...
BIG MOM's Affiliated Waters
Ming Palace Island.
The island was home to a single massive structure—a haven for food, gambling, and brothels.
At its core lay the most crucial facilities: the underground bounty market and the deadly gladiator arena.
Pirates called it the Palace of Desire.
Laughter, shouts of anger, grumbles of dissatisfaction, moans, screams, and triumphant cries filled the air.
The Hell Pirates' ship slowly pulled into the harbor.
"Boys, let's go! This time, I'm giving each of you two women!"
"Ooooohhh!!!"
Mizai, the captain of the Hell Pirates, was once the new leader of the infamous Hell Hand Family in the West Blue.
He had once harbored ambitions of challenging the pinnacle of the New World.
But after witnessing the battle between the Golden Lion and the former Pirate King, Roger, his priorities had changed.
Now, he was only interested in making money.
After all, wasn't being a pirate all about enjoying freedom?
"Welcome, Mizai-sama. Here are your earnings this time—worth ten vials of secret elixirs. Would you like me to exchange them for the equivalent 3,000 Desire Coins? If you convert it all, you'll also receive ten complimentary rounds with the Ice and Fire girls from the brothel!"
The receptionist at the counter leaned forward, her large, innocent eyes blinking seductively.
Mizai could even catch the sweet scent of the latest honey fruit shampoo in her hair.
But none of that mattered. His attention had already been drawn to the soft, pale curves below.
A deep, irresistible abyss.
Without thinking, he blurted out, "Deal!"
Behind him, his crewmates immediately paled.
Their money... was gone.
...
The next day, a visibly thinner Mizai and his crew staggered toward the entrance of the underground bounty market.
As soon as they stepped inside, they noticed something was off.
It wasn't unusual for other parts of the island to be empty—pirates often got thrown out when they ran out of money.
But the underground bounty market? It was never deserted.
Mizai turned to a receptionist in a revealing cheongsam, her slit running up to her waist. Clutching his sore lower back, he asked,
"Any new missions?"
"Mizai-sama, you came at the perfect time! We have a long-term mission available—an assault on Dressrosa, the Prodence Kingdom, and other surrounding nations. Every soldier you take down is worth..."
"Seriously?! Just soldiers?!"
Mizai and his crewmates' eyes gleamed with excitement.
"That's right! And since it's a long-term mission, as long as it's not canceled, the rewards will keep coming. Many people have already accepted it, Mizai-sama! This is a special benefit from the underground bounty market. Just bring in the heads of these nations' soldiers, and you'll be paid!"
"If it weren't for BIG MOM heading toward the Golden Lion Sea, this mission wouldn't even exist!"
The more they heard, the more thrilled Mizai's crew became. A powerful backer handling the consequences while they charged ahead and collected the money? Too good to be true!
"Boys! It's time to make some money!!!"
"Ooooooohhh!!!"
Dozens of pirate ships shot toward Dressrosa like arrows released from their bowstrings.
...
Sabaody Archipelago
Through the transmission of the video snails, scene after scene played before Doflamingo's eyes.
Pirates? Freedom?
Some might chase dreams, but most were simply slaves to their desires.
Of course, he was no different.
"Pica, Enel, Moria, Urouge, Mahabais—let's go take back my kingdom."
"Yes, Boss!/Young Master!/Doffy!" x5
The five exchanged glances, each seeing the excitement in the others' eyes.
"Tesoro, Lao G, Jora—you stay behind and guard Sabaody. If necessary, evacuate to Skypiea. I'll have Trebol and the others pick you up."
"Leave it to us, Young Master!" x2
Lao G and Jora responded immediately. They were long past the age of reckless excitement.
"Yes, Boss..." Tesoro clenched his fists, frustration written all over his face.
After witnessing the powerful figures in Loguetown, who wouldn't want to be part of that world?
But for now, he was still too weak.
Sensing his emotions, the ever-insightful Doflamingo offered some reassurance.
"Don't rush, Tesoro. You're still young."
Then, with a knowing smile, he added, "Besides, Lao G and Jora will be helping you. I'm sure after this, you'll experience some... tremendous growth!"
...
Golden Lion Sea
As a thousand-meter-long warship loomed closer, Wolfzaro—one of the many lackeys who had once thrived in Golden Lion's shadow—felt an overwhelming pressure.
He had never realized BIG MOM's forces were this powerful.
Why would they dare attack us?!
Our boss is the Golden Lion!
Scanning his surroundings, he realized he was the highest-ranking officer present.
With his legs trembling, he mustered his courage and shouted,
"BIG MOM! Shiki-sama will be arriving at Berry Island soon. If you know what's good for you, retreat now!"
"Mamamama! I smell fear... Life or Death?!"
Facing the pirates on the beach, BIG MOM's eyes displayed a ripple effect reminiscent of the Rinnegan.
Her soul-stealing curse echoed across the battlefield.
"L...Life!"
"Mamamama! Wrong answer! The price... is fifty years of your lifespan!"
An invisible force snatched the soul from Wolfzaro's body.
Thud!
A withered corpse collapsed onto the sand.
Moments ago, the Golden Lion's forces had been on high alert.
Now, after witnessing the terrifying power of the Soul-Soul Fruit, pure terror consumed them.
"N-Nani!!!"
"What is this...?!"
"Sh-She can steal lifespans?!"
"Biscuit Soldiers!"
"Mochi Blades!"
"Candy Maiden!"
Charlotte's forces wasted no time in launching a full-scale assault.
Biscuits, mochi, and candy flooded the coastline.
...
Golden Lion Sea - Near the New World Entrance
Dot Island.
One after another, Marine warships appeared on the horizon.
Alarms blared across the island.
"The Marines are attacking!!!"
"Now is the time to prove our loyalty to Shiki-sama!"
Boom!Boom!Boom!
Explosions erupted as Borsalino stood atop a cannonball, observing the battlefield below.
"Ooh~ Even without Golden Lion, they're still putting up quite the fight. Truly worthy of the New World..."
...
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+220 chapters on p@treon/tambeerg