Though the Tremor-Tremor Fruit had already been consumed by Vergo, the battle for it was far from over.
The Blackbeard Pirates, determined to claim the fruit for themselves;
Edward Weevil, the newly appointed Warlord of the Sea;
The remnants of the Whitebeard Pirates, led by Fire Fist Ace;
A Marine force led by Chaton, tasked with hunting down Vergo;
And Maude, intent on eradicating the Donquixote Family entirely.
In this turbulent climate, all factions had set their sights on Vergo, who had only recently consumed the Tremor-Tremor Fruit.
By sheer coincidence, Kaido had dispatched Jack of the Calamities, along with Ulti and X Drake of the Tobiroppo, to Dressrosa to verify the supply capacity of the artificial Devil Fruits.
Unbeknownst to all, multiple powerful factions seemed destined to converge upon Dressrosa.
As a vast shadow loomed over the land, the bustling town's residents remained blissfully unaware, continuing their daily lives in joyous harmony.
...
On the streets of Dressrosa.
A woman, adorned with a red flower in her hair and clad in a Flamenco dancer's attire, swayed gracefully to the rhythm of her dance. Her movements exuded both passion and allure.
This woman was Violet, an officer of the Donquixote Family.
Surrounding her were numerous men, mesmerized by her enchanting performance, their faces filled with admiration.
On any other day, Violet would have interacted freely with them as she danced. But today was different.
The arrival of Jack the Drought, one of Kaido's top commanders, weighed heavily on her mind.
"Clairvoyance!"
As she continued her dance, Violet discreetly activated the power of her Glare-Glare Fruit.
Her vision instantly expanded, granting her a bird's-eye view spanning 4,000 kilometers in every direction.
Dressrosa, in its entirety, was now within her sight.
"King's Plateau…"
Her gaze shifted toward the royal courtyard, where Jack the Drought stood.
"What an overwhelming presence!"
Even from afar, just one glance at Jack sent a shiver down Violet's spine. She instinctively averted her gaze and instead focused on Ulti, who was moving through the city.
After observing her for a while, she realized that her destination was none other than the Corrida Colosseum.
Moments later, Violet withdrew her ability, seamlessly continuing her dance with an unbothered expression, as if nothing had happened. The admiring gazes of those around her remained unchanged.
...
King's Plateau.
Jack furrowed his brow, suddenly turning to face Trebol.
His abrupt action caused Trebol to pause in confusion. "What's the matter? What's the matter? Jack-sama?"
Jack replied coldly, "It may have been my imagination, but I just felt a gaze upon me."
Trebol chuckled and explained, "Ohhh, that? That? No need to worry, Jack-sama. That gaze came from one of our family members. Her job is to monitor all of Dressrosa. If she happened to glance your way a couple of times, it's nothing unusual."
"…."
Jack remained silent, listening to Trebol's explanation.
The sensation had been faint and fleeting, appearing suddenly and vanishing just as quickly. It aligned perfectly with Trebol's words.
"A power like that… it might even surpass 'Royal Guard.'"
Jack's eyes gleamed with intrigue.
...
In a secluded alleyway.
A burly man stood in the shadows, leaning against a sunless wall.
"Sunny, I've confirmed it. The Donquixote Family's hidden factory is concealed within the so-called 'Toys House.' Beneath it, deep underground, is likely where their illicit transactions take place."
The man was as massive as a bear, yet his voice was as delicate and melodious as a young girl's.
"Tatamu, can you confirm it with absolute certainty?"
From the other end of a Den Den Mushi, Sunny's voice came through.
Tatamu looked down at the receiver and shook his head. "No. The security is incredibly tight. Unless we create a diversion, there's no way to infiltrate it."
"Understood. We'll reach Dressrosa by midday tomorrow at the earliest. Until then, do not act recklessly."
"No problem."
Tatamu nodded, and the call ended.
...
Somewhere in the New World.
A seemingly ordinary merchant ship sailed across the sea.
Inside the cabin, a transformed Sunny removed her headset and turned to her comrades.
"Based on Tatamu's report, the enemy's security is airtight. Even if we know the exact location, we might not be able to make a move."
"Hee-hee, that's fine."
Morley, clad in a short skirt with one leg covered in fur, giggled and reassured her, "Even if we can't take action this time, as long as we gather enough detailed intel, we can prepare for our next move."
Revolutionary Army operatives scattered across the world focused primarily on intelligence gathering.
