In the grand main hall of the King's Heights Palace, Doflamingo sat in his seat, flanked by Pica, Diamante, and Trebol.
On the large screen before him, he watched Rolan and his group approach, a dark expression settling over his face.
"Fufufufu, Rolan, you've finally arrived," Doflamingo murmured.
Trebol paced anxiously, his long body swaying as he approached. Doflamingo waved a hand at him irritably. "Trebol, stop moving so much. You're making me dizzy."
Ignoring the warning, Trebol leaned in close, so near that a bead of snot threatened to drop onto Doflamingo's face.
"Law is here too… could it be to avenge Corazon?" Trebol whispered.
The words sent a chill through the room. Everyone knew Corazon had raised Law when he was younger—and that he had been killed by Doflamingo's hand. Law's presence was no accident.
Doflamingo recoiled, grabbing an empty plate to shield himself from Trebol's proximity. "Trebol, I said stop."
Trebol, unfazed, leaned closer and murmured again. "Rolan is here… should we retreat?"
The room went silent. Doflamingo's brow furrowed deeper. He knew Rolan wasn't just any man—he was the strongest Pirate alive, capable of taking on two Emperors at once. A confrontation meant certain death for anyone who dared cross him.
Yet Doflamingo did not regret Corazon's death. In his mind, it had been the act of a traitor—someone who betrayed the Family. His conscience was clear.
A heavy sigh escaped him as he slowly rose, his movements weighed down by the knowledge that Rolan had arrived. The day he had long feared had come sooner than expected, and yet he felt an unwillingness to face it.
"Doflamingo, what will you do?" Diamante asked, concern evident in his voice.
Without turning, Doflamingo replied, "They've come to our territory. We must go and welcome our guests."
On the streets, Lina clenched her fists. "Let's go! We need to defeat Doflamingo and take down the Donquixote Family!"
Rolan waved her off lazily. "No need. They're coming themselves."
As if on cue, four figures appeared around the corner. As they drew closer, it became clear—they were Doflamingo and his top executives.
Stopping roughly ten meters away, Doflamingo's gaze met Rolan's, but he dared not hold it for long. Hatred simmered in Rolan's eyes, especially from Law, his ship doctor, who gripped Kikoku tightly.
Doflamingo's face betrayed surprise. The Godslayer, the world's strongest man, appeared far more formidable in person. Despite having seen his bounties and wanted posters, the reality of Rolan's presence was shocking—he was younger than expected, yet his aura eclipsed even Kaido's.
"I wonder what Godslayer Rolan is doing here," Doflamingo muttered.
Rolan raised an eyebrow, calm. "If I told you I came here for sightseeing, would you believe me?"
He surveyed the Shichibukai, assessing their strength. Doflamingo and his crew were dangerous, but nothing Rolan couldn't handle. The fear in their eyes confirmed it.
Doflamingo's attention shifted to Law, a small smirk forming. "Law, long time no see. You've grown… time really does flow like water."
Law's chest heaved with anger. "Doflamingo, do you remember Corazon?"
Doflamingo raised a brow, feigning casual amusement. "Corazon? My dear brother… how could I forget?"
Rage coiled in Law's voice. "He was family to me! And you… you cruelly murdered him!"
"He betrayed me, betrayed the Family! He deserved to die!" Doflamingo shot back.
Law shook his head, fists trembling. "He was the best person I knew! Today… I will take your head to avenge Corazon."
Doflamingo ignored Law, glancing at Rolan. "Can you control your dog properly?"
In a blur, Rolan appeared before him, raising his hand to strike. A single slap sent Doflamingo sprawling to the ground.
"Law is my companion, my friend. Watch your words, you ant," Rolan warned, his tone cold.
Doflamingo struggled to rise, his eyes narrowing at Rolan. "Are you planning to attack me?"
Rolan shook his head slowly. "This isn't my fight. This is his grievance. I won't interfere."
Blood trickled from Doflamingo's mouth as he spat. "You won't interfere? And if Law dies by my hand?"
Rolan waved his hand dismissively. "Then it is his fate."
For the first time, Doflamingo's eyes flickered with uncertainty.
"You… said it," he muttered.
"Of course," Rolan replied, unflinching, his expression unreadable as ever.
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