"Yo, this is the game..."
Crocodile glanced at the sky's image, taking a puff of his cigar as he began to mock.
Doflamingo, using the threat of a birdcage, forced Dressrosa into a dire situation—either he dies or the Straw Hats do. The choice was clear for those with discerning eyes. It was evident that Doflamingo had subjected Luffy and his crew to torment, exploiting the darker aspects of human nature.
The plan was to use Luffy's desire to protect people against him, turning him into an unwitting executioner.
Crocodile's laughter echoed, and Doflamingo responded with a sinister smile. "Offend me, and even in death, despair shall be your companion. Straw Hats, savor the gift I've bestowed upon you. This time, escaping Dressrosa is not an option."
At that moment, Garp, who had been observing quietly, turned his head, his face etched with anger. Doflamingo was momentarily taken aback, shutting his mouth hastily. Celestial Dragon or not, facing Garp was no laughing matter.
[On the colossal screen in the Dressrosa sky, an image of the Straw Hats, including Sabo and the revolutionary army groups, flashed.]
[Each person's bounty was prominently displayed below their picture, tempting would-be assailants with Doflamingo's rewards.]
[Killing Luffy, Sabo, and the others not only promised freedom from the birdcage but also individual bounties bestowed by Doflamingo.]
[This tempting offer prompted a mass defection in the city, including civilians and those who had just regained their identities.]
[Franky and others found themselves under attack, though the assaults were mere nuisances, they were disheartening.]
[Despite defeating Sugar and saving them, the citizens had turned hostile.]
[Franky, distressed by the situation, couldn't harm the civilians, opting to retreat quickly.]
[Meanwhile, with Luffy...]
[Law, rescued but troubled, discovered that the unfolding events had strayed far from their planned course.]
[Originally, the plan involved destroying Doflamingo's factory, causing a rift between the Four Emperors Kaido and Doflamingo.]
[However, the factory remained intact, and they found themselves in a dire predicament against Doflamingo's overwhelming strength.]
[Escape was the priority, according to Law, but Luffy outright rejected the idea.]
"No, I'm going to fight Doflamingo!"
"Otherwise, the people in this kingdom will continue to be oppressed by him!"
Law was furious.
"Doflamingo's strength is formidable. With our current strength alone, the chances of winning are no more than three percent!"
"And haven't you witnessed the city's situation today? Those people we just saved are now chasing and attacking us in return!"
Luffy grinned, unconcerned. "But half of them are still grateful to us and are standing against Doflamingo!"
"Even for their sake, I won't run away!"
In that moment, Law was deeply moved, his expression freezing. Whether it was Luffy's words or his charisma that left an impression, Law eventually smiled.
"In that case, you can only face Doflamingo."
"It might sound crazy, but let's confront him directly!"
Without hesitation, Luffy, Law, and Zoro rushed out from the shadows.
Unfortunately, as soon as they appeared, they found themselves surrounded by countless pirates and civilians eager to claim their bounty. Admiral Fujitora was also present.
Whitebeard Pirates!
Whitebeard sat on the boat, shaking his head and sighing.
Having witnessed the entire live broadcast, he understood Luffy and the others' intentions. They sought to defeat Doflamingo to save the kingdom entangled in intrigue.
Even at this point, the hardships they faced were unimaginable. To defeat Sugar and rescue all the toys, Usopp and the Dwarves almost perished. The rest were engaged in battles against Doflamingo's family executives.
Yet, despite their efforts, the majority of the kingdom's commoners, even those who had been liberated from being toys, turned their knives towards their saviors due to the birdcage threat and bounty temptation.
While not everyone acted this way, it was disheartening enough.
Even so, the Straw Hats were reluctant to harm them. They tried to push them aside and escape.
Putting himself in Luffy's shoes, Whitebeard recognized the rising anger.
He handed a big knife to everyone present, symbolizing the gravity of the situation.
Marco, expressing his disdain, remarked to Ace, "Your brother is too kind-hearted. If it were me, even if I didn't kill them, they would leave without looking back."
Ace, understanding Luffy best, smiled as he observed Luffy's determined back.
"Luffy is that kind of person. Even without support, he'll unwaveringly confront Doflamingo."
"Moreover, half of Dressrosa supports and follows him."
"So, Luffy won't back down. As an older brother, I firmly believe they can defeat Doflamingo."
"After all, my two younger brothers are there!"
Meanwhile, the sky picture continued to play, shifting to another place of Dressrosa.
Here, Doflamingo sat on a wooden box, uncomfortably holding a red wine glass.
[And facing him were numerous crew members, as well as members of the family cadre.]
[Naturally, Diamante and Trebol, who had suffered defeat earlier, were also among them...]
[One failed to protect the Flame fruit, while the other let the sugar fall unconscious.]
[Both were filled with fear, yet they bravely stood and voluntarily admitted their mistakes.]
[However, Doflamingo refrained from punishing them. The two, being veteran members of the family, had committed a grave error.]
[Given the current circumstances, punishment was futile; it was better to contemplate how to navigate the situation.]
[At this juncture, another cadre, Pica, rose to speak.]
"The Straw Hats are manageable, but now there's an admiral in the city."
"He's in Dressrosa and likely privy to all our secrets."
"If he returns to Marine headquarters after this affair, he'll carry back this intelligence..."
"It could spell trouble for us."
[Upon hearing this, Doflamingo's expression turned fierce, and he forcefully crushed the red wine glass in his hand.]
[The cadre's concerns were valid, and...]
[He recalled what Fujitora had mentioned earlier in the palace – his desire to abolish the Seven Warlords!]
"Fujitora, this admiral, is causing trouble everywhere!"
"Not only does he express disdain for the Seven Warlords, but he's also uncovered all our secrets."
"If we allow him to return, it will indeed be detrimental to us."
"But don't fret about him!"
[At this point, Doflamingo's face bore a cruel smile.]
"After dealing with the Straw Hats..."
"Fujitora, you won't escape!"
"Regardless, when the time comes, we'll inform the World Government that he was slain by the Straw Hats and the Revolutionary Army!"
"Everyone in Dressrosa will perish, including Fujitora, without exception..."
This statement was broadcasted instantly!
A global uproar ensued! People were astonished by Doflamingo's audacity – was he insane?
Wanting to eliminate the Straw Hats was one thing, but annihilating an entire kingdom... and plotting the death of an admiral?
Admirals represented the highest combat power in the Marine, a revered force even in the World Government.
Such actions were a blatant challenge to the authority of the Marine and the World Government!
Even the Revolutionary Army hadn't dared to undertake such a bold move...
At this moment, viewers worldwide perceived Doflamingo, this member of the Seven Warlords...
As utterly mad! Meanwhile...
At Marine headquarters!
The live broadcast was naturally witnessed by all Marine personnel.
Even Fleet Admiral Sengoku, and the three admirals gazed at Doflamingo.
Crocodile, also a member of the Seven Warlords, took a step back upon seeing the situation.
Then, he gave a thumbs up to Doflamingo.
"To dare plot against an admiral, that's true boldness..."
At this moment, the atmosphere in the room became tense.
The air was thick with tension, resembling the scent of gunpowder.
Even Doflamingo himself noticed this, and a bead of cold sweat formed on his forehead...
**********
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