Like flickering flames, they remained hidden, collecting vital information.
Just like at Mad HatTown—once they had gathered enough intel to ensure victory, the Revolutionary Army would send an assault unit to strike decisively.
These strike teams were like gasoline poured onto a spark, igniting into a raging fire that burned away injustice and tyranny.
"You're right."
Sunny nodded in agreement.
Having spent nearly three years with the Revolutionary Army, she had taken part in numerous missions and had grown accustomed to their modus operandi.
Koala smiled. "With Morley on this mission, we should at least be able to map out the underground network. It's a shame Sabo isn't here. If we combined Morley's tunneling skills with Sabo's ability to move unseen, we could secure victory effortlessly!"
"Sigh, I wonder when Sabo will return."
A Revolutionary Army soldier wearing a hat sighed deeply.
"It won't be anytime soon…"
"You all rely on Sabo's ability too much," Hack, the Fish-Man Karate master, said sternly. "Now's the perfect time. Until Sabo finishes training the Straw Hats, every mission is an opportunity for you to improve."
"..."
The group exchanged glances, unsure of how to respond.
...
The next morning.
Two Marine warships, led by Chaton, arrived off the coast of Dressrosa.
However, under Chaton's orders, they did not advance toward the island. Instead, they anchored offshore.
Though he desperately wanted to eliminate Vergo immediately, Chaton's rationality won over his fury.
After all, before setting sail for Dressrosa, he had left half of his forces at G-5 to tend to the wounded survivors.
With their current strength, launching a direct assault on the Donquixote Family would be unwise.
Moreover, reinforcements from Marine Headquarters were on their way.
Once they arrived, they could execute an all-out attack in one decisive strike.
"Keep a close watch on the sea. Do not let your guard down for even a moment."
"Understood!"
The voices of the lookouts echoed through the Den Den Mushi.
"Fujitora… get here soon."
Chaton gazed toward Dressrosa, his anger from G-5 still smoldering within him.
He was nearing his limit.
A few minutes later.
"Vice Admiral Chaton! At 8 o'clock, five enemy ships sighted, bearing the Donquixote Family's insignia!"
"Another five ships spotted at 11 o'clock!"
"Sir! Six more ships detected at 3 o'clock—!!"
In mere seconds, the tense voices of the lookouts rang out in succession.
On the deck, Chaton's expression changed slightly.
Smoker and Hina joined him, their faces equally grim.
"They've pinpointed our position exactly…"
"Hina doesn't understand."
Despite stopping in the waters beyond the territorial sea, the enemy moved swiftly and precisely, as if they had already anticipated their arrival.
No, it would be more accurate to say—they had been directly 'seen.'
Otherwise, there was no way to explain such precise and targeted actions.
"Raise anchor, full speed ahead."
Chaton issued the command without hesitation.
"Aye, sir!"
The assembled Marines moved into action with practiced efficiency.
The anchor was lifted, and the sails, unfurling in the sea breeze, billowed high.
The warship quickly set into motion, following Chaton's orders, advancing straight ahead.
Their course was set for Dressrosa.
From three other directions, enemy ships closed in, clearly intending to cut off their escape.
Recognizing the dire situation, Chaton made a swift decision—forced landing at Dressrosa was their only option.
If they remained at sea, the firepower of their two warships would be no match for the fifteen or more enemy vessels surrounding them.
"Listen up! Given the circumstances, I have only one order for you all!"
Under the mounting pressure, Chaton surveyed the Marines standing tense on the deck.
His voice, amplified through a Den Den Mushi, reached the other warship as well.
"Fight with your lives! Hold the line until reinforcements arrive!"
"Yes, sir!"
The Marines roared in unison.
...
Dressrosa – Port.
Standing with his hands behind his back, Vergo gazed out at the distant sea, where two tiny black specks could just barely be seen on the horizon.
Beside him stood the highest-ranking officers of the Donquixote Family—Diamante, wielder of the Ripple-Ripple Fruit, and Trebol, wielder of the Sticky-Sticky Fruit—as well as Gladius, now the captain of the Special Attack Force, having succeeded Pica, and possessing the Pop-Pop Fruit.
The rest of the family's officers had already taken command of a force numbering over two thousand, forming a blockade against the two incoming Marine warships.
Beyond the Donquixote Family, another formidable force stood at the port—Jack, Ulti, and X Drake of the Beasts Pirates, along with hundreds of their subordinates.
