NOVEL WEB Chapter 149: CHAPTER 146
Baby 5, ever eager to help anyone who said they "needed" her, clung to Alastor with a naïve smile after his simple declaration: "I need you." It was her usual, impulsive loyalty that made her pledge herself to him without a second thought.
Senor Pink, however, was far less receptive. Dressed in his trademark baby attire, the hardened warrior struggled to reconcile his allegiance with the rapidly shifting dynamics after Doflamingo's fall.
Alastor didn't press him. "Stay by Trafalgar Law's side for now," he instructed. "You'll be useful in the coming days."
The war had ended, but Alastor knew the real challenge lay ahead. Doflamingo wasn't a minor figure like Gecko Moria. His influence as a Shichibukai, arms dealer, and underground broker, combined with his ties to the Celestial Dragons, meant the World Government wouldn't let his death go unanswered.
"The World Government will investigate Dressrosa," Alastor began, addressing the key figures who had gathered. "We need to act decisively. Here's the plan."
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Alastor's Orders
1. Strategic Control of Punk Hazard
"The battle between Akainu and Aokiji will conclude soon, and Punk Hazard will become crucial. The SMILE production process cannot be interrupted. Caesar Clown, as despicable as he is, will continue his experiments. Ensure his security."
2. Shichibukai and the Underground Trade
"The vacancy in the Shichibukai ranks will soon be filled. This is your chance, Trafalgar Law. Take Doflamingo's place as a broker for the underground arms trade. Master the operations of Dressrosa's port. You'll become the new 'Joker.'"
3. Viola's Role as Queen
Alastor turned to Viola. "Your father, King Riku, is alive, but the throne can no longer return to him. You must take his place as queen. Your responsibility is to stabilize Dressrosa's people and manage the government's inquiries."
4. Rebecca's Training
Addressing Rebecca, he said, "Your grasp of 'Heat Breath' and your skill with the dragon transformation have improved, but don't grow complacent. The challenges ahead will demand even more from you."
5. Onimaru and Sai
Finally, he addressed Onimaru and Sai. "You two will remain in Dressrosa. Your loyalty is to me, not Kaido. Focus on fortifying this kingdom and playing pivotal roles in its recovery. Returning to Wano would accomplish little now."
Alastor's commands were met with a mix of awe and determination. Each individual felt the weight of their role but understood the necessity of the tasks ahead.
After delivering his orders, Alastor turned to leave. The room was silent, except for the gazes of those left behind—filled with admiration, gratitude, and a tinge of reluctance. He walked forward without looking back.
"I'm off," he said casually, "to face Kaido's storm."
Viola, ever composed, inhaled deeply. The war had ended, but the true reconstruction of Dressrosa was just beginning. She looked toward Rebecca and said with determination, "Rebecca, bring down the King's Plateau."
Rebecca blinked in surprise. "Auntie, the plateau is already in ruins. The palace is destroyed. What's the point of taking it down? Why not let it be?"
Viola turned to her niece in shock. "What do you mean, Rebecca?"
Rebecca, standing tall despite her youth, answered firmly, "I think Dressrosa should change—completely. Not just from Doflamingo's era, but from the time of King Riku as well. Under Brother Alastor's guidance, this nation will be reborn. Even the royal family shouldn't remain aloof. Why not live at the same level as the people?"
Her words stunned Viola and Trafalgar Law, who had remained silent but attentive throughout. Sai, however, chuckled heartily.
"Miss Rebecca, you've been listening to our country's reforms, haven't you? The Kingdom of Flowers thrives because of its new system—one where leaders live alongside the people. It's the way of the future!"
Rebecca's cheeks flushed. "I may have overheard Brother Alastor mention it once."
Viola's sharp eyes narrowed as she looked at her niece. "When did you and that man have private talks? Hmph!" she muttered, half-jealous, though it was clear she wasn't truly upset.
Rebecca smiled faintly but kept her focus. "The King's Plateau belongs to the past. Let's embrace a new future for Dressrosa."
With unanimous agreement, the ruins of the King's Plateau were dismantled, symbolizing an end to the old ways and welcoming a new era.
As Viola and Rebecca stood before the people, holding the lifeless body of Doflamingo, the crowd erupted in disbelief. For years, they had been deceived by Doflamingo, manipulated into believing the Riku family were the villains of Dressrosa's darkest days.
However, the restoration of the enslaved toys—who returned to their human forms—triggered a wave of painful realizations. Forgotten family members were reunited, and the truth about Doflamingo's sinister control unraveled.
Viola, addressing the people with newfound resolve, declared, "The shadows of the past have been cast aside. Dressrosa will no longer live in fear or deception. Together, we will rebuild this kingdom—stronger and freer than ever before."
