Answering the Den Den Mushi was no longer an option. To prevent Sengoku from interfering, every Den Den Mushi he could reach had already been secured inside the rings held by Ash and Kirk.
Sengoku's concerns were justified. The Dawn ship, the Thunder Dragon Gaya, and the White Lion were all sailing openly into the New World. It was only a matter of time before powerful factions took notice.
Ash, however, paid this no mind. His original goal was simple, to find Kaido and use him as a sparring opponent, giving his crew a clear path to grow stronger.
Now, there was an added bonus.
Silvers Rayleigh had appeared on his own.
Although Rayleigh lacked experience as a teacher, his mastery of advanced Haki, including Conqueror's Haki coating, made him more than qualified to serve as a temporary sparring partner for Ash's companions.
That was the reason Ash had deliberately spared the old man's life.
Even so, the longer they remained unnoticed, the better.
What Ash did not realize was that their movements had already become far more conspicuous due to Dracule Mihawk's sudden arrival in the New World.
Dressrosa.
Doflamingo frowned as he read the newspaper, his expression darkening at the news of Rayleigh's defeat and Sali's appearance in the New World, heading directly toward Dressrosa.
At that very moment, Sali's ship had already entered the waters outside the island.
The so-called White Lion was originally just a large sailing ship taken from a pirate crew Sali had wiped out. Vergo had modified it using his abilities, reshaping the hull, repainting it entirely white, and adding a sail marked with a unicorn lion emblem, along with a matching figurehead at the bow.
Within the Dawn faction, it was known as the White Sage Beast ship.
On deck, the Daly brothers sat together, casually playing cards.
The game, called Dou Dizhu, had originated from Ash. He created it during their travels to entertain Nojiko and the others, and it had since spread throughout the entire Dawn faction.
The Daly brothers had become especially fond of it. Back at Reverse Mountain, their routine had been simple, train, eat, sleep, and play cards, repeating endlessly.
Nearby, Sali lounged in a reclining chair identical to Ash's, soaking in the sunlight.
At the bow, Dicken leaned casually against the railing, using his wind abilities to guide the ship forward while polishing his golden dagger.
This time, five of them had set out together, leaving only Vergo and Fales behind to guard their base.
Suddenly, Dicken paused.
A strange ship entered his line of sight.
It was a medium-sized vessel, painted entirely pink, with a flamboyant design resembling a plucked swan. A pair of red sunglasses decorated its bow.
"Sali," Dicken called out, narrowing his eyes. "Take a look. That is Doflamingo's ship, the Numancia Flamingo."
Sali vanished from his chair and reappeared beside him in an instant. He glanced at the ship, then at the Vivre Card in his hand, and smiled.
"So he really is here," Sali said calmly. "Both the Vivre Card and the Eternal Pose point to Dressrosa, and now his ship has shown up. No doubt about it."
The reason Sali possessed Doflamingo's Vivre Card was simple.
Ten months ago, he had beaten Doflamingo nearly to death. Taking a few strands of hair at the time had been effortless.
Dicken grinned.
"You already fought him once. Let me handle him this time. I want to see how strong a Warlord really is."
Sali shook his head.
"Not yet. Dressrosa is filled with spies from every faction. Until Ash decides to reveal our full strength, those of you who have not shown your abilities need to stay hidden."
Dicken sighed, clearly disappointed.
Seeing this, Sali smirked.
"Relax. Do not forget why we came here. Doflamingo is just a side matter, a small punishment for causing trouble before."
"Our real target is Kaido."
At that, Dicken's expression shifted, excitement returning to his eyes.
"That is true. Wano is isolated. No interference, no spies. We can fight as much as we want."
Sali nodded, then tilted his chin toward the approaching ship.
"You may not fight Doflamingo yet, but that ship is yours to deal with."
Dicken's grin widened as he turned his attention back to the Numancia Flamingo.
Moments later, the sea erupted.
Dressrosa.
"Immediately inform Kaido that White Lion Sali has entered the New World!"
Doflamingo's voice echoed through the palace, filled with cold fury.
"If that bastard wants to come here, then let Kaido deal with him. Fufufufufu..."
"Understood," Monet replied, bowing slightly before turning to leave.
Before she could step out, Trebol rushed in, his staff clattering against the floor.
"Doffy, something big has happened!"
Doflamingo did not even look up.
"What is it?"
Trebol's voice trembled.
"The Numancia Flamingo... it has been sunk! Buffalo, Baby 5, and Olag were all on board!"
Doflamingo froze.
In the next instant, he stood up, his expression turning cold and dangerous.
"Who did it? What is their condition?"
Trebol quickly replied, "Pica has already taken Gladius, Senor Pink, and Machvise to the port. They are preparing a rescue. Dellinger has already jumped into the sea to search for them."
Doflamingo's face darkened further.
"Dellinger is only a child. Even as a half-Fishman, there is only so much he can do."
He turned sharply.
"Order every pirate crew in Dressrosa to set sail immediately. Recover them at all costs. Especially Buffalo and Baby 5. Devil Fruit users cannot survive long in the sea."
Without another word, Doflamingo leapt from the window and shot into the sky, using his strings to propel himself forward.
"I will personally deal with whoever dared to destroy my ship and harm my crew!"
Despite his words, he already knew the answer.
White Lion Sali.
There was no one else it could be.
The memory of their previous encounter still lingered in his body.
Pain.
Cold and sharp.
As he sped across the sky, Doflamingo's thoughts raced.
He could not win.
He could not escape.
That left only one option.
He needed outside help.