After defeating Vice Admiral Bastille, Thorne Ashveil's [Conqueror's Haki] panel gained dozens of points once again.
Although it wasn't nearly as much as what he received after defeating someone like Blackbeard, the breakthrough pushed his total past 5,400 points.
Ashveil was satisfied.
Closing his eyes, he could feel the power of his [Conqueror's Haki] flowing stronger and more abundantly within him.
"Dressrosa awaits. It's time to meet Donquixote Doflamingo. I've heard the red wine here is exceptional—I should try it for myself," Ashveil said with a faint smile.
Riding the surge of his Haki, Ashveil descended into Dressrosa.
As soon as he landed, a strange young man approached him—razor-sharp fighting fish teeth, high heels, and white stockings. His appearance was eccentric, bordering on perverse.
It was Dellinger, one of Doflamingo's officers.
"Eee-ya-ya~ You must be the Marine the Young Master mentioned. What business do you have with our King?" Dellinger asked in his effeminate voice, showing no sign of fear.
Ashveil narrowed his eyes.
So, Doflamingo wasn't even meeting him personally? To send just a subordinate, and not even a high-ranking one, was pure arrogance. Perhaps Doflamingo had done it deliberately, choosing someone like Dellinger to provoke or irritate him.
Still, Ashveil wasn't bothered. If they mistook him for a Marine officer, that only made things easier.
With a slight smile, he replied, "I'm here under orders from Fleet Admiral Sengoku, to invite the Shichibukai, Donquixote Doflamingo, to participate in the coming battle against the Whitebeard Pirates."
Dellinger tilted his head, clearly amused. Even the Marines had to come begging the Young Master? Indeed, in this world, only strength was law.
But his smile faltered. "Eee-ya-ya~ Why don't I remember you as one of the Marines?"
Ashveil casually took a seat on the toy carriage Dellinger had prepared. Still smiling, he answered smoothly, "It's not surprising. Vice Admiral Bastille was busy with other matters, so I came in his place. I'm only a Rear Admiral."
Dellinger's face darkened. To send just a Rear Admiral to their Young Master? How insulting! Still, he didn't question Ashveil's claim and instead led him toward the palace.
The toy carriage rolled through Dressrosa, drawing curious gazes but no obstacles. When they finally arrived before the palace, Ashveil couldn't help but admire it.
Magnificent, lavish, more luxurious even than the villa he had once stayed in during his time with the Whitebeard Pirates. No doubt, the underground broker known as the "Joker" was filthy rich.
"You wait here. I'll announce you to the Young Master," Dellinger said, hopping off the carriage and striding away.
Ashveil chuckled softly. As if he needed a half-Fishman to guide him. Since Dellinger had already brought him here, his usefulness was over.
Ashveil stepped off the carriage, intent on entering the palace himself. Dressrosa's finest food and wine awaited him—he was eager to try them.
"Hey! You're just a Rear Admiral, don't be disrespectful! This is the palace of Donquixote Doflamingo. Without my announcement, you're not allowed inside!"
Dellinger's annoyance finally spilled over.
Ashveil's expression didn't change. "Just Doflamingo? Hardly worth an announcement."
"What?!" Dellinger's eyes went wide with shock. A Marine, daring to speak of his Young Master like that? It was unforgivable.
His body twisted grotesquely as his transformation began. Muscles bulged, his clothes tore apart, a shark fin ripped through his back, and bloodlust filled his crimson eyes.
But Ashveil kept walking, utterly unimpressed.
"You fool… this is Dressrosa!" Dellinger roared, vanishing into a blur as he moved with terrifying speed. His high heel slashed downward, aiming to end Ashveil with one strike.
"Weakling," Ashveil muttered, not even glancing at him.
A ripple of Haki burst outward.
With a heavy thud, Dellinger's body hit the ground, dust flying as his head lolled lifelessly to the side.
Inside the palace, Doflamingo had been lounging comfortably, sipping red wine, an arrogant smirk on his face. Suddenly, he froze and sat upright, his expression darkening beneath his crimson sunglasses.
"What's wrong, Young Master? Has the Marine arrived?" Trebol asked, snot dripping down his chin. "Even if it's a Vice Admiral, with you here, there shouldn't be a problem."
Diamante, clad in his bizarre iron armor, stepped forward. "Maybe it's an Admiral himself. Hahaha! Seems the Marines are finally showing you the respect you deserve, Doffy."
Pica, his massive body clad in samurai-like armor, added in his shrill voice, "An Admiral, huh? That would explain it."
But Doflamingo's forehead veins bulged. His pupils shifted beneath his sunglasses, scanning the presence he had just felt.
"No… it's not an Admiral," Doflamingo said grimly. "I just sensed [Conqueror's Haki]."
His words silenced the room.
Conqueror's Haki? The executives exchanged uneasy glances. Only a rare few in the world could wield such power. For someone to stand at their doorstep with that ability…
"Let's go," Doflamingo ordered. "Open the main gates. I want to see exactly who dares to come here with that kind of Haki."
Even for the cunning and calculating Donquixote Doflamingo, this was something he could not ignore.
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