We Have No Way Back

Ignoring Law, who was sulking there, Nico Robin looked at the Den Den Mushi and said, "So, the Marine Admiral didn't attack you after confirming your identities, right?"

"Yes."

Xi Yan nodded and said, "Therefore, I suspect that the other party has deeper motives."

"Firstly, Doflamingo may have specifically instructed the Navy that he wanted to kill us personally, which is why Fujitora didn't make a move."

Secondly, Fujitora didn't want to alert the enemy, so he chose to let us go for the time being.

"As for the third point..."

At this point, Xi Yan suddenly paused, his mind replaying his previous conversation with Franky.

"What about the third one?" Usopp asked quickly.

He now desperately wants to know all the information.

Thirdly, Doflamingo might also be one of Marine Admiral Fujitora's targets.

Upon hearing this, Usopp was stunned.

Is Doflamingo also one of the Navy's targets?

What does that mean?

Didn't they say that Doflamingo had already formed a cooperative relationship with the Navy?

A glint of light flashed in Luo's eyes.

"You mean..." Luo, having understood Xi Yan's meaning, said, "Because Doflamingo resigned from the Shichibukai, the Navy felt humiliated and therefore planned to arrest Doflamingo as well?"

"That possibility cannot be ruled out," Xi Yan said. "Don't forget that we and the Spade Pirates are both quite strong, so there's a possibility that Doflamingo could be defeated."

"Under these circumstances, it's possible that the Navy might consider capturing Doflamingo as well."

As for the agreement Doflamingo reached with the Navy?

If Doflamingo is defeated or both sides are severely injured, who would care about this so-called agreement?

After all, only the two of them know about this, and besides, Doflamingo is no longer Shichibukai, so there wouldn't be any problem even if they captured him.

As for the other Shichibukai?

Since the arrest wasn't made during his tenure, why would others care about such a thing?

Ultimately, we're all pirates. As long as our own interests aren't threatened, who cares about whom?

"I see." Luo nodded and said, "That explains why Fujitora didn't make a move."

This is a good thing for them.

After hearing Luo's words, Xi Yan had a few more thoughts in his mind.

'Could it be that Luffy's act of kindness made Fujitora give up on attacking us?' Xi Yan wondered to himself.

However, Xi Yan quickly dismissed the idea, feeling that someone of the Admiral's caliber wouldn't be swayed by such a trivial matter.

"No, I don't understand," Usopp quickly said. "Normally... even if Doflamingo is one of the Navy's targets, they wouldn't let us go, right?"

After all, they're pirates too.

"It's very simple."

Nico Robin spoke up, "The Navy wants us to fight Doflamingo to the death!"

"A lose-lose situation?"

"Hmm." Nico Robin nodded. "Only if we fight Doflamingo will the Navy have a chance to capture both of us."

Only if they fight Doflamingo will there be a situation where one or both sides are seriously injured or killed, which may be the reason why the Navy has chosen not to take action against them for the time being.

It must be said that the Marine Admiral named Fujitora was indeed very cunning.

"Are they trying to reap the benefits without lifting a finger?"

This time, Usopp understood.

"Right."

Usopp fell silent. Did the Navy really resort to such tricks?

I've never encountered this before.

Law's eyes began to flicker. If that were really the case, it would actually be advantageous for him, an Avenger.

After all... his goal from the very beginning was to deal with Doflamingo!

As for Kaido?

That was simply a choice made after defeating Doflamingo.

'But the Marine Admiral is still a problem,' Law thought to himself.

After all, it's possible that the other party could team up with Doflamingo to deal with him.

"Hey, let's give up." Usopp suddenly looked up and said again, "Although I don't know if that Marine Admiral will go to the Green Bit, even the slightest possibility is dangerous!"

He certainly didn't want a Marine Admiral to suddenly appear while he was making a deal with Doflamingo; that would be disastrous.

This time, Luo didn't speak, but his eyes became conflicted.

Give up?

To be honest, he was unwilling to accept it.

Just as he had thought, this might be the only chance he would ever have in his life.

Nico Robin remained silent, simply watching Law and the Den Den Mushi calmly.

