Parting

Fire.

If I had to describe that man, there would only be one word for him—

Fire!

The blazing inferno!

Standing over six meters tall, he had a large, well-proportioned build and wore an entirely black outfit.

A double-breasted top with a skull-patterned collar, a mask, goggles, helmet, and gloves, leaving not an inch of skin exposed.

His arms and legs were adorned with accessories, and a long sword hung from his waist.

There were two most striking features:

One was the ring of flames encircling the back of his head, and the other was a pair of huge black wings on his back!

Was that ring of flames the reason the man was described as "blazing"?

Not just that.

The aura he exuded was like a raging inferno, instilling fear and a subconscious desire to flee!

"Hoo... hoo..."

"Pfft!"

Bepo spat out blood, yet he still forcefully pulled Cobra and Jaka, flying high into the sky, even hiding within the clouds.

In Falcon Form, Bepo's vision far surpassed that of ordinary people, allowing him not only to feel the man's oppressive presence but also to see his face clearly!

"No... it can't be wrong..."

Bepo's pupils trembled, his tone filled with disbelief.

"I've seen that face on a wanted poster. He's a cadre of the Beasts Pirates, the [Flame Calamity] King, with a bounty of one billion Beli!"

"?!"

As soon as he said this, Cobra and Jaka were both startled.

They had both heard of the Beasts Pirates, a powerful pirate crew active in the New World, which had recently achieved the status of "Four Emperors" through a series of major events!

Although they didn't know much about this pirate crew usually, the exaggerated bounty of one billion alone was enough to show how terrifying King was.

"Tch, can I still hold on..."

Bepo gritted his teeth, already having made up his mind.

Even the Navy would have a hard time dealing with a pirate of King's bounty level without preparation.

So, even if it meant his wounds would tear open, or even cost him his life, he had to bring Cobra away safely!

A mere wall of fire could easily be flown over with his Bird-Bird Fruit ability...

"Huh?!"

Suddenly, Bepo sensed a gaze.

He turned his head and found that King, on the deserted island, was turning his head and staring intently at the three of them in the sky!

That cold gaze felt like a terrifying predator staring at its prey, making Bepo's skin crawl from the bottom of his heart.

"Not good!"

Bepo twisted his body, attempting to distance himself further from King.

But in the next instant, King's right hand suddenly transformed into a membranous wing, and then he swung it towards the three of them in mid-air.

Blade Twin Emperors!

Whoosh whoosh whoosh whoosh—

Several flame bullets were flung out, like a machine gun, hitting Bepo, Cobra, and Jaka directly!

Bepo and Jaka simultaneously transformed into their animal forms, using their bodies to shield Cobra, and then the three of them were engulfed in flames together, falling into the sea...

"Hmm, after all, he's an Zoan-type Devil Fruit user. Just a few bullets should be survivable."

King's voice was cold as he muttered to himself:

"I can't let that king escape..."

"..."

These words were spoken as if no one else was there, completely disregarding the two in front of him—Vergo and Lindsey.

King had the right to do so.

He is the leader of the Beasts Pirates' Three Calamities, having followed Kaido for many years. He is calm, courageous, and naturally understands what needs to be done and when.

"Now—"

Jin turned his gaze back towards the front and slowly said in a deep voice:

"It's time to deal with you."

At this moment, the situation on the deserted island changed dramatically.

Crocodile and [Flame Calamity] Jin fell from the sky one after the other.

Just moments ago, using the flight advantage of his Ancient Pterodactyl Form, Jin had prioritized destroying Crocodile's small boat.

Subsequently, in their aerial battle, he gained a slight advantage over Crocodile, heavily wounding him and sending him crashing down onto the deserted island.

Jin followed, landing directly opposite Lindsey, and also behind Vergo.

"Now—"

"It's time to deal with you."

This simple sentence held a huge question.

Jin said "you," not "you all."

In other words, he only considered one of the two people standing before him as "the one who needs to be dealt with."

Who?

