Judge's expression darkened. What did they take Germa for? Some insignificant small-time force that could be crushed at will?
He had an army numbering in the thousands, technology and weaponry resembling mobile fortresses, and a fleet of sea slugs!
Even the most arrogant enemies would be drowned in the black tide of Germa's forces!
"Fufufufufu..."
Doflamingo didn't bother arguing anymore. He simply licked the corner of his lips with his tongue, his fingers twitching in the air like he was manipulating invisible marionettes.
"You won't be the first, nor the last, Judge..."
"Oh~ and you too, Nicholas-san. We used to work together quite a bit, didn't we?"
"Doffy..."
Nicholas looked at the den-den mushi in front of him. That iconic red-tinted evil sunglasses and twisted smile—he instantly recognized who it was.
Everyone who operated in the North Blue knew each other. They were all old acquaintances.
Truth be told, Doflamingo had been tempted before. One move could've saved him a fortune. But reason always overcame impulse.
The shadow Orin had left on him was just too deep. And ever since he bestowed him with Pure Gold, those fleeting thoughts had completely vanished.
One shot, shattering all schemes—
I serve under the Emperor!
"How arrogant!!!"
Judge was about to soar into the air using his suit again, but just then, several artificial soldiers suddenly turned on him.
"Stop right now!!!"
Clang—
The clash of metal echoed loudly. Though the artificial soldiers' faces flushed red, their weapons still collided with Judge's spear.
It wasn't until Judge gave the order for them to bite their tongues and commit suicide that they slowly lost their strength and collapsed.
They could control the body, but not perfectly manipulate every muscle. Loyal soldiers, without hesitation, chose death.
"Such terrifying obedience... No wonder Germa 66 could dominate the North Blue. The name 'War Nation' is well-earned~"
Doflamingo crossed his legs. With Judge being held off, he casually sat down on the luxurious sofa in the room, the den-den mushi in hand as he grinned wickedly.
"Just a friendly reminder—before Orin-sama comes knocking, you might want to pay what you owe. Could save your life~"
"Really!!!?"
The den-den mushi showed a surprised face, tears and snot running freely.
If that was true, then there was still hope.
"Please tell Orin-sama for me—it was a moment of foolish greed! I promise to pay double from now on!!!"
"Fufufufu... I'll try."
...
Meanwhile, elsewhere in the North Blue—
The slaughter had begun.
"Spare us! We know we were wrong! We'll pay all the remaining Belly!!!"
"I don't want to die!!!"
"Damn it!!! You idiots got us killed! Who told you to underpay behind our backs!!! Aaaahhh!!!"
Countless people, upon hearing the news, frantically called the Sabaody Archipelago, declaring they had underpaid before and now wished to make it right.
Those who paid before Orin showed up were spared.
Those who didn't?
Too slow.
Crocodile glanced at the remaining ones who still tried to resist and simply sneered, raising her hand to unleash a massive sandstorm.
For the first time, the North Blue hillbillies witnessed what a real dimensional gap in power looked like.
Had they ever seen a slash that cut a mountain in two?
From a distance—
Navy warships halted outside the island. Officers aboard watched through binoculars.
A young soldier stepped forward and saluted.
"Sir, should we intervene and land?"
Hearing this, the officer wrapped in a Marine coat gave the private in a vest a disbelieving look.
"Sure, I'll send you in. Go ahead, take down both warring sides."
"Uh... right..."
...
While the Dolamingo and Germa Kingdom clashed, and Crocodile and Mihawk rampaged across the North Blue toward their targets,
Orin silently followed a blond little boy into what looked like a hospital room.
He had come to witness some of the iconic moments he recalled.
"Bring out the bento Sanji made."
A blond woman looked at the beautiful lunch box in front of her, then at Sanji's hands covered in wounds, and gave the order.
The maid had no choice but to bring the blackened bento box to the bedside.
The little blond boy's face didn't look good. He clearly knew his food wouldn't taste good.
But the pale-faced woman gently smiled and took a bite.
"It's delicious."
With a tender touch, she caressed his face, then embraced the overjoyed little Sanji. Her eyes turned toward the maid and the boy.
"So... who might you be?"
"Such a gentle tone, Lady Sora. Even toward a stranger who suddenly intruded."
A man in a dark red suit and black coat was sitting inside, camera aimed at the mother and child.
"When did you get in here!? Guards!!!"
The maid turned and screamed out the window the moment she noticed the unfamiliar man.
"Don't bother. Everyone on this sea slug ship has already fallen asleep."
"Am I really that scary?"
Orin put away the den-den mushi camera and gave a helpless smile. A single glance put the oddly shaped maid into a deep sleep.
"Hey!!! Don't get near Mama!!!"
Sanji, in an attempt to protect his mother, charged forward.
"Please, don't hurt Sanji!!!"
Their first words were for each other. That made Orin smile.
He picked up the little pervert by the collar and held him in his hand.
"Relax. I'm here to stir up trouble, sure, but I have no ill will toward you."
He placed Sanji back in Sora's arms and walked to the window, looking toward the distant snail flagship.
"My name is Orin. Judge stiffed me out of some money, so you could say I'm here to collect."
Sora, feeling insecure, held Sanji tightly in her arms, her gentle eyes looking up at the towering Orin.
"How much is it? Please... forgive us..."
"No, no, no. It's not about the money. It's about attitude."
Orin turned to face the weak but beautiful Lady Sora.
"Technically, anyone who dares cheat me should be wiped off the map. But... I hold the right to interpret 'technically.'"
"So, I just came up with a great idea to spare Germa. Lady Sora, Let's make a deal. If you're willing."
"Hand over Sanji to me, and I'll spare Germa. How about it?"
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Pls Drop some Power Stones
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