Chapter 255: Doflamingo’s Test
A dark sky covered the horizon, and delicate snowflakes danced in the air, while the raging sea roared beneath them, with waves that followed one another and rolled towards infinity.
On the sea, dozens of warships from both sides fought a fierce battle, subjected to a rain of arrows and the roar of cannons.
From the western side, a score of steel battleships launched long-range attacks, their powerful guns aimed at a fleet of nearly a hundred ancient sailing ships.
The artillery constantly destroyed both enemy ships and the enormous sea beasts.
However, the greatest challenge to the World Government's navy was not those ancient sailing ships, but the monstrous creatures lurking in the depths of the ocean: the Oceanic Danger Beasts.
Not only were they huge, but they also possessed extraordinary abilities.
On the other hand, the fleet of the Gods Islands seemed to have a special method to control these sea creatures. Those old wooden ships served only as a means of transportation.
In addition, they had a large number of samurai whose skill allowed them to launch powerful blasts of cutting energy. Using the sea beasts as support points, the swordsmen of both sides faced each other in bloody battles on the water.
What's more, there was a unit of masked archers, both men and women, whose aim was so precise that they were not only able to shoot at the World Government soldiers and officials on the move, but they were also able to intercept the projectiles in mid-air.
If someone approached them, some of these archers would draw double swords from their backs and call upon the creatures of the depths to face the enemy together and protect their companions from attack.
These warriors were the shinobi of the Gods Islands.
At the same time, another fierce battle was taking place deep under the sea between the fish-men of the world government's navy and the Danger Beasts.
In short, the Gods Islands relied on the joint operations of the marine Danger Beasts, samurai, and shinobi to blockade the World Government's naval fleet.
...
In a secluded place, in the mountains behind the capital of the Gods Islands...
A venerable-looking old man with closed eyes sat on a huge round rock, a long, plain white-handled sword resting on his knees. Behind him, a waterfall poured down in torrents, producing a continuous roar as it hit the lake.
Next to him, on another slightly smaller rock, a young woman with black hair and a cold gaze also held a sword, although this one had a black sheath.
Suddenly, the old man opened his eyes suddenly, breaking the solemn atmosphere surrounding him.
"Grandpa, what's wrong?" The young girl asked, looking up in surprise.
"Lord Cloud Dragon has sent me an oracle." The old man said in a grave tone. "It warns us to be wary of the otherworldly invaders that have appeared; among them, there are several individuals comparable to Celestial Spirits (Danger Beasts Super Class)."
"In addition, several Celestial Spirits from around the world have awakened from their slumber!"
"Grandpa! People comparable to Celestial Spirits?" The young girl looked astonished. "Didn't you say that even you, as a Saint Swordsman, or the Stigmata Alchemist of the West, could barely withstand a confrontation with a Celestial Spirit?"
The old man slowly stood up while holding the scabbard.
"Exactly. I find it intriguing and, honestly, it excites me." He said, smiling, a glint of anticipation in his eyes. "I, Yami Tsukahara, have lived eighty-one years without knowing defeat. It is fortunate to have the opportunity to face such individuals! And if it is a swordsman, even better."
The intensity of the old man's fighting spirit was increasing. His tyrannical momentum created a tremendous pressure that made the young girl feel difficulty in breathing.
For the first time, she saw that imposing side of her grandfather, so different from his usual calm and kind attitude.
"Let's go."
"Grandpa, where are we going?"
"To the ocean."
...
In the territory of the Empire.
Located southeast of Mount Farm in a dense forest.
The Imperial soldiers who managed to survive Bullet's rampage have gathered here, under Budo's temporary supervision.
At that moment, a large ship, pulled by four giant eagles, descended to the clearing that Budo had ordered to be cleared in the forest. First, a group of armed guards got off the ship and established a safe zone. Then, a young couple slowly descended and approached the gloomy General Budo.
"Hello, General Budo." The young woman said kindly. "I am the Imperial Guard, Gin, user of the Teigu Asclepius, and I am here to treat the wounded."
"I am Natala, user of the Teigu Shambhala." The young man added. "I am responsible for sending you back to the Imperial Capital Military Camp for your recovery according to His Majesty's order."
...
