One Piece: Heaven-Defying Talent

"Alright, the main purpose of gathering everyone back is to settle everyone's nerves. Don't be swayed by rumors. Let's focus on growing the Donquixote Family's business," Doflamingo declared. "We've traveled hard to get here. Everyone, take some rest."

With that, most of the Donquixote Family members dispersed, though a few stayed behind: Trebol, Pica, and Vergo.

Trebol, Doflamingo's most trusted advisor, had been sent on a mission for slave trading and had just recently returned. "Dover, Vergo filled me in. Did that girl Rebecca truly defeat Vergo?" Trebol asked, finding it hard to believe. Pica, who was well aware of Vergo's formidable Armament Haki, was equally skeptical.

Doflamingo nodded. "It's true. Vergo, tell them what happened."

Vergo replied, "Rebecca has eaten the Mera-Mera Fruit in its Golden Crow form. The flames it produces are so hot that they can even melt my Armament Haki."

The group was visibly shocked. "Her flames can burn through Armament Haki? Is that even possible?"

"It's a fact," Vergo confirmed. "The temperature is extraordinary. Only Pica's powers might be able to withstand it."

Pica smirked. "No worries, if that girl shows up here, I'll crush her into dust."

Pica's Paramecia Stone-Stone Fruit powers allowed him to cover his body in stone, transforming into a stone giant, resistant to intense heat.

"Alright, everyone, rest up. I suspect Rebecca will arrive very soon," Doflamingo advised.

"Understood, Mr. Dover," Pica and Diamante responded, taking their leave. Once they were gone, Trebol turned to Doflamingo with a grave look.

"Dover, is your strength really declining as Vergo mentioned? To the point where you're even losing your awakened Devil Fruit abilities?" Trebol asked in a low voice.

Only Vergo and Trebol knew the truth about Doflamingo's weakening state. Vergo was Doflamingo's sworn brother, and Trebol had raised him from childhood. In this crisis, Doflamingo could trust no one else.

"Yes, and that's why I called everyone back. This time, we may be in for a serious battle, and I need to be fully prepared," Doflamingo admitted.

Trebol sighed. "Except for Pica, I doubt any of us could stand up to Rebecca if she truly comes at us. And it seems Chiba is the one pushing her against us. Chiba's crew is full of formidable fighters—Fire Fist Ace, Phoenix Marco, Diamond Jozu, who's even taken on the title of Shiny White Spider Jozu. His power has risen significantly; I heard he recently took down a Marine Vice Admiral in one move and has repeatedly raided tribute ships, with a bounty now at three billion Berries."

"Chiba's other crew members are just as powerful: Pegasus Hina, Peacock, Empress Hancock—and his two apprentices, Koby and Helmeppo, who wield the Tremor-Tremor and Magma-Magma Fruits. Their strength is nearly at Admiral level. If Chiba's crew were to fully turn against us, we wouldn't stand a chance."

Vergo interrupted, "I don't think Chiba himself wants to attack us. If he did, he'd have done it by now."

"Chiba's goal seems to be to have Rebecca defeat us, which would make his Devil Fruits legendary worldwide. He's using the Donquixote Family to build his reputation. For now, Rebecca is our only direct opponent, and Mr. Dover has already called for Jack the Drought from the Beasts Pirates. It won't be long before Jack arrives to help us take her down."

Trebol seemed relieved but still frowned. "That Jack the Drought owes us three billion Berries and has refused to pay for ages."

Doflamingo sneered. "Jack has brute strength, but no brains. I intend to let him do the dirty work for us."

At that moment, a messenger entered the room. "Sir Dover, a pirate ship has just docked at the port, and a woman and a soldier doll have disembarked. It's confirmed to be Rebecca and that soldier doll."

Hearing this, Trebol frowned. "She arrived sooner than expected. Dover, how long until Jack arrives?"

"He might still take some time," Vergo answered.

"Then we have no choice. We'll have to stall her with our own forces for now. We can't let her reach Dover," Trebol said sternly.

Doflamingo remained silent, though his rage was obvious. If it weren't for Chiba's interference weakening him, he wouldn't be concerned about a single girl. Now, however, Doflamingo, the proud Warlord of the Sea, was being forced to hide from her. The humiliation was unbearable. "Damn you, Chiba," he seethed. "I won't let this slide."

Meanwhile, Rebecca had set foot on Dressrosa's soil. She knelt down, taking a handful of earth and breathing in its familiar scent. "My home, my land. You've suffered so much. Today, I'll free you from the grip of the Donquixote Family."

She clenched her fists and looked toward the palace where Doflamingo resided.

Behind her, the soldier doll warned, "Rebecca, don't be reckless. Master Chiba has sent word that Koby, Helmeppo, Vista, and Jozu are on their way to support us. We should wait for them."

Rebecca shook her head. "No, I'm not waiting. I want to save Dressrosa with my own hands. Mr. Soldier, please stay back—I haven't fully mastered the power of the Four Souls Sword Phoenix, and I don't want you getting hurt."

With that, Rebecca strode forward.

"Rebecca, be careful!" the soldier doll called after her. He had faith in her abilities, but Doflamingo was dangerous. And if Chiba had sent reinforcements, he wondered if there was something they weren't being told.

[•———•——•———•]

𝙥𝗮𝙩𝙧𝙚𝙤𝙣(.)𝙘𝙤𝙢/𝙂𝙤𝙙𝙊𝙛𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙧

✨ • 𝗘𝘅𝗰𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀: 𝙂𝙚𝙩 𝟲𝟬+ 𝙖𝙙𝙫𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙙 𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙥𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙖𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙤𝙛 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙚𝙡𝙨𝙚.