After Smoker clasped the Kairoseki (Sea-Prism Stone) handcuffs on Caesar Clown, Bai Yu dragged the bloodied scientist back toward the research facility.
"Major General Bai Yu!"
Just as they reached the institute's rear entrance, Koby and the others rushed over to meet them.
"Who's that…?"
Seeing Bai Yu dragging a figure soaked in blood, Helmeppo stepped forward and asked curiously.
"Caesar."
Bai Yu responded calmly.
"So he's Caesar!"
Koby and the others immediately understood, nodding as they exchanged glances.
"What's the situation inside the institute?" Bai Yu asked without pause.
Koby quickly gave his report.
"The freezer, the confinement room—every last one of Caesar's resisting subordinates has been neutralized."
"The children and hostages have already been evacuated to the warship by our men."
"Once we regrouped, we were preparing to assist you—"
"But it seems we were a little late."
As Bai Yu had previously ordered, any armed resistance was to be dealt with using lethal force. Following that directive, Koby, Helmeppo, and the other two task forces efficiently swept through the facility.
Their top priority had been to secure and evacuate the kidnapped children and civilians. With the mission completed, they had hoped to observe Bai Yu's battle firsthand to learn from his technique.
But by the time they reached the rear gate, Bai Yu's fight had already ended.
"Let's move. The real game begins now."
Bai Yu's tone was sharp and focused.
Caesar was in custody. The next step was drawing out Donquixote Doflamingo—no small feat.
Without wasting time, the team returned through the corridors of the institute, eventually arriving at Caesar's personal lab.
"Use the Den Den Mushi," Bai Yu ordered, tossing Caesar in front of the desk where the specialized transponder snail sat. "Call Doflamingo."
"You people… are mad."
Caesar's voice trembled, and his face turned pale.
"Do you have any idea who you're trying to provoke?"
"That's the Donquixote Family! One of the Seven Warlords of the Sea! And he's in league with Kaido!"
"I won't—"
Before he could finish, Bai Yu shot him a glare so chilling, it silenced him instantly.
"One more word out of line and I'll remove a hand. Your choice."
"My patience is nonexistent, Caesar."
It wasn't necessary for Caesar to remain unharmed to bait Doflamingo. If the mad scientist resisted, Bai Yu had no qualms about escalating.
"I—I'll call him."
Caesar gritted his teeth, reluctantly reaching for the Den Den Mushi. Taking a long, fearful breath, he activated the line.
The snail blinked. A tense silence settled between both sides of the call.
"…It's me, Doflamingo," Caesar finally croaked.
On the other end, Doflamingo's distorted voice came through.
"Who's listening?"
He already suspected something was off. His voice carried a cold edge.
Just as Caesar opened his mouth to reply, Bai Yu stepped forward, yanked the snail from his hands, and spoke directly.
"Long time no see, Doflamingo."
The line went silent—then—
"Bai Yu!?"
The sudden flare in Doflamingo's voice betrayed his surprise. "It's actually you!"
"No need for drama," Bai Yu cut him off. "Caesar's in my custody. I know how important he is to your operations. If you want him back, you'll come see me."
"I'll send you the meeting point myself."
"Unless, of course, you're prepared to anger a certain Emperor over a failed transaction…"
Caesar was a key player in Doflamingo's arms pipeline—especially the artificial Devil Fruit project linked to Kaido. A disruption here could jeopardize the entire operation.
Bai Yu was gambling on one thing: Doflamingo would not risk Kaido's wrath.
"…Very well."
"You've certainly gotten bold since the last time we crossed blades," Doflamingo hissed. "I'll come—Caesar has one—"
Click.
Bai Yu hung up before he could finish.
He'd heard enough of Doflamingo's posturing.
The goal was simple: show him that Caesar, his precious bargaining chip, was firmly in Bai Yu's hands.
Tucking the Den Den Mushi away, Bai Yu turned toward the others.
"Back to the warship."
Following his lead, the group retraced their steps through the ruined facility and stepped outside into the crisp air.
Before departing, Bai Yu turned back, raising his sword.
"Qinglong Scroll: Ten Thousand Blades."
A shimmering storm of energy enveloped the lab—blades of wind and light shredded the building until it collapsed in on itself.
Satisfied, Bai Yu finally turned and walked away.
Soon after, they reached the warship—but ran into a new complication.
The hostages—especially the children—were too many.
More problematic still, the children who had been dosed with gigantification drugs were enormous. Even a medium-sized warship couldn't carry everyone.
"Major General Bai Yu, leave the logistics to us."
A G-5 marine stepped forward, saluting.
"When you left, we notified a nearby Marine branch per your orders. Reinforcements are en route."
"Also, we discovered a docked pirate ship on the nearby coast. If needed, it could serve as temporary transport."
Bai Yu's eyes narrowed as he considered the options.
"Then here's the plan."
"I'll take Smoker and a small squad. We'll use the pirate ship and head to an uninhabited island. That'll be our exchange site."
"Koby, Maya, Helmeppo, Tashigi—you four stay behind and secure the hostages. Once backup arrives, work with them to find the children's families. Get everyone home."
"No way!"
Before Bai Yu finished speaking, Maya, Tashigi, and the others all objected at once.
They shared a look, then Maya stepped forward, voice resolute.
"You and Smoker, alone? That's practically suicide!"
"If Doflamingo shows up with his entire crew, you'll be surrounded!"
"She's right!" Helmeppo added. "One more person is one more sword arm!"
"Major General, let us come!"
But Bai Yu shook his head.
"I've made up my mind."
"With Smoker by my side, that's more than enough."
"The Donquixote Family, the Warlords, the Yonko—none of them scare me."
"I'm Bai Yu."
His tone was confident—not arrogant, but absolute.
His eyes burned with unwavering conviction.
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