Chapter 86: Doflamingos intentions

Doflamingo's intention was simple; he didn't want anyone outside the Donquixote Family to know that he had been in contact with Marco.

Whoever knows this news must die.

Otherwise, he could be detected by the Three and Four Emperors at any time, and the events that follow would be completely beyond his control.

If it were other pirates, they might choose to expose Marco's affairs to the Four Emperors. But Doflamingo wouldn't do that; he had absolute reasons.

In particular, Marco's last sentence, 'Mariejois, World Government,' served as a reminder to Doflamingo that Marco held a secret of his. Doflamingo also understood that Marco was not as simple as he seemed.

Soon, Doflamingo made his arrangements and began using the resources at his disposal to secretly investigate all kinds of information about the Blackbeard Pirates, the Beasts Pirates, and the Big Mom Pirates. Whenever there was important information, he would personally report it to Marco.

…

Marco was unaware of Doflamingo's Birdcage bloodbath on the island.

He continued sailing, leaving a long blue trail on the sea as he moved swiftly.

A few days later, on a sunny day, the sun shone brightly, seagulls chirped occasionally, and marine fish leapt from the sea, creating ripples—a beautiful picture of the sea. The only downside was the heat.

"The food is running out. On the island ahead, we'll replenish supplies."

Marco remained cool in the cabin, which, though small, was spacious and comfortable. The only thing bothering him was the high temperature. "Time for a swim."

Thump!

Marco jumped directly into the sea, creating a splash. The water was indeed much cooler.

In this rare moment of tranquility, knowing that he would soon face the Four Emperors, Marco seized a moment of leisure and swam forward.

Crash~!

Suddenly, a giant Sea King emerged and swallowed the boat Marco had left floating.

"…"

Marco, just emerging from the water, saw this and didn't relish the idea of swimming to the next island or flying there.

Airplanes~~!

A domineering aura emanated from Marco.

Like an invisible wave of power, it swept through the area, and all the marine fish fainted wherever it passed.

The massive Sea King, its eyes wide, trembled in the water.

As it tried to escape, Marco rushed out of the sea, spread his wings, and landed on its head. "Swallow my boat, will you? If you want to live, take me to the next island."

This creature was a hundred meters in size, resembling the Sea King that had bitten off Shanks' arm.

The Sea King, shaken by Marco's Haki, was smart enough to understand his command and obediently carried him to the next island.

Riding such a 'King of the Sea' felt quite impressive. The key was that its body temperature was low, providing a refreshing coolness against the heat.

Not only majestic but also quite comfortable—a fair trade for a boat.

…

"Oh my God! A giant Sea King is heading this way!"

On the sea, aboard several ships, someone saw the astonishing sight and exclaimed.

"What a huge Sea King! Wait… On its head, there's a young man riding it!"

On the deck, a group of people stood stunned, staring at the massive Sea King cruising rapidly, with a young man sitting atop.

Everyone found it unbelievable.

"He's using the Sea King as a mount! So domineering! So cool!"

"If only I could catch a Sea King as a mount."

"Ha, with your skills, you'd end up as its lunch."

Crash~~~!

The giant Sea King swam past, heading toward the island ahead.

A group of people watched, dumbfounded, as it passed, only snapping out of it once it had gone a distance.

"That young man riding on top of the Sea King looked so familiar… Where have I seen him before?"

A pirate wondered aloud.

"Oh my God! I know who he is!"

Another pirate exclaimed, pulling out a bounty poster and pointing at it. "That young man just now—that's the Immortal Phoenix Marco!"

"Immortal Phoenix Marco!"

"It really is him!"

The group of pirates stood in shock once again.

…

Marco was oblivious to their exclamations.

Soon, he rode the 'King of the Sea' to an island. Spreading his wings, he flew off as the Sea King quickly dived back into the water and fled as if escaping for its life.

Trample.

Landing at the port, Marco noted, "It's strange that the port is deserted."

Immediately, he entered the city.

It was then he discovered the island was being ravaged by war. The once-prosperous port had long been abandoned, and few dared to do business. Naturally, there were few pirates in the city.

Years of war had brought the country to the brink of collapse. In such a war-torn place, even finding a meal was difficult.

