Jack and his crew, having returned to the New World through a passage beneath the Red Line, arrived back in Wano with low spirits. Both he and Cracker, despite their status as Yonko Commanders, had returned empty-handed. They were ashamed.
They reached Onigashima, the island at the edge of Wano, where Kaido's fortress stood. Jack took a deep breath and entered. Kaido and Big Mom sat facing each other on enormous thrones, King and Queen flanked Kaido, Perospero and Katakuri stood behind Big Mom.
"You're back, Jack."
"It seems you failed, Cracker."
The two Emperors' gazes fell upon Jack and Cracker, who bowed their heads, sweat dripping from their brows.
"I apologize, Kaido-san. I failed. I'll accept any punishment."
"Sorry, Mama. I couldn't fulfil your orders."
The subordinates behind Jack and Cracker also bowed their heads, awaiting their leaders' judgment. Even Headliners and Sweet Commanders couldn't question their decisions.
"You couldn't get the job done even after we created a diversion? You're lacking spirit," King sneered.
"Indeed. One useless subordinate is enough. Don't disappoint us too, Jack," Queen added.
"What?! Who are you calling useless, you freak?!" Jack roared.
"You couldn't even handle that giant on your own. You have no right to criticize Jack," Cracker retorted.
"Oh yeah? Could you have handled him?!"
"I could. You couldn't."
"You bastard…!"
As King and Queen bickered, Perospero and Katakuri exchanged a weary look, sighing softly.
"You two, along with the Tobiroppo, Tamago, and Pekoms… if you couldn't do it, then it couldn't be helped, Perorin."
"Indeed. I heard Twilight, the Marines, and even the Revolutionary Army were involved. With 'Demon Heir' joining the fray, the outcome wouldn't have been any different, regardless of who we sent."
"If Mama or Kaido had gone, things might have been different."
"Don't dwell on 'what ifs,' Perospero. We need to focus on our next move."
Jack and Cracker remained bowed, while King and Perospero continued their casual banter. Kaido and Big Mom, observing their subordinates, finally spoke.
"It's not your fault, Jack. If Bullet was involved, I'm surprised you even made it back alive!"
"Cracker! We kept the majority of the Marines and Twilight occupied! You achieved absolutely nothing!"
Their reactions were diametrically opposed. They turned to each other, their gazes locking. While not actively using Haoshoku Haki, their presence exuded an oppressive aura that would have made an ordinary person faint. The tension in the room was palpable.
"Kaido, I've been meaning to say this… You're too soft on your subordinates!" Big Mom roared.
"There are mitigating circumstances. I don't forgive everything."
"Even so! Failing to capture Nico Robin demands some form of punishment!"
Failing to uphold their reputation as two of the Four Emperors was unacceptable. Retribution was expected. However, Kaido simply sighed and tried to placate Big Mom.
"Bullet was there. No one but you or I could have stopped him. Kanata played us."
"Don't you dare talk about winning and losing so casually!"
Big Mom's Haki surged, but Kaido remained unmoved. King and Queen, arms crossed, stood stoically behind him.
While Big Mom's anger was evident, she had been tasked with engaging the Marines. It was Kaido who had been truly outsmarted. She took some solace in that thought. She gestured for Jack and Cracker to rise and turned to the more pressing issue.
"The question is how Kanata managed to get Bullet involved. Twilight's been adding new recruits for years. With Bullet, they could rival even our alliance, even without the Marines."
Kaido leaned back in his throne and addressed his commanders.
"King, Queen. Tell me, who are the strongest in Twilight?"
"Feiyun. Junshi. Ragnell, I suppose. That centaur, Zen, was also strong, but I haven't seen him in years."
"Kaie. Dilus. And Izo, perhaps."
"Ragnell, the one who repelled King several times? Dilus, the giant with the Ancient Zoan ability? They emerged later, so we don't have any old bounty posters for them. That naked guy who stopped Ulti and Page One… They definitely have more powerful fighters whose abilities are unknown."
While they knew about Kanata's direct subordinates, the Valkyries and the Einherjar, identifying them individually, especially the most dangerous ones, was proving difficult.
While their past skirmishes and this recent clash had provided some intel, it felt like navigating a dark room blindfolded. They had meticulously documented Kanata's troop movements, but it seemed she was deliberately avoiding repeated encounters with the same individuals. She had likely deduced their attempts to gather information.
"Linlin, tell me what you know."
"Perospero!"
"I know, Mama. Our information isn't much different from yours. But there are a few who were particularly troublesome," Perospero said. "Kuro, the Yami Yami no Mi user. And Teach, the one who scarred me… They're especially dangerous."
Kuro, whose ability was particularly effective against large groups, and Teach, who had scarred Katakuri's left eye. Both were threats, but Kuro was reportedly dead.
"Kuro's dead, but the Yami Yami no Mi's whereabouts are unknown. He stole Shiki's ability twenty years ago. They're either keeping it for themselves, or they've already given it to someone," Katakuri added.
