A dazzling light emitted from the giant egg wrapped in black threads. Sensing the imminent explosion of power within, Donquixote Doflamingo's expression shifted, and he hurriedly hurled the egg into the sky.
With a thunderous roar, Perona's 'Extra Large Ghost: Kamikaze Iron Body' exploded high above the Kingdom of Dressrosa.
The terrifying shockwave shattered the windows of surrounding rooms. Curiously, the blast's impact seemed to be compressed by someone, preventing it from spreading outward.
From a casino near the tavern where Perona had been eating, the Gambler, Issho, slowly stepped out.
"Young Marine lady, you should be mindful of your surroundings when you strike; this is a downtown area, after all."
The shockwave from the bomb he had set in his rage was actually neutralized so easily by this middle-aged man.
This caused both Doflamingo and Perona, who were unaware of Issho's background, to become wary of this man who had suddenly appeared.
Doflamingo was the first to recognize the Gambler. "Aren't you the blind swordsman who once challenged 'Pluton' Rayleigh? What business do you have in my country?"
Issho drew his blade from his cane and pointed it at Doflamingo.
"I've taken an interest in your strength as well. Seeing you makes my hands itch for a fight."
Just as Doflamingo was about to use threats and incentives to make Issho back down, the duel in the Colosseum came to an end.
The news of Diamante and Buffalo's deaths robbed Doflamingo of any desire to negotiate with Issho. The death of his comrades shattered his originally composed attitude.
Black and red lightning erupted from Doflamingo's body as the qualities of a king manifested within him.
"I don't have time to spar with you right now. Get out of my way! 'Overheat'!"
Fine white strings, imbued with Doflamingo's Haoshoku, shot from his hand toward Issho.
A purple light glowed on Issho's blade, the Gambler's Fireline. He imbued the blade with gravity and slashed forward with 'Gravity Blade: Raging Tiger'.
The gravity-imbued slash tore through Doflamingo's 'Overheat,' and the residual force continued toward Doflamingo's person.
'Spider's Web.' Doflamingo swung his left hand forward, releasing numerous spider-like threads that formed a shield, blocking Issho's slash.
"As expected of a powerhouse capable of challenging Rayleigh, you truly have some skill."
Doflamingo's expression grew solemn; the power transmitted through that slash made even him feel apprehensive.
"Old man, so you were here. I won't trouble you with this Flamingo."
Hera's voice rang out across the battlefield. After sensing Issho and Doflamingo clashing, she had rushed to the scene.
Of course, she wasn't afraid that Issho couldn't beat Doflamingo; she was mainly afraid that if she arrived too late, she wouldn't be able to complete the mission of bringing Doflamingo back alive.
Issho sheathed his Gambler's Fireline back into his blind cane. "Since you've arrived, it seems there's no need for me to act."
Looking at the departing Issho, Hera tried to get him to stay. "Leaving so soon? Why not stay for a meal or something?"
Issho shook his head and pulled out his own wanted poster. "I'm a wanted man now. I can't stay in front of a Marine for too long."
Only then did Hera remember that after Issho challenged Rayleigh, the World Government had placed him on the wanted list. He was now a great pirate with a bounty of 500 million, the 'Gambler' Issho.
"It's fine. Once things here are settled, I'll apply for a Shichibukai position for you. Then I'll just have the World Government wipe out your bounty."
Issho shook his head. He had no favorable impression of the Shichibukai, pirates sanctioned by the World Government. If possible, he even wanted to abolish the policy.
Hera saw through his concerns and continued, "Don't worry. The Shichibukai policy is indeed flawed, but what if all the members are under our control?"
Sensing Hera's intent, Issho was somewhat surprised. "You want to hold the power of the Shichibukai in your own hands?"
Hera nodded and sent a voice transmission: "The New Navy shouldn't have too many high-end forces openly. Having multiple factions on the sea is the only way to put certain people at ease."
Issho nodded and also replied via Observation Haki transmission: "Very well, then I shall await the World Government's appointment."
Then, turning toward Doflamingo, he said, "Since it's so lively today, this old man will take his leave and not disturb you."
With that, he left the area.
From the voice, Doflamingo determined that the newcomer was the New Navy Admiral, 'Nightmare' Hera. Feeling like he had been toyed with, he grew furious.
"Admiral Nightmare, why is your movement so fast? Furthermore, I am one of the Shichibukai. The World Government promised that the Marines have no right to act against the Shichibukai!"
Hera shrugged and said with an air of indifference, "I know that. But didn't you take the initiative to attack my partner? I'm just being forced to fight back."
"Just because you're a Shichibukai, it doesn't mean I can't fight back when your subordinates attack my comrades."
Hearing Hera's somewhat rogue-like words, Doflamingo was practically laughed out of anger. If he had known that the crew of the Argo was coming here, he would never have made these small moves in secret.
"But you're right. As a dignified Marine Admiral, how can I personally fight you?"
Another surge of Haoshoku emerged from behind Hera, clashing with Doflamingo's Haoshoku.
"If you can't even defeat a Vice Admiral, then there's no point in you keeping your position as a Shichibukai."
Sensing the aura coming from behind Hera, Doflamingo cursed inwardly, 'There are so many monsters on the Argo. Is this another Vice Admiral like Garp?'
But he still threatened, "Fufufufufu, sending only a Vice Admiral to fight me... aren't you looking down on me a bit too much?"
Facing the opponent before her, Kuina, who hadn't fought in a long time, was incredibly excited. The clash of Haoshoku confirmed that the enemy before her was worthy of her full power.
A golden throne manifested behind Kuina. As she drew 'wado ichimonji,' parts flying from the throne assembled onto the blade.
'wado ichimonji: Sandalphon' and 'God's Authority Spirit Dress: Number Ten' appeared on Kuina's body.
The purple armor and princess gown shimmered in the sunlight. The light membrane within the armor glowed, intertwining with the double-edged greatsword in her hand.
The purple crystal headpiece on her head shone brilliantly, like a crown flashing atop Kuina's head, emitting a purple radiance.
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