Having determined that the Donquixote Family was still a viable trade partner, Jack had planned to depart Dressrosa that morning.
But just as they were about to set sail, an unexpected spectacle unfolded before them.
"Ara, ara~ Just two warships? They must really underestimate us."
Trebol swayed his sticky head mockingly.
Diamante sneered, "Well, the New World isn't exactly a place where Marine Headquarters holds much sway. Managing to scrape together two warships is already impressive. Worthy of applause."
"Diamante, that was sarcasm, wasn't it? You were being sarcastic, right?"
Trebol glanced at him.
Diamante grinned. "Since you put it that way, Trebol, I won't deny it. Yes, I was mocking the Marines."
"How cruel of you, Diamante."
Trebol twisted his mouth, his sticky saliva dribbling onto the ground.
As they chatted idly, the two warships sailed into attack range.
"Time to make a move, Vergo."
Diamante gave a nod.
Vergo acknowledged the signal, raising his bamboo staff, Demon Bamboo. From the corner of his eye, he noted the silent yet watchful gaze of Jack and the others.
His actions immediately drew the attention of Jack, Ulti, and Drake.
They had witnessed Vergo use the Tremor-Tremor Fruit's power the day before, but that had been from a distance. Today, they would see it up close.
"How much power does this man truly wield with the Tremor-Tremor Fruit?"
Jack pondered as he watched.
Under the watchful eyes of many, Vergo, just as he had the previous day, swung Demon Bamboo through the air, striking toward the warships in the open sea.
Crack! Crack!
The end of the staff struck the empty air, as though shattering an invisible glass pane. Veins of light spread outward, forming a powerful shockwave that surged straight across the sea toward the warships.
Almost simultaneously, from the decks of the warships, Rankyaku and flying sword slashes shot forth, intercepting the incoming shockwave.
Boom!
The violent collision of forces erupted over the ocean, sending towering waves crashing in all directions.
As the impact faded, unlike the previous day, the two warships remained unscathed, pressing forward at full speed toward the port.
"Seems like they're not just fodder."
Vergo raised an eyebrow, lowering Demon Bamboo.
Just then—
A billowing white cloud of smoke erupted from the deck of one of the warships, surging across the water toward them.
At the forefront of the smoke was a man gripping a jitte—Smoker.
Trailing behind him, stepping through the air with Moonwalk, was Chaton, leading a group of Marines.
"Smoker, don't rush in recklessly!"
Chaton called out in warning, though his focus quickly shifted to the port ahead.
The moment his eyes landed on Jack and Ulti, his expression darkened.
The Calamities and the Tobiroppo of the Beasts Pirates—what are they doing here…?!
Smoker, too, noticed Jack's presence, his heart sinking as he instinctively slowed his advance.
But he had overlooked one crucial fact—
Vergo was a master of the Six Powers. And Moonwalk was second nature to him.
Thud! Thud!
The sound of air being stomped echoed as Vergo launched himself upward like an arrow, streaking toward Smoker.
"Fast!"
Smoker's eyes widened in shock, but before he could react, Vergo was already upon him.
Without hesitation, Vergo swung his Demon Bamboo, aiming directly at Smoker's face.
Smoker barely managed to raise his jitte to block, but their Armament Haki levels were not even close.
With a sharp clang, the jitte shattered upon impact.
Demon Bamboo continued forward, slamming into Smoker's face.
Boom!
The sheer force sent Smoker hurtling like a cannonball toward the port.
Unluckily for him, he was on a direct collision course with Ulti.
"A Logia, but so weak?"
Watching Smoker rocket toward her, Ulti scoffed, crossing her arms before covering her forehead in Armament Haki.
"Ulti Skull Cannon!"
With a powerful leap, she met Smoker head-on, smashing her hardened forehead into his gut mid-air.
BAM!
The devastating impact reverberated through Smoker's entire body.
"Gah!"
Blood gushed from his mouth as his limp body crashed into the ground at the port, on the verge of death.
Jack cast a glance at Ulti as she landed, his tone calm. "If you had transformed into your Pachycephalosaurus form, you could have ended him before he even hit the ground."
"He's too weak."
Hands on her hips, Ulti looked at the barely breathing Smoker and sneered. "Using my full power on him? No thanks. He's not worth it."
"Smoker!"
From above the sea, Hina and Chaton's group of Marines watched in horror as their comrade lay broken and bloodied.
The enemy forces before them were far beyond what they could handle.
A chilling shadow of death crept over the Marines' hearts.
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