Chapter 101: Deployment of Forces
> "But we saw King Riku's crimes with our own eyes… Even if he returns, won't he just be another tyrant? What difference would it make?"
A hesitant soldier voiced the doubt aloud, drawing murmurs of agreement from others.
> "You idiot!"
Tank Lepanto glared at the speaker.
> "You were all deceived! That entire tragedy was Doflamingo's scheme—he used Parasite Strings to control King Riku and forced him to attack his own people!"
Normally, such a claim would be dismissed.
But today, after witnessing Doflamingo's cold betrayal and use of poison gas, many soldiers were shaken—and now, they listened.
Suddenly, a masked man in armor stepped forward and slowly removed his helmet.
An audible gasp swept through the troops.
> "K-King Riku?!"
> "Yes… it's me," King Riku said solemnly.
"What happened that night… even if I was manipulated, the bloodshed still happened under my rule. I do not ask for your forgiveness—only your help. This country has suffered enough under Doflamingo."
And then—the former king knelt, pressing his head to the ground in front of his former soldiers.
> "I beg you—help me liberate Dressrosa from this monster."
> "Your Majesty… we believe in you!"
> "We'll fight by your side to take back the kingdom!"
Moved by his sincerity and the truth revealed, a large portion of the King's Army—and many watching through the live broadcast Den Den Mushi—shifted allegiance.
—
In the Corrida Colosseum, Rebecca covered her mouth in shock, tears brimming in her eyes.
> "Grandpa…"
—
On the palace balcony of King's Plateau, Viola watched the scene unfold with trembling lips.
> "Father…"
—
Meanwhile, Doflamingo, also watching via Den Den Mushi, clenched his fists.
> "Damn that Riku… showing up now of all times."
Across from him, Jack the Drought, one of Kaido's Three Disasters, let out a grating laugh.
> "Fwahaha! Joker, looks like your royal status is slipping fast."
> "Hmph. Let them bark. If we crush Fire Fist Ace, the rest will be simple."
—
Down at the coast, King Riku stepped forward, facing Ace aboard the Spade.
> "Lord Fire Fist!"
"I've watched your battle against Doflamingo. I know you're not just a pirate—you have conviction.
I beg you, help me remove this tyrant. I'll pay any price!"
He bowed deeply again.
Ace stared at him, expression unreadable.
> "He's got the heart of a king," Ace muttered.
"To reclaim an army and seek aid with only words and humility… impressive."
He thought back to the original timeline—how King Riku aligned with Luffy and Law to retake Dressrosa through sheer willpower.
> "But I'm not here for your kingdom."
"I don't care about your crown or your cause. I'm only here to deal with Doflamingo. Don't get in my way."
Ace's piercing gaze stunned King Riku. He nodded, lowering his head once more.
> "We will not."
Ace turned his attention to Dressrosa.
---
By now:
George Salin and Doma had already engaged Donquixote Family officers in close combat.
Jewelry Bonney, along with Carols and her subordinates, had landed near Green Bit.
Ace had given Bonney the mission of finding and negotiating with the Tontatta Tribe, the tiny yet powerful race that had long resisted the Donquixote Family's tyranny.
> "The Tontatta have opposed Doflamingo for centuries. With Carols' silver tongue, recruiting them shouldn't be a problem."
Ace clenched his fist.
> "Now, it's time to dismantle Doflamingo's empire."
---
Ace stood and barked orders to his crew:
> "Gambi—take Seba and Barry north. Your target is the SMILE Factory. That's Kaido's lifeline—burn it down. It's my gift to Sabo."
> "Understood!" Gambi grinned, his brothers cracking their knuckles.
The trio charged inland toward the northern sector.
> "Kukai, Ganryu, Fenamore—your team hits the SAD Production Facility in the south. That's also for Sabo."
> "Consider it done," Kukai replied confidently.
The swordsman trio sprinted off toward the southern mountains.
> "Wores—you, Yaki, and Scar—your target is Caesar Clown. He's hiding beneath the Corrida Colosseum, in his secret lab. Bring him back alive."
> "That slimeball's ours," Wores smirked.
The three dove into the city with swift precision.
> "Without Caesar, SMILE and SAD are useless junk. Capturing him is critical."
—
Finally, Ace turned toward his most trusted ally.
> "Law," Ace said.
"You ready?"
The Surgeon of Death stepped forward, Kikoku in hand.
> "I've waited a long time for this, Captain."
> "Then let's go," Ace said, his eyes burning like fire.
"This time, we take Joker's head."
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