New World.
Dressrosa.
A land lauded as the Nation of Love, Passion, and Toys. On the surface it glittered with festivals, laughter, and music. But beneath that painted mask, shadows seethed. Conspiracies brewed in silence, hidden so deeply that ordinary citizens had no idea what loomed over them.
In a quiet corner of the city, a nervous soldier slunk through the alleys, glancing over his shoulder as though expecting eyes in every window. He slipped into a shabby apartment, where a disheveled, middle-aged man sat slumped in despair.
"Your Majesty King Riku," the soldier whispered, bowing low, "I bring a message from Princess Viola…"
Riku's lifeless gaze suddenly flared with urgency.
"What did you say?"
The soldier's voice trembled. "The Donquixote Family is making heavy preparations. It looks as though they are about to welcome… a very important guest."
Riku's breath caught. "A Celestial Dragon? No…"
His mind reeled. Back in his days as king, he had bent his back countless times to receive those arrogant gods who descended from Mariejois. That would have been terrible enough. But then another name surfaced, colder, more dreadful.
"No… it can't be… don't tell me it's that man. One of the emperors of the sea…"
Hopelessness twisted his face. Under Doflamingo's crushing power, Dressrosa had already lost all resistance. If another monstrous legend came to visit, then…
It was finished.
Dressrosa was finished.
The soldier pressed on, voice shaking. "Princess Viola says this is a time to stay alive at any cost. She urges you to restrain the old guard, do not provoke the Black Emperor. She remains by Doflamingo's side in silence, waiting for a future chance to overthrow him. But if we anger the Black Emperor now…"
He clenched his fists.
"Then Dressrosa may never rise again."
"Oi, Baby 5, can you solve this math problem?"
On a gaudy ship shaped like a flamingo, a man sat sprawled on a plush deck chair. Tall, broad-shouldered, handsome, his crimson eyes glinted with mischief. A little maid perched on his lap, and a regal seagull balanced neatly on his shoulder.
Beside him sat a blond young man in a suit, nervously watching the maid. He prayed she wouldn't say anything to irritate Ozz.
Fortunately, Baby 5 had years of maid discipline drilled into her. Around Ozz, she behaved like the most obedient little servant in the seas and judging from her delighted expression, she seemed to have won a place in his good graces.
But right now, her lips pouted, her small brows furrowed as she stared hard at the sheet of paper in Ozz's hand. A simple two-digit addition. For a girl raised among thieves, the fact that she could even read the numbers was already impressive. Solving it, though, was another matter.
Her cheeks flushed. Finally, she dropped her gaze.
"I… I'm sorry, Ozz-sama. I can't solve it."
Ozz chuckled softly. He had expected as much. The little maid had nearly popped a vein trying to figure it out. Still, he was curious to test her hidden switch.
He ruffled her hair, voice dropping low and coaxing.
"Baby 5. I need you to solve this for me."
Her eyes widened. The words I need you rang like bells in her ears. Joy blossomed on her tiny face.
"Ozz-sama… needs me!"
She sat up straighter, trembling with determination. "Then… 46 plus 72…" She clenched her fists. "It's 118!"
"Correct!" Ozz laughed loud and long, tousling her hair until it stuck up like a nest. "See? Even math bows to you if you try hard enough."
It was ridiculous and delightful. Sometimes a person needed to be cornered to pull off miracles. Baby 5 had just proved it true.
Watching Ozz laugh, Doflamingo let out a rare, relieved chuckle himself. "Fufufu… truly capable, Baby 5."
He leaned forward, eager to please. "If Ozz-sama likes, Baby 5 can serve by your side from now on."
But Ozz waved it off lazily.
"She's still a child. I've no interest in babysitting. When she grows up, maybe I'll consider it."
He patted Baby 5's head and sent her to fetch him juice. As she scurried off happily, Ozz's gaze slid sideways to Doflamingo.
"By the way, Doffy. I heard you've picked up a scientist lately?"
Doflamingo's fingers froze around his wineglass. He hadn't expected that question, but he answered truthfully.
"Yes. A man named Caesar Clown. Former member of MADS, under Du Field back in the day. He's drifted around and ended up with me. He's begun some preliminary research already."
Ozz nodded slightly. He'd seen the reports: the man's talk of artificial Devil Fruits, the funding requests. Ozz knew the history of MADS well Vegapunk, Judge, even Queen. He'd dealt with most of them. Caesar was the odd one out. And why had Caesar chosen Doflamingo of all people? Likely not for Doffy's charm, but for Ozz's shadow looming behind him.
Doflamingo took another sip of wine. His sunglasses glinted. "After Caesar joined, Kaido's crew contacted me. They said they were very interested in the artificial fruits. I refused cooperation. But the first batch is about to mature. I suspect they won't let it go easily."
With Ozz at his back, he wasn't terrified of the Beasts Pirates storming in openly. But he wasn't naïve either. They might try subtler tricks kidnap Caesar, steal the fruits in secret.
Ozz snorted. "Artificial fruits, huh? Tch. The only one that amuses me is the powder-dragon variant. The rest? Garbage."
He leaned back, crimson eyes glimmering. "But here's the thing, Doffy. Even if I throw something in the trash, Kaido doesn't get to pick it up. Not even if he comes himself."
His grin widened, sharp and hungry. "So tell me. What lineup do you think Kaido will send?"
Doflamingo's laugh faltered. This was dangerous ground. He adjusted his shades and thought carefully. Finally, he answered.
"I can't say for certain. But lately, the Beasts Pirates have been making noise about a new rising star among their ranks. A true monster."
Ozz arched a brow. "Oh?"
Doflamingo's grin curved wider, tinged with unease.
"They call him the Drought. Jack the Drought."
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