Two days had passed since Hermes encountered Jora and her crew.
During this time, Hermes had come across other pirate ships and merchant vessels. Any who dared to confront him now rested at the bottom of the sea.
“Finally, an island.”
Around nine in the morning, Hermes was going through his daily training routine on the deck when he spotted an island growing larger in the distance.
This should be the nearest island to the Providence Kingdom. Perfect for resupplying, buying some fresh vegetables and fruits that store well. If possible, Hermes even considered starting a small garden on his ship as a precaution.
Since leaving the Providence Kingdom, Hermes didn’t have a specific destination. He was simply drifting with the current, following wherever the ship took him. Any danger he encountered along the way would serve as training.
However, after running into Jora and her crew, Hermes has a change of heart. He decided to mess with Doflamingo, thinking it would be thrilling and potentially rewarding.
Starting off with a formidable foe like Doflamingo was nerve-wracking, but it also seemed promising.
Looking at the island ahead, Hermes had a good guess about its identity. The only island near the Prodence Kingdom was Dressrosa.
As he got closer, more pirate and merchant ships appeared. The ominous aura of the Death Note naturally attracted attention, but no one made a move. One look at the ship was enough to deter most, opting to investigate further before acting.
Approaching the port, Hermes decided not to dock the Death Note there. Instead, he turned the rudder and sailed along the coast, planning to land elsewhere.
After about five hours, Hermes arrived at a rocky shore. Nearby was a crevice just tall enough for a person. Standing on the deck, he crouched down and activated his Mini-Mini Fruit power.
The massive Death Note began to shrink visibly. Hermes shrank along with it, maintaining a thirty-centimeter mini form. The Death Note safely nestled into the crevice.
Now there was no risk of the ship being discovered. If only he could carry it, Hermes would keep it on him, using it for training or as a weapon when needed.
With the Death Note concealed, Hermes used Moonwalk to soar into the sky, quickly disappearing into the forest.
“King Riku has gone too far.”
“Our king has changed.”
“Paying so much in taxes every year, and now he wants all our cash too? Is he trying to kill us?”
“He’s become a tyrant. King Riku is now a tyrant.”
On Lover’s Lane, one of Dressrosa’s most famous streets, usually bustling with couples on dates, an air of anger and darkness now lingered.
The streets were nearly deserted.
Passing by, Hermes heard many conversations expressing dissatisfaction with the current King Riku. The people couldn’t understand why their king had become so cruel. He had always been a benevolent ruler, charitable, and trusted by his people.
But recently, King Riku had changed. Not only had he increased taxes, but now he was demanding all their cash. This was tyrannical behavior.
People were bewildered by King Riku’s sudden cruelty.
“What a coincidence.”
Sitting at an outdoor café, Hermes overheard many conversations.
Judging by the situation, Doflamingo seemed about to seize Dressrosa. Hermes felt fortunate to witness this piece of history.
Meanwhile, at the Donquixote Family estate, almost all members were present, including Doflamingo.
“Puhihihi, Doffy, we’ve found the guy who attacked Jora.”
“Let’s hear it!”
Doflamingo, lounging on a sofa, swirled his wine. He had arrived in Dressrosa that morning, planning to commence the takeover the next day. Despite being moved up, the plan was well-prepared.
“Hermes Jormungandr, a hero from the neighboring Prodence Kingdom. He first appeared as a pirate hunter, later aiding Elizabello II in ascending the throne. For three years, he’s been eliminating pirate crews and criminal gangs within the kingdom, solidifying Elizabello II’s reign. He is deeply respected and revered by the people, with many titles like Hunter King, Grim Reaper, and King of Hunters.”
“Gee~”
“This guy seems capable.”
To Do flamingo’s left, a bald, veiny elder made a dismissive gesture, looking unimpressed.
“Fuffuffu~”
“We’re about to take Dressrosa. Since he’s the hero of Prodence Kingdom, it might complicate things.”
“Trebol, what abilities does he have?”
As a key officer, Diamante inquired. For someone to secure Elizabello II’s reign so swiftly, he had to be formidable.
“He seems to possess the Navy’s Six Powers and a size-changing ability, likely from a Devil Fruit.”
Two days had been enough for Trebol to gather substantial information.
“Doffy, if we act against him, it might sour relations with the Prodence Kingdom.”
“How’s Jora?”
Doflamingo finished his wine, sidestepping Trebol’s concern.
“Thanks to the Tontatta’s healing ability, Jora is out of danger but still unconscious. She should wake up soon.”
“Master, more wine?”
A beautiful girl with long black hair and a maid outfit entered, holding a bottle of wine and looking expectantly at Doflamingo.
“Baby-5, over here.”
Diamante snapped his fingers, raising his empty glass.
“I’m needed.”
Baby-5 blushed deeply. She suffered from a strange condition: whenever she felt needed, she couldn’t refuse, despite her massive debts.
She was one of the quirkiest members of the Donquixote Family, yet also valuable for her beauty and powerful Weapon Fruit abilities.
“Have you found his whereabouts?”
Doflamingo asked Trebol, as Baby-5 eagerly poured wine.
Buru Buru.
A Den Den Mushi on the table rang. It was Trebol’s work phone.
“One moment.”
Trebol answered, nodding occasionally before hanging up.
“Puhihihi, what a coincidence.”
“Doffy, someone saw his ship near the coast, matching the description given by Jora’s men.”
“Find him and send Lao G to deal with him. Since he’s come to Dressrosa, he’ll stay forever!”
Doflamingo never spared those who challenged him unless fate intervened.
“Master, can I go too?”
Baby 5 excitedly raised her hand. Since coming to Dressrosa, she hadn’t had a chance to explore and needed new maid outfits and accessories.
Doflamingo didn’t respond, merely waving her off.
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