Vergo already had an answer in his heart—

It certainly wouldn't be himself.

One after another, the terrifying pressure from [Demon] and [Flame Calamity] descended simultaneously, as if he were caught between two twisted storms, making it impossible to breathe!

Without even turning his head, he stood rooted to the spot, unmoving.

Because Vergo knew very well that the gazes of [Demon] and [Flame Calamity] had already passed over him and were locked onto each other.

At this moment, he had become the signal for both sides to "start the battle."

The slightest movement would trigger [Demon] and [Flame Calamity] to fight, and he would only be a sacrificial pawn with no presence!

Vergo was not the only one who realized this; so was someone far away in the North Blue.

Donquixote Doflamingo!

Since the peace talks began, he had instructed Vergo to activate the Den Den Mushi's video communication.

At this moment, the two eyes of the Den Den Mushi emerged from Vergo's pocket, looking beyond him to the burly figure behind him.

"Jin!"

Doflamingo's voice came through the Den Den Mushi.

"He's my man..."

A simple sentence, filled with anger yet suppressed.

The reason was simple.

As the [JOKER] of the underworld, Doflamingo had a close working relationship with [Beasts] Kaido.

If [JOKER] wanted to advance further in the underworld, he couldn't do without the support of the Beasts Pirates!

Moreover, the Donquixote Family was far from a match for the Beasts Pirates, and Doflamingo didn't dare to fall out with [Beasts] Kaido.

So, he could only hope that Jin would consider their mutual interests.

However, Jin's next words made Doflamingo's expression stiffen on the other end of the Den Den Mushi.

"Is it [JOKER]?"

Jin twisted his neck and said calmly, "I'm also very interested in Alabasta's little secrets. I believe they would be helpful to Brother Kaido."

"..."

"It's fine."

Doflamingo was silent for a moment, then said, "But you have to let my man leave first!"

"That cannot be done."

Jin's gaze swept past Vergo, fixing directly on Aiven Lindsey, who was facing him.

A strange Ancient Armament Haki permeated the air, and his perfect human body gradually transformed into a "monstrosity" with thick limbs.

Jin narrowed his eyes and slowly said, "There are always forbidden grounds for mortals in this world. Your man has stepped into a place he cannot tread. Whether he lives or dies is up to his own fate!"

"Jin!"

Doflamingo's brow furrowed, and he roared, "Are you not concerned about Kaido's side anymore!"

But his response was only a more ferocious reprimand.

"A mere Donquixote Family, don't push your luck!"

King's gaze was grim as he spoke in a cold voice:

"I'll ask you just one question—"

"Will the life or death of this subordinate affect your cooperation with Brother Kaido!"

"..."

Doflamingo fell silent.

He had only one answer, which was "no."

Even if Vergo were personally executed by Kaido, Doflamingo would undoubtedly continue to trade with Kaido for his own purposes.

But he couldn't voice this answer.

"It's alright, Doffy."

Vergo took out the Den Den Mushi from his pocket, placed his hand on the switch, and said slowly:

"Ever since we met you, we've always believed that you could become the King of this sea."

"For that, my life is nothing; I can discard it at any time."

Ordinary people couldn't understand the internal relationships within the Donquixote Family, but as long as they understood each other, that was enough.

"..."

"I'm sorry, old friend, you've been with me the longest..."

Doflamingo's expression remained unchanged as he slowly said, "You've worked hard all this time."

Upon hearing this, Vergo smiled faintly.

In the original future, when he was torn to pieces by Law's Devil Fruit ability and caught in the self-destruction of the Punk Hazard research facility, he had shown the same smile.

"Mm."

Vergo let out a soft sound.

This was his farewell to Doflamingo, and the signal for the [Demon] and the [Flame Calamity] to begin their fight!

WHOOSH—!

Almost simultaneously, Lindsey and King swung their respective heavy fists at each other.

The two fists tore through the air, hitting Vergo's body, and then continued forward, landing heavily on each other's faces.

BOOM—

Exploded!