NOVEL WEB Chapter 22: Chapter 22
Momousagi couldn't accept Luo Ye's words for a while.
She had long heard of Vergo's name—Vice Admiral Vergo, the highest authority in the G-5 Marine Branch, stationed in the New World. The G-5 Marines were infamous not for their discipline, but for their chaotic, thuggish behavior, often mistaken more for pirates than protectors of justice. Yet, despite their unorthodox conduct, they were efficient at hunting pirates in the harsh seas of the New World.
That was why Vergo had earned praise from even Fleet Admiral Sengoku himself.
But to think that such a man—Vergo, a Vice Admiral—had been a deep-cover agent for the Donquixote Pirates, one of Doflamingo's highest-ranking officers, operating within Marine ranks for years… it was outrageous.
Momousagi stared at Luo Ye in disbelief but chose not to voice her doubts. If Sengoku had confirmed this himself, it had to be true.
After Luo Ye rendezvoused with the warships from the G-7 branch under Momousagi's command, their fleet accelerated toward Dressrosa—the kingdom now infamously known as the "land of love, passion, and toys."
Sixteen Marine warships formed a blockade around the island under Luo Ye's direct orders.
"Admiral Silver Eagle," Momousagi asked, her tone cautious yet eager, "do you want me to accompany you ashore?"
"No," Luo Ye replied firmly. "You're in charge of mobilizing the seamen from the ships. I'm heading to arrest Donquixote Doflamingo myself. If anything happens on the island, send in the landing forces."
There wasn't the slightest hesitation in his voice.
With so many ships and personnel stationed around the island, someone had to command them from the sea. The one to personally bring down Doflamingo—Luo Ye knew it had to be him.
That task—staying behind—could only fall to Momousagi.
She couldn't help feeling discouraged. Luo Ye was always like this. A battle maniac. Every time a major pirate appeared, he insisted on confronting them personally.
And now, talking about arresting Doflamingo? That seemed absurd.
If Luo Ye were truly that kind of man, his title wouldn't be Silver Eagle—he'd already be recognized as the Strongest Spear of the Marines.
"But… Dressrosa doesn't just have Doflamingo," she warned. "His top officers—the Donquixote Executives—Trebol, Diamante, Pica—each one is dangerous. Can you really handle them all alone?"
Luo Ye smirked. He gestured behind him, toward the two young men: Portgas D. Ace and Sabo.
"It's not me. These two will handle them."
"…Them?" Momousagi's eyes narrowed with doubt.
Both wore colonel uniforms, far below the rank necessary to face veteran fighters like the Donquixote officers.
Ace and Sabo noticed her skeptical expression. Ace looked like he was ready to protest, but a sharp glance from Luo Ye silenced him.
Luo Ye didn't bother to explain. "You command the warships. The Donquixote family? Leave them to us."
Momousagi reluctantly nodded, unsure but willing to trust Luo Ye's resolve.
After landing in Dressrosa, Ace grumbled under his breath.
"She just questioned our strength. Hmph. Forget the Executives—even Doflamingo isn't guaranteed to beat me."
Sabo nodded in agreement. Not even the current Admirals—Kizaru, Fujitora, or Ryokugyu—fully acknowledged their power.
But that was only for now. The day would come when they'd surpass them all.
Only Luo Ye had ever earned their full respect.
"Too many people doubt our strength," Luo Ye said. "It's hard to change opinions… unless you defeat someone universally acknowledged as strong."
The logic resonated with the brothers.
Ace clenched his fist. "One day, I'll challenge Whitebeard—the man they call the world's strongest."
Not to be outdone, Sabo followed. "Then I'll take on Big Mom!"
Luo Ye raised an eyebrow at their bold declarations—especially Ace's. Despite being a Marine, the boy still aimed to test himself against the Yonko.
As they walked deeper into Dressrosa, Ace asked, puzzled, "Luo Ye… why does this place have so many toys walking around? What's going on?"
Luo Ye glanced back at them, his tone turning serious.
"They're not just toys. They were once people—transformed by the powers of Sugar's Hobi Hobi no Mi."
Ace and Sabo froze. "They were people?"
"Yes. Sugar, one of the top officers in the Donquixote Family, has the ability to turn anyone she touches into a toy. And once that happens, all memory of them vanishes—even from their families and loved ones."
The brothers exchanged shocked glances.
"That's how Doflamingo maintains control. Those who defy him vanish from memory—literally. His tyranny depends on this ability to erase resistance without a trace."
Luo Ye's voice grew colder.
"Doflamingo is the worst kind of pirate. He sells innocent people—including Fish-Men, Tontattas, and other races—to the Celestial Dragons. Human trafficking, weapons dealing, slave trade—he does it all with a smile."
Ace and Sabo's faces twisted with disgust.
They'd heard that not all pirates were the same. Some fought for freedom. They once believed that too.
But now?
Now they saw the truth. Doflamingo didn't represent freedom. He represented domination—freedom only for the strong, built upon the suffering of the weak.
That wasn't freedom at all.
They looked at each other and nodded in silent agreement.
This had to stop. This wasn't justice.
"We'll destroy anyone who calls this freedom," Ace said, eyes burning.
"Anyone who builds their power on pain," Sabo added.
Luo Ye watched them with quiet satisfaction.
This journey wasn't just a mission—it was a lesson.
They were finally starting to understand the true nature of pirates and the burden of justice.
Luo Ye grinned, raising a hand.
"Then let's go," he said. "The three of us… will bring down the Donquixote Family!"