Chapter 97: Chapter 97: Doflamingo’s Ambition
"Doflamingo is planning to target the Heavenly Tribute!"
Upon hearing Law's words, Rosinante's eyes widened in shock, while Wright furrowed his brow, silently thinking, "So, it's happening at this time…"
"Are you certain, Law? The Heavenly Tribute isn't a minor matter!" Rosinante asked gravely. "Are you in a safe location right now?"
"I'm absolutely certain, Mr. Rosinante. For now, I'm not in immediate danger, but after reporting this, I'll have to make my escape," Law replied, relief evident in his voice at hearing Rosinante's.
"Let me explain everything in detail…"
Law's account, evidently well-organized, laid out the events clearly. Through his narration, Wright and Rosinante gradually pieced together Law's experiences over the past few years.
Summary of Key Events:
Doflamingo's Auction and Fallout
A year ago, during the World Conference, the Marines' resources were stretched thin, safeguarding delegations from allied nations. Exploiting this, Doflamingo held a high-profile auction in the North Blue, using a Devil Fruit as bait to rekindle his family's business connections.
However, the auction was ambushed by an unknown force, and the prized Devil Fruit was stolen. Despite his quick retaliation—eliminating attendees to prevent leaks and consolidating his gains—Doflamingo failed to uncover who was behind the theft of the Goru Goru no Mi (Gol-Gol Fruit or Gold-Gold Fruit).
Rebuilding the "Heart Unit"
Enraged by this loss and still reeling from the absence of his two former intelligence heads—Rosinante (Corazon)—Doflamingo sought to rebuild his intelligence network, the Heart Unit. Law, who had avoided falling into the Marines' hands thanks to Wright and Rosinante, became his prime target.
Law's Training and Escape
Under Wright's guidance, Law learned to be cautious, avoiding excessive use of his Ope Ope no Mi. Law and his companions traveled discreetly, improving their skills.
By chance, they saved a dying elderly inventor, Wolf, who gifted them a submarine after Law saved his life using his Devil Fruit. Wolf recognized the Ope Ope no Mi's true potential and informed Law about its ability to grant eternal youth.
Doflamingo's Pursuit and Capture of Law
Despite Law's precautions, Doflamingo eventually cornered him. Offering Law the position of the Third Corazon within the Donquixote Family, Doflamingo sought to secure the Ope Ope no Mi for his schemes. Law agreed to protect his companions but secretly laid plans to escape.
Discovery of Doflamingo's Plot
Before escaping, Law learned Doflamingo's boldest plan: to intercept the Heavenly Tribute, a massive shipment of wealth from allied nations to the Celestial Dragons.
Doflamingo aimed not for the treasure itself, but to exploit its significance. If the Heavenly Tribute were stolen under Marine protection, it would humiliate the World Government and destabilize dozens of allied nations, leading to widespread chaos.
Doflamingo intended to leverage this act and his former status as a Celestial Dragon to blackmail the World Government into granting him a position among the Seven Warlords of the Sea. As a Warlord, he could publicly shield the Donquixote Family while continuing his criminal enterprises unabated.
"Knowing Doflamingo's methods and cunning, if he secures a Warlord seat, he might dominate half the Underworld!" Rosinante murmured, cold sweat dripping.
"No," Wright interjected gravely. "This is just the beginning. The Warlord position is only a stepping stone for his true goal! Once he secures it, his ambitions will fully unfold."
"Could it be… Dressrosa?" Rosinante gasped.
"We must stop him!"
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