In the kingdom of Dressrosa…
This nation was considered a great power in terms of economy, military strength, and territorial size. Citizens went about their lives with cheerful smiles, while toy figures lined the streets, assisting people as they worked. Everyone's smiles appeared genuine.
But the truth behind the smiles…
All who dared resist had been transformed into toys, their existence erased from the memory of the world.
Dressrosa's darkness remained deeply hidden.
Within the palace, the Donquixote Family members gathered in celebration.
"Just a couple of days ago, a team from the World Government's press arrived and documented everything here. It looks like they're going to use Dressrosa as a model example for the Seven Warlords. Soon, the Young Master will stand as the very symbol of this institution!"
"Hahaha! Indeed, our Young Master is destined to be a king!"
"When the Young Master returns, it will be under the title of Warlord!"
The officers were elated, caught up in a festive mood.
All except for Viola.
Standing apart, Viola looked out over the flourishing kingdom with a heavy heart, feeling a chill inside. Forced into the Donquixote Family, she had fallen from a princess of her homeland to the subordinate of an enemy.
Learning that Doflamingo was to become a Warlord of the Sea…
Had crushed her hope.
Especially after the World Government's recent coverage of Dressrosa.
It was clear to her now—the World Government planned to present Dressrosa as proof that the Seven Warlords benefited the seas.
This meant that the former royal family of Dressrosa would be condemned as traitors, forever branded as villains. Even if she somehow managed to defeat Doflamingo and overthrow his rule, the World Government and Navy would never support it. Dressrosa had become their ideal model.
A model that could not be changed.
Forced into the Donquixote Family, Viola had initially resolved to stay hidden, waiting for the right moment to bring Doflamingo down. But now…
She saw no possibility for the future.
"One week from now, everything will be set in stone," she thought. "There will be no more chances."
One week was her final opportunity.
Her only chance, as Doflamingo had already departed for the Sabaody Archipelago.
"What should I do?" Viola pondered in silence.
The best plan would be to expose the Donquixote Family's dark secrets in Doflamingo's absence, bringing everything to light.
"But… can I do it?"
Viola glanced at the officers present at the party.
They were all here.
She didn't stand a chance against them.
"Viola, the Young Master has warned you before—stay in line," Torrebol sneered, eyeing her with his unsettling gaze.
The only reason she was still alive…
Was because her ability served the family's interests.
She closed her eyes, feeling powerless.
"Is Doflamingo, that coward, not here?"
A cool voice shattered the lively atmosphere of the banquet.
The Donquixote Family officers froze, their eyes widening with fury.
Who dared call their Young Master a coward?
Whoever it was…
They would be ripped apart.
The officers shot up from their seats, murderously scanning the area, searching for the one who dared speak such insolence.
"Whoever dares insult the Young Master shall die!" screeched Pica, his high-pitched voice shrill with anger. "No matter who… Stussy of the Pleasure Quarter?!"
All eyes landed on the doorway, where Stussy leaned casually against the frame, painting her nails.
"Insult? I told Doflamingo this to his face, and he didn't dare utter a word in protest—he only ran," Stussy replied with disdain, sparing the group of officers a glance.
She had no reason to fear them, especially now that she possessed the Rumble-Rumble Fruit.
Torrebol's face turned pale with panic as he tried to discreetly pull out a transponder snail, attempting to contact Doflamingo.
Shing!
A swift slash of sword energy sliced through the room, severing Torrebol's arms.
"Gion!"
Gion's reputation far exceeded Stussy's.
From what they'd heard from Doflamingo himself, Gion's strength was terrifying—just the thought of her sent a chill down his spine.
"What are you here for? The Donquixote Family has no quarrel with the Sun and Moon Pirates."
"Why would you risk the wrath of the seas' monsters to come here?" Diamante demanded.
"No quarrel? And who was it that leaked information about the Op-Op Fruit? Doflamingo, that coward, even tried to ambush us," Stussy sneered as she finished painting her nails and stepped further into the room.
"What do you want?"
The officers eyed Stussy warily.
"Who here is Viola?" Gion asked from the window, scanning the women in the group.
"Me?"
Viola pointed at herself in disbelief.
The infamous Sun and Moon Pirates… had come for her?
Why would they go to such lengths for someone like her?
"No wonder the Captain wants her; she's beautiful," Shakky said with a smile as she ran a hand gently over Viola's face.
Viola stood frozen in shock.
"So, you're here for Viola. Now that you've got what you wanted, leave before we're forced to retaliate. If we reveal your location, you're finished," Torrebol threatened, though his voice shook with fear.
They knew they stood no chance against Gion and Stussy.
"Are you threatening us?"
A chilling voice echoed through the hall, carrying a powerful wave of Conqueror's Haki.
Boa Hancock entered, each step radiating authority.
The officers swallowed hard, fear glinting in their eyes.
Another with Conqueror's Haki?
The strength within the Sun and Moon Pirates was overwhelming—where was the Young Master to save them now?
"You're welcome to try and alert anyone outside," Hancock taunted, looking down upon the officers.
Belo Betty stepped inside as well, activating her ROOM ability to cover the entire room.
The officers reached into their pockets, only to find that their transponder snails had vanished, replaced by ordinary rocks.
Despair filled their faces.
Though they couldn't be certain of the situation outside, the fact that Gion and her crew had made it inside without a sound likely meant that their men had already been taken out.
"Bring over the other women."
Hancock's eyes scanned the remaining officers before resting on a young Baby-5, whose age was close to that of Kuina and her friends. She also saw Monet, nearly grown up, and the frightened Sugar, clinging to Monet.
Hancock wanted to see if any of them were worthy of joining the Sun and Moon Pirates.
The officers, including Pica and Torrebol, felt a brief glimmer of hope as an idea came to mind—
the power of Sugar's Hobby-Hobby Fruit.
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P/S: If you are interested, you can read up to chapter 144+ at patreon.com/Emik01.
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