The vast deck fell into a stunned silence.
Doll felt her head buzzing.
Faced with Luo Yu's bizarre logic, she would've argued back in the past.
But after witnessing his methods firsthand, she now understood:
As long as the money was right—Luo Yu would absolutely do it.
The only thing that gave her comfort was this:
This terrifying, money-obsessed monster of a man was on their side—part of Marine HQ.
Otherwise, she'd live in constant fear that one day, someone would walk up to her on the sea and casually say, "You're worth X million Berries."
"Hah! This brat really is something else,"
Nagli laughed heartily, taking a swig of liquor.
"No wonder Garp took a liking to him. Boarding this ship might not be so bad after all—could be fun."
"By the way, Fujitora, it's a shame you sealed your eyes. You missed the looks on everyone's faces."
Clearly, Nagli knew a bit about Fujitora's condition.
Fujitora swirled the bottle in his hand and tilted his head toward Luo Yu's direction.
Though a thick wall separated them, it was as if he could see through it.
"Heh… I thought the world was too filthy to look at," he said with a dry smile.
"But I didn't expect to find such a strange glimmer of light."
"If I ever get the chance, I'd like to see what he really looks like."
Meanwhile, at the port of Dressrosa in the New World—
Doflamingo stood at the harbor, holding the Warlord Summons in his hand, a twisted grin on his face.
Facing the Marine Vice Admiral dispatched to deliver the order, he suddenly clenched his right hand.
CRACK!
The Warlord Summons shattered in his grip.
Vice Admiral Momonga, standing at the dock, turned pale.
This summons had come directly from Marine HQ—it represented the face of the Navy.
And Doflamingo had crushed it without a word.
Was this a direct challenge to Marine authority?
"What's wrong, Vice Admiral Momonga?"
Doflamingo sneered.
"Do you think I'm insulting your precious Marine HQ?"
In a blur, he vanished and reappeared right in front of Momonga.
Threads extended from his fingers.
"Five Color Strings!"
CLASH!
Momonga barely drew his katana in time.
The impact sent him flying, slamming into the warship behind him.
The sudden attack shocked everyone.
Even Violet, standing behind Doflamingo, looked stunned.
"Vice Admiral Momonga! Are you alright?"
The Marines aboard the ship, who hadn't yet disembarked, turned pale and rushed forward.
Before departure, they had been warned repeatedly:
This mission was critical to the Navy's chances in the upcoming war.
When dealing with the Warlords, they were to act with utmost caution—never give them an excuse to refuse.
And yet, despite Momonga's restraint, Doflamingo had attacked without hesitation.
"I'm fine," Momonga said, suppressing the blood churning in his chest.
"Return to the ship. Let me handle this."
He turned to Doflamingo, his voice steady.
"Doflamingo, I'll pretend you didn't destroy the summons or attack me."
"But you should know—this war against the Yonko is of the highest priority. Fleet Admiral Sengoku and the World Government are taking it seriously. That's why the Warlord Summons were issued."
"Sengoku himself said it: we must bring the Warlords back. I hope you won't do anything that makes people question your loyalty. Otherwise, I won't be able to explain this when I return."
"Oh? You're worried about explaining yourself?"
Doflamingo's smile turned cold. He glanced at Pica nearby.
"If that's your concern, what about me? How do I explain to my family?"
"That arrogant Admiral of yours crippled my people—took an arm and a leg. And now you expect me to come crawling to Marineford just because you say so?"
"Go back and tell Sengoku—if he wants me to fight, fine. But that arrogant Admiral better come ask me himself."
"Violet, show them out. Until that brat shows up in person, any Marine who steps within a hundred miles of Dressrosa…"
"I'll sink them without hesitation."
"Of course, if Marine HQ has a problem with that, they're welcome to revoke my Warlord title."
"But if you lose this war, don't say I didn't warn you."
Violet's expression shifted.
She hadn't expected Doflamingo to make such a bold threat at a time like this.
But as a mere pawn in the Donquixote Family, she had no choice.
She stepped forward and gestured for the Marines to leave.
Still, as the family's intelligence officer, Violet had heard plenty of rumors about the Navy's new Fourth Admiral—Luo Yu, the Glutton.
Doflamingo's timing made sense—he wanted to send a message, to put pressure on Marine HQ.
But when she thought about that Admiral…
The one who'd punched a Celestial Dragon for a bonus…
She couldn't help but wonder—
Was Doflamingo… trying to bait Luo Yu into coming?
"Violet, what are you thinking?"
Doflamingo's voice cut through her thoughts.
"Don't tell me you think I'd let that brat get the better of me twice?"
Violet snapped to attention.
"Of course not, Young Master. I've already sent the invitation you requested. He's confirmed receipt. I'm sure your plan is flawless."
"Oh? He replied already?"
Doflamingo's grin widened.
He turned to the pale-faced Momonga.
"What's wrong, Vice Admiral? Do I need to repeat myself?"
"Get lost. Until that brat shows up in person, I don't want to see a single Marine in Dressrosa."
"Or I'll make sure they don't leave alive."