The first major battle between the Empire's army and the World Government's forces on the northern front ended with Bullet's rampage, and the battle was resolved in a resounding victory for the World Government.
However, the World Government's losses were considerable, demonstrating the Imperial Army's firepower and numerical superiority.
But no loss of the World Government can compare to the serious injuries suffered by Kaido.
Kaido was rushed to the Canberra continent in the Titans World, where the newly built World Hospital was located, to provide comprehensive care to soldiers wounded in battle.
Meanwhile, in another part of the World of the Titans, on Noah's Ark that was slowly rotating around the world.
Esdeath, after several days, had already adapted to the new environment and her new identity, although, due to Imu's enormous physical strength, sharing those moments in bed was exhausting for her.
She could not deny, however, that Imu had shown her considerable generosity, teaching her swordsmanship techniques and patiently answering her questions about combat skills and Haki.
She even had a direct line to a team at the Academy of Sciences that helped her develop the power of the Kirin Fruit, allowing her to feel her strength growing every day.
At this moment, Esdeath and Historia were on a gigantic tennis court engaged in a fierce match.
The two women exerted their speed to the extreme, turning into blurs that flickered back and forth as they hit the ball.
At the same time, it could be seen that both sides of the court were filled with various broken fragments of frost or white substances.
From a lounger, Imu watched the match with great interest.
In his mind, Imu assessed: 'Historia has improved rapidly; right now, Esdeath is no match for her.'
"Lord Imu, Commander Clement reports that the Celestial Dragon Donquixote Doflamingo has arrived on the deck of the Ark."
At this time, Ubuyashiki Hinaki walked to Imu and reported softly.
"Then let him come over."
"Yes!"
...
Inside the Throne Room of Noah's Ark.
"Member of the Oka Shichibukai, Donquixote Doflamingo, salutes you Lord Imu."
Imu was sitting on top of a throne watching Doflamingo who had knelt on one knee.
"You are too weak."
"As one of my Oka Shichibukai, your current strength and rate of progress are unacceptable."
Imu pointed out the problem of the other party without hesitation.
Doflamingo, his face flushed with shame and contained fury, could only remain silent with his head bowed.
"The Oka Shichibukai are my direct subordinates. In the future, you will face powerful opponents from other worlds. If any of you fall easily due to your weakness, what is the point of having you."
Doflamingo, trying to calm his discomfort, muttered through gritted teeth: "So, Lord Imu, what is your intention?"
He believed that Imu was planning to remove him from his post, something he found unacceptable and deeply humiliating.
"If you are weak, become stronger. It is logical, isn't it?"
In Imu's opinion, Doflamingo has potential.
"So that's how it is, huh.."
Doflamingo understood what Imu meant, and he was relieved, and his embarrassed mood calmed down.
"Don't worry about the outside world for now, just stay here and improve your strength."
Imu had just finished speaking when the large doors of the hall slowly opened, pushed by Oimo and Kashi, who were outside.
Doflamingo, who had already stood up, turned his head.
Four Giant God Warriors entered the room. They were:
Surtur, the Fire Giant.
Utgard, the Ice Giant.
Brogy, the Giant of Destruction, who had consumed the Yamata-no-Orochi Fruit.
And, Dorry, the Lightning Giant, who had just obtained the powers of the Plasma Fruit.
"They are your next challenge targets. When you defeat these four Giant God Warriors, you will leave the Ark to perform a new mission for me!"
Looking at the four towering giants, Doflamingo felt intense discomfort.
"Lord Imu, when you say defeat, do you mean defeating them one by one or all four of them together?"
"That is up to you, as long as you defeat them, that is enough." Imu added: "Although, if you manage to defeat them all together, that would make me a little happier."
Doflamingo was speechless, a drop of sweat running down his temple, that last statement left him with no other option.
"By the way, let's add a time limit." Imu continued, further worsening Doflamingo's mood.
"You are twenty years old, so you must accomplish this challenge before you turn twenty-five. If you fail, you will lose your position as Oka Shichibukai and spend the rest of your life managing the Starfish World shipping industry as an ordinary Celestial Dragon."
Doflamingo, his face rigid and his hands clenched, knew that this challenge would decide his future. If he failed, he would be reduced to a minor role and lose any chance of achieving greater status and power.
"As you wish… Lord Imu."
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