One Piece: A King's Path Anew

Three days prior, Captain Hower Macker, the Marine officer in charge of this North Blue sector, received a directive from Marine Headquarters. He was instructed to cooperate with a joint World Government and Marine HQ operation to safely secure the Op-Op Fruit and, incidentally, deal with the Donquixote Family.

Upon receiving his orders, Captain Macker wasted no time. He swiftly dispatched his Marines to Swallow Island to set up an ambush, secretly awaiting the Donquixote Family's arrival.

The World Government placed immense importance on the Op-Op Fruit, having specifically dispatched a team of CP0 members to Minion Island to conduct the trade with Diez Barrels' pirate crew. Marine Headquarters, unable to spare a large contingent at the moment, had sent only Vice Admiral Borsalino. Learning that a Marine "monster" and World Government agents were involved gave Captain Macker considerable peace of mind and ample confidence in the mission's success. For years, he had been acutely aware of the Donquixote Family's arrogance and power in the North Blue. The local Marine forces were largely helpless against them, often humiliated. With higher-ups now stepping in to eliminate the Donquixote Family, Macker felt he could finally breathe easier. Though he might lose some… lucrative side dealings, it was a small price to pay. Better their Daoist friend dies than this poor Daoist, he mused cynically. Once the Donquixote Family was gone, he, Hower Macker, stood to gain even more.

While Hower Macker was lost in his pleasant daydreams, Doflamingo, with his chosen retinue, had already departed from the Donquixote Family base.

On the deck of the Ark Maxim, all personnel assigned to the mission were seated. Doflamingo, without a word, activated his powers, and the great golden ark lifted into the sky, soaring towards Minion Island.

"Look! There's a giant bird in the sky!" "Wow, you're right!" The townspeople below gazed up in wonder at the Ark Maxim. A flying ship was indeed a rare sight, and its appearance certainly satisfied their curiosity.

Aboard the ark, an air of tension hung around Law and Rosinante, both deeply preoccupied with their own thoughts. In contrast, the others were relatively relaxed. Diamante and Pica, experiencing flight for the first time, even showed a degree of excitement.

What should I do? Rosinante fretted, leaning against the ship's railing, his eyes darting about as he schemed. Doflamingo definitely won't let me leave easily later. I need to come up with a plan!

Will this really work? Can my illness truly be cured? Law, too, had no heart to appreciate the magnificent aerial scenery, his mind plagued by doubt and a desperate hope. It must be possible! So many powerful people want the Op-Op Fruit; surely it can cure me.

Doflamingo sat upon his throne, eyes closed as if in repose, but in reality, his Observation Haki was keenly attuned to everything around them.

The Ark Maxim flew steadily through the sky. After an indeterminate amount of time, it arrived in the airspace above Rubeck Island.

Doflamingo's eyes snapped open. He scanned the faces of everyone present, then announced, "We've reached Rubeck Island. It's not far from Minion Island. We'll park the Ark Maxim here for now and proceed to Minion Island from this point."

No one objected to Doflamingo's decision. It made sense; if a major battle erupted on Minion Island, the Ark could be damaged. It wasn't worth the risk. Far better to leave it in a safe location.

Rosinante, however, heard this and a plan instantly clicked into place. He had been struggling to find a good excuse to detach himself from the main group, and now Doflamingo had inadvertently provided him with the perfect pretext.

"Brother," Rosinante quickly wrote on a note and handed it to Doflamingo, "let me be the one to guard the Ark! It's a vital asset to the Family and must not be compromised. You all can go and secure the Op-Op Fruit with peace of mind!" Doflamingo glanced at the note, then looked at Rosinante. "Alright, Rosinante. We're counting on you here."

Doflamingo, of course, saw right through Rosinante's intentions. Everyone else, with the possible exception of Law, also had a strong suspicion. Yet, no one said a word. Doflamingo naturally intended to leave some men to guard the Ark anyway. The main assault force for the island would consist only of himself, Enel, Diamante, and Pica – four individuals, each capable of covering a cardinal direction. No one would escape. Thus, Doflamingo wasn't worried. No matter how many Marines or World Government agents showed up, he would ensure none of them left Minion Island alive.

Since Rosinante has already notified the Marines, Doflamingo thought with a dark amusement, then I, as his considerate older brother, will kindly help him by wiping them out. Consider it a generous parting gift.

Rosinante, believing his ruse had succeeded, felt a surge of elation. Later, he plotted, when Doflamingo and the others are on Minion Island, I can use this opportunity to sneak in myself. Amidst the chaos of the inevitable battle between the Donquixote Family, the World Government, the Marines, and Barrels' pirates, I can fish in troubled waters – perhaps even seize the Op-Op Fruit beforehand and make my escape.

"Let's move out," Doflamingo declared, giving Rosinante a deep, meaningful look that sent a shiver down the latter's spine despite his feigned composure.

On Minion Island, Diez Barrels was growing increasingly impatient. So much time had passed, yet the traders had still not shown up. He was getting agitated. Berries not yet in hand were as good as no Berries at all.

"Those damned World Government agents and Marines! Why aren't they here yet?!" Barrels fumed.

"Captain, let's just wait a bit longer," a sharp-eyed pirate named Zacchi advised patiently. "The goods are in our hands; they can't run away. The money will arrive sooner or later."

"Alright, alright, Zacchi, I know! Stop your blathering!" Barrels grumbled, though he accepted Zacchi's counsel with a sigh.

