Chapter 258: Doflamingo’s Awakening!

Chapter 258: Doflamingo's Awakening!

The sheer intensity of the battle between the two warriors was something that little Mock Town could never hope to withstand!

With just a single collision, the entire town was already falling apart!

Thanks to the Navy's support, while many had perished, a considerable number still managed to escape the vortex of destruction.

"Such a terrifying battle!"

"These two are absolute monsters!"

"Compared to them, we aren't even worth calling weaklings!"

Those lucky enough to survive looked back at the island in horror—what once was a bustling town had now become a vast, barren wasteland. Even the vegetation had been stripped away as if the land itself had been skinned.

For a moment, they wondered if their memories had been jumbled, their minds playing tricks on them.

"Fufufufufu!"

"This is what a battle of a Yonko-level warrior looks like!"

High above Mock Town, Doflamingo floated in the sky, his appearance slightly disheveled as he watched the battle below with an eerie chuckle.

But what no one could see was the look in his eyes beneath his signature sunglasses—an expression of deep shock and unwillingness!

Through countless means, he had secured his position as a Shichibukai.

From nothing, he had built an empire and become the undisputed ruler of the underground, Joker!

He had maintained good relations with the Yonko, ensuring his position among the world's powers.

He had an entire country serving as the stronghold of his pirate crew!

Even after losing his status as a Celestial Dragon, he still enjoyed some of their privileges!

Doflamingo had always been a man who thrived in the gray areas, navigating between powerful factions like a fish in water.

One could say that, aside from his unfortunate childhood, he had led the life of a winner!

For years, he had been proud of his achievements, basking in the glory of his own success.

But now, as he stood before a battle of this magnitude, he was overcome with a profound sense of powerlessness!

He realized that everything he possessed—his money, his wealth, his influence, his territory—

Meant nothing in the face of absolute strength!

Staring at the rising star of the seas, Uchiha Yi, who had been battling Kaido for so long without showing the slightest weakness—in fact, he was relentlessly overpowering Kaido!

Doflamingo felt his chest tighten, his eyes burning with envy as he clenched his fists so tightly that blood began to drip from his palms.

Jealousy. Regret.

His face twisted into a hideous grimace.

He had always believed that, while there was a gap between himself and the Yonko, it wasn't an insurmountable one.

But now? The very thought seemed laughably ignorant!

All his years of "effort" had led him to this moment, only to find himself completely outclassed by a mere newcomer!

Time does not turn back. Life does not get a redo.

For too many years, he had focused all his energy on expanding his empire, managing his forces, amassing power—but he had neglected the most important thing.

His own strength.

He had stagnated.

Years ago, it was the same.

Now, it was still the same.

"Fufufufufu!"

"When did I start getting complacent?"

"But… thankfully, it's not too late!"

Realizing the vast gap between himself and true top-tier powerhouses, Doflamingo had a sudden revelation.

He had to prioritize his own strength from now on.

Otherwise, he wouldn't even qualify to watch battles of this level in the future!

With this in mind, Doflamingo quickly abandoned any further involvement.

He signaled to his "family"—his top executives—and swiftly left the battlefield.

As for the "benefits" that Cracker had promised him in their deal?

Doflamingo couldn't care less anymore.

Had it been Katakuri offering the deal, perhaps he would have considered it.

Doflamingo's departure went unnoticed.

And as for Uchiha Yi?

He had no idea that, simply by fighting Kaido, he had indirectly enlightened Doflamingo.

In the world of cultivation novels, this kind of "epiphany" was a common trope for protagonists.

But for Doflamingo—what was he, really? Just a mid-tier villain, a stepping stone at best!

For him to have a "sudden realization" felt downright bizarre and ridiculous!

—

"The Fifth Emperor… The Lord of Calamity… Uchiha Yi?"

High above, a forgotten figure hovered in midair—Golden Lion Shiki.

His gaze never left the battlefield below, locked onto the two warriors clashing at the heart of the storm.

A surviving fleet commander quickly stepped forward to report to him.

"Admiral, that man down there—he's the rookie pirate we tried recruiting a while ago."

Hearing this, Shiki's expression shifted.

A while ago, he had sent Chrisdros to recruit a promising young pirate.

Yet now, Chrisdros was nowhere to be found—while Uchiha Yi was alive and thriving before his very eyes.

Observing the power that Uchiha Yi was displaying, Shiki had little doubt about what had happened.

Chrisdros was dead.

"Admiral, what should we do now?"

"Should we avenge Chrisdros?"

The fleet commander asked cautiously, awaiting Shiki's command.

Shiki turned to him and scoffed.

"Do I look like an idiot to you?"

It was obvious he couldn't take on Uchiha Yi.

He wasn't a fool.

"Hehehe!"

The fleet commander chuckled awkwardly, realizing he had asked a stupid question.

Then, as if remembering something, he quickly added:

"Oh, right! Admiral, I also spotted a Lightning Fruit user!"

Shiki's eyes narrowed.

"Where?"

"On that strange giant bird-fish thing!"

"The kid with the drums on his back—that's the Lightning Fruit user!"

The commander pointed.

Shiki pondered for a moment before making his decision.

"In that case… let's give it a try."

A top-tier Logia fruit user was not something he could pass up.

Even if it meant risking offending Uchiha Yi, he had to take the chance.

Without another word, Shiki tossed the commander aside and took off—his Devil Fruit powers carrying him toward Kunpeng.

—

"So powerful!"

"Are all you Blue Sea people this strong?"

High above the battlefield, Enel gawked at the fight below, his eyes bulging in shock.

He had never seen anything like this before!

Born and raised on Sky Island, he had no concept of how terrifying the outside world truly was.

He had no idea who Kaido was, or what the Navy was, or how the seas operated.

And now, upon returning to the Blue Sea, this was the first thing he witnessed—a battle of monsters!

The thought unnerved him.

If this was what the Blue Sea was like… perhaps he should tone down his arrogance.

"Of course!"

"You see all these people? They might look normal, but every single one of them could easily crush you!"

"So, you'd better learn to be humble!"

"Otherwise, you're gonna die a very miserable death!"

Vivi spoke with a straight face, her tone serious.

Of course, she was exaggerating—about 70 to 80 percent of what she said was just to mess with Enel.

After all, ever since he joined the crew, Enel had managed to offend everyone with his arrogant attitude.

So now, this was Vivi's way of getting back at him.

The others chuckled but said nothing, amused by Enel's nervous, wide-eyed reaction.

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