"Fufufufu…"
Doflamingo laughed loudly, his arrogant expression twisting as he sneered, "What a sharp‑mouthed brat. It seems you've grown more courageous over the years."
"How dare you speak to me like that? You're looking for death, Law!"
"Goshikito!"
The fingers of Doflamingo's right hand bent slightly, and five nearly transparent threads shimmered into existence, slicing forward with lethal precision.
"Room—slaughterhouse!"
Centered on Law, a semicircle appeared, enclosing him and Bepo. With a sudden bang, it vanished just before the threads reached them. The cutting lines struck the ground instead, tearing into the surface with explosive force. Dust rose, and five deep scars carved into the earth, shocking to behold. Had Law not dodged, he would have been dismembered instantly.
"Fufufufu…"
Doflamingo raised his head and laughed again, his voice dripping with confidence. "Run away, and savor the arrival of death while you flee. Rosinante misses you dearly in the underworld. It's time you joined him, Fufufufu~~"
Amid his laughter, he placed his hands in his trouser pockets and walked slowly with his peculiar figure‑eight stride.
On the island's periphery, voices echoed from within, the clash fierce and unmistakable. Hana showed no fear, her delicate smile brightening her lovely face, her voice melodious as she remarked, "The sounds are rising again. The fight must be intense."
Betty exhaled smoke lightly. "Judging from the noise, whoever joins us this time may be strong."
"Captain, can you reveal in advance whether the newcomers are male or female?" Burgess asked eagerly, glancing at Ethan.
Doc Q lay on Stronger's back, coughing as he muttered, "Such a question… how could the captain answer? You're thinking too much."
Ethan looked ahead calmly. "They're already here."
"Already here??"
Suddenly, with a sharp whoosh, two figures appeared out of thin air.
"Captain…" Bepo's voice trembled with anxiety as he rushed forward. "That Doflamingo is too strong. What should we do? Will we die here, Captain~~"
Law wiped the sweat from his forehead, his face pale and tired. The last technique had drained his energy. "Don't worry. We won't die here. If I don't avenge Corazón, I will never die!"
At that moment, a faint voice drifted from the front. "Of course you won't die, because you will be our partner."
Ethan stood calmly at the front, the others gathered behind him, appearing clearly in Law's sight. Burgess looked Law up and down, shrugged, and scoffed. "Captain, judging by this guy's strength, he doesn't seem impressive. He looks like he's been chased and is fleeing desperately. What kind of strength could he possibly have?"
Doc Q smiled mysteriously, his eyes gleaming with curiosity. "A talking animal… this is worth studying, hehehe~~"
Lafitte adjusted his top hat and spoke gently. "You've overlooked something. He appeared suddenly. That kind of speed isn't ordinary."
Perona floated in the air, her laughter ringing like silver bells as her gaze locked on Bepo. "Captain, I adore this white bear. We must make him our partner, Horohorohoro…"
Embarrassed under so many stares, Bepo lowered his head, cheeks flushing red like a shy child. "Who are you?" Law demanded, scanning the group warily, ready to act at any moment.
Seeing Bepo's bashful side, Hana's eyes lit up with delight. She smiled sweetly. "What a funny white bear. So cute."
Perona's excitement grew, her little face glowing. "I love it, I love it! He's so Kawaii. I must make him my pet."
Pato joined in cheerfully. "Then I'll have a playmate. We can fish together, hehe~~"
Ethan's calm voice cut through the chatter. "We're the ones who can save you. Follow us, and you'll survive this danger. You'll even have a chance at revenge. Think carefully."
Burgess laughed, shrugging. "No need to think. You must join us. If you don't, you'll be killed when your enemies arrive, Wiihahahaha…"
Doc Q glanced at Burgess and suggested slyly, "Once he joins, we can start the battle for Division Captains You'll be the first one then."
Lafitte twirled his cane politely. "You enjoy watching fights so much. Why haven't you seen one yet? In my opinion, you're suited to be captain of the first Division."
Law fell silent, his mind racing. The situation was critical. He had to find a way. Escape might be possible, but with Bepo slowing him down, the result was obvious. He lacked the strength to carry them both. Doflamingo would catch them. The choice was clear.
It wasn't hard to decide…
"Do you know who is chasing me?"
