chapter 16

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The town bustled with life, its port crowded with ships of all shapes and sizes. Along the dock, sailors and merchants moved with purpose, their chatter mingling with the clatter of crates and ropes.

"It's ironic," Nia said, her voice tinged with bitterness. "This place thrives on pirate power, yet it's more prosperous than most towns."

She had wandered through countless port towns in recent years, but few could rival Speda Miles. Even major nations only had a handful of port cities that could compare.

"We're not pirates, so we're fine here," Neru said confidently as he directed Pekin and Xiaqi to dock their ship. "No one dares cause trouble on Don Quixote territory."

After paying the docking fee to the port manager, Neru joined the group with a smirk. "It's funny. We're here to stir up trouble for the Don Quixote family, yet we just helped protect their interests by parking our ship."

"Don't worry," he added, "we'll take that fee back from them soon enough."

As the group made their way into town, they noticed the overwhelming presence of the Don Quixote family. Their logo adorned the walls of the dock's management office, and nearly every store bore the emblem. The family seemed to control every aspect of the town's commerce.

"What's the plan, Rhodes?" someone asked, all eyes turning to their captain.

Rhodes' gaze fixed on a grand manor at the center of the town, its flag flying high—a blatant symbol of Don Quixote's dominance.

"We go to war," he said coldly.

His eyes never left the manor as he gave the order. "Neru, send them a greeting."

"Got it."

The crack of a gunshot rang out, and the Don Quixote family flag fell, its pole shattered in half. The townspeople froze, their faces pale with fear.

---

Fifteen Minutes Earlier

Inside the manor's side building, a tall, thin man hunched over a table, laughing maniacally.

"Lord Edorard Manudo," a lackey said cautiously, bowing low as he entered the room. "There's someone who claims to be Lord Doflamingo's most loyal admirer. He insists on meeting you to deliver important information."

Manudo didn't lift his head. "Do you know how many people want to suck up to that man? If I met them all, I wouldn't have time to do my actual job. Or maybe I should say his job—since I'm just his dog, after all."

His canine-like face stretched into a grin as he licked the melting ice cream in his hand.

The lackey nodded quickly. "Understood. I'll send him away."

Manudo's demeanor shifted in an instant, his towering form casting a shadow over the lackey. "You just called me a dog, didn't you?"

"N-no, I didn't!" the lackey stammered, shaking his head in terror.

Manudo tossed a bowl at his feet. "Lick it clean."

The lackey dropped to the floor without hesitation, frantically licking the bowl while Manudo turned to another subordinate.

"Bring the guy in. If his information's useless, he'll be licking plates for a month."

"Yes, sir!" The second lackey dashed out, visibly relieved to have escaped his wrath.

Moments later, Sachis entered, his excitement barely contained. After weeks of effort, he had finally managed to secure a meeting. His desperation to save Bellamy, his captured captain, had driven him to Speda Miles to plead for the Don Quixote family's help.

"Lord Manudo," Sachis began, bowing deeply. "I'm Sachis, here to report a matter of great importance. A group of arrogant fools is trying to encroach on the Don Quixote family's interests."

He detailed their encounter with Rhodes and his crew, from their failed attempt to stop the Felker family's arms deal to Bellamy's capture. As he spoke, he handed over sketches of Rhodes and his companions.

Manudo glanced at the drawings, then back at Sachis. "So, let me get this straight. You want me to rescue your captain, Bellamy, while also dealing