"I see… We know the older members, but the abilities could have been passed down…"
Kaido stroked his chin, deep in thought. According to Perospero, Kuro himself wasn't particularly strong. His ability, however, was incredibly dangerous, especially in the hands of someone physically powerful.
Devil Fruits were a rare commodity. Acquiring them without attracting Twilight's attention, who controlled most of the trade routes, was difficult. While stealing abilities from defeated opponents was possible, obtaining new Devil Fruits was becoming increasingly challenging. Kaido, through Doflamingo and Maraptonoka, had been relying on artificial Devil Fruits to bolster his forces.
"Can't we increase the production of SMILE?"
"I'll put pressure on Doflamingo, but it's unlikely. They're already low quality. Rushing them will only result in more defective products."
"Damn it… Maraptonoka's SMILE fruits are always perfect. What's his deal?"
"Can't you make them yourself?" Big Mom asked.
"Don't be ridiculous, you freak. That's not my specialty. It's either a problem with Caesar's formula, or with Doflamingo's cultivation methods."
While Doflamingo's SMILE fruits were potent, they were also unreliable, sometimes producing defective results or splitting the user's consciousness between human and animal forms. While they still granted enhanced strength, their drawbacks were significant compared to natural Devil Fruits. Kaido, however, valued quantity over quality. Maraptonoka's SMILE, on the other hand, were almost identical to natural Devil Fruits, their only drawback being the inability to access a hybrid form.
"We've managed to acquire a few Devil Fruits, but they're becoming increasingly rare. Isn't that right, Perospero?"
"Indeed. We've only obtained a handful in recent years. We should assume there are no more freely available Devil Fruits."
"Those who can steal abilities directly have a significant advantage. But the strange thing is, Twilight should have a vast collection of Devil Fruits, yet they don't have that many ability users."
Based on their past skirmishes, the Gifters outnumbered Twilight's ability users. While Twilight's powerful members often wielded rare and potent abilities, their overall number wasn't particularly high. Several theories emerged, but one seemed most likely.
"That woman's creating internal competition. She's giving the rare Devil Fruits to those who prove themselves worthy. That's why they have so many Mythical Zoans, Ancient Zoans, and Logias."
Consuming a Devil Fruit granted power, but accessing the rarest ones required climbing the ranks. It was a system designed to cultivate powerful elites. While Octavia had fallen, and the Goro Goro no Mi had been lost, Twilight had yet to reveal a new user of that ability. It was a powerful and dangerous Devil Fruit. They were likely carefully selecting its next wielder.
"Regardless, for now, we can only rely on SMILE to increase our forces. Developing capable individuals takes time."
"Mamahahahaha! You could train them yourself! Like Kanata!"
"Don't be absurd. How many could even survive my training? There's no point creating Gifters if I just kill them all!"
"The commanders could probably handle it! I've been training Katakuri myself, though it pains me to imitate that woman!"
While infiltrating Hachinosu was impossible, their spies had access to Rommel Kingdom, Twilight's second base. While deep cover was risky, observing the battles in the Colosseum wasn't difficult. Even the government's intelligence agencies used it to identify Twilight's powerful members. While the higher-ranking members rarely appeared, Kaido and Big Mom understood their strategy.
It was a system of ruthless competition, fostering growth and ambition. Those who showed promise received personal training from Kanata. Both Kaido and Big Mom had attempted to replicate this system, albeit with less success.
"Wasting time training weaklings is pointless. I'm too busy training myself!"
"I thought we could just take Kanata down together, but Bullet's a problem. We should probably sever her ties with the government first."
"Indeed. She's not invincible. There must be a weakness. Once we separate her from the Marines, we'll have a chance, even in a full-scale war."
"If Katakuri and King could defeat Bullet, things would be easier."
"Don't forget 'Giant Shadow.' She's as troublesome as Bullet."
"Feiyun…"
Big Mom sighed, a wistful expression on her face, remembering the giant she had once been close to. The past was the past. Many giants had already sided with Twilight. Reconciling with them now was unlikely. Defeating Twilight, however, might change things.
"Do as you please. We'll defeat Kanata, then crush Whitebeard and Shanks. Then the world will be ours."
"Yes… perhaps it's time to get serious."
They both stood, retrieved their weapons, and headed outside. They were destined to clash eventually, but for now, they shared a common enemy. An enemy neither of them could defeat alone. And so, they pushed each other, seeking greater strength through their occasional battles.
***
"I see… So my brother has been captured."
"Thanks to you. You did well."
"It was my duty."
"Don't be so modest. We couldn't have cornered Doflamingo without you. Your mission is complete. Return to headquarters, Rosinante."
Within a room in Dressrosa's castle sat a blond man with clown-like makeup – Donquixote Rosinante, Doflamingo's younger brother. He had infiltrated the Donquixote Family as a Marine, relaying vital information that had finally led to Doflamingo's capture. With his mission complete, he had no reason to stay. However…
"What will happen to Dressrosa?"
"I don't know. The government is still deliberating… Is the Riku royal family still alive?"
"Princess Viola and King Riku are still alive. Former Princess Scarlett passed away, but her daughter is still alive."