Rebecca added, her youthful voice carrying surprising strength, "Let's leave behind the ruins of the past and create a Dressrosa where everyone stands as equals."
The people, moved by the sincerity of their words and the evidence of their suffering, began to cheer. The era of deceit had ended.
Doflamingo, once a fearsome Warlord of the Sea and leader of the Donquixote Family, was finally defeated. As the people of Dressrosa realized their long-standing nightmare had ended, they erupted in cheers and tears of joy. Families reunited with loved ones who had been enslaved as toys, their memories restored after years of manipulation.
In gratitude, the citizens knelt before Viola and Rebecca, hailing them as saviors. Viola, who had endured years of suffering as an undercover member of the Donquixote Family, naturally became the symbol of hope and rebirth for Dressrosa.
Among the crowd, the freed King Riku and Cyrus, Rebecca's father, watched proudly.
"You've grown so much, Viola," King Riku said, his voice heavy with emotion. "You've done what I, an old fool who could only blame himself, could not. I am proud of you."
Cyrus, who had lived as a toy soldier for years, still seemed in disbelief. "You really defeated Doflamingo?"
Viola and Rebecca exchanged a knowing glance. Viola smiled faintly and replied, "It wasn't us who delivered the final blow to Doflamingo. Someone else saved Dressrosa. But for now, we can't reveal who."
King Riku, tears streaming down his face, said, "Whoever they are, they are Dressrosa's greatest benefactor!"
With that, the Donquixote Family was defeated, and the Riku family was restored to power. Viola, beloved by the people, ascended as the new queen of Dressrosa.
News of Doflamingo's death spread like wildfire across the seas, reaching even the most isolated corners of the world. The shocking event rattled the upper echelons of power, including the World Government.
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Red Line, Holy Land of Marijoes
In the grand chamber of the Five Elders (Gorosei), the atmosphere was tense.
"I can't believe that kid from the Donquixote family was killed by a woman," muttered the bald elder with the sword.
"Doflamingo may have been stripped of his status as a Celestial Dragon, but as a Shichibukai, his death can't be ignored," another elder said, his tone grim.
One of the elders with a mustache frowned. "Dressrosa is a World Government member nation. Viola, as a former princess of the Riku family, has legitimate claims to the throne. We have no grounds to intervene directly."
The intelligence report on Viola described her as a vengeful princess who had infiltrated the Donquixote Family, seeking revenge for her family. On the surface, it appeared to be a straightforward tale of justice and retribution.
However, the bald elder remained skeptical. "It's hard to believe that a woman, forced to serve an enemy, could accomplish this alone."
The elder with blond hair interjected, "It doesn't matter. With Doflamingo dead, the secret of Mariejois' National Treasure will remain hidden."
Doflamingo had long wielded his knowledge of the National Treasure as leverage over the World Government, threatening to reveal its existence.
The mustached elder nodded. "Master Im will be pleased with this development."
At the mention of Im, the Five Elders' expressions shifted to reverence. Despite their immense authority, they regarded themselves as mere servants of the enigmatic figure who truly ruled the world.
After a brief discussion, they turned their attention to the lingering threat of "Thunder Calamity" Alastor, an ally of Kaido.
"Alastor's involvement can't be overlooked. He's tied to Kaido, one of the Four Emperors. Direct action would provoke unnecessary conflict," one elder remarked.
Another added, "Send CP0 to investigate Dressrosa. Stussy, the Queen of the Pleasure District, is already in the New World. She can uncover the truth discreetly."
The Five Elders agreed, finalizing their plans.
The death of Doflamingo sent shockwaves through the underworld, where his alias "Joker" had been synonymous with the weapons trade.
"What do you mean Joker is dead?" roared a warlord from a conflict-ridden nation. "We've already paid! Who will supply our weapons now?"
Despite their fears, their shipments arrived as scheduled. Confused but relieved, the kings of warring nations demanded answers.
A messenger coldly replied, "Doflamingo is dead, but the Joker isn't. Our new captain has taken over."
The revelation stunned the underworld. "Who is this new captain? Did they kill Doflamingo?"
The messenger sneered. "Remember the name Trafalgar Law. He's the new broker and will soon be crowned as a Warlord of the Sea!"
The underground world buzzed with speculation about Trafalgar Law. Known as a cunning and ruthless pirate, Law's rise from a rookie "Supernova" to Doflamingo's successor further disrupted the already fragile balance of power.
Meanwhile, other Supernovas like Eustass Kid and Urouge made bold moves, challenging the Four Emperors. The tremors from the fall of Doflamingo rippled across the seas, threatening the delicate balance between the Navy, the Four Emperors, and the Shichibukai.
With the Whitebeard Pirates shattered and Kaido expanding his territory, the world of One Piece stood on the brink of a new and chaotic era.