After inspecting Indigo and the Winged People...
(T/N: Many of Merveille's human citizens have been mutated to a small degree, likely due to exposure to SIQ. As a result of the mutation, they have grown feathers underneath their arms and given them the ability to fly.)
Doflamingo finally got down to business.
RUMBLE—!
Sharp threads slashed through the ground like a knife through cake.
The land where IQ was cultivated split away from the Merveille.
"Smoothie, now!"
Huff—
Taking a deep breath, Smoothie activated her ability.
The cultivation base, no longer weighed down by mass, began to float into the sky.
"Next time... it'll be your turn."
With those words, Doflamingo pulled the rising island forward, helping Smoothie conserve a bit of her strength.
"We'll be waiting for you, Lord Doflamingo!"
The gathered Winged People watched as the island soared off into the distance.
...
Outer edge of Green Bit.
The sea breeze creaked the rope bridge with every gust.
Cricket, now fully recovered, stood at the bridge's edge. His heavy steps faltered slightly, and he didn't even notice the cigarette at his lips had burned down to the filter.
To the Tontatta people, he was a successor of their ancestors.
They were such a kind and innocent race—how could he bring himself to speak?
Could Doflamingo's so-called "labor dispatch" really be as harmless as he claimed?
But to rebel against Doflamingo together with the Tontatta?
They didn't stand a chance. His power was far beyond anything they could resist.
What should he do?
"Cricket? What's wrong?"
The Tontatta, well-fed and rounder than ever, stared curiously at Cricket who stood frozen in place.
"Yeah, what's up, boss? Weren't we heading to see King Gancho for the feast?" Shoujou and Masira chimed in with the others.
Shaking his head, Cricket removed the burnt-out cigarette and forced a smile.
"It's nothing. Let's go."
...
Moments later.
Cricket successfully made a second audience with King Gancho.
Due to the recent disappearance of some Tontatta and the strange siege tactics used by the Donquixote Family, the aging king looked even more haggard than before.
Seeing everyone return safe and sound, Gancho couldn't help but ask with suspicion:
"Cricket, what exactly happened out there?"
"This was all just a misunderstanding, Your Majesty."
Clenching his resolve, Cricket began to lie.
If he trusted Doflamingo, the Tontatta might have a chance to survive.
If he didn't… they'd be wiped out for sure.
"A misunderstanding?" King Gancho adjusted his red-framed glasses.
"Yes. Lord Doflamingo, the head of the Donquixote Family, is the same man who once helped us. He's an old benefactor of ours."
"A benefactor?" Several of the un-captured Tontatta exclaimed.
"No wonder we weren't harmed!"
"They even treated us warmly!"
"Of course," Cricket said, smiling. "Lord Doflamingo once saved us when we were trapped at ten thousand meters in the sky."
The now-chubby Tontatta and Cricket's crew made for convincing witnesses.
"Then why were you all captured in the first place?" King Gancho asked, still puzzled.
"It's because the Donquixote Family wanted to avoid disturbing the Tontatta way of life."
"Just like King Riku once did, they designated Green Bit as a restricted area. We entered without permission and were caught by one of their officers."
"But after explaining who we were, the misunderstanding was cleared up."
Cricket repeated the explanation he'd rehearsed countless times. Then, as if remembering something, he added:
"I was away all this time because I had to meet Lord Doflamingo and confirm my identity."
"Ohhh!"
Not only the Tontatta, but even Cricket's own crewmates nodded in sudden realization.
So that's what had happened.
Seeing the room settle into belief, Cricket threw out one final bombshell.
"But… Doflamingo's family name really is Donquixote—the same Donquixote that ruled Dressrosa eight hundred years ago."
"What?!"
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