Across the vast ocean, two sailing ships played a game of chase, one in front, one behind, like a playful, enamored couple. But Doflamingo, the one fleeing, found nothing amusing about the situation. Being caught was no laughing matter.
These two ships belonged to the Donquixote Pirates and Vice Admiral Tsuru's fleet. After a month of sailing from Drum Kingdom to Alabasta, hiding and taking circuitous routes, Vice Admiral Tsuru persisted, relentless in her pursuit of Doflamingo. This unyielding chase culminated in their current standoff.
"This damned old woman is truly difficult to deal with," Doflamingo grumbled, his expression grim. A month of relentless pursuit was exhausting, wearing on anyone.
"At this point, there's only one way to completely shake them off. Full speed ahead, towards Jaya Island!" Doflamingo ordered his subordinates.
"Report, Vice Admiral Tsuru, the Donquixote Pirates have suddenly accelerated. We need to increase speed, or we'll lose track of the target."
Vice Admiral Tsuru, hearing the report, pondered for a moment before replying, "Let him run for now. I already know his destination. This month of pursuit has put Doflamingo through many hardships. He certainly doesn't have enough supplies to continue sailing, so he will definitely resupply at the next island. Notify the nearby naval bases to send reinforcements and surround the next island, so Doflamingo won't be able to escape, not even with wings." The female Marines, looking at Vice Admiral Tsuru with admiration, respectfully carried out the order.
"Young Master, we can no longer see the Marine ship. It seems we've shaken them off for now," the lookout reported to Doflamingo.
Upon hearing the report, Doflamingo felt a pang of doubt. Throughout the month, Vice Admiral Tsuru had been relentless, keeping him on edge, always accelerating to pursue him, no matter how fast he went. Why, then, would she let him go now? Doflamingo didn't believe in kindness; he sensed a conspiracy against him. After some thought, only one possibility made sense: Vice Admiral Tsuru believed his supplies were running low and that he would definitely need to resupply at the next island, where she would then surround and capture him. It was a good strategy.
"What a shame, Vice Admiral Tsuru, your idea is great, but what good is sending more soldiers if they are weak? Perhaps you don't know, but our plans align. Let's see if you have the ability to stop me."
"Full speed ahead, towards Jaya Island!" Doflamingo ordered calmly.
While Doflamingo pushed full speed towards Jaya Island, the Marine G-8 Base also received Vice Admiral Tsuru's order and began sending Marines to Jaya Island to ambush Doflamingo and his crew. Doflamingo was unaware of all this, and even if he were, he wouldn't care much. However, the sudden arrival of so many people on Jaya Island made the already lively island even more bustling. The people of Jaya Island didn't care who you were; as long as you came, they would welcome you.
Originally, Jaya Island and the Sky Island, located 10,000 meters high, were the same island, shaped like a skull. Due to the Knock-Up Stream in the nearby waters 400 years ago, half of Jaya Island was blasted skyward, taking with it natives, animals, and ancient ruins. The part that ascended to the sky formed the skull's head and face, while the part that remained on the ground formed the skull's teeth.
On the island, there was a "glorious city" called Shandora. The city accumulated piles of gold and treasures, and when half of Jaya Island was launched into the sky, some of these treasures scattered across Jaya Island on the ground. Four hundred years ago, Norland and his crew, seeking shelter from a storm, arrived at Jaya Island. There, they saved the Shandian people, who were suffering from the "Tree Disease," and put an end to their human sacrifice rituals. Norland also became a great friend of the "Great Warrior" Calgara.
However, due to certain events, they eventually parted ways. Back in the Rubulnier Kingdom in North Blue, Norland reported to the king about the gold he had seen on Jaya Island. The king ordered him to return to Jaya in search of the gold, but Norland found nothing. The king, feeling deceived, eventually executed Norland, who was forever branded with the title of "Great Liar."
All of this was Jaya Island's glorious past. Today, Jaya Island was merely a paradise for pirates. Mock Town, located on Jaya Island's west coast, was a small town that served as a haven for free-spending pirates. As a place where cruel pirates gathered, there was a lot of commotion, and the Marine couldn't arrest all the pirates found there.
