Chapter 54

The merging of our souls had unlocked a side of me that I had long thought was buried alongside the old Rosinante, a side that yearned for justice and compassion in a world consumed by chaos. It was a revelation that left me feeling both liberated and utterly lost.

After composing myself, I made a decision. Even though I was Ross, an occasional act of kindness might be able to keep Rosinante's feelings in check and prevent me from succumbing to these newfound emotions. So, I led the kids back to the Marine ship, Garp looking utterly dumbfounded by my actions.

"What are you looking at, Garp-san? Haven't you seen war orphans before?" I asked him, a touch of sarcasm lacing my words as I helped the children board the warship. I knew that with the children on Garp's ship, they would find safety and perhaps even a new life. It was a small gesture, but it was the least I could do in a world torn apart by conflict and cruelty. And for now, it was enough.

After settling the kids, I returned to my excursion. I was confident in my strength, and even when I was targeted by pirates or rebels, I cut them without mercy.

As I ventured deeper into the heart of the city, my senses were assailed by the stench of death and the sounds of chaos. In the town square, a brutal spectacle unfolded before my eyes. A group of more than hundreds of rebels, their hands bound and faces etched with a mix of emotions, were lined up against a weathered wall, the harsh sunlight casting long shadows across the cobblestones. However, what caught my attention was not the ongoing execution but a man who was hidden beneath a dark cloak, watching the ongoing execution with rage and confusion.

It was none other than Dragon who had disguised himself to witness the true horror of this so called rebellion. Dragon watched in horror as the tyrant's soldiers, their faces obscured by helmets and their weapons gleaming in the sunlight, aimed their rifles at the rebels. The tension in the air was palpable, a silent prelude to the impending violence.

"Please, have mercy!" One of the rebels cried out, his voice filled with desperation as he pleaded for his life.

"Bang! Bang!...Bang!"

But his words fell on deaf ears as the soldiers opened fire without hesitation, the crack of gunfire echoing through the square. The rebels, caught off guard and defenseless, were cut down in a hail of bullets, their bodies slumping to the ground in a grotesque display of carnage. The crowd, comprised of terrified civilians and impassive onlookers, watched in stunned silence as the massacre unfolded before them.

Some turned away in horror, unable to bear witness to the senseless bloodshed, while others stood frozen in shock, their faces drained of color. Amidst the chaos, Dragon felt a surge of rage and helplessness wash over him. These were innocent people, their only crime being the desire for freedom from oppression.

Yet, they were being slaughtered like animals by those who wielded power without mercy or remorse. As the gunfire subsided and the square fell silent once more, Dragon knew that he couldn't stand idly by and watch as more innocent lives were lost to the tyranny of the oppressors.

With grim determination, he prepared to take action, knowing that the fight for justice would be a long and arduous one. But it was a fight worth undertaking, for the sake of those who had been silenced by the brutality of war. 

Just as Dragon was about to take action, I placed my palm on his shoulder, gripping it tightly to prevent him from acting impulsively. Dragon was so lost in rage that he had even let his guard down, allowing me to approach him without being detected.

"Not yet, Dragon-san, not yet," I whispered urgently, exerting all my strength to restrain him. "You are not yet strong enough to challenge the structure of this world. Ideals are well and good, but you will need absolute power to challenge the true evil of this world. Don't lose your composure in a moment of impulse. There are Marine soldiers around, and they will surely recognize you if you do something rash."

As I spoke, I could sense a faint flicker of Haoshoku Haki budding within Dragon, a testament to the immense strength and potential he possessed. It was clear that the World Government feared those from the D. clan for a reason, and Dragon was no exception.

"Ross, let me go. I need to do something about this." Dragon gritted his teeth, his voice tinged with urgency as he struggled against my firm grip. Only the chaos within him helped me restrain him; otherwise, he would have easily broken free.

"You would only doom yourself and these people, Dragon-san. Have you forgotten what I have told you before? The decision you make in anger will only ruin your goal," I whispered urgently, my words a desperate plea to prevent him from making a reckless move. I wanted him to become a revolutionary, not a prisoner locked away in Impel Down because he couldn't control his impulses.

Luckily for me, my words seemed to have struck a chord within him. He slightly calmed down and gazed at the ongoing execution in the square without making any sudden movements. Though his eyes burned with righteous fury, he seemed to understand the wisdom in my words, if only for the moment.

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In a secluded port town in the North Blue, the docks bustled with activity as various ships docked, most of them belonging to the Mafia families of the West Blue region's five powerful families. The entire island was firmly under the control of the Western Mafia, but Doflamingo had plans to disrupt the status quo. With his rapid expansion efforts aiming to extend his influence over the entire North Blue and beyond, tensions were high among the underground factions.

Recent developments, particularly the booming weapons trade in the first half of the Grand Line, had rattled the other criminal organizations. Feeling threatened by Doflamingo's growing power, the five families of the west had arranged a meeting, but it was a trap intended to eliminate Doflamingo and his family once and for all.

