Dear Readers,
From the bottom of my heart, I want to express my deepest gratitude for your unwavering support. Every moment you spend reading my work is a cherished gift, and knowing that it has brought you even a fraction of the joy that creating it has brought me means the world.
If you could spare a few minutes of your precious time to write a review, it would truly mean everything to me. Your feedback is not just a way to help me grow as a writer, but it's also a beacon of encouragement that drives me to pour my heart and soul into every word I write.
Additionally, if you feel so inclined, your power stones would be a tremendous help in reaching more readers. The more people I can share this journey with, the more I can learn, grow, and ultimately, continue improving my craft.
Thank you once again, not just for your support, but also for being part of this journey with me. Your kindness, encouragement, and time are the greatest gifts a writer could ask for, and I am eternally grateful.
With heartfelt thanks,
Silent_Stiele
***********
[WANTED]
[SILVERS RAYLEIGH]
[DEAD OR ALIVE]
[4,044,000,000 BELLY]
I couldn't help but smirk at the new bounty for the Dark King. The World Government was clearly infuriated. Only one other man currently alive held a bounty exceeding 4 billion Belly: Edward Newgate, also known as Whitebeard. I turned my gaze towards the front of our small ship, where little Robin stood, staring at the horizon. Since her mother Olivia left her in my care, Robin had spoken very little. She seemed composed, too composed, bottling everything inside. Eventually, she would need to let it all out.
We were currently en route to South Blue, where Miyamoto, after months of searching, had finally located Rouge. His luck held as he had spotted her shopping in a market. Wisely, unlike with Rayleigh, he didn't approach too closely. Bogard, as I suspected, was guarding her from a distance. So, we were on our way to South Blue to meet Rouge. After all, I had a promise to keep.
"Master Ross! It seems Master Doffy has a new bounty," Lucci said, passing over the bounty poster he had found. He was currently engrossed in the news about Amazon Lily. The official story was a fabrication, stating that more than 30,000 slavers had attacked the Kuja, and the Marines had bravely intervened, destroying the slaver force at great cost. But I knew Rayleigh must have decimated the forces sent to eliminate the Kuja. I wondered what kind of deal he had struck with the World Government, but whatever it was, it had clearly enraged them.
[WANTED]
[DONQUIXOTE DOFLAMINGO]
[DEAD OR ALIVE]
[1,556,500,000 BELLY]
[WANTED]
[DIAMANTE]
[DEAD OR ALIVE]
[420,000,000 BELLY]
[WANTED]
[SENOR]
[DEAD OR ALIVE]
[398,900,000 BELLY]
It seemed my brother had been quite active since reaching North Blue. Conveniently, the New World connected to North Blue via the Calm Belt, and Doffy and his crew were strong enough to navigate its dangers. I wondered how many islands he must have burned to raise his bounty so rapidly. Unless an Admiral-level figure was dispatched, I was confident Doffy could handle the situation. Even against Admiral-level opponents, he should be able to retreat safely unless cornered. Doffy just needed extensive battle experience to cross that final hurdle to reach Admiral level.
However, my growth seemed to have plateaued. Despite continuously tempering my physique, my other aspects, especially my Armament Haki, had stagnated. It wasn't for lack of effort, but the same problem I had faced before: the struggle with Armament Haki's emission technique. Now, I was stuck with Conqueror's Haki entanglement. I still couldn't infuse my Conqueror's Haki properly into my attacks, as I did with my Armament Haki. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't break through that barrier.
My disadvantage was evident when I fought Hector, who had consumed the Mythical Gorgon fruit. Fortunately for me, that idiot had no idea how to utilize his fruit. If he had, he could have gained a body similar to Kaido's. Though not at Kaido's level, it would have been close enough. If Hector had truly understood his fruit, I might not have been able to harm him.
Even then, I had to pour my complete strength into harming Hector during the fight. I needed to find a way to imbue my attacks with my overwhelming Conqueror's Haki. I was glad that unlike my Armament Haki, which had slowed down in growth, my Conqueror's Haki was growing at a steady rate. Sooner or later, I would surpass them all and stand at the pinnacle.
