The Flamingo Who Refused to Give Up

New World Routes

The sea breeze, sharp as a blade, swept diagonally across the deck, causing the naval ensign to Hunting Roar.

The Warship, like a giant wave-cutter, tore through the sea and sped towards Dressrosa, a tropical island with a resort-like atmosphere.

At the bow, Gion stood still in the wind, her pink shirt clinging to her figure, her Coat of Justice billowing in the breeze. Beneath her neat shorts, military boots trotted firmly on the deck. Her graceful silhouette and the sharp "Famous Sword, Kompira" at her waist created a wonderful contrast between stillness and movement.

Her fingertips lightly traced the hilt of the knife, her gaze piercing through the layers of waves, fixed on the distant, still-unseen island. Her tone was calm, yet tinged with an barely suppressed sharpness. "The pursuit of the Donquixote Family has always been Tsuru's long-cherished wish."

Her tone was gentle, yet carried a hidden sharpness, "But that Doflamingo... it's always as slippery as an eel."

She scoffed lightly, a disgusted smile playing on her lips, "Tsk, how disgusting."

Light footsteps sounded, and a tall figure appeared beside her.

Roy, draped in a naval Justice Coat, stood on the port side of the bow, gazing in the same direction.

The sea breeze lifted the hem of his robes, making him appear like a sharp sword about to be drawn, his aura both sharp and restrained.

"This time is different." His voice was deep and powerful. "The Donquixote Family's forces have all gathered in Dressrosa, and intelligence indicates he's planning a major operation on the island. Vice Admiral Tsuru judges that will be the moment he exposes himself!"

Gion turned slightly to the side, a smirk playing on her lips as she looked at him. "So the 'reinforcements' that Tsuru was talking about are you, huh?"

She chuckled lightly, feigning nonchalance, "I just finished suppressing New-Type Pirate Crew on the Northern Line, and I was thinking I could have a few days of peace and quiet, but then I received a transfer order, and even my flight path was changed, and I was brought here."

She winked and teased, "Little Roy, you really caught me off guard!"

Roy chuckled helplessly, "Gion- neechan still loves to tease me."

After speaking, he stopped smiling, looked towards the distant sea, and his expression gradually calmed down.

"I also have some old grudges with Doflamingo." His tone was low and slow, yet it carried a hint of sharpness.

Gion was taken aback, then looked at him seriously. "You two fought? How could he escape from you?"

"Hmm." Roy nodded, his tone complicated. "Back then, I could have cut off his wings, but due to certain 'factors,' I let him go."

"But he still wouldn't give up..."

A hint of inquiry flickered in Gion's eyes, but she ultimately just smiled gently and didn't press the matter.

"He's now Shichibukai, a 'legal Pirate's recognized by the World Government. Even we can't just take action against him without proper authorization."

"Tsk." Roy scoffed dismissively, his eyes sharp as knives. "Does that guy think he can refrain from doing something stupid? I hope he makes a big fuss."

Roy slowly turned his head, calmly looking at Gion, his voice low and sharp. "As long as he dares to show his fangs..."

"I will personally pluck all his feathers, one by one."

"I'm really looking forward to that moment," Gion murmured, her fingers lightly tapping the scabbard. The metal and the wooden sheath rang out with a crisp, clear sound.

"I hope this voyage will offer more than just pleasant sea breezes."

In the distance, the clouds rapidly descended, casting a deep, inky shadow over the sky. Warships sped through the waves, their sails billowing like bows.

Layers of dark clouds piled up, as if a storm was approaching; it was the call of Dressrosa, and the sound of war drums signaling the impending clash between blood and Justice.

Dressrosa Hidden Manor

Heavy velvet curtains blocked out the sunlight, and the dimly lit Council Chamber was filled with a damp and stale aroma of incense.

The core members of the Donquixote Family were all present, sitting around the oval table on both sides, but none of them dared to speak first.

In the Head Seat, Doflamingo interlaced his fingers, leaned slightly forward, rested his elbows on the table, and scanned the entire room with his unwavering gaze behind his sunglasses, his aura making everyone feel extremely uncomfortable.

"Slap--Slap--Slap--"

He tapped the table slowly with his knuckles, the rhythm steady, each tap seeming to strike the hearts of everyone present.

Leaning on his cane, sticky liquid dripping from his body, Trebol hesitated for a moment before finally asking, "Young... Young Master... do we really have to do this?"