The release of Young Doflamingo's latest bounty, exceeding 200 million Belly, only added fuel to their determination to eliminate the young upstart before he became unstoppable. Investing heavily in their plan, they stocked up on seastone bullets and assembled all their devil fruit users, ready to strike and end the Doflamingo threat once and for all.

Amidst the flurry of activity at the port, Doflamingo, accompanied by his loyal subordinate Senor, observed the numerous ships docked along the harbor. Each vessel represented a faction eager to see his downfall, their intentions clear as day.

"Hehehehe, it seems we've gathered quite the welcoming committee, haven't we?" Doflamingo remarked with a smirk, his eyes scanning the docks with a sense of amusement tinged with danger. "I wonder how many of these fools will leave this place breathing after today."

Senor, standing by his master's side in his pristine white suit, nodded in agreement. "None, Master Doflamingo. We shall ensure that every last one of them meets their end here today," he vowed, his voice carrying a hint of disdain for their cowardly tactics. Despite his own criminal background, Senor held himself to a code of conduct, one that respected honor and proper standards of behavior. And while he might have found himself on the wrong side of the law, he couldn't help but admire the Donquixote family's adherence to their own principles.

Deep down, Senor was eager to meet the one who had aided Doflamingo in achieving their current status— their young master, Ross. He had heard whispers of Ross's exploits and his influence within the family, and Senor couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation at the prospect of meeting the enigmatic figure who held such sway over their fortunes.

As their imposing galleon approached the dock, it dwarfed the surrounding vessels, a testament to the Donquixote family's wealth and power. Wolf, the mastermind behind its modifications, had spared no expense in ensuring its superiority. With its enhanced speed and formidable defenses, it was a force to be reckoned with, capable of outmaneuvering even the most advanced marine warships.

For the meeting ahead, Doflamingo had chosen Diamante and Senor as his companions, adhering to the strict two-aide limit imposed by the gathering's organizers. With over a hundred influential figures from various criminal organizations in attendance, including assassin guilds and underworld syndicates, security was a paramount concern. There was even speculation of government agents lurking among the attendees, adding an extra layer of tension to the proceedings. The seemingly ordinary town, upon closer inspection, teemed with illicit activities, with even its civilian population entangled in the web of darkness.

"Doffy, all preparations have been made, including the jamming snails you requested," Diamante reported, seeking clarity on their approach to handling the civilian populace. "Shall we spare them this time?"

Dofflamingo pondered for a moment before delivering his decree with unwavering resolve. "If we are to send a message to the world, we must show no mercy. They provoked us first, and we've already suffered losses. Those who perished will not have died in vain. Let these souls join them in the afterlife, wherever it may lead."

His words carried the weight of authority, a stark reminder of the consequences of challenging the Donquixote family's supremacy. Today's events would serve as a grim warning to anyone who dared to cross them in the future, ensuring that their power remained unchallenged.

As the ship glided smoothly into the port, they were greeted by representatives of the Five Families of the West, a clear indication of the significance of the upcoming meeting. Typically, such high-profile gatherings took place in neutral territories, but Doflamingo understood that the Five Families must have pulled strings to host it on an island under their complete control.

It was a cunning move on their part, aiming to catch their rivals off guard within their own territory. However, any organization worth its salt wouldn't be foolish enough to fall for such an obvious ploy. The target of the meeting was clear: the Donquixote family. With tensions running high and the stakes even higher, Doflamingo knew they were walking into a trap, one that they were more than prepared to face head-on.

As the representatives of the Five Families of the West approached, their demeanor was outwardly polite, yet beneath the veneer of civility lurked an undercurrent of tension. Dofflamingo, with his trademark grin, greeted them with an air of nonchalance, though his eyes betrayed a hint of amusement at their thinly veiled threats.

"Greetings, Donquixote Doflamingo," one of the representatives began, his voice smooth but laced with an unmistakable edge. "We are honored by your presence at this gathering."

Doflamingo returned the greeting with a mock bow. "Ah, the honor is all mine, I assure you. It's not every day I have the pleasure of meeting with the esteemed Five Families of the West."

The exchange was cordial, yet each word carried a subtle warning, a reminder of the power dynamics at play. The representatives made it clear that only two individuals from each attending faction would be permitted entry to the venue, while the rest would have to remain either in the town or on their own ships.

"And what, pray tell, is the reason for such strict restrictions?" Doflamingo inquired, his tone light but with a hint of mischief. "Planning to off me under the guise of a meeting, are we?"

The representative faltered for a moment, his composure slipping, but he quickly regained his footing. "Rest assured, Donquixote-sama, the Five Families have their honor," he replied stiffly, though the unease in his voice was palpable.

The venue itself was an imposing gothic-style building, its towering spires reaching towards the heavens like silent sentinels guarding over the proceedings within. Inside, the interior was adorned with ornate carvings and intricate tapestries, a testament to its rich heritage and storied past.