******************
Merry Go Island, North Blue
The island, known as Isola di Serenità, was a gem in the North Blue, famed for its luxurious resorts and breathtaking scenery. Controlled by powerful figures from the mafia and the Underworld, it was a haven for those seeking leisure amidst the machinations of the criminal world. The island's beaches were pristine, with golden sands meeting the crystal-clear waters. The lush forests and extravagant resorts made it a favorite retreat for the wealthy and the influential.
Today, however, Isola di Serenità was more jubilant than ever. The reason was the grand wedding of Valeria Montesco Valente, daughter of the notorious Emperor of the Underworld, Dante "The Blood Reaper" Valente.
Valente was a figure of immense power, feared and respected in equal measure. He had triumphed over his competitors in recent years, cementing his position as the undisputed ruler of the weapons market in the Underworld. His ruthless efficiency and strategic brilliance had ensured his reign, making him a legend in the underworld.
The celebrations were centered around the main resort, a sprawling complex of opulent villas and grand halls. The central courtyard, an architectural marvel with its marble pillars and intricate mosaics, was the heart of the festivities. Lush gardens adorned with exotic flowers and sparkling fountains added to the splendor. Glittering chandeliers hung from the ceilings, casting a warm glow over the guests, who were dressed in their finest attire.
The atmosphere was electric with excitement. Guests from across the Underworld, including influential mafia bosses, arms dealers, and black market magnates, had gathered to honor the union. The groom, Alessandro Luciano, hailed from one of the Five Families of the West, a lineage as esteemed and formidable as Valente's own. The alliance between these two powerful houses was seen as a monumental event, further solidifying their dominance.
Lavish feasts were laid out, with tables groaning under the weight of gourmet dishes and vintage wines. The air was filled with the sound of laughter, clinking glasses, and the harmonious melodies of a live orchestra. Fireworks lit up the night sky, reflecting off the waters and casting a kaleidoscope of colors over the island.
Security was unprecedented. The perimeter of the island was guarded by heavily armed sentinels, while the shores were patrolled by sleek, black ships equipped with the latest weaponry. Discreet, yet vigilant bodyguards moved through the crowd, their keen eyes watching for any sign of trouble. The air hummed with a sense of controlled power, a reminder of the formidable forces at play.
In the center of the courtyard stood Dante Valente, a towering figure with a presence that commanded respect. His sharp, piercing eyes scanned the crowd, a small, satisfied smile playing on his lips. Dressed in an impeccably tailored suit, he exuded an aura of unassailable authority. By his side, Valeria, radiant in her wedding gown, accepted the congratulations of the guests with grace and poise, her eyes sparkling with joy.
As the night wore on, the festivities only grew more vibrant. The dancers performed intricate routines, their movements a blend of grace and energy, captivating the audience. Toasts were raised, each more extravagant than the last, as the guests celebrated the occasion with abandon. The island of Isola di Serenità had never seen a celebration of such grandeur, a testament to the power and influence of Dante Valente, The Blood Reaper.
The mismatched tune of a violin screeched through the hall, catching everyone's attention as the music abruptly stopped. The dissonant noise persisted, souring the atmosphere and casting a pall over the celebration. Dante Valente, with a cigar clenched between his teeth, narrowed his eyes dangerously. This was his daughter's special day, and he demanded perfection. The discordant sound grated against his nerves, and he quickly moved toward the source with a few of his bodyguards in tow.
"Senor, you said my violin playing was heavenly, right? But it seems like the guests have a different opinion," Doflamingo commented from his seat in a dimly lit corner, still sawing away at the instrument. "How does my little brother do it? Maybe I should get some violin lessons," he muttered to himself, continuing the screeching tune.
Dante and the other powerhouses of the mafia and Underworld froze in shock as they recognized Doflamingo. They never expected the young man, who had outmaneuvered so many intricate traps in the past, to appear here. Dante himself had betrayed Doflamingo years ago, sharing details about the Donquixote family's bases and strongholds. Realizing that Doflamingo had come for revenge, Dante gestured silently for his guards to secure the bride and groom and escort them away from the island.
"Master Doffy, may I?" Senor asked, taking the violin from Doflamingo. He immediately started playing a mournful requiem. Despite being the focus of hundreds of powerful people from both the mafia and the Underworld, the three acted oblivious, Senor's melancholy tone adding to the tension. The guards pointed guns at them, and guests watched eagerly, unaware that a Birdcage had already trapped the entire island.
