After a while, Vergo finally rose from the ruins in a somewhat bedraggled state, shaking off the wood chips and snow from his body. He had defended in time with Iron Body and Armament Haki. Though his internal organs had been jolted and his blood was surging, he had no obvious external injuries.
He touched his faintly aching chest, his gaze so gloomy it seemed ready to drip water.
"Ancient Zoan... what a troublesome ability!"
He cursed under his breath, flashed away behind a massive boulder, and swiftly pulled out the Den Den Mushi in his clothes.
"Buru buru—click."
The Den Den Mushi was answered almost instantly, taking on the arrogant face of a man wearing sunglasses.
Vergo got straight to the point:
"It's me. An unexpected factor has appeared on the island. I encountered a member of the Adams Pirates, a kid with an Ancient Zoan. I'm fighting him now. I suspect his companions may also be hiding somewhere on the island."
The other end of the Den Den Mushi fell silent for a moment, clearly surprised. Then Doflamingo's distinctive grim voice came through at once:
"Fuffuffuffu... Got it. I didn't expect such a pleasant surprise. Vergo, deal with that brat quickly. I'll use the Birdcage right away. If his companions are on this island, there will be no escape for them."
"Mm."
Vergo answered and decisively hung up the Den Den Mushi.
Inside Hyperspace, Adams had witnessed the entire battle and Vergo's call, yet he remained as calm and composed as ever.
"I didn't expect Doflamingo to still become suspicious of Rosinante even if Luo hadn't delivered the wrong documents."
He mused inwardly,
"But it makes sense. There were only a few core people who knew about the plan to seize the Op-Op Fruit. Simple elimination would