The Sorbet Kingdom had become a blood-soaked hell.
Along the town streets and through the valley woods, the once-lofty Celestial Dragons fled in panic.
Their finery was covered in mud, their shattered helmets exposing faces twisted with terror.
"Help! Someone save me!"
"You damned lowlifes! Do you know who I am? My father is-aargh!"
Screams rose one after another.
Pirates from the New World pursued them with vicious grins, dragging World Nobles into dark alleys.
Some had their limbs torn off while they were still alive. Others were tied to posts and used for target practice. Still others were stuffed into specially made "hunting cages," becoming toys for the pirates' amusement.
Cruel laughter mingled with screams, composing a symphony of bloodshed.
High in the palace, Saint Saturn, the Warrior God of Science and Defense, still stood at the window with a glass of red wine in hand, leisurely listening to the faint screams drifting in from afar.
"The hunting competition truly is delightful-"
He sipped his wine, calculating how many days this game might last.
Judging by previous years, the youngsters usually lost interest by the third day.
But this time was different. After all, it was the first hunt in thirty-six years. Their interest ought to last a little longer.
Just then-whoosh!
Countless fine threads suddenly descended from the sky, enclosing the entire island like an overturned birdcage.
Saint Saturn's wineglass froze in midair.
"Doflamingo's Birdcage?" Saint Saturn frowned. "Why is he on the island? Is he trying to curry favor with us by keeping the prey from escaping?"
Before he could work out an answer, the palace doors were violently slammed open.
CP0's deputy captain stumbled inside, his white uniform stained red with blood. Half his mask had shattered, revealing the deathly pale face beneath.
"L-Lord Saint Saturn-"