At the entrance to the New World, in Fish-Man Island.
When the red-skinned fish-man, Fisher Tiger, finally set foot on this land again, he stood frozen for a long time.
"Finally… I've returned."
He stayed there in a daze before pulling himself together, making sure no one could read his emotions. Then he headed toward the royal palace.
Before long, a shout from Fish-Man District spread across the entire island.
"The adventurer Fisher Tiger is back!"
In the middle of the street, Arlong and Jinbe, who had been arguing, turned toward the surging crowd with surprise and joy.
"Big brother Tiger!"
* * *
North Blue, Spider Miles.
This island was filled with ports. Every day, numerous ships brought garbage from all over the North Blue to be burned here.
Due to its harsh environment and the fact that the island itself functioned as a massive waste disposal site, it had become the base of the rapidly rising Donquixote Family in the North Blue.
One day, a pale-skinned boy broke in, breaking the usual quiet…
Inside the Donquixote Family base.
"An intruder!"
"What?! Where?!"
"Get back here! Don't touch that brat! That deathly pale skin… it's that contagious disease!"
"That kid's got bombs strapped to him! Stay away!"
Law, his face grim and carrying explosives strapped all over his body, walked step by step deeper into the family's territory.
Rumors of a terrifying disease and the explosives he carried kept everyone from trying to stop him.
Inside a dim hall, Doflamingo was dozing on a sofa. As the noise outside drew closer, he woke up, his mood souring.
Opening his eyes, he saw the boy standing not far away, with a crowd of subordinates keeping their distance.
"What's with this kid? Who let him in?"
His tone carried a faint anger, making the underlings shiver.
"Young master! Look at him, all pale like that! No one dared get close! He's from that White City, Flevance! The disease!"
Doflamingo's forehead veins bulged as he grabbed a book from the small table beside him and hurled it at them.
"Idiots. You believe the government's nonsense? Get out of my sight!"
Then he turned to the boy, face expressionless. "Kid, tell me why you're here."
This little brat who dared barge in had caught his interest. The look in his eyes… the madness… it was exactly like his own back then.
Law looked at him and spoke calmly, "Let me join you as a pirate. I want to destroy everything I see. Whether it's towns, houses, or people, I want them all gone. I grew up in White City, Flevance. I don't have much time left to live. I'll wipe everything out."
His voice was steady, but the madness in his expression grew stronger. By the end, his face was twisted with violence.
For a moment, Doflamingo froze. He seemed to be back on that night fifteen years ago, flames roaring into the sky.
"Remember this! All of you, remember! I will not die! No matter what, I will live! And then I'll… kill you all! Not one will be left alive!"
From that night onward…
Doflamingo suddenly grinned, looking at this boy who felt like a reflection of his younger self.
"Interesting. Very interesting. You're exactly my type, brat. But the family has its own rules, and I can't just break them. You will need to pass a test before you can be one of us."
Law frowned slightly. "A test?"
The Donquixote Family's test was simple. Anyone who could last under the hands of Corazon, who despised children, would be accepted. Those who failed were kicked out without exception. Over a hundred had already left with their tails between their legs.
* * *
Fish-Man Island, within the royal palace.
Because Fisher Tiger, the island's most famous adventurer, had come to speak with them, the vast palace held only King Neptune, Queen Otohime, and Tiger, half-kneeling before them.
Tiger was reporting something to the royal couple.
Neptune's brow furrowed. "Free the slaves? Are you serious, Tiger?"
His head bowed so his face couldn't be seen, Tiger answered, "Of course I am serious. I can't stand it anymore. The slaves… they live as if in hell. They still suffer inhuman treatment even now."
Neptune sighed heavily, rubbing at his temples. "But…"
Tiger abruptly rose to his feet. "I've made up my mind. This will cause trouble for you both, so I wanted to inform you in advance. There's no turning back."
Neptune stared hard at him. "During your journey… what exactly did you see, Tiger?"
Beside him, Queen Otohime's gaze was fixed on Tiger as well. Unconsciously, she used her Observation Haki that could sense hearts.
Clenching his fists, Tiger looked Neptune in the eye.
"I saw… humans."
In that instant, Otohime's eyes welled up and tears began streaming uncontrollably. Her Haki had felt the overwhelming sorrow in him.
"What terrible pain this is!"
* * *
East Blue, Loguetown.
Since the great battle, Sakazuki had stayed here for several days.
The South Blue's purge operation had ended, and Enel and Bullet were leading their fleets toward the last target in the East Blue.
Sakazuki also wanted to search the island for the Float-Float Fruit, but days had passed with no success. It could have been reborn anywhere in the world.
With him stationed here, however, Loguetown was calmer than ever. No pirate dared to resupply here, and the island's reconstruction was progressing quickly.
More importantly, there was the massive island in the distance, several times larger than Loguetown. Many had set their sights on it. Factions from across the East Blue wanted a share, but news traveled slowly over the sea. By the time they arrived, they saw the rows of marine warships docked there, and turned away without hesitation.
Purururu~ purururu~
Sitting on a large boulder, watching soldiers build the harbor, Sakazuki picked up the Den Den Mushi. "What is it, Enel?"
Enel's crisp voice came through, "Uncle, we'll reach the East Blue tomorrow afternoon. Where should we pick you up? That new base?"
Sakazuki looked around at the empty grounds: no port, no real facilities.
"Go to Loguetown."
"Got it!" Enel replied. "By the way, Uncle, do you know the Sorbet Kingdom?"
Sakazuki raised a brow. "I know it. Why?"
The voice on the other end grew quiet. "When I passed Sorbet Kingdom, I sensed Dragon's electromagnetic field. It was coming from the royal palace."
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