Training Grounds, Loguetown Marine Base.
Perched on the parallel bars, Donquixote Doflamingo wore a solemn expression.
It was evident that Gion's sudden departure from the Loguetown base wasn't due to members of the Donquixote Family causing trouble after arriving at Marine Headquarters. Instead, it signaled movements from Kaido in the New World, possibly even the outbreak of war.
Based on what Doflamingo had gleaned about Xayuki during this period, there was no way the Fleet Admiral would swallow such an insult quietly.
What puzzled him, however, was why Gion had been sent.
After all, Sakazuki was stationed in Dressrosa in the New World, and even if Kaido came with overwhelming force, Sakazuki wouldn't be alone—Kuzan and Borsalino were also Admirals who could provide support.
Hmm?
As this thought crossed his mind, Doflamingo's pupils suddenly contracted. He flipped himself upright on the parallel bars, his expression shifting from solemnity to shock.
During Xayuki's departure from Headquarters to the East Blue, not a single Admiral had accompanied him.
Not only were no Admirals present, but neither Kuzan nor Borsalino had even appeared at the port to see him off!
Under normal circumstances, when the Fleet Admiral leaves Headquarters, the Admirals would inevitably show up. Yet, during Xayuki's departure, both Kuzan and Borsalino had been conspicuously absent.
"Could it be—"
After a brief silence, Doflamingo abruptly raised his head to look toward the office building. "Sakazuki's deployment to Dressrosa might just be a decoy. His real purpose could be to use this opportunity for a strategic shift—to send all three Admirals into the New World simultaneously!"
"Donquixote Doflamingo, you really are audacious!"
At that moment, Smoker, freshly promoted to Rear Admiral and assigned a new mission, emerged from the office building.
Spotting Doflamingo on the parallel bars, Smoker's face darkened as he quickened his pace, speaking in a low voice, "You dared to plant members of your Donquixote Family in Marine Headquarters and even had one rise to the rank of Vice Admiral!"
Doflamingo, however, showed no sign of embarrassment. Instead, he grinned wickedly. "Fuffuffuffuffu, isn't this something Fleet Admiral Xayuki already knows? You're late to the party, Smoker. Isn't it a bit pointless to question me now?"
"It's not too late!" Smoker retorted, striding past Doflamingo. "I'm heading to the G-5 Branch to replace Vice Admiral Vergo. Fleet Admiral Xayuki said that, at this critical moment, he trusts me more."
Before Doflamingo could respond, a group of soldiers suddenly emerged from the base's port. They lined up neatly in front of Smoker, led by Tashigi.
"Captain Smoker!"
Tashigi stepped forward, her expression puzzled. "Are we heading out to sea again?"
Smoker didn't stop walking. His lips curled into a slight smile as he replied, "From now on, you should call me Rear Admiral Smoker!"
"Eh?" Tashigi blinked in confusion. "Rear Admiral... Smoker?"
"Stop standing there like an idiot," Smoker said, glancing back at his airheaded subordinate. "We're departing immediately for the G-5 Branch in the New World!"
Watching Smoker and his team board the warship and sail away, Doflamingo instinctively reached for his Den Den Mushi, only to realize it wasn't on him. Shaking his head, he turned to look at the office building.
His decision to ally with Kaido in the past wasn't solely because of Kaido's strength; it stemmed from his own bitterness.
Doflamingo had a secret—a past unknown to outsiders. Years ago, he had knelt and begged to return to Mary Geoise and reclaim his status as a Celestial Dragon, only to be met with cold rejection.
From that moment on, the seeds of revenge took root in his heart. And the only person in the world who could help him enact his vengeance was Kaido, who had long desired to spark a top-tier war.
But that was the past.
Now, a Fleet Admiral even more ruthless than Kaido had emerged—not only seizing control of the Marines with lightning speed but also forcing the lofty rulers of Mary Geoise to sign the Marijoa Treaty.
In terms of practicality, following Xayuki offered far greater advantages than continuing his alliance with Kaido.
And now was the time for him to make his choice.
After a brief silence, Doflamingo took a deep breath and decisively jumped down from the parallel bars, heading toward the office building.
Soon, Doflamingo arrived at Xayuki's office.
He hesitated for a moment before taking another deep breath, pulling his hands out of his pockets, and stepping inside.
"Fleet Admiral Xayuki, I have a secret that might interest you!"
Without preamble, Doflamingo faced Xayuki, who was seated at his desk, and got straight to the point. "But before I share this secret, I hope you can promise me one thing!"
At this, Dracule Mihawk, Crocodile, and Gecko Moria, who were also in the office, simultaneously looked up, their eyes filled with surprise.
"Oh?"
Even Xayuki seemed intrigued. "Let's hear it. What is it you want me to promise?"
"The next time you go to Mary Geoise, take me with you!"
Doflamingo raised his head slightly, his gaze beneath his sunglasses burning with fervor and madness. "Because my lost dignity lies there!"
New World, Whole Cake Island Castle.
The members of the Charlotte Family had all gathered in the castle hall, except for a few who had to remain on their respective islands. The spacious hall was now crowded and oppressive.
Adding to the tension were the two massive figures of Charlotte Linlin and Kaido, whose presence made the atmosphere even heavier.
"Brubru~"
Suddenly, the sound of a Den Den Mushi broke the silence, intensifying the oppressive mood in the hall.
Under the watchful eyes of the Charlotte Family members, Kaido reached into his pocket and pulled out the Den Den Mushi.
"Governor!"
A panicked voice immediately erupted from the receiver. "Disaster has struck! We've just received news—the Mammoth, sent to intercept the Marine warship, has been sunk by Admiral Sakazuki. Captain Jack and the others... their fates are unknown!"
"What?!"
The sudden news hit Kaido like a bombshell. He sprang to his feet, unleashing the terrifying aura unique to a Yonko. The overwhelming pressure engulfed the entire hall, causing many Charlotte Family members to stagger and retreat uncontrollably.
"Kaido!"
Standing at the forefront of his siblings, Charlotte Katakuri released his Conqueror's Haki, blocking the oppressive aura. Holding his Trident Mogura, he stepped forward and said sternly, "Retract your Haki. This is Whole Cake Island!"
Surprisingly, Kaido didn't react angrily to Katakuri's reprimand. Instead, he withdrew his aura as soon as Katakuri finished speaking.
Then, in a bizarre twist, Kaido suddenly burst into tears, wailing loudly like a child.
"Jack... Jack is dead!"
After crying his heart out, Kaido turned to the plump woman who had once shared a ship with him, his voice choked with grief. "Linlin, help me one more time!"
Charlotte Linlin let out a heavy sigh, her frustration evident. "Did you drink a lot before coming to Whole Cake Island?"
Kaido didn't respond. He just kept crying.
"Enough, Kaido!"
Charlotte Linlin slammed her fist on the table, her anger boiling over. "Fine, I'll help you!"
To Be Continued...
More updates coming tomorrow at 8 AM sharp! Stay tuned!
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