Kyros's Death

"King Riku and the princesses... are gone?!"

Kyros stared in disbelief at the news the soldier had brought him. But he had no time to think, because the cries of battle were already close at hand.

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

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

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

Most of them were ordinary people. Facing the Donquixote Family, where every opponent was a Devil Fruit user, 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.

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

Doflamingo appeared at the end of the stairs. Looking down at the King's Army standing ready for battle, he curled his lips into a cruel smile.

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

He spread his five fingers and aimed them at the crowd.

"[Descending Rogue Thread]!"

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

"Kill them!"

Diamante charged into the ranks with wild laughter. His longsword transformed into twisted, whip-like steel, severed limbs flying wherever it passed.

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 air.

Kyros's eyes went bloodshot.

"Your opponent is me!"

With an