"That Roy... he's not just an ordinary navy man anymore..."

Before he could finish speaking, the air seemed to freeze, the atmosphere in the room instantly became tense, and everyone's eyes were focused on Doflamingo.

"Fufufu..."

Doflamingo suddenly chuckled, a laugh carrying a chilling undertone.

"Trebol, how come your courage is getting worse as you get older?"

He suddenly stood up, slammed his hands on the table, his cloak billowed behind him, and his face appeared extremely gloomy due to the backlighting.

Who am I?

"I'm now one of the Shichibukai, officially recognized by the World Government!"

"A mere rear Rear Admiral dares to stand in my way?! Does he even deserve it?! Fuh--!"

Everyone was intimidated by his imposing presence, Pica's sharp voice rang out first. "Young Master is right! What do we have to be afraid of?!"

Diamante brandished his longsword and shouted excitedly, "Let's take him down! Let the navy know how powerful we are!"

"Hmph..." Doflamingo curled his lips in satisfaction, sat back down in his chair, and crossed his legs.

"Moreover, we are not fighting alone."

He slowly raised his hand, his five fingers spread, as if to grasp the entire Dressrosa in his palm.

"We have Kaido backing us up!"

"One of the 'Three Great Monsters' of the New World, the behind-the-scenes ruler of Wano Country —isn't such an ally enough to put your minds at ease?"

With him around, a Rear Admiral rear admiral like him can only keep a low profile.

The cadres' eyes gradually became fervent, and even Trebol, who had been hesitant, lowered his head and stopped arguing.

Doflamingo's smile grew even more sinister, "I'm just taking back what's rightfully mine, fufufu..."

Trebol paused for a moment, then spoke again, "What about the progress of Caesar's research, and the handover of the 'traded goods'...?"

"Monet has already set his sights on Caesar."

Doflamingo interrupted him impatiently, "Jack, one of Kaido's men, just came by and delivered Kaido's orders. Caesar has already begun studying the requirements."

"Those experimental samples and 'Weapons Orders' will also come in handy one after another."

He stood up, walked to the end of the room, and abruptly pulled back the curtain.

"Splash--!"

The blinding sunlight streamed in instantly, sweeping away the gloom in the room. His figure stood backlit, like a wild bird about to take flight.

"Now, our top priority is to take complete control of Dressrosa!"

He slowly raised his arm, his five fingers spread, as if to grasp the entire sky of Dressrosa in his palm.

"The plan is to begin execution."

At the same time, in the western Harbor of Dressrosa

The steel behemoth-like transport ship roared deafeningly, spewing thick black smoke from its hull, like an ancient beast awakening.

The towering Mammoth Head sculpture at the bow is menacing and fierce, its metal tusks gleaming coldly in the sunlight, intimidating the entire sea area.

On the deck, a towering figure stood motionless, his black overcoat Hunting Roar in the wind.

"Hmph... a boring task."

Jack crushed the Cigar in his mouth, his canine fangs gleaming with a chilling light.

He was only eighteen years old, yet his aura was like that of a ferocious beast descending upon the world, his eyes revealing a cold killing intent as he swept across the receding coastline of Dressrosa.

"Doflamingo, does he really think he's someone important?"

He grinned, revealing a sinister sneer.

"If it weren't for Kaido's orders, I wouldn't bother with this kind of nonsense!"

Behind him, several Pirate crew members trembled with fear, not daring to utter a word.

Jack slammed his foot on the ship's gunwale, the steel deck groaning under the strain.

"Hey! Drive faster!"

He roared, his voice booming like Thunderclap, "At this snail's pace, when will we ever get back to Wano Country?!"

"But, Lord Jack..."

The helmsman, drenched in sweat, said, "This ship is already at its top speed..."

"Waste!"

A fierce glint Flash in Jack's eyes. He suddenly grabbed the iron bucket next to him and smashed it hard into the sea!

"Boom!!"

Huge waves erupted on the sea, the transport ship rocked violently, and the crew members were thrown about in terror.

Jack laughed maniacally, as if reveling in the fear of others.

He turned and looked at the distant horizon, his eyes blazing with murderous intent.

"If any fool dares to block my way..."

He clenched his fists so tightly that the air seemed to burst!

"Crush them!!"

The transport ship, spewing black smoke, gradually disappeared into the sea fog, leaving only its arrogant roar echoing across the waves.