"Hmm… This is a delicate matter. I would support their return to power, but…"
"I'm not sure. While there were extenuating circumstances, King Riku is deeply unpopular due to Doflamingo's machinations. Changing public perception will take time."
With Doflamingo's capture, the throne of Dressrosa was vacant. While restoring the Riku family was the logical course of action, Doflamingo's carefully orchestrated scheme had turned the citizens against them. Explaining the situation wouldn't be enough. Furthermore, liberating Dressrosa was a priority.
"His three top executives – Trebol, Diamante, and Pica – are particularly dangerous. Even with a direct assault, minimizing casualties would be difficult."
"I see. I'll keep that in mind."
"Also, as I mentioned in my report, be especially cautious of Sugar."
Sugar was the user of the Hobi Hobi no Mi. While its side effect had permanently stunted her physical growth, her ability to transform people into toys and erase them from others' memories was incredibly dangerous. She had likely used it to eliminate any spies or individuals who had discovered Doflamingo's secrets. No one remembered who had been transformed. The scale of her actions was unknown.
"And Monet, the radio personality, is also a former member of the Donquixote Family, but…"
"We'll deal with that later. Kanata will handle it."
While her abilities were a concern, she was also contributing to maintaining order in the sea. Sengoku decided to simply inform them of her affiliation. Kanata, however, had simply responded with a noncommittal "I see." The extent of her knowledge was a mystery. Doflamingo had been openly hostile towards Kanata. It wouldn't be surprising if she had taken some countermeasures, but Kanata's secretive nature made it impossible to know for certain.
"Any other concerns?"
"Not that I can mention…"
The original Corazon, Vergo, was still missing. While reportedly acting on Doflamingo's orders, the details had been kept secret, even from the other executives. Rosinante hadn't been able to uncover any information, afraid of arousing suspicion. With Vergo's whereabouts and objectives unknown, Rosinante could only report his disappearance. With Doflamingo captured, Vergo's threat had likely diminished.
"Then I'll be leaving. Please try to minimize civilian casualties."
"Of course. Take care, Rosinante."
Rosinante ended the call, packed his meagre belongings, mostly disposable items he didn't mind leaving behind, and headed out of the room. He lit a cigarette and, as he walked towards the castle exit, he encountered a man.
"Rosinante? What are you doing up so late?"
Rosinante, unable to speak within the Donquixote Family, wrote "You too" on a piece of paper and showed it to the man. The man with slicked back hair, dressed in a suit, shrugged and took a drag from his cigarette.
"Errands. I haven't told anyone, but I'm married."
Rosinante nodded, surprised. He had noticed the man's occasional absences, the bouquets of flowers and small gifts he sometimes carried, and had assumed he had a lover. He hadn't realized he was married. Such revelations highlighted Rosinante's own emotional distance from the Donquixote Family. It had been necessary for his mission, but he couldn't deny the lingering unease of sending his own brother to Impel Down.
"Are you going somewhere?" the man asked.
Rosinante showed him the paper he had written: "Errands."
"I see. I'm also heading out. Just retrieving some things."
He wrote: "I won't be back for a while."
"Really? I'm leaving too… I'll let Trebol know."
He wrote: "See you later."
"Yes, later… Rosinante."
The man's expression, hidden behind his sunglasses, was unreadable. Rosinante passed him and headed towards the harbor. He had already prepared an escape route once Doflamingo left for the meeting. He slipped and stumbled occasionally, bruising his back, as he navigated the darkened streets of Dressrosa.
***
"Hmm? Where are you going, Señor? Somewhere fun?"
"Trebol. Errands. I won't be back for a few days."
"I see! Doffy should be back soon. Don't be too late!"
"I know. Family comes first."
"Good! Nbehehehe!"
"Oh, Rosinante left too."
"Rosinante did? …I see."
Trebol looked suspicious, but he simply shrugged, wiped his perpetually runny nose, and walked away, leaning heavily on his cane.
Señor Pink, his hair slicked back, dressed in a suit, turned his back on Trebol and headed towards the harbor, where his ride was waiting. He hadn't encountered Rosinante, which was a relief. He reached the designated meeting point.
"You're on time."
A man was waiting for him. An unremarkable individual, an ordinary pirate.
"Any regrets?" the man asked.
"Of course… but I couldn't betray my family. That's all."
"I see. Then let's go."
A small boat, prioritizing stealth over comfort, was waiting. It was large enough to carry a few people. Señor Pink settled into a seat, and the boat slowly drifted away from the shore, into the darkness of the night.
While navigating at night was dangerous, the man at the helm seemed experienced. Señor Pink looked back at Dressrosa as the glow of his cigarette faded into the night.
"…Sorry, kid…"
Señor Pink was an executive of the Donquixote Family. He was loyal to Doflamingo, a man he would gladly die for. But even so… He couldn't abandon his family. He retrieved a photograph from his bag of his wife, children, Lucian and Gimlet. They smiled at him from the picture.
"I'm… scum…"
For the sake of his family, he had betrayed his nakama who were like family to him. The boat, disappearing into the darkness, sailed towards Rommel Kingdom, one of Twilight's strongholds.