Law's cold gaze fixed on Ethan as he spoke mockingly. "Have you heard of Doflamingo, one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea? Do you think you could be his opponent? Don't be ridiculous."
His words froze everyone in place. None of them had expected such a formidable enemy. The Seven Warlords of the Sea—what a terrifying existence!
"That's Ethan's goal, isn't it?" Betty asked, exhaling smoke with calm detachment. "It's such a coincidence, meeting our opponent so quickly."
Hana shook her head, frowning as she retorted, "It can't be him. Have you forgotten? In Ethan's plan, Crocodile was the one to attack. With Ethan's nature, how could he change a plan already set?"
Burgess threw his arms up and laughed loudly. "Captain, do you want to change the plan and kill Doflamingo directly? Then we'll be Shichibukai, Wiihahahaha…"
Lafitte placed his cane before him, speaking with gentlemanly poise. "I heard from the captain that among the Shichibukai, the most powerful swordsman is Dracule Mihawk. And this Doflamingo is either second or third in strength. After all, he wields Conqueror's Haki."
Doc Q's strange smile widened as he looked at the two of them. "I'll tell the captain not to make a move. You two can fight him first. Wouldn't that be amusing?"
Ethan kept his hands in his trouser pockets, his calm gaze locked on Law. "Then let's make a bet. If I can save you, you'll follow me in the future. If not, then pretend I never said anything."
Bepo's eyes lit up, excitement breaking through his fear. "Captain, let's accept! Doflamingo is too strong."
Law remained silent, his cold stare sweeping over Ethan and the others as he weighed the pros and cons. His mind raced, calculating every possibility.
At that moment, a mad voice cut through the air.
"Fufufufu…"
Doflamingo walked with his familiar figure‑eight stride, arrogance dripping from his voice. "So many little ghosts gathered on this island—it's lively."
"It's been far too long since I killed anyone. Today, I'll enjoy a proper slaughter."
His grin widened as his gaze locked on Law. "My dear Law, you must be thrilled to have, so many buried alongside you, Fufufufu…"
Hana studied the flamboyant figure with curiosity sparkling in her eyes. "So this is one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea? He looks so domineering and powerful."
Betty exhaled smoke calmly. "As expected of a pirate recognized by the World Government. Defiant and proud."
Perona tilted her head, interest shining on her face. "His walk is so strange. This princess has never seen such a pace before. It's exciting!"
Burgess shrugged, his tone filled with awe. "That's a Warlord of the Sea. Even his walk is grand."
Lafitte twirled his cane and smiled faintly. "Very strong indeed. Truly one of the finest among the Seven Warlords."
Law's cold voice cut through the air. "Fine. I'll bet you. If you have the strength, then I'll join."
"Hm~~"
Bepo's joy was immediate, his face glowing with relief as he smiled brightly.
Ethan's calm gaze fixed on Law. "Let me warn you. If you sneak away while I fight Doflamingo, and I catch you, I'll kill you."
He stepped forward, placing himself directly before Doflamingo. Law frowned, hesitation gnawing at him. He had planned to escape during the fight, but Ethan had seen through his intent. Now it was dangerous.
"I suggest you don't run," Baccarat said with a smile, brushing her hair back. "Ethan always keeps his word. If you flee, something will happen. Even if we plead for you, he won't listen."
Hana nodded in agreement. "She's right. Don't even think about it. It's truly dangerous."
Betty's voice was calm, steady. "Since we landed here, you were destined to be our partner."
Doc Q's mysterious smile returned as he looked at Burgess and Lafitte. "Aren't you going to help? This is a rare chance. You always wanted to fight a Warlord."
Burgess glared at him angrily. "Stop talking nonsense. He's no ordinary Warlord. Do you want us dead, you fool?"
Lafitte straightened his top hat, speaking politely. "Though I'd like to test Doflamingo's strength, my life matters more. Best not to meddle."
A breeze rustled the leaves, flowers trembling as the air grew tense. Doflamingo grinned, his hands still buried in his pockets.
"What's your name, kid? I'm suddenly interested. Join my family, and you'll have the chance to become a cadre. The Donquixote Family is the largest in the world. It's a great honor to enter it."
His laughter rang out, sharp and mocking. "So, what do you say? Do you want to join, Fufu…"