She was eager to know Luo's choice, and even more eager to know if Xi Yan had any other ideas.

If she wasn't mistaken, Xi Yan should be close to finding Factory.

"Luo, what are your thoughts?" Xi Yan asked.

"Do not give up."

Luo took a deep breath and said, "Although I don't know if Fujitora's target includes us, as long as he doesn't capture Fire Fist's leader, Doflamingo won't be able to obtain the title of Shichibukai, and the Navy won't help him deal with us."

"Therefore, there is no problem with us continuing with the plan."

"What's the meaning?"

Usopp sniffed. What did he mean by "the Navy probably won't help Doflamingo fight them"?

Could you explain it more clearly?

This time, Law didn't leave Usopp hanging, but explained directly to him, "Before becoming Shichibukai, Doflamingo wasn't on the same side as the Marines!"

Seeing that Usopp was still somewhat confused, Law could only patiently continue explaining, "The prerequisite for Doflamingo to become Shichibukai was to capture Fire Fist D. Ace or... the Straw Hat Leader. You should understand that, right?"

"Yes, I understood that." Usopp nodded.

Xi Yan has already made this matter very clear.

"That makes things easier."

Law nodded, then continued, "As long as Doflamingo doesn't capture those two, he won't be able to obtain the title of Shichibukai, which means he can't make any further demands on the Navy!"

From the Navy's perspective, what gives you the right to make so many demands of a pirate who just relinquished his title of Shichibukai?

If it weren't for this collaboration, they would have taken action the moment they arrived in Dressrosa!

"Is that so?" Usopp asked doubtfully.

"It's pretty close to the truth."

"If that's the case, then there's no need for the Navy to come here," Usopp said. "After all, capturing Ace or Luffy would require Doflamingo to do it himself."

Upon hearing this, Luo became somewhat hesitant again.

Yes, if what he just thought is true, then what is the purpose of the navy's existence?

"Just to add an extra layer of insurance," Nicole Robin guessed.

"Leader Nico explain in detail."

"What's going on, Robin?"

Seeing that both of them were looking at her, Nico Robin smiled and continued, "Let's analyze this based on the premise that the Navy and Doflamingo have already reached an agreement."

"From the Navy's perspective, Doflamingo is a guy who just resigned from his Shichibukai title; he's a pirate who can't necessarily be trusted."

"So even if the Navy agrees to the other side's plan, it's impossible for them to trust him completely."

"Therefore, it makes perfect sense for the World Government to send its navy here."

After speaking, Nico Robin paused for a moment, then continued, "And the Navy's purpose in doing this is quite simple!"

Firstly: Supervision!

"Keep an eye on Doflamingo and see if he'll carry out the operation plan as agreed by both sides."

"If Doflamingo doesn't do this, the Navy has the right to take action against him."

Secondly: a safety net.

"This safety net isn't to protect Doflamingo, but to prevent this plan from failing!"

"The plan failed?"

Usopp frowned. Wasn't that still just covering for Doflamingo?

"You didn't understand what I meant." Nico Robin glanced at the Den Den Mushi and said, "Just like he said, the Navy may have included Doflamingo in their target list from the very beginning."

"It becomes much easier to understand from this perspective."

At this point, Nico Robin's expression turned serious, and she continued, "Once the Navy discovers that Doflamingo has been defeated or is unable to continue this plan, the Navy will act immediately."

"They will strike immediately against all the pirates in Dressrosa, and they will also capture Doflamingo, that loser!"

"And this is the Navy's safety net!"

As Law listened to Nico Robin's explanation, his eyes began to flicker. If what Leader Nico and Sunglasses said was true, then he would have much more room to maneuver.

At least we don't have to abandon this operation plan immediately.

Usopp, on the other hand, had a look of Satori realization on his face. Wasn't this exactly what Xi Yan had just said?

Robin simply explained it in more detail.

"So, we can now exploit this distrust between the Navy and Doflamingo?" Usopp said.

"Yes, that's what I meant too," Xi Yan nodded and said.

Even the Shichibukai the Sea aren't necessarily trusted by the Navy, let alone someone who hasn't even become Shichibukai yet.

