In a room within the royal palace in Dressrosa.
Doflamingo sat upright by the window, the bulging veins on his forehead indicating that he was in a very bad mood.
He just received a call from one of the Five Elders. The elder immediately berated him without saying a word and then told him that his status as Shichibukai had been revoked and that he would no longer enjoy the various rights associated with the Shichibukai.
Then, without giving him any chance to speak, the call was immediately disconnected. From the moment he received the call until it was disconnected, the call lasted at most a minute.
For at least fifty seconds of that time, the caller was verbally abusing him, and he didn't even have a chance to say a word before the call was disconnected.
That's why he's so angry right now.
He immediately realized why this had happened and couldn't help but growl:
" Xia Chen!!"
In his view, only Xia Chen could do such a thing; only he could make those five old guys compromise.
But... isn't this a bit too fast?
How much time has passed since he called Luo? Has it been an hour?
It's highly unlikely!
Actually, he didn't want to confront Xia Chen at all unless absolutely necessary, but he had no choice; he had to do Kaido's business, no matter the cost!
It's all because...
Doflamingo remained silent for a long time, then finally let out a sinister laugh.
"Ha ha ha ha..."
" Xia Chen, in five days, I'll see if it's you who dies, or me!!"
Time flew by, and it was evening four days later.
The Thousand Sunny had by then arrived in the waters near Dressrosa.
The night was quiet and still, and everyone was lost in sweet dreams.
However, no matter how comfortable the night, there are always some night owls who won't sleep.
Xia Chen was one of them.
At this moment, Xia Chen stood on the edge of the boat, gazing into the distance.
Tomorrow is the time they agreed upon with Doflamingo, and he's eagerly anticipating what Doflamingo thinks is the trump card he can use to defeat him.
It'd better be actually useful, otherwise it'll be too boring!
Why are you here all alone?
A soft female voice rang out, and Robin slowly walked in from behind.
"Couldn't sleep, so I came out to enjoy the sea breeze!" Xia Chen replied casually.
"Thinking about tomorrow?" Robin asked again.
"I guess so! I have a feeling something interesting will happen tomorrow!" Xia Chen smiled.
What do you think of that Trafalgar Law?
"What do you mean? What aspect are you referring to?" Xia Chen turned to look at Robin.
"Hmm..." Robin pondered for a moment, then said thoughtfully:
"I always felt that he harbored a different kind of hostility towards Doflamingo. Every time he talked about Doflamingo, he would unconsciously reveal a hint of murderous intent!"
"So... I feel like he might have some kind of grudge against Doflamingo!"
Upon hearing this, Xia Chen glanced at Robin in surprise.
As expected of Robin, she is indeed very meticulous in many things!
Luo has been staying on their ship these past few days, since they now share a common goal.
"I do know something about his relationship with Doflamingo!"
Xia Chen then told Robin about Doflamingo killing Corazon and the story of Corazon and Law.
After a long while, Robin found himself lying in Xia Chen's arms.
"I see... that makes sense then!" Robin nodded thoughtfully after hearing the story.
"Alright, let's put all that aside for now. I feel like we can do something fun now!"
As he spoke, Xia Chen revealed a malicious smile.
Upon hearing this, Robin blushed slightly; she knew, of course, what Xia Chen meant by happiness.
Because... it really is fun!
--
The next day.
"That island ahead is Dressrosa, and Green Bit is to the north of Dressrosa; you can get there via an iron bridge!"
Luo walked to the edge of the boat and looked at the island ahead, then turned to look at the others.
"The newspapers a few days ago announced that Doflamingo has been removed from the Shichibukai, which is good news for us!"
"Without the status of Shichibukai, he is constrained in many ways!"
"Brubrubru! Brubrubru!..."
Just then, the sound of a Den Den Mushi) interrupted Law's words.
Luo took out Den Den Mushi from his pocket and then looked at everyone.
"It's Doflamingo calling!"
"Just answer him directly and see what terms he wants to negotiate with us!" Nami said calmly.
"Okay!" Luo nodded.
As soon as the call connected, Doflamingo's sinister voice came through.
Good morning, everyone!
" Doflamingo, where are you right now? I'll come over and beat you to a pulp right now!" Luffy shouted at the Den Den Mushi.
"Don't rush, Straw Hat Boy! I'll give you your chance later!"
"Now, let's talk about the details of our transaction!"
" Xia Chen, wait for the next person to come to Green Bit. I'll only take the Storm-Storm Fruit to Dressrosa after I've confirmed your arrival!"
" Straw Hat Boy, bring Caesar over and make a deal with me then!"
"Delivery upon delivery, person upon delivery!"
"Of course, that's on the condition that I confirm Xia Chen, you've already arrived at Green Bit!"
"Alright, that's all I wanted to say. See you later, Straw Hat Boy!"
After saying that, Doflamingo hung up the phone immediately, giving everyone no chance to continue speaking.
His actions naturally provoked public outrage.
"What does this guy mean by being so arrogant?" Luffy shouted.
"That's really infuriating! I hope he'll still be like this when we beat him up later!" Sanji said in an unfriendly tone.
For a moment, everyone was hurling insults at Doflamingo.
They really didn't want to do what Doflamingo said, but they had no choice; the Storm-Storm Fruit was now in his hands.
So... he now has the upper hand!
After the scolding, everyone turned their attention to Xia Chen. Nami hesitated for a moment before asking:
" Xia Chen, are you really going to Green Bit alone?"
"Since he specifically asked you to go alone, there must be a trap set up there. Are you... okay?" Sanji asked.
"Be confident, drop the 'ba'!" Xia Chen replied calmly, then slowly stood up.
"Interesting. I'd like to see what surprise he's prepared for me that makes him so confident!"
"You don't need to worry about me. But you guys, be careful, don't die!" Xia Chen said calmly to the group.
"Tch~ Xia Chen! Who do you think you are? We're pretty strong right now, okay!" Luffy said confidently.
"Okay! Just don't come back to get beaten up like a dog after I've dealt with Green Bit's problem!"
"Alright, let's not delay any longer, let's split up and head out! I'm really looking forward to the surprise he has in store for me!"
With that, Xia Chen leaped into the air, Flying Nimbus instantly appeared beneath his feet, flying towards Green Bit's direction.
Watching Xia Chen's figure disappear into the horizon, Luffy turned to the group and said, "Brothers, let's go too!!"
"Oh!!!"