Kyros's Death

"His Majesty the King and the princesses... are gone?!"

Kyros listened to the soldier's report, disbelief written all over his face. But he had no time to dwell on it, because the cries of battle were already right at hand.

The Donquixote Family's main force surged up the high ground like a tide. Though the royal army fought desperately, they were steadily driven back before the Devil Fruit users.

"All troops, heed my command! Hold King's Plateau! For Dressrosa!"

Kyros's roar drowned out the clamor of the battlefield. Hundreds of royal soldiers roared in unison and formed ranks to meet the enemy.

Most of them were ordinary people. Facing the Donquixote Family, all of whom were Devil Fruit users, fear crept uncontrollably across every face—yet not one of them took a step back.

Because behind them stood the royal palace. The heart of Dressrosa.

"Fuffuffuffuffu... There are still people resisting?"

Donquixote Doflamingo appeared at the end of the stairs. He looked down at the royal army standing ready below, a cruel curve spreading across his lips.

"Your courage is commendable. But your stupidity is beyond saving."

He spread his five fingers toward the crowd.

"[Descending Rogue String]!"

Five nearly transparent threads descended from the sky and instantly pierced through five soldiers' heads. Blood and brains splattered everywhere; they did not even have time to scream. When their bodies fell, their eyes were still wide open.

"Kill them!"

Diamante charged laughing wildly into the ranks. His longsword transformed into twisted, whip-like steel, leaving severed limbs flying everywhere in its wake.

A young soldier tried to block with his shield, but the shield was sliced apart like paper, along with half his shoulder, which flew into the sky.

Kyros's eyes nearly split with rage.

"Your opponent is me!"

He roared, his blade