Outside Minion Island, a ship bearing the World Government flag was steadily approaching. It wouldn't be long before it made landfall. Even further out, a streak of yellow light, enveloping the lecherous-looking figure of Borsalino, was also rapidly converging on the location.

Just as the World Government personnel set foot on the island, Doflamingo and his team also made their landing, arriving almost simultaneously. Meanwhile, Rosinante, having left the Ark Maxim under guard, slipped away from the remaining crew's sight and swiftly made his way towards Minion Island.

Purupurupuru... "Is this Captain Hower Macker?" Rosinante, concealed in the shadows, quickly contacted Captain Macker, who was lying in ambush on Swallow Island.

"Yes, it is. Who is this?" Captain Macker responded, curious.

"This is Marine Headquarters Commander Rosinante. I am currently on an undercover mission within the Donquixote Family. I will be coordinating with you for this operation to annihilate them."

"Ah, yes! Commander Rosinante! We await your instructions!" Captain Macker replied respectfully, though his voice held a hint of insincerity. He was suddenly worried whether Rosinante, after all these years, had discovered his own illicit dealings with the Donquixote Family.

Rosinante, focused on his mission, didn't dwell on Macker's tone. "Doflamingo has already led his men onto Minion Island," he continued. "Captain Macker, bring your forces immediately! Cooperate with the World Government agents to crush both the Donquixote Family and the Barrels Pirates in one fell swoop!"

"Understood! I'll mobilize my men at once!" Captain Macker replied swiftly.

Rosinante quickly ended the call. Using the island's dense foliage for cover, he stealthily advanced towards the Barrels Pirates' encampment. He intended to acquire the Op-Op Fruit first and personally deliver it to Sengoku. Then, when the island inevitably descended into chaos, he could slip away. This way, not only would the remaining Marines and World Government agents be left to fight Doflamingo to the death, but he could also claim a major meritorious achievement. His mission would be complete. Sengoku had also instructed him to prioritize his own safety. He had no intention of sacrificing himself for others; dying here would be a terrible waste. His vision of justice was not yet realized! How could he fall now?

Doflamingo, Enel, Diamante, and Pica lay in wait, concealed within a dense patch of jungle. "Doffy, why don't we just attack directly? This waiting is so boring!" Enel complained.

"Fuffuffuffuffu," Doflamingo chuckled. "Patience, Enel. Not all the expected guests have arrived at the party yet. Such eagerness is unbecoming." Diamante and Pica remained silent, calmly awaiting Doflamingo's command.

Doflamingo's Observation Haki had long since enveloped the entire island. Every movement, every whisper, was clear to him. He 'saw' the Marines, the World Government agents, and Rosinante all walking right into his carefully prepared trap.

After waiting a considerable time longer, Doflamingo, certain that everyone who was coming had arrived, finally spoke. "Enel," he said with a predatory grin, "it's your show."

"Yahahaha! Is it finally time to begin?" Enel, who had been growing restless, exclaimed with excitement. Earlier, Doflamingo had told Enel they were going to play a little game on Minion Island, a game aptly titled: "Luring the Emperor into the Urn – No Escape."

"Cloud Sea Surge!" Enel's eyes glowed with white light. Instantly, dense clouds erupted around him, rapidly expanding to cover the entirety of Minion Island. Within moments, the entire island was shrouded in a thick, disorienting fog, so dense one couldn't see their own hand in front of their face.

"Alright, Doffy, it's done," Enel announced, quite pleased with his handiwork. It was a testament to his mastery over the Cloud-Cloud Fruit that he could envelop an entire island so quickly.

"Is that all, you big-eared lout? Don't get too cocky!" Pica sniped, clearly unimpressed by Enel's attitude. "Shut your mouth, sissy, if you don't know how to talk!" Enel retorted hotly.

"Enough," Doflamingo interjected, his voice cutting through their bickering, a clear sign for them to focus. "Business first. Each of you take a position. Guard the entire island. Absolutely no one gets away."

He paused, a sinister smile spreading across his face. "And now, let's add a little more... excitement to Minion Island, shall we?" The other three looked at Doflamingo with curiosity.

"One Hundred Million Volt: Heaven and Earth Net!" Doflamingo intoned, his expression strangely solemn and majestic. Immense quantities of lightning erupted from Doflamingo's body, surging into the sky above Minion Island, converging and weaving into a colossal, crackling net of pure electricity. His control over lightning had clearly reached a new level, allowing him to directly weave such a vast construct. Minion Island was now completely encased. Few, if any, would be able to escape. While not as inescapable as his Birdcage, it would certainly suffice for this occasion.

Enel's eyes lit up at the sight of Doflamingo's technique, a wide, almost manic grin spreading across his face, though his precise thoughts remained unreadable. Diamante and Pica simply marveled at Doflamingo's god-like display of power.

"Alright," Doflamingo said calmly. "I'll wait for them here."

"Yahahaha! Then I shall choose the East!" Enel declared with a laugh. "That direction has a certain affinity with me!" With that, he transformed into a cloud and sped off towards the eastern part of the island.

"Affinity my foot! You're talking nonsense!" Pica muttered, then, "I'll take the West." He sank into the earth and disappeared in that direction. Diamante simply shook his head at their antics, then manipulated his body to float towards the unclaimed southern sector.

With that, all the actors were in position. It was time for their performance. The show was about to begin.