A Grave Mistake
Not only Doflamingo, but his executives couldn't help but gasp. The news was a shock, to say the least.
They had heard the rumors, of course. News of Straw Hat Luffy holding his own against an Admiral like Kizaru, a Lightning Swordsman beating Akainu, and the Straw Hats collectively fighting Kaido.
However, these were just whispers in newspapers and back alleys, and the Doflamingo Family dismissed them as wild exaggerations. They believed the Straw Hats were just another group of rookies with inflated reputations.
But now, their own intelligence officer had seen it with his own eyes!
He had witnessed Straw Hat Luffy fighting Big Mom herself!
"Are you sure you're not mistaken? You really saw Straw Hat Luffy and Big Mom?!" Doflamingo pressed, his voice tight.
"Master! The features of Straw Hat Luffy and Big Mom are unmistakable! I'm certain I saw them! I even took a photo, which I'm sending back to you right away!" The intelligence officer declared with absolute certainty.
A heavy silence fell over the room.
After the Den Den Mushi hung up, Doflamingo's brow was twitching with barely contained fury. "Hehehe...that Straw Hat brat! That damn Straw Hat!"
He snarled, "I've been in the New World for twenty-one years, and I'm still not on par with a Four Emperors. Yet the Straw Hats...they're playing with Admirals as soon as they set sail and going up against Four Emperors as soon as they enter the Grand Line.
They're making a fool of me! Why him?! And that bastard Law...he's allied with the Straw Hats! Doesn't that mean they'll come after me with Law sooner or later?!"
The cadres were silent, a chilling fear gripping them all. The Straw Hats were clearly stronger than they had imagined. If Law brought them to Dressrosa, could their family be destroyed?
"Hey, Doffy, is it a good idea for Diamante to go after the Straw Hats' gold?" Trebol asked, a stream of snot dripping from his nose.
"...Contact Diamante immediately and tell him not to act rashly!" Doflamingo snapped, rubbing his temples.
Doflamingo was only ever reckless when facing a weaker opponent. Against a force like Kaido, Big Mom, or the Three Calamities, he would admit defeat without a second thought.
He knew his power and influence were not enough to challenge them, and resisting them would mean utter destruction. That's why he operated in the shadows of the underworld, maintained a friendly facade with these powerhouses, and used his status as a Warlord to prosper.
But now, the Straw Hat Pirates and that bastard Law were a direct threat, and it was putting immense pressure on him. Doflamingo's first instinct was to avoid provoking the Straw Hats for the time being.
However, many things in life do not go as planned.
Before Doflamingo learned of Luffy's true strength, Diamante's ship had already approached the port of Water 7 and was heading straight for the Straw Hats' vessel.
Law saw the Jolly Roger and the square flag of the Doflamingo Family and immediately became alert. At the same time, a smirk appeared on his face. Doflamingo was too greedy. There was no way he could ignore a fortune of tens of billions of Berries.
But he had underestimated the Straw Hats. By coming here to steal the gold, he was foolishly starting a war with them. Law didn't even need to say anything; with Nami in charge, a Warlord trying to steal their treasure was a declaration of war.
"Heh, Doflamingo. Your greed will be your downfall!" Law thought to himself as he drew his sword, Kikoku, and faced Diamante's ship.
"Hey, Law, you know them?" Sanji asked, lighting a cigarette.
"Yes. They're from the Doflamingo Family. I have some history with them," Law replied solemnly. "Doflamingo is greedy, so they're likely here for the gold. Zoro, Sanji, get ready to fight!"
Zoro and Sanji immediately fell into their combat stances. Fortunately, they had just rested and recovered a decent amount of their strength, so they were ready for another fight. Everyone on the Going Merry and the submarine grew serious, especially Bepo, Shachi, and Penguin, whose eyes were filled with rage at the sight of the Doflamingo Family's crew.
"Yo, Law, you're still alive, kid?" Diamante greeted, then got straight to the point. "It's perfect! Cooperate with us to grab this gold, and Doffy will definitely appreciate it. The Heart seat is always open for you. So be sure to perform well!"
The Straw Hats all looked at Law.
Law shook his head calmly. "I will never work for Doflamingo again. I'll never forgive him for killing my benefactor, Rosinante! Heh...Doflamingo probably has no idea what kind of force he's about to provoke. The Straw Hats are not as weak as you think. The Doflamingo Family will regret this day!"
"Law! You bastard! You betrayed the Young Master!"
"Law! You want to die, don't you?!"
"Law, you're asking for it! I'll beat you to a pulp! Ouch, my back! Time is a cruel mistress!"
Three voices from the ship called out in quick succession. Law recognized them: Buffalo, Baby 5, and Lao G. He hadn't expected so many executives to show up at once. With nearly two hundred grunts, their intentions were clearly hostile.
Zoro crossed his arms. "Hey, hey, stop talking to yourselves. That gold belongs to the Straw Hats, and Law is our partner. If you try to touch either of them, we won't stand by and watch!"
Chopper, Little 3, and Jango shouted in agreement, "Yeah! The gold is ours! And Law is our partner!"
Law was slightly taken aback by their words, but he didn't protest. For some reason, their declaration brought him a sense of calm.
Diamante's face twisted in anger. "Law, it seems you've decided to betray the family. I can't let you live! Don't think you can look down on Doflamingo just because you're with some so-called 'Five Emperors'—they're just a bunch of rookies who just entered the Grand Line!"
Law smiled faintly and shook his head. Sure enough, the Doflamingo Family had no idea who they were truly dealing with. Law didn't bother to correct them. As long as a fight broke out over the gold, the Straw Hats would eventually go to Dressrosa to settle things. All Doflamingo had to do was wait for his neck to be on the chopping block. Rosinante's revenge was finally within reach!
"Talking is useless!" Zoro declared, taking his three-sword stance.
The rest of the Straw Hats readied themselves for battle. Their message was clear: fight, or get out.
"If that's the case, then let's fight!" Diamante roared. "Attack!"
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