"Birdcage!"
BOOM!
Doflamingo thrust out his right hand, and countless threads shot into the sky.
In the next moment, they spread out like a massive net, forming a dome that enclosed all of Dressrosa.
Everyone's expression changed instantly.
Only a few truly understood the terror of what had just been unleashed.
Luo Yu raised an eyebrow, took a sip from his gourd, and muttered:
"Doffy, are you really trying to force everyone's hand?"
"Force everyone's hand?"
Doflamingo sneered.
"That's right. You're a Marine Admiral, after all. So yes—I'm forcing all of you to act."
"But first, let me explain the rules of the game."
"This thing behind me, covering Dressrosa, is called the Birdcage."
"Everyone inside is a bird in my trap—their lives in my hands."
"You have thirty minutes."
"Either kneel and apologize… or defeat me and stop the cage from closing."
"Oh, and one more thing—when the time's up, the Birdcage will slice everyone inside to pieces. And you, Admiral, will be the one to blame."
Doflamingo's grin grew even more twisted.
"I may be arrogant, but I'm not stupid. One-on-one, I probably can't beat you."
"So I've prepared a grand welcome. I hope you enjoy it."
"Admiral! Run! Doflamingo brought someone to deal with you!"
A sudden shout rang out.
Rebecca burst from the shadows.
Behind her, Kyros's face darkened. He tried to stop her, but it was too late.
Just then—
BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!
Fireworks exploded into the sky.
Golden powder rained down, shimmering in the air.
A wave of gold swept across the harbor, forming a luxurious golden path that stretched to within meters of Doflamingo.
From the watchtower, a man stepped out—golden hair, arrogant smirk, purple sunglasses, and a pink suit.
Gold rings on every finger, a massive gold chain around his neck, and golden earrings dangling from his ears.
He looked like a walking monument to excess.
When people saw his face, many gasped.
"That's Gild Tesoro—the Golden Emperor! What's he doing here?"
Vice Admiral Doll couldn't hide her shock.
She knew exactly who he was: the man who controlled 20% of the world's Berries.
A Paramecia-type Gold-Gold Fruit user.
The self-proclaimed king of the world's greatest casino.
A man whose power was said to rival that of a Marine Admiral.
And now, he was here—invited by Doflamingo.
Was this a joint effort to pressure the Navy?
"Hahaha! Admiral Luo Yu, the Glutton—I've heard you're obsessed with money. We might just get along."
Tesoro laughed heartily.
"Normally, I wouldn't show up to something like this. But when I heard we shared a passion, I had to come."
"Besides, I owe Doflamingo a favor. So here I am."
"Of course, if you don't make a move, I won't either. But thirty minutes… will pass quickly."
He smiled playfully.
Doflamingo picked up the thread:
"If you can't stop me in time, the Birdcage will slaughter everyone in this kingdom."
"And you'll be the villain."
"The Navy claims to stand for justice. Will you really let innocent people die?"
"I'm betting you won't dare lift a finger."
The Donquixote Family members on the dock finally felt vindicated.
After that humiliating punch earlier, their Young Master had seemed defeated.
But now—with this setup—they were sure the Admiral was cornered.
A Warlord at his peak.
The Golden Emperor himself.
No way the Admiral could win in thirty minutes.
Doll and the others looked grim.
They hadn't expected Doflamingo to have such a backup plan.
Anyone else would've been overwhelmed.
But if Doflamingo knew what hornet's nest he was poking…
They wondered what his face would look like then.
"Doffy, now's not the time for speeches," Tesoro said with a dry chuckle.
"Remember—if he doesn't strike first, I'm not helping you."
Doflamingo's eyes gleamed with malice.
He lunged again, charging at Luo Yu.
"Come on, brat! Hit me!"
"I'm betting you won't dare!"
"Overheat Whip!"
He appeared before Luo Yu once more.
He had fallen here—he would rise here.
He had been caught off guard by Luo Yu's first punch.
Now, in front of everyone, he would return the favor.
He was certain Luo Yu wouldn't risk the lives of an entire kingdom.
Wouldn't force Tesoro to join the fight.
But just as that thought formed—
A familiar, overwhelming surge of Conqueror's Haki exploded from Luo Yu.
"You know, this whole 'begging to be punched' thing isn't bad."
"But I hope your body can take it."
BOOM!
The shockwave of Conqueror's Haki erupted like a tidal wave.
Everyone stared in disbelief.
The Donquixote Family, who had hoped their Young Master would reclaim his pride, were left slack-jawed.
The Haki crashed down on Doflamingo like a divine hammer.
He doesn't care about the hostages? Or Tesoro's presence?
This was a silent slap across their collective faces.
Doflamingo's grin froze.
His earlier bravado echoed in his ears.
As the wall of Haki filled his vision—
He realized:
This bet… might've been a little reckless.