders were very cunning. Old men were indeed old foxes, as wily as they come!
Hearing Doflamingo's explanation, the few of them fell silent.
They also knew Doflamingo was doing this for their own good, but they felt very unwilling!
"Damn it!" Law gritted his teeth and ran off angrily.
"Law?" Enel looked at the departing Law and quickly called out.
However, Law paid him no heed.
"Let him go," Doflamingo patted Enel's shoulder.
Enel shrugged, expressing his helplessness.
"Young Master!" Baby 5 looked pitifully at Doflamingo.
"No can do, Baby 5. You can't cause trouble for the Young Master," Monet, who was staying by Doflamingo's side, said teasingly. She was overjoyed that Doflamingo hadn't arranged for her to leave.
"Doffy, I think it's better if I stay here," Ibes said to Doflamingo.
"Rest assured, Ibes. As long as you are safe, I can be safe. Don't forget my ability," Doflamingo also comforted Ibes.
Seeing this, Ibes said no more, falling silent, lost in thought.
"Brother, I… I will wait for your return," Robin also couldn't help but say.
"I will," Doflamingo patted Robin's head.
Then, Doflamingo once again looked around at everyone on the Ark Maxim and said, "Since the Marines dare to offend us, then we don't need to be polite with them!"
"Yahahaha! It's time to teach the Marines a lesson!" Enel said excitedly.
"Ready anytime!"
"Can't wait!"
Excluding the few who were leaving, the Donquixote Pirates could be considered evenly matched against the Marines. Doflamingo would hold off the two Marine Admirals. Pica and Gladius could also stall other Marine Vice Admirals. Enel, Diamante, and Monet would naturally be reserved to deal with the Seven Warlords of the Sea. Bepo was also a considerable fighting force and couldn't be wasted; he would be kept to deal with the small fry.
Actually, Doflamingo wasn't afraid of the large number of Marines at all. One blast of Conqueror's Haki, and most would fall. What determines a war is often the battle between high-end combatants.
To be on the safe side, Doflamingo still planned to let Robin and the others leave first, perhaps finding another pirate crew to lay low with for a while.
Speak of the devil, and he shall appear – or in this case, when you're sleepy, a pillow arrives. The Cook Pirates were Doflamingo's best current option. The Marines hadn't made their move yet; they were probably waiting for him to walk into their trap!
So, for the time being, there was definitely no immediate danger! The Marines still thought Doflamingo was unaware of their movements!
The Cook Pirates also didn't know they had already been targeted by Doflamingo. Doflamingo had wanted to "meet" the Cook Pirates anyway. With things as they were, Doflamingo had even less reason to let them go.
Who knew if this was misfortune for the Cook Pirates, or perhaps, their fortune.