After several days of sailing, Doflamingo and his crew finally arrived at the location. Doflamingo, aware that an ambush lay ahead, didn't hesitate and resolutely stepped onto Jaya's land. To escape the Marine's encirclement, the Knock-Up Stream was essential. First, he needed to know the exact time and location of the Knock-Up Stream, otherwise, he would be caught like a fish in a barrel.
"Diamante and Machvise, take men to look for a man named Montblanc Cricket, who is roughly my age. While you're at it, ask the locals about the Knock-Up Stream. I need to know the exact time and location of the next Knock-Up Stream. Remember, when you find Cricket, be gentle, don't use violence, and preferably inform me first," Doflamingo ordered everyone as soon as they disembarked.
"Pica, you come with me to the bar here to gather information. Trebol, I entrust you with guarding our ship." Without further ado, everyone, aware of the urgency of the situation, departed immediately. No one had time to appreciate the island's beauty. Doflamingo and Pica headed towards the bar in Mock Town. Doflamingo didn't want to drink to relax, but the bar was the main hub for information exchange.
In a short while, Doflamingo arrived at the bar again, feeling a certain nostalgia for the noise. Although the place was full of people of ill repute, it was to be expected; after all, they were pirates. What could one expect, that they would be elegant and courteous?
"Creak." As he pushed open the bar door, the interior was as noisy as usual. Indeed, all bars were similar; they were places of leisure where pirates relaxed and boasted. Ignoring the crowd's commotion, Doflamingo led Pica to the counter.
"Bartender, two drinks, and something to eat." Doflamingo spoke to the bartender at the counter. The bartender was helpful and quickly prepared what Doflamingo asked for.
"Bartender, a question: do you know anything about the Knock-Up Stream?" The bartender, hearing about the Knock-Up Stream, seemed interested. After all, he had lived there for a long time. He promptly replied, "The Knock-Up Stream? It's something dangerous. It's very common in this sea area. Be careful, young ones."
Ignoring the bartender's concern, Doflamingo continued, "So, bartender, do you know the exact time and location of the Knock-Up Stream? That way we can try to avoid this danger."
"Haha, young man, I can't tell you that. I can't help. The time and location of the Knock-Up Stream are never certain," the bartender said, smiling.
"Hey, punk, if you're so scared of dying, why did you leave home? Go play house!" a drunkard at the bar said, unable to bear it any longer, mocking Doflamingo. This remark provoked widespread laughter.
"Thank you very much, bartender." Doflamingo didn't care about the crowd's mockery in the bar. Pica was very indignant, but since his Young Master said nothing, he also didn't act.
"Hey, punk, you're pretty arrogant, aren't you? Are you mute? Don't you dare answer? Or are you scared of me?" the bully, seeing Doflamingo ignore him, felt humiliated and continued to mock.
"A bunch of weaklings is always so noisy? Like buzzing flies, very annoying." Doflamingo wasn't bothered. If he had to deal with people like that, he would always be busy. He picked up the drink from the counter and drank it in one gulp, telling Pica: "Let's go."
The two stood up and left, ignoring the crowd's mockery behind them. The bully, seeing them, laughed even louder, mocking them with more intensity. "Ah, so they're two cowards! Go home and suckle! What a waste of size!" "Hahahahaha!"
Amidst laughter, Doflamingo and Pica left the bar. Although Pica was furious, since Doflamingo didn't act, he could only keep his anger to himself. Walking down the street, Doflamingo, seeing Pica's expression, could only try to calm him:
"Pica, you're very angry, aren't you? The sadness of the weak lies in ignorance. If we respond to every insult and curse, we wouldn't have time for anything else. They are just extras; it's not worth getting so angry. They are just pathetic." Pica, hearing Doflamingo, decided to let it go for now. Although he didn't quite understand, he still wanted to tear apart those who insulted the Young Master, even if Doflamingo didn't care. But, as a subordinate, it was clear that he should resolve these small matters.
After a long silence, Pica suddenly asked Doflamingo for leave, wanting to "go to the bathroom." Doflamingo perfectly understood what Pica intended to do. "Well, my words didn't help much. If I don't let him vent, Pica will be upset. Let him go." Thus, the two parted ways. Mock Town would certainly be lively today.