The pirate alliance Doflamingo scrambled together didn't even last three hours.
Between the Charlotte Angel's overwhelming broadsides and the "Red Gulls" Task Force—who were essentially walking armories—the sea was quickly littered with splintered hulls and sinking masts.
I watched the Numancia Flamingo tuck its tail and flee into the mist. "Cowards," I muttered, turning my attention to the prisoners.
After a bit of "persuasive" questioning (a few heavy thumps to the ribs), they confessed: Doflamingo had promised them a share of the North Blue's underworld if they helped sink the "Red Gulls."
If you want to sink me, bring ten times the fleet next time, I thought. None of them were "Licensed Pirates," so I had them all bound and towed to the nearest Navy branch for processing.
While there, I commandeered a secure Den Den Mushi to call the old man.
Marine Headquarters: Fleet Admiral's Office
Sengoku was buried in reports when the snail rang.
"Sengoku here."
"『It's Krieg, sir. Reporting in.』"
"Ah, Krieg. How is the North Blue treating you?"
"『No major issues. Though Doflamingo seems to be on the run, and his executive, Corazon, has been spotted raiding hospitals. I haven't moved to arrest Corazon yet to avoid spooking the main flock, but should I bring him in?』"
Sengoku nearly choked. "W-wait, Krieg! Where are you calling from?"
"『A Navy branch office. Secure line. No eavesdroppers.』"
"Good. Listen carefully... You know, I was feeding you Doflamingo's location until a few months ago?"
"『I figured. When the tips stopped, I had to find him myself.』"
"The source of that intel was Corazon. His real name is Commander Rosinante of the Navy Headquarters. He's my undercover operative. Do not arrest him. Act with that in mind."
Sengoku sighed, relieved he didn't have to explain why one of his best spies was suddenly behind bars.
"『Understood, sir. One more thing... is it true the Government is planning a deal with pirates for a certain Devil Fruit?』"
PFFFT! Sengoku sprayed his tea across the desk, coughing violently. "Krieg! Where did you hear that?! That's Top Secret!"
"『I don't see the point in negotiating with illegal scum. Just tell me where they are so I can end it.』"
"It's not that simple—"
"『Doflamingo knows about it, sir. If the Navy fumbles, he'll snatch it. Is that what the World Government wants?』"
Sengoku went silent, weighing the risks. If Doflamingo got his hands on the fruit, the fallout would be catastrophic.
"...One month from now. Rubeck Island. The seller is Diez Barrels. You know him?"
"『The traitor? Former Rear Admiral Barrels. Yes, I know the name.』"
"Correct. I'm leaving Barrels to you. Official documents will follow, but your mission is to secure the Ope Ope no Mi and capture Barrels. If Doflamingo interferes, you are the insurance policy. Move in secret."
"『Copy that. We'll stay in the shadows.』"
Somewhere in the North Blue
Rosinante (Corazon) clicked his Den Den Mushi shut. He was leaning against a craggy rock, his black, feathered coat fluttering in the wind. Beside him, young Law sat huddled, his skin pale and covered in the advancing white patches of the Amber Lead.
"Three days before the trade... at Swallow Island..." Rosinante whispered. "That's where we finish this, Doffy. I'll take the whole Family down."
He looked at Law, then back at the snail. "Sengoku-san, one more thing. About Flevance... is the Navy hiding something?"
There was a frantic coughing sound on the other end, followed by something crashing over.
"『W-what are you talking about?! We rescued the Royals, and that's—』"
"I'm a Marine too, and I know the man leading the Task Force here. Krieg isn't the type to abandon people to die. What did he really do?"
A long silence followed. Then, Sengoku's voice returned, lower and more serious.
"『This is off the record, Rosinante. Krieg led a rogue evacuation. He's hiding a group of citizens in a secure location and is personally funding research for a cure.
The Navy officially knows nothing. The Government knows nothing. If word gets out, it's his head—and yours.』"
"And where is this place?"
"『I won't say. But he's operating as the 'insurance' for the Barrels capture. If you want answers, ask him yourself when the time comes.』"
Rosinante hung up, his eyes wide. He turned to Law, a massive, goofy grin breaking through his makeup.
"Law! Listen! Your family... they might still be alive!"
But Law didn't cheer. He slumped forward into the snow, gasping for air.
"Cora-san... my family... really?"
"Law! Hey, stay with me!" Rosinante panicked, feeling the boy's forehead. He was burning up. "Dammit, not now! Just give me three more weeks, Law! Hang on... I'll get you that fruit if it's the last thing I do!"
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