Marco shook his head and entered one of the few restaurants, ordered a few dishes, and tossed a few more Berries to the shopkeeper. "Keep the change."

"Thank you! Thank you!" The shopkeeper's face lit up with gratitude, and he whispered to Marco, "Sir, please leave quickly after eating. There are rumors that another battle will break out soon."

"Hmm." Marco nodded, dropping more Berries and giving the shopkeeper a list of supplies. "You're familiar with this place. Help me gather these items. The extra is for your effort."

"Thank you!" The shopkeeper beamed, bowing repeatedly.

Thundered~!

Suddenly, a violent tremor shook the area, and in the distance, several buildings collapsed.

"Has the war reached the capital so soon?" The shopkeeper's face turned pale. "Sir… come inside and hide!"

"No need to worry." Marco waved his hand. "Just prepare the food."

"This?"

"Go on. It's not the war; it's pirates."

"Pirates? Oh!" The shopkeeper sighed with relief and hurried to prepare the best meal.

Outside, rumbling sounds continued as buildings were destroyed.

"Damn it! What kind of place is this?! They don't even have decent wine!"

Several pirates cursed as they smashed through buildings.

Behind them lay the bodies of the kingdom's troops, who had clearly tried and failed to maintain order.

"Agh! You guys… Haven't you found food yet?"

At this moment, above a tall building, a man with unusually long arms, dressed in an antique outfit with an embroidered "note" on his chest, wearing headphones and black sunglasses, and teeth resembling piano keys, jumped down.

"Mr. Apoo… This barren country has no food to eat."

Apoo,

Supernova Pirates, Longarm Tribe, Scratchmen Apoo,

Currently offering a bounty as a member of the Worst Generation of 350 million Berries!

"Then let's turn this country upside down!"

Scratchmen Apoo placed his hands on his piano-like teeth, played a random tune, and said with irritation.

Boom~~!

A group of his men immediately started smashing buildings one by one, acting wildly and with force.

Soon, they approached where Marco was.

At this moment,

"You guys… Knock it off!"

A bold woman blocked Scratchmen Apoo's path.

Behind the woman, who held a cigarette, wore sunglasses, and high-heeled black leather shoes, soldiers armed with guns sprang up.

"It's just a woman… Might as well take her as a slave!" one pirate sneered.

"Foolish man!"

Boom~~!

A black leather boot instantly kicked the offending pirate, sending him flying with a spurt of blood, and he was dead before he hit the ground!

Scratchmen Apoo's carefree grin instantly faded. "Revolutionary Army?"

"Take them all down!"

The woman didn't pay any attention to Scratchmen Apoo. With a wave of her hand, the soldiers behind her, seemingly invigorated, charged forward, especially the leading ones whose strength surged after her encouragement.

"Hmph!"

Scratchmen Apoo sneered and launched his counterattack, his frightening music distorting the very air.

"Boom~~!"

A black high-heeled boot struck Scratchmen Apoo like lightning, sending him flying.

Rumble!

Apoo crashed into a building, raising a cloud of dust, but quickly emerged again.

"You can call me 'Belo Betty'…!"

Revolutionary Army, commander of the Eastern Army of the Four Great Armies, Belo Betty!

Belo Betty, dressed in a brave and bold outfit, immediately engaged Apoo in combat.

After only a few moves, this Supernova with a bounty of 350 million Berries was completely overpowered by Belo Betty!

Apoo, in a panic, fled hastily.

His subordinates were all captured.

"Long live Sister Bello!"

The victorious Revolutionary Army cheered loudly.

"Alright, that's enough. Hurry up." Belo Betty kicked one of the Revolutionary Army members next to her. "I'm starving; go find something to eat. The rest of you clear out!"

After speaking, Belo Betty walked straight into the shop where Marco was sitting.

"Hurry up and serve the old lady a bowl of ramen!"

Belo Betty grabbed the chair next to Marco and sat down casually across from him, taking off her cherry-red sunglasses and smiling at Marco. "Immortal Phoenix Marco… What a coincidence."

Marco put down the chopsticks in his hand, raised his head, and his gaze met Belo Betty's confident face.

"The Revolutionary Army is getting bold, following me…?"

Instantly, the tension in the air thickened.