"Shano..."
Doflamingo was sweating profusely, his voice dry, "You, you... you didn't die after all?"
How could this be!
The news of this guy's death was publicly announced by the World Government, and besides, facing both a Navy Grand Admiral and Four Emperors Kaido, how could he still be alive!
"Yes, I guess I was quite lucky."
Shano nodded.
In the monstrous waves, he somehow managed to float above the crest out of thin air, walking toward them.
With each step he took, a circle of black and red lightning exploded beneath his feet, and the substantial Supreme King aura continuously spread, causing the entire island to quake.
It also froze Doflamingo to the spot, not daring to move a muscle.
He watched helplessly as Shano came to stand before him, looking down at him with an indifferent gaze, as if staring at an ant:
"You are... one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea, Doflamingo?"
"This should be the first time we've met, so why do you look so scared, as if you wish I were dead?"
The black-haired youth glanced around, only then noticing the shattered ground and the young swordswoman gripping a sword marked with battle scars.
His eyebrows slightly raised, suddenly realizing:
"I see, you attacked my crew..."
Doflamingo's sweat flowed even faster.
His throat rolled, managing to squeeze out a slight smile, "Fufufufu... a misunderstanding, purely a misunderstanding, Shano. I didn't know their identity, otherwise, why would I..."
"Liar!"
Below came Nami's angry voice, "Brother, don't listen to this guy's nonsense. He recognized us as soon as we met and wanted to recruit us as subordinates! But he wasn't that strong and got blocked by Kuina!"
"Oh?"
Shano looked at Kuina somewhat surprised, showing a gentle smile, "Neither winning nor losing against a member of the Seven Warlords of the Sea? Your strength has improved a lot."
Back when facing Akainu, Kuina was only at the level of a regular Headquarter Vice Admiral.
It seems that in the month I was submerged at the sea's bottom, she has completely mastered the Wind Swordsmanship.
"..."
Being praised in front of outsiders, Kuina's cheeks turned slightly red but she quickly recovered, turning to Doflamingo with fighting spirit boiling in her eyes:
"Sir, give me a little more time, and I can beat him."
"Didn't have enough fun, huh?"
"Yes." Kuina nodded, sighing lightly, "You came out a bit too early."
"Couldn't help it, I just finished my seclusion and bumped into this situation."
Shano shrugged, noticing the disappointment in Kuina's eyes, glancing at Doflamingo, casually saying:
"You, go and continue fighting with her, don't hold back until a winner is decided."
Such an unyielding tone, like giving orders to a subordinate.
How long has it been since I've been commanded like that, Doflamingo's eyes turned cold, he squinted and said: "What if I refuse?"
Shano's reply was concise:
"Die."
Doflamingo's temples throbbed with veins bursting.
Even if your strength is indeed so formidable, so strong that I dare not provoke you easily, how could a descendant of the Heavenly Celestial Dragon be humiliated like this...
"Fufufufu... fine then, since you're so eager to watch, I'll play a little longer with your Deputy Captain."
He suppressed his anger, smilingly saying, "But once this fight's over, shouldn't the misunderstandings between us be written off?"
"As long as you don't play tricks and properly fulfill your role as a sparring partner, letting you off is not impossible."
Shano calmly said, "Of course, if you die by Kuina's sword, you can't blame me."
"That won't happen, so there's nothing to worry about."
Doflamingo's mouth curled into a chilling smile:
"Fufufufu... then let's not waste time, let's begin!"
He moved his body, returning to the battlefield before, and as Kuina took her position, he suddenly flashed towards the young swordswoman, his toes bursting forth eight sharp threads, kicking straight down towards her shoulder!
"Foot Razor Line!"
Clang!
Kuina had been prepared, the Wado Ichimonji crossing before her to block the attack, knocking Doflamingo's body back, yet she harbored confusion in her heart.
Although this was their first duel.
But earlier, she had sensed that this guy clearly did not like being closely approached by a Sword Master, always trying to widen the distance, so why was he drawing near this time instead?
The answer revealed itself instantly.
In the next moment, Doflamingo's figure used the counterforce of the sword to swiftly fly backward!
"Fufufufu! Thanks for cooperating, little girl!"
He laughed heartily, his fingertips already flicked out threads, hooking onto the distant clouds, launching himself toward the horizon like a cannonball!
At the same time, his other hand, prepared long ago, slightly turned, countless threads frantically spewing out, falling in all directions, immediately knitting into a massive, sky-covering net, enveloping the entire island!
Birdcage!
"This bastard!"
Kuina's expression changed, looking up abruptly.
She just realized that this guy never intended to fight her seriously but wanted to distract everyone and seize the chance to lock the battlefield, creating an opportunity to escape!
What a despicable scoundrel!
High in the sky.
Doflamingo poured all his energy into his Fruit Ability, his speed soaring to the limit!
Faster!
A little faster!
He roared in his mind, occasionally glancing back at the ground, although still with that arrogant smile on his lips, his forehead was drenched in nervous sweat.
Shano didn't die!
That monster not only survived but is even stronger than the rumors!