Chapter 27: Breakout

"Charge! For justice!" The shouts of the marines rose and fell, like a chorus encouraging each other to not fear the pirates.

Four hungry wolves had broken into a flock of sheep. Doflamingo and his crew were those four wolves, slaughtering sheep as they rampaged through the flock. It was a bloodbath.

"Sticky-Sticky Meteor Shower! Sticky-Sticky Cannonballs!" Trebol unleashed a wide-range barrage, incapacitating a large swath of marines. Even if they weren't dead, they were utterly disgusted.

"Half-Moon Funeral! My greatsword has long thirsted for blood!" Diamante was equally ruthless, a single wave of his sword reaping a harvest of marines.

Pica was more brutish, his attacks simple and direct – one punch per kill – but he was clearly enjoying himself. Without the Stone-Stone Fruit, Pica couldn't launch large-scale attacks. Doflamingo was similar, lacking wide-area attacks, with the exception of his Conqueror's Haki.

Doflamingo charged towards Captain Vimes on the main ship, but the marines didn't let him pass. They swarmed him, offering their lives. Captain Vimes remained unhurried, watching Doflamingo from the rear, encircled. He was well aware of Doflamingo's strength and knew he was no match for him. He was sending these marines, these cannon fodder, to wear Doflamingo down. When Doflamingo was distracted, he'd launch a sneak attack and take him down. He wouldn't even need Vice Admiral Tsuru to claim this victory. Hehe, this top merit was his for the taking. Vimes's calculations were well underway.

As for the marines, they were all good men, sacrificing themselves for justice. It was unavoidable. Afterwards, Vimes would remember them. They were his good brothers, stepping stones on his rise through the ranks. He felt no guilt.

Neither Doflamingo nor the marines were aware of Vimes's internal machinations. They were locked in a fierce battle, one marine falling only to be replaced by another, the encirclement showing no signs of weakening.

Doflamingo dodged a marine's attack and, in the same motion, crushed another. His impatience was growing.

"They're like flies, buzzing around, so annoying, these marines."

"Doflamingo, your time has come! Prepare to die! You can spout your nonsense in prison!" the marines retorted, showing no fear.

"Fuffuffuffu! Is that so? Then you'll have to show me what you've got," Doflamingo laughed, a truly joyous laugh.

The marines ignored Doflamingo's taunts. In their eyes, he was clearly putting on a brave face, and they rushed forward, ready to capture him.

Just as the marines closed in, a terrifying aura erupted from Doflamingo, spreading outwards. The intensity of his Conqueror's Haki grew, and the marines collapsed involuntarily, their eyes rolling back, completely subdued. Truly, it was the perfect tool for clearing out small fry.

Captain Vimes, witnessing this scene from afar, was shocked. As a Navy captain in the Grand Line, he had some knowledge. He muttered, "So this is Conqueror's Haki... what an astonishing presence!"

Vimes snapped back to reality. He had no choice but to intervene now. His careful plan had been completely shattered by a single burst of Conqueror's Haki. He turned to his adjutant and said, "Quick, inform Vice Admiral Tsuru! Ask her when she'll arrive. We can't hold out much longer. If she doesn't get here soon, we'll all be wiped out!"

With that, he charged towards Doflamingo, leaving the adjutant to deliver the message.

"Purupurupuru...!"

"Vice Admiral Tsuru? This is Captain Vimes's fleet. We are engaged in fierce battle with the Donquixote Pirates in the waters around Jaya Island. We are nearing our limit!" the adjutant cried out urgently.

Hearing this, Tsuru snatched the Den Den Mushi from the female officer and shouted into it, "Marine, hold your ground! We're almost there! For justice, you're doing well!"

Doflamingo and Vimes were locked in a fierce battle, but it was a one-sided affair. It was clear to any observer that Captain Vimes's attacks were becoming increasingly feeble.

Doflamingo decided to finish things quickly. He didn't want to waste any more time. He'd just used Observation Haki to overhear the conversation between Tsuru and the adjutant, learning that the troublesome old hag was on her way. He unleashed his full power. Full throttle, electric dynamo Doflamingo charged at Vimes.

"Armament: Hardening!" Vimes activated his Armament Haki for defense.

"Die, Navy! Armament: Hardening! Full Power Strike!" Doflamingo, no longer holding back, threw a powerful punch aimed at Vimes's heart.

Vimes crossed his arms to protect his vital organs, his face contorted. I can't block it. I'll die. That was Captain Vimes's thought.

"This punch embodies over a decade of my training. Can you withstand it?" Doflamingo roared. His other hand didn't remain idle, striking Vimes's abdomen.

"Tekkai!"

"Let's see if your Tekkai is stronger than my fist!"

The fist, coated in Armament Haki, slammed into Vimes's abdomen with a ferocious gust of wind. The sheer force made Captain Vimes roll his eyes back, and he collapsed, vomiting blood.

"So this is the true Tekkai," Doflamingo mused, a flicker of understanding in his eyes. He was about to finish off the Navy captain when a powerful kick suddenly came his way.

"Rankyaku!"

Vice Admiral Tsuru had arrived, flying through the air using Geppo. Her long-range Rankyaku had interrupted Doflamingo's next move.

"Fuffuffuffu! Old hag, it's you again. I was just about to send him to meet Justice," Doflamingo laughed, dodging the attack. Tsuru used the opportunity to land on the warship.

Tsuru and Doflamingo faced off.

Seeing the ship's devastating condition, Tsuru frowned. She quickly scanned the scene and then looked away, silently consoling herself. For the Navy's justice, you did well. Your sacrifice will be rewarded.

"Doflamingo, you've gone too far, slaughtering so many marines. Today, no one can save you. I, Tsuru, swear it!" Vice Admiral Tsuru was furious, her voice filled with killing intent.

"Fuffuffuffu! Then come and get me!" Doflamingo retorted defiantly.

Their first real battle had officially begun.

"Soru!"

Tsuru wanted to capture Doflamingo quickly. If she could just touch him, she could activate her ability and end this decisively. Some Devil Fruits were simply that unfair, and the Wash-Wash Fruit was one of them.

"As if I'd let you have your way!" Doflamingo wasn't stupid. He quickly moved, evading Tsuru's attack.

His fists, coated in Armament Haki, also flew towards Tsuru.

Watch me use a combination of a strong headbutt and a deliberate heavy punch, dealing 100% true damage. Let's see if you can withstand it, Doflamingo thought.

Befitting a Navy Vice Admiral, Tsuru effortlessly dodged Doflamingo's attacks and even countered with several Shigan strikes aimed at Doflamingo's ribs.

Doflamingo, unable to dodge completely, quickly covered the targeted area with Armament Haki to mitigate the damage. In the hasty exchange, the difference in their power was clear. The burning pain in his ribs told Doflamingo he'd taken a minor blow.

Without retreating, Doflamingo was about to launch another attack when he suddenly heard his subordinate's shout.

"Young Master, it's time!"

It was Cricket, who had noticed the Knock-Up Stream beginning to stir.

Business was urgent. Doflamingo had no intention of continuing his fight with Tsuru. His current strength was still far inferior to hers. He could hold his own for the first few dozen exchanges, but he would inevitably be overwhelmed.

"Trebol, Diamante, come and assist me! Break away from them quickly! Prepare to retreat!"

Hearing their Young Master's orders, Trebol and Diamante didn't hesitate, rushing towards Doflamingo.

Seeing Doflamingo attempting to escape, Tsuru wouldn't allow it. She pressed her attack again.

"Sticky-Sticky Launcher!"

"Half-Moon Funeral!"

These two attacks were launched at Tsuru again, forcing her to evade. The Sticky-Sticky Fruit was truly disgusting, like snot, and Tsuru definitely didn't want to be touched by it. Taking advantage of this, Doflamingo widened the distance between him and Tsuru and quickly returned to his ship. He saw that the grappling hooks had been cleared and the ship was ready to sail.

The three on the other warships also swiftly returned to their ship, leaving only their backs to the marines. The marines were severely injured and helpless.

Watching Doflamingo break through the encirclement, Tsuru saw that her current warship was in ruins, with everyone unconscious. There was no one available to immediately pursue. And Geppo couldn't sustain her long enough to catch up to Doflamingo and his crew.

"Vice Admiral Tsuru, we're here!" Just as Tsuru's expression darkened, her fleet finally arrived.

"I absolutely won't let you escape, Doflamingo!" Tsuru made a silent vow. "Follow Doflamingo and his crew!"