After Dragon's departure, Ryokugyu made no move to pursue him.
He knew very well that Dragon was someone reserved for Fleet Admiral Shuu.
His own mission had been to capture Luffy.
As long as Dragon did not interfere with that objective, Ryokugyu considered the operation a complete success.
Even so, he felt a trace of annoyance.
Clicking his tongue, he muttered,
"Tch... he got away pretty fast."
Shaking his head, he dismissed the matter.
The battle of Dressrosa had finally come to an end.
Many of the nobles and influential guests inside the Corrida Colosseum still had no idea what had happened outside.
Ryokugyu had no intention of explaining it to them.
If another panic broke out, those people would become an even bigger headache.
He lifted his head and glanced toward Doflamingo's palace, lost in thought.
"Vice Admiral Ryokugyu, what's wrong?"
Guina approached with several subordinates in tow.
Ryokugyu shrugged.
"Nothing. I was just wondering whether Doflamingo is still alive."
Guina smiled faintly.
"He should be. If he died, Fleet Admiral Shuu would probably hold you responsible."
The corner of Ryokugyu's mouth twitched.
"Come on. Could you at least wish me a little luck?"
Scratching his head, he started walking toward the harbor.
Guina chuckled and followed behind with the others.
Inside one of the palace towers, Doflamingo sat wrapped in bandages from head to toe.
Fortunately, none of his injuries were fatal.
Most were superficial wounds.
Standing by the balcony, he watched Ryokugyu and the Marines gradually disappear into the distance.
His heart was filled with nervous anticipation.
He was waiting for a call.
A call from Shuu.
The members of the Donquixote Family could clearly sense Doflamingo's unease, but none of them asked questions.
If their young master wanted to tell them something, he would.
Once the Marines were completely out of sight, Doflamingo withdrew his gaze.
"I know all of you have questions."
"I'll explain everything later."
"For now, leave me alone for a while. Go handle the affairs of Dressrosa."
"Yes, Young Master!"
The family members bowed and departed one after another.
Doflamingo remained seated on the balcony, holding the special Den Den Mushi that connected only him and Shuu.
Quietly.
Patiently.
Waiting.
At the harbor, Ryokugyu and the others finally arrived at the Marine battleships.
A Marine officer hurried down from one of the vessels.
Suppressing his frustration, he reported,
"Vice Admiral Ryokugyu, those Straw Hat Pirates are unbelievably noisy."
"I almost lost my temper and punched them."
Ryokugyu raised an eyebrow.
"What are they doing now?"
The Marine explained honestly.
Ever since Usopp and the others regained consciousness, they had been shouting nonstop that Luffy would come rescue them.
More than two hours had passed, and they still had not stopped.
Ryokugyu nearly burst out laughing.
"Those idiots don't know Luffy was captured too?"
The Marine scratched his head awkwardly.
"Uh... Vice Admiral Ryokugyu, did you forget Fleet Admiral Shuu's orders?"
Ryokugyu froze.
Right.
He almost forgot.
Back then, Shuu had specifically instructed him to keep Luffy separated from the rest of the crew.
Ryokugyu never quite understood Shuu's explanation about some strange "crew buff."
But the conclusion was simple.
Never let Luffy reunite with Zoro and the others.
"Hahaha... I almost forgot."
Guina: "..."
The Marine: "..."
Ryokugyu shrugged.
"Well, as long as nothing unexpected happens, that's fine."
"I'll go see Luffy in a bit."
"For now, board the ships and prepare to return."
"Yes, Vice Admiral Ryokugyu!"
The Marines immediately carried out the order.
After boarding, Ryokugyu headed directly toward Luffy's specially prepared prison cell.
Opening the reinforced cell door, he found Luffy sleeping soundly.
Surprisingly calm.
After countless battles, Luffy had developed a remarkable ability to fall asleep anywhere.
Even after being captured.
Ryokugyu did not wake him.
Instead, he walked to a corner and took out a Den Den Mushi.
Buru Buru Buru Buru...
After a short wait, the call connected.
"Hello. Fleet Admiral Shuu, this is Ryokugyu."
Back at Marine Headquarters, Shuu raised an eyebrow.
"Well? How did it go?"
A grin spread across Ryokugyu's face.
"As expected. Everyone's been captured."
Shuu nodded.
"Well done, Ryokugyu."
"And Luffy's group has been separated as instructed?"
"Yes, Fleet Admiral."
"Good."
Shuu paused briefly.
"Let me guess. Luffy's asleep right now?"
Ryokugyu blinked.
"That's right."
"Should I wake him up?"
Shuu thought for a moment.
"No need."
"Bring him back first. I'll visit the prison personally afterward."
"Understood, Fleet Admiral."
Then Ryokugyu remembered something.
"Oh, right. Doflamingo performed exceptionally well this time."
Shuu's interest was immediately piqued.
"Oh?"
"Tell me everything."
Ryokugyu proceeded to recount the entire battle, including how Doflamingo risked his life to hold off both Luffy and Sabo.
After hearing the full story, Shuu clicked his tongue.
"Doflamingo really went all out."
Then he smiled knowingly.
It made sense.
Doflamingo had spent years pursuing a single goal.
Returning to Mary Geoise.
Compared to that dream, risking his life was nothing.
"I understand."
"I'll handle Doflamingo's side personally."
"You focus on transporting the Straw Hats back safely."
"The sooner you return, the better."
"Yes, Fleet Admiral!"
The call ended.
Leaning back in his office chair, Shuu stretched lazily.
Sengoku wasn't around.
After all, the former Fleet Admiral had his own office.
It wasn't as if he spent every day sitting in Shuu's.
Shuu looked up at the ceiling and muttered,
"Well... a promise is a promise."
"I'll send him back."
Without hesitation, he picked up another Den Den Mushi and dialed Doflamingo's private number.
The call connected almost instantly.
Fast enough to make even Shuu blink.
"Young Master..."
Doflamingo's voice carried an unusual trace of caution.
Shuu chuckled.
"Doflamingo, you're more nervous than I expected."
"Hehehehe..."
"Considering this concerns my entire future, I hope Fleet Admiral Shuu can forgive my nervousness."
Shuu laughed softly.
"Relax."
"I'm calling to tell you that your mission is complete."
A moment of silence followed.
Then Shuu continued.
"I'll speak with the Five Elders later."
"At the latest, within one week, you'll be allowed to return to Mary Geoise."
The moment those words left Shuu's mouth, uncontrollable joy flashed across Doflamingo's eyes.
His fists clenched tightly.
Years.
Decades of effort.
Countless schemes and sacrifices.
The goal he had pursued his entire life was finally within reach.
After taking a deep breath, Doflamingo spoke carefully.
"Fleet Admiral Shuu..."
"My Donquixote Family..."
He did not finish the sentence.
He didn't need to.
He was certain Shuu understood exactly what he meant.
-----------------------------
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