The reason someone is willing to cooperate is mostly because the other party offers enough incentives, plus the fact that they were once Shichibukai.

So Xi Yan wasn't really worried about this matter.

Of course, the most important thing is his confidence in his own abilities; otherwise, he wouldn't have considered continuing with this plan.

"But..."

Usopp wore a bitter expression; he really didn't want to continue with this plan.

Although the mutual distrust between the Navy and Doflamingo gave them enough time to maneuver, it was still too dangerous!

"No buts!"

Luo suddenly raised his head and said, "Boss Long Nose, the plan has progressed to this point and there's no turning back."

He had just considered giving up on the idea, but he immediately nipped it in the bud.

The reason is simple: it's not just his only chance for revenge, but also to prevent Doflamingo from resorting to desperate measures!

After all, Doflamingo's SMILE Factory is still there!

So... even if they kidnap Caesar, Doflamingo will have plenty of time to find their trail, at which point they'll truly be at a disadvantage.

As for whether Doflamingo will be able to find them?

Don't be ridiculous. The other side are top-notch intelligence brokers; how could they possibly not find them?

Of course, they could also choose to leave here and head straight to Wano Country to attack Kaido!

But here's the problem: what if Doflamingo, after receiving this information, secretly leads a group to Wano Country to confront Kaido?

While Kaido have the possibility of capturing Caesar, Doflamingo wouldn't give up this only chance.

By then, they might have to face a lineup of Four Emperors and Shichibukai, which is not something he wants to see.

As for Doflamingo's title as one of the Shichibukai...

'Although there's a chance Doflamingo will be defeated by Fire Fist Ace, what if he succeeds?' Law thought to himself.

He would then be able to regain his title as one of the Shichibukai, which is something he cannot accept.

Furthermore, because of Fire Fist Ace's defeat, the Straw Hat Pirates will turn around and go to Dressrosa or Underwater Great Prison rescue people!

This eliminates the option of going directly to Wano Country.

When that time comes, should he go with them to rescue the people or not?

If we don't go, the alliance will be completely broken!

Therefore, they have no choice but to continue with the plan. At least here they have the opportunity to complete all the plans and also the opportunity to rescue Fire Fist Ace.

"Luo is right," Xi Yan said. "We really have no choice but to continue with the plan now."

He wasn't concerned about what Doflamingo was like; what mattered to him was keeping his promise to Ace.

Since they had already agreed to help the other party steal that Devil Fruit, they naturally had to keep their word.

"Why are you like this too...?"

Usopp was on the verge of tears. Even Xi Yan had said that, so what could he say?

With that thought in mind, Usopp squatted down to the side and started drawing circles.

Luo:...

Law glanced at Usopp, somewhat speechless. This guy was acting like a child.

Xi Yan smiled, clearly not surprised that Usopp would say such a thing.

Then, Xi Yan said, "However, there is also a possibility that Marine Admiral might appear over there."

"What do you mean?" Luo asked quickly.

If Marine Admiral appear before him, he would need to carefully consider what to do next.

"Have you forgotten that our alliance made the newspapers?" Xi Yan said. "In this situation, do you think the Navy might suspect that you also intend to give up your Shichibukai title?"

Upon hearing this, Luo's expression immediately darkened.

Yes, given what happened, the Navy has reason to suspect his motives.

Xi Yan, who had been observing the changes in the Den Den Mushi, smiled and then continued, "So you also need to be careful."

"I understand, Mr. Sunglasses."

This time, Luo nodded very seriously, clearly having taken Xi Yan's words to heart.

If you think about it carefully, there really is such a possibility.

However, it's only a possibility, after all, the Navy has more important things to do, doesn't it?

'I wonder if Fire Fist Ace and the others have arrived in Dressrosa yet,' Law muttered to himself.

If Fire Fist Ace has already arrived in Dressrosa, then he can take advantage of the chaos.

Thinking of this, Law quickly asked, "Sunglasses, do you know where the Spade Pirates are?"

Nico Robin glanced at Law upon hearing this, clearly understanding his thoughts.

However, she didn't say anything, but instead decided to see what Xi Yan had to say.