55
On the deck of the Cold Crow · Numancia Flamingo, Diamante pointed toward the distant island, where smoke and flames rose, his laughter full of mockery.
Trebol and the others gathered at the rail, looking at the chaos and taking turns jeering.
"After all this, that so-called feast is over."
"Hee... if Ochoku doesn't act, never mind four years-he probably won't even last until tomorrow."
The sea breeze carried the smell of gunsmoke and rust, licking every fresh crack in the deck.
On this sea, strength was the only pass anyone needed-bounties fueled the fervor of followers, while the slightest opening would send the fangs lurking in the shadows lunging eagerly for your throat.
The Five Peaks Banner's fleet had foundered in its surprise attack. Not only had it failed to shake the Donquixote Family in the slightest, but its own base had been reduced to half a ruin.
The hyenas that pounced amid the chaos tore away still more flesh. This was no longer a simple defeat, but a crippling blow that had ripped out sinews and snapped bones.
Unless they immediately showed an even more savage face, their heads would decorate someone else's drinking table tomorrow.
"Fuffuffu... their defeat is settled."
Doflamingo stood at the rail, his finely tailored suit now covered in cuts and scorch marks, the dried blood on his forehead like a dark red medal.
He grinned, his laughter mingling with the salty, damp wind.
"How could that chaotic, stinking hive compare to us? Four years-that's enough to leave it unable even to catch sight of our backs."
The route through the first half of the sea controlled by the Family had now become a golden waterway that merchant ships flocked to enter.
After several rounds of merciless purges, the cannon fire of raiders