"Doflamingo!" Dante growled, his voice low. He knew the situation was dire. "You shouldn't have come here," he spat, trying to mask his fear with anger.
"Fufufufu! Come now, Dante. You organized such a grand celebration for your only daughter and didn't invite your closest friend. But look, I don't hold any grudges. I made it to the event even without an invitation, and guess what? I even brought a gift for the bride," Doflamingo smirked with a sinister laugh.
Diamante, holding a beautifully wrapped box, stepped up, walking past Dante and other bigshots and ignoring the hundreds of guards surrounding them. He placed the box in the groom's hands with a short bow of congratulations and leisurely returned to his place beside Doflamingo's chair.
Some guests who had been involved in the betrayal of the Donquixote family tried to slip out of the hall, unaware that their fates were already sealed. For a few minutes, no one moved. The tension was palpable, and no one dared command an attack on the Donquixote family, knowing that regular weapons were useless against Doflamingo, a Logia monster.
They had assumed Doflamingo would stay in the New World and not turn his attention back to the North Blue. Dante felt like he was standing on a powder keg, one wrong move, and everything he had built would turn to ashes.
"Doflamingo, you know what happened back then was purely business. We saw a chance and took it. You, of all people, should understand how the underworld works," Dante attempted to ease into a compromise, knowing his current position was not advantageous. They didn't know how the Donquixote family had bypassed all their security, or how large a force they were up against. Dante, though ruthless, was cunning and knew when to cut his losses.
A blood-curdling scream suddenly echoed through the hall. Dante turned to see his daughter, Valeria, drop the package she was holding and fall to the ground, desperately trying to wipe crimson liquid from her hands, staining her white wedding dress. Dante's eyes froze in terror as he realized the groom was nowhere to be seen. His gaze locked onto the box, now seeping with blood. He unsteadily made his way through his guards and knelt to open it. The sight of the groom's severed head inside sent chills down everyone's spines.
"A beautiful gift, isn't it, Dante? A groom for a bride," Doflamingo smirked, rage bubbling beneath his sadistic smile. He relished the suffering of the man who had betrayed him, but it wasn't enough. The pain of those who betrayed the family had to be seared into their very souls.
"You bastard!" Dante roared, pulling out a pistol from within his coat and firing.
Bang... Bang... Bang! Close to a dozen gunshots rang out in seconds, all aimed at Doflamingo, who still wore a maniacal grin. However, none of the seastone bullets hit him. He had dodged them effortlessly, his Observation Haki making him untouchable.
Senor's eyes narrowed dangerously, and before anyone could react, the bride was hoisted into the air by a thin string falling from the chandelier above, tightening around her neck. She struggled, but the more she fought, the tighter it became.
"Father! It hurts! Please, save me!" Valeria bellowed, her voice filled with terror and pain.
"Fufufufu, Senor, are you sure about hurting women and children?" Doflamingo asked teasingly. Senor, Ishho, and his little brother were usually averse to harming women and children, but it seemed Senor was willing to set aside this rule today.
"I am sure young Master Ross would understand. And I see it as a mercy, Master Doffy. They would only suffer once they lost the protection of the men in the family. It's better for them to go this way," Senor answered, his gaze never wavering from the bride struggling for her life.
"Let her go! Let her go, you bastards!" Dante roared, his bodyguards and the mafia members hesitating to move. They were at the mercy of the monster before them. Diamante was eliminating anyone who tried to aid Dante, leaving a trail of headless corpses in the hall. Black soot ominously traversed the room under Diamante's control.
The hall was a tableau of terror, the joyous celebration now a scene of horror. The mafia and Underworld powerhouses watched, paralyzed by fear and the knowledge that they were dealing with a monster whose wrath knew no bounds.
Dante was torn between saving his struggling daughter and the rage that wanted to rip Doflamingo apart. The noose around his daughter's neck tightened with each passing second, and none in the hall uttered a word of protest.
His desperation was palpable as he screamed, "Please!... please let her go. She is only a child. I will do anything, anything! You can have everything. Please, just let my daughter go, you heartless bastard! She had nothing to do with what happened back then!"
Doflamingo's smile widened, his amusement evident. "Dante, did you really think you could live a leisurely life as the king of the mountain after harming the Donquixote family? You should have known better. But I am a merciful man. Let's see... How about you convince one of these powerful men and women here to take your daughter's place in the noose, and I will let her go?"
Doflamingo chuckled, knowing full well how these people's minds worked. They were driven by self-interest, with alliances and friendships merely tools for power plays. He had already decided to eradicate everyone on the island, but he wanted to give them a sliver of false hope. Hope is truly a powerful motivator that pushes people to do unimaginable things that they wouldn't even have dreamt of.
Doflamingo stood up, making sure his white tailored suit with gold trim was unblemished. He smoothed the fabric and turned to address the rest of the hall while Dante frantically begged people to take his daughter's place.
"Like I said earlier, I am a merciful man. Sigh! I don't like seeing unnecessary bloodshed, but you all must understand I need to make a statement. So, here's how it's going to go: I am going to let exactly fifty people live on this island. Don't bother trying to escape the island; it's sealed. If there are more than fifty people alive at the end of twelve hours, I will kill you all. So, I wish you all good luck."
Doflamingo walked towards the exit, followed by Senor and Diamante. "Fufufufu!! Let the games begin! May the odds be ever in your favor," he chuckled. Just as they exited the room, the bride's head was severed from her body, and she fell to the ground with a sickening thud. This marked the start of the carnage. The resort island, teeming with more than fifty thousand people, now had only fifty slots for survival.
The hall erupted into chaos. Screams echoed off the ornate walls as the crowd surged in all directions. Powerful figures who had moments ago been enjoying a lavish celebration now turned on each other, their alliances crumbling under the weight of self-preservation.
Dante watched in horror as his daughter's headless body slumped to the floor, her blood pooling around her. His grief quickly turned to rage, but before he could act, a gunshot rang out. One of his own men, seeing an opportunity, had fired at him. The bullet missed, but the betrayal cut deep. Trust was nonexistent now.
Dante's guards, trained for such chaos, quickly formed a protective circle around him, but even they were not immune to the madness. A knife found its way into one guard's back, thrust there by another guest desperate to escape. The guard crumpled, and the circle broke.
In the main resort, once a picture of opulence, the guests were tearing at each other like animals. Tables laden with gourmet food were overturned, the delicacies trampled underfoot. Chandeliers swayed precariously as bodies collided and struggled. The air was thick with the metallic scent of blood and the acrid stench of fear.
Outside the central hall, the island was no less chaotic, as Doffy's massage spread throughout. People who had heard the commotion inside and seen the Birdcage's impenetrable barrier had started to panic. Families clung together, hoping for some miracle that would spare them. Others, driven by the primal urge to survive, took up whatever weapons they could find and began hunting down anyone they thought they could overpower.
The wealthy patrons who had come for a luxurious getaway were now hiding in their suites, barricading doors with furniture. But security was a myth; those desperate enough broke through these makeshift defenses with ease. Every corner of the island became a battlefield.
Dante, driven by desperation and fury, pushed through the chaos in the hall. His eyes were wild as he sought out Doflamingo. But the master puppeteer was gone, leaving behind only the promise of more bloodshed.
Dante's men, those still loyal, tried to form a defensive perimeter, but they were overwhelmed. In a world where trust had disintegrated, the strong preyed on the weak, and alliances were shattered in an instant. The massacre was indiscriminate and ruthless.
Dante's cries for mercy for his daughter had fallen on deaf ears. Now, as he fought for his own life, he realized the true depths of Doflamingo's cruelty. This was not just revenge; it was a lesson in the brutality of the underworld, a demonstration of power that would echo through the criminal networks for years to come.
As night fell, the island was a cacophony of violence and death. The once-beautiful resort was now a charnel house, with the strong and cunning vying for a place among the fifty who would survive. Doflamingo had turned paradise into hell, and the fires of his vengeance burned brightly, consuming all in their path.
*****
A/N: Thank you for your continuous support. In the meantime, I request that my readers please spare a few minutes of their precious time if possible and leave their reviews and thoughts about the story so that I can improve upon the story and help it reach more One Piece fans.
For those eager to dive into the next chapters of our One Piece saga before anyone else, I invite you to join me on Patreon. By becoming a patron, you'll not only gain access to exclusive advanced chapters but also play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our narratives and much more.
Currently updated until Chapter 217.
Patreon : www.patreon.com/Silent_stiele