Doflamingo contacted Mio.
"Looks like you're ready." Holding the Den Den Mushi, Mio smiled faintly.
"Hiya, iya, iya, of course. After all, I can't let you wait too long, right? And I just got some incredible news today," Doflamingo's evil laughter echoed.
"Tell me about it." Mio sat on the throne, legs crossed, sipping wine. He was genuinely intrigued. After all, unlike Doflamingo, he possessed knowledge from the original timeline, but Doflamingo often uncovered classified secrets even Mio couldn't access.
"It seems that Enies Lobby has been attacked. Everyone on the island was slaughtered, but no one knows who the perpetrator is. The World Government is furious. The target was Fishman Tom—the guy suspected by the World Government of knowing something about Pluto, and for having built a ship for Pirate King Roger," Doflamingo reported.
Hearing this, Mio's eyes narrowed thoughtfully.
Enies Lobby?
Fishman Tom?
It seemed Hei Yan had made his move.
However, Mio remained composed. "The idea that Tom possesses knowledge of Pluto is still just speculation. And this might not even be orchestrated by the World Government. But if they did manage to obtain Pluto, it would be a major game changer."
"Hey, hey, hey, of course. Pluto is a formidable force for naval warfare. If the World Government had it, the pirate era would have ended long ago," Doflamingo chuckled darkly, curious to gauge Mio's reaction. He was disappointed to find Mio remained unbothered.
After a brief silence, Mio changed the topic.
"Since you're ready, I'll be on my way."
"Much appreciated. Once it's all done, I'll welcome you to Dressrosa in person," Doflamingo grinned.
The Den Den Mushi call ended.
Mio put away the snail, tapping the armrest of his chair with one finger, deep in thought.
After a moment, he turned to Asuka at his side. "Issue orders. Have our people monitor the New World entrance closely. Report any Marine movements immediately. Also, keep tabs on the Marine forces already stationed in the New World."
"Yes," Asuka nodded and departed swiftly.
Not long after, Mio made his way to the harbor and boarded the Black Glory. The ship set sail immediately, bound for Dressrosa.
Since Doflamingo had made his preparations, Mio needed to prepare for the inevitable arrival of the Navy as well.
Dressrosa.
At that moment, all members of the Donquixote Family were present.
In the palace of Dressrosa…
Doflamingo had been planning this moment since the day the Black Crow Pirates agreed to back him. He grinned wickedly at King Riku standing before him, just as he had in the original timeline.
"Hiya, Hiiya, Hiiya, King Riku. You have one day. If you can't gather 10 billion berries within twenty-four hours, my men will take this kingdom for themselves."
"Doflamingo, you can't do this! Dressrosa is a World Government affiliate. If you do this, they'll hunt you down!" King Riku barked angrily.
But Doflamingo merely sneered. "Hiya, Hiiya, that won't be a problem. I'm a Shichibukai. We'll take this country before the World Government even has time to react."
"You bastard!"
King Riku clenched his fists, but his heart was heavy with powerlessness. Against a monster like Doflamingo, he stood no chance. But 10 billion berries… that was an impossible amount.
Although Dressrosa was a wealthy nation, the Riku royal family itself did not hold such wealth. Long ago, the country had been rich thanks to the forced labor of the dwarves, who were enslaved under the Donquixote family's rule. But when that family joined the Celestial Dragons and left, the Riku royal family took over.
The first king of the Riku line had liberated the dwarves and used the myth of the "fairy legends" to keep humans from bothering them. However, without slave labor, the country declined financially.
Ten billion berries was an astronomical amount that Riku simply could not provide.
But he couldn't hand over his country either. Under Doflamingo, Dressrosa would suffer far worse.
"…One day. I'll give it to you."
King Riku gritted his teeth.
Doflamingo's grin widened. "Hehehehe. Then I'll return in a day. But if I don't see the money… you know the consequences."
With that, Doflamingo turned and left with his top officers.
As soon as he was gone, King Riku leapt into action.
First: He reported the Donquixote Family's threat to the World Government and Navy.
Second: He began raising funds.
It was a gamble. As a king in the New World, he had his doubts whether the Marines or the World Government would respond in time. And even if they did, could they actually defeat Doflamingo?
As for the money…
The royal family didn't have 10 billion. But the citizens might.
With no other choice, Riku issued an appeal for donations from the people.
What he didn't realize was that Doflamingo hadn't actually left. He was still within the palace, watching everything unfold according to his original plan.
He knew full well that the Riku family couldn't come up with the money on their own.
The king would turn to his people, and that's what Doflamingo wanted.
He would use this as an opportunity to tarnish King Riku's reputation.
If the people lost faith in their king, then Doflamingo's rise to power would be welcomed—without resistance.
Although it would take time, that's exactly why he needed Black Crow's help.
"With those guys backing me, there's no way the Navy or the World Government will interfere anytime soon. I can focus entirely on my plan… hehehehehe." Doflamingo chuckled darkly.
His eyes gleamed behind his sunglasses before his figure disappeared from the corridor.
Meanwhile, at Marine Headquarters…
Fleet Admiral Sengoku received the report from his subordinates.
After a moment of contemplation, he reached for the Den Den Mushi and made a call.
It rang only once before being answered.
"Garp, there's something that needs your attention. Doflamingo, one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea, is attempting to seize control of Dressrosa. You're already in the New World—head there immediately."