Time flies. Two full days had passed since the Five Elders incident, and the Marines had begun the World Conscription. In cooperation with the government, posters were now visible in almost every corner of the world.
The title, "Light can always dispel darkness, and justice will never retreat!", was printed in large letters, attracting the attention of passionate young people. There were also some long-forgotten vagabonds who saw the words 'Admiral' in bright red and felt a ripple in their hearts.
"Marine is going to make a big move. Maybe this is the opportunity I've been waiting for."
In Alabasta in the first half of the Grand Line, King Cobra stood atop his capital city and sighed with emotion. "Did he really force Marine to this point?"
On the other hand, Rodin's official journey into the New World had been clever. The news agencies, always looking for a good story, announced his arrival to the world early. His entry was like an atomic bomb dropped on an unsettled lake—it completely exploded.
In Dressrosa, the land of love, passion, and toys, toy dolls could be seen walking everywhere, accompanying humans through the streets, their faces filled with joy.
But all of that changed the moment a volley of news dailies landed. Their expressions changed drastically.
"It says Doflamingo has pulled out of the Warlords of the Sea?"
"Wait, what's this next part? He resigned from the throne at the same time?"
"Resigned? What's going on?!"
"His Majesty the King loves his people like they are his own son and has developed the country so prosperously. Why would he do this?!"
Unbelievable expressions appeared on the faces of the people. But soon, they realized what was going on.
"It must be that Shichibukai Hunter!"
"Damn it, the Rodin Pirates! Why did they enter the New World?!"
"Damn them, they're scum!"
"That's right, if it weren't for them, the king wouldn't have left office at all!"
"Die! Why don't they just die!"
"Why doesn't Marine do something about this?!"
The sound of the people's fury grew, gradually engulfing the entire kingdom. The people's impression of their king was one of immense greatness. In the past, Doflamingo had saved their country and overthrown the Riku royal family. It was no exaggeration to say that he was their savior. For him to be forced to give up his Warlord title and the throne because of this pirate group undoubtedly aroused public outrage.
"But… it's understandable to resign as a Warlord of the Sea, but why resign from the throne?"
"Idiot, His Majesty the King doesn't want to implicate us…"
"Well." A sigh came from a corner. Even a homeless person didn't want Doflamingo to leave his post.
However, the five hundred small workers trapped in a dark factory, along with their princess, Mansherry, had expectations that were the complete opposite of the populace's. They almost cheered out loud.
At the same time, in the coliseum, a pink-haired Rebecca, with her braids and cool armor, stared at the newspaper. A mix of emotions swirled in her eyes. "Did this man, on his own, made Doflamingo retire?"
However, her hopes were quickly dashed. That afternoon, a warship with the flag of "Government Officials" arrived. The three CPOs from above clarified the matter: the report was purely false. The people surrounding the palace began to cheer.
On the King's Plateau, a place of sunshine, swimming pools, wine, and a group of beauties in bikinis, however today the atmosphere was tense. Doflamingo's face was gloomy.
"Damn it, are you so determined to kill me?"
The newspaper article about his resignation had been fabricated with the government's cooperation. When he had learned that the Rodin Pirates had entered the New World, he had sent people to negotiate, but all attempts ended in failure. As a last resort, he had created this false news to try and get away with it. But who knew? The Rodin Pirates' intention to destroy him still hadn't changed.
Just then, his Den Den Mushi rang. Doflamingo's eyes moved, and he answered. "You Marines, are you finally willing to contact me?"
A serious voice came back. "Sorry, Doflamingo, we're busy with the world conscription. We can't spare anyone to help you."
"Hehe, Rodin and his crew have a secret. I think you'll be very—" Before he could finish, the Den Den Mushi closed its eyes.
Doflamingo began to laugh lowly. Such an important matter, and they hung up impatiently? A beautiful woman in a bikini, wearing a swimming ring, saw this and thought he was in a good mood. She wanted to come over, but what greeted her was a brutal slash.
"Whoosh!" Blood splattered all over the pool.
"Boom!" Doflamingo withdrew his five fingers and smashed the table with his fist. Blue veins appeared on his forehead.
"Young master, it's time to drink your medicine!" A little green-haired girl with bare feet, named Sugar, appeared, holding a bowl of coffee-colored thick soup.
Doflamingo, who was in a bad mood, was about to get angry, but seeing Sugar, he eased his expression. He glanced at his peaceful trousers and felt his hatred for the Rodin Pirates, especially that woman, grow even more. She had not only left a wound on his heart but also on his "important parts." He took the soup and drank it down, his fist making a creaking sound.
A bold idea came to his mind.
"Young master, it's okay. No matter what, I will never leave you," Sugar said, snuggling up to Doflamingo's abdominal muscles and caressing them slowly. This dispelled some of the haze in his heart.
"Go down, Sugar."
"Uh-huh." Sugar smiled.
After she left, Doflamingo dialed another Den Den Mushi. Soon, a loud laugh came through.
"Ooooh, Doflamingo! I heard you quit the Seven Warlords of the Sea?"
"Kaido, I"— Doflamingo wanted to choke him. He still maintained his arrogant demeanor.
"You mean, you want me to help you deal with those… Rodin Pirates?"
"That's right. As a deal… you said the bargaining chips are very strong! But they're just a bunch of brats. Why are you so nervous?"
"Heh heh heh, their pirate group should not be underestimated."
Doflamingo was frustrated that Kaido didn't seem to care. But was Kaido truly careless? Two days ago, the Sabaody incident had been heavily censored by the World Government because its impact was too great. Even the world news agencies had only a rough report. Kaido only had a glimpse of what happened, but he knew the full facts must be far beyond imagination. He was a bold but careful man.
"There's one very important thing I need to tell you. Their captain, Rodin, probably has—"
"What did you say? That woman who looks exactly like you is you?" Kaido's powerful voice came through the Den Den Mushi. "What kind of nonsense are you talking about? Have you learned to joke? It's alright, I've wanted to meet them for a long time. I'll head over there."
"You'd better bring your crew… he's at Punk Hazard now. Soon—" Before Doflamingo could finish, he was hung up on again.
He frowned. His cadres plus Kaido's direct subordinates combined might be enough to defeat and even kill the current Rodin Pirates. But if Kaido comes alone…
Doflamingo looked up at the sky. It was sunny, but he felt the tide turning. He could run, but where could he run with his entire family? So many years of hard work couldn't be for nothing. Rodin had to be eliminated. The man's weird female crew kept growing. Doflamingo's scalp tingled. This isn't about him alone! Marine, the World Government… are you pretending to be stupid, or are you really not in the loop?