Lead Amber Disease Outbreak

Life on the island was both fulfilling and tedious.

Living in a high-gravity environment, aside from the occasional combat training, Gray and Baby-5 devoted their time to reading.

Unfortunately, the books here were far from comprehensive, providing Baby-5 with only a superficial foundation.

Still, it was better than nothing!

Beyond reading and training, Gray focused most of his attention on developing his Devil Fruit ability.

After two months, he had finally managed to grasp the basics of the two abilities he had envisioned.

Give him a little more time to complete the development of these projected powers, and he would truly be ready to take flight!

It was a pity that the Donquixote Family had recently landed a massive deal, and all family members were required to accompany the shipment.

"I assume everyone is aware by now!" In the cafeteria hall, the group had just finished their meal and was holding a meeting.

Every member of the family was gathered there.

Doflamingo, Pica, Trebol, Corazon, Diamante, Jora, Gladius, Lao G, Machvise, Senor Pink, Gray, Buffalo, and Baby-5.

All fifteen members were present.

"Na-na-na! Doffy! Some members still don't know the news."

"Fufufu, that is my fault for not explaining the reason clearly." As he spoke, Doflamingo took out today's newspaper and distributed it to everyone.

"Pay attention to the headline of today's World Economic Journal."

Gray took the paper and looked first at the front-page headline.

Lead Amber Disease—the most terrifying infectious virus in history.

So that's it, the Lead Amber Disease incident has broken out? Gray knew from the original story that Lead Amber Disease was not contagious at all.

The reason it was reported this way in the paper was merely a lie fabricated by the World Government to cover up the truth.

However, given the nature of that old bird Morgans, why would he report such fake news? Although puzzled, it had nothing to do with him, so Gray tossed the thought aside.

"Is it really that highly infectious?" Diamante couldn't help but look at Doflamingo. "Doffy, shouldn't we retreat?"

"Our base is too close to Flevance! The news says that with current medical means, it's impossible to treat."

"Fufufu! Don't worry, Diamante!" After calming Diamante down, Doflamingo looked at the others. "According to the information I have, Lead Amber Disease is not contagious at all."

"The reason Flevance contracted this disease is because they had long-term contact with lead amber ore."

"I see!" Hearing this, those who didn't know the truth collectively breathed a sigh of relief.

"Then, Doffy, why did you have us look at this?"

"Fufufufu... it's simple. Our family has landed a big deal!"

"Before this incident occurred, the four kingdoms surrounding Flevance had already ordered a large quantity of weapons from us."

"And now that the World Government has exposed Flevance as having this highly infectious Lead Amber Disease, I have a feeling that this country is about to be completely destroyed."

"Greed is the greatest sin of humanity!"

"Because Flevance is wealthy due to its lead amber mines, the surrounding countries have long coveted it."

As he spoke, Doflamingo let out another series of strange, ambiguous laughs: "Fufufu."

"And I estimate that the Kingdom of Flevance is already surrounded by iron nets!" It wasn't just an estimate; they had to remember that their branch base was located right on the border of Flevance.

Earlier, Doflamingo had already used his Observation Haki to see many soldiers arriving with iron nets.

Clearly, the countries surrounding the area had received wind of this long ago.

"So, let us guess: Flevance is already surrounded by iron nets, and these countries have purchased a massive amount of arms. What can they do?"

"Or rather, what do they want to do?" Thinking of these people twisted by greed, Doflamingo couldn't help but smile with delight: "Fufufu."

"Exterminate the country!" This thought quickly appeared in everyone's minds.

Beside them, Corazon's pupils constricted, and a massive storm raged in his heart. No, there are too many civilians here; they cannot be killed just like that!

I am a righteous Marine, after all! Thinking of reporting this to Sengoku, Corazon did not let his face reveal too much emotion.

Instead, he pretended to be his usual self and lit a cigarette, but while doing so, he accidentally set his coat on fire.

After a clownish scramble, the heavy atmosphere was shattered.

"Then, Doffy, what do you need us to do?" Pica's high-pitched, childlike voice rang out; the contrast was truly jarring.

As a family member, looking at his hulking, burly frame paired with that voice, holding back laughter was truly difficult.

"No need to rush, Pica!"

"We don't need to do anything. Don't they want weapons?"

"Then give them to them!"

"Diamante, Buffalo!"

"Young Master!" x2

"You will follow the arms shipments from the family's weapon workshop to these countries. Remember—if they dare to withhold payment, make sure they and the nobles backing them cease to exist!" Doflamingo had demanded a massive quantity of arms from every nation, and he feared that those nobles might lose their minds and refuse to pay, which would make wiping them out later quite a chore.

Since it would be troublesome either way, why not simply dispatch family executives to escort the shipments and eliminate any trouble on the spot?

"Yes, Young Master!"

"Second team: Gladius, you take Gray, Baby-5, and Shark Chili to handle the escort."

"Yes, Young Master!"

"Third team: Lao G, Senor, you two go."

"Fourth team: Pica, Machvise, you two go."

"The rest of you, stay in the center to provide support in case any unexpected situations arise!"

"Yes, Young Master!"

Oh, are we finally setting sail? Gray was instantly invigorated at the prospect of his first adventure at sea.

The moment the orders were issued, the operation began, and Gladius took the lead in instructing the underlings to prepare supplies for the voyage.

Meanwhile, Gray and Baby-5 arrived at the port with Shark Chili to wait.

"Chiumi!" As soon as it reached the seaside, Shark Chili dove straight into the water; its swimming silhouette made it clear that it was in a great mood.

Although its usual life of eating, sleeping, and having everything provided for was quite comfortable, as a Sea King, it still felt more at ease in the vast ocean.

"Hahaha! Go ahead and play, I still need to make some preparations!" Since they were heading out to sea, combat was inevitable.

Therefore, Gray had his underlings bring over the shuriken he had prepared.

The shuriken Gray had finally crafted were different from the initial ones; they were massive Fuma Shuriken!

They were a size larger than the original Fuma Shuriken.

This weapon was what Gray considered his version 1.0, while the previously discarded ones were version 0.5.

The reason for the upgrade was that his development of his Devil Fruit ability had taken a significant leap forward.

Gray believed he was finally ready to enter a proper combat state.

Throwing darts or similar items in this world was difficult even for Li Xunhuan, and Gray certainly didn't think he could compare to the legendary Li Tanhua.

In a world of pirates with constitution-heavy "blood tanks," relying on ordinary darts or guns always felt a bit beneath the dignity of a true warrior.