Violet and Rebecca watched Souta Kiryuu nervously. It was only because they trusted the Tontatta tribe that they had dared to risk an escape from Dressrosa.
They had been under constant surveillance by the Donquixote Family, making it nearly impossible to leave the country. Besides, they never truly wanted to abandon Dressrosa or its people. Their hearts were set on overthrowing the Donquixote Family and restoring peace to their homeland.
But when they heard Souta Kiryuu say he could completely take down Doflamingo within two years, they agreed to temporarily leave Dressrosa to seek strength—and then return to reclaim their home.
"Fine. But that Glare-Glare Fruit user must work for us."
Souta Kiryuu spoke casually, clearly uninterested in the Riku royal family's affairs. They were kind, yes, but they lacked the ability to rule a nation. If Dressrosa were handed back to them, it might regress from a flourishing kingdom into the poverty-stricken land it once was.
Was it better to have a dark yet prosperous kingdom, or a peaceful but impoverished one? Only the people of Dressrosa could decide that.
"Thank you, Lord Kiryuu!"
Violet immediately bowed in gratitude. Finally, they could escape Doflamingo's grip and catch sight of another hope.
"Let's hope your Glare-Glare Fruit powers will be of some use."
Souta Kiryuu spoke evenly, then instructed Mansherry and Gancho to quickly move the Tontatta into Capone Bege's fortress. It was time to leave Green Bit.
What Souta Kiryuu didn't yet know was which Marine fleet Doflamingo had spoken of. If it was led by a Vice Admiral, Souta had little to worry about. But if an Admiral came… things would get troublesome.
Under the urging of Souta Kiryuu and Princess Mansherry, the Tontatta quickly entered the fortress. Meanwhile, the idle Enel decided to blow up the massive iron bridge connecting Green Bit and Dressrosa, just to announce his presence to the world.
This terrifying thunderstorm disaster threw Dressrosa's citizens into panic.
Doflamingo, however, was left confused. What was Souta Kiryuu trying to do? Was this meant to intimidate him?
Soon after, he received the news—Violet had fled with King Riku, and even Rebecca had disappeared. His face instantly darkened.
Could it be that Souta Kiryuu intended to take the Riku family and the Tontatta tribe away?
"That wretched Violet dares betray us! It seems they still haven't given up on reclaiming the throne!"
From the royal palace, Doflamingo stared at the collapsed bridge. Now, with the Donquixote Family's forces unable to easily reach Green Bit, he seethed in frustration.
"Souta Kiryuu, what are you trying to pull?!"
He was furious. That lunatic had already taken advantage of him, yet still tried to disgust him further—using the Riku family as a warning. Doflamingo hated unpredictable opponents, the kind as troublesome as Kaido of the Beasts.
Meanwhile, the Marine fleet from G-5 Fortress was rapidly approaching Dressrosa. Fleet Admiral Sakazuki himself was also making his way across the Red Line, headed straight for the island.
Sengoku, the former Fleet Admiral, rubbed his temples in frustration. Why had Souta Kiryuu shown up in the New World again?
Had he invaded Dressrosa to build his reputation by taking down a Warlord of the Sea like Doflamingo? Or was he after Vegapunk's research, trying to steal Doflamingo's goods?
Whatever the reason, Souta Kiryuu was a chaos-stirrer, turning the seas upside down wherever he went.
"According to intel from the Donquixote Family, it seems Souta Kiryuu now has a Logia-type Lightning Fruit user under his command."
Vice Admiral Tsuru frowned as she read the message that had come alongside Dressrosa's plea for Marine support. Her wrinkles deepened.
"A Lightning Fruit user?"
Sengoku pressed his fingers to his temple. "Kuma already gives us enough headaches. Now another top-tier Logia user? The Kiryuu Pirates' threat level just skyrocketed."
"Netahu, the assassin of the Delago Family, was apparently killed instantly by this Lightning Fruit user," Tsuru said gravely. "From the looks of it, this newcomer possesses overwhelming combat strength."
"This is becoming more and more troublesome. I have a feeling Souta Kiryuu will soon build a force rivaling the Revolutionary Army." Sengoku sighed helplessly. That a mere test subject could create such a crisis was beyond frustrating.
Even their recent operation to wipe out the West Sea mafia had failed. The Marines hadn't managed a single solid victory against Souta Kiryuu. Their efforts felt powerless.
"We must find his main base quickly. Once Vegapunk settles in, their forces will expand like wildfire."
Vice Admiral Tsuru's expression grew grim. Each of Souta Kiryuu's appearances involved seizing resources. His goal was clear—helping Dr. Vegapunk establish labs and conduct research.
"If push comes to shove, Sakazuki suggested…" Sengoku hesitated. To deal with Souta Kiryuu, leveraging the Sorbet Kingdom to threaten Bartholomew Kuma might be an option. It was despicable, cruel even—but not entirely unthinkable.
After all, years ago under the Five Elders' orders, Sengoku had commanded the Buster Call that obliterated Ohara. As Fleet Admiral, he had covered for the Celestial Dragons countless times.
He had witnessed their atrocities firsthand, including their infamous "Native Purge" held every three years. The sheer darkness of it all weighed heavily on him.
But unlike the unaligned nations that were targeted in those hunts, the Sorbet Kingdom was a World Government member. By law, non-affiliated nations' people didn't even deserve human rights.
"Sengoku, we can't allow our last shred of justice to be tainted!"
Tsuru's voice was firm. Ensuring the safety of all member nations was the Marines' bottom line. If they abandoned even that, how could they call themselves an army of justice?
Both she and Sengoku had long wanted to change the Celestial Dragons' twisted practice of hunting non-member humans like insects. But it was futile. They were powerless to alter the nobles' depravity.
It was for this very reason that Garp had refused to ever become an Admiral—he would never serve as a shield for the Celestial Dragons.
Having seen so much darkness, all the Marine high command could do was cling to their positions and protect what member nations they could. It was the only way to safeguard the majority of people.
"…I'm sorry."
Sengoku let out a long sigh. "The more I think about it, the more I envy that old man Garp. His refusal seems wiser every day."
The dream of Marines reigning supreme across the seas felt so hollow now. With the Celestial Dragons' existence, the Marines were destined to remain a blade tainted by darkness.
The last "Native Purge" was still fresh in his memory. Two years from now, another unlucky island would be chosen. Which one would it be?
The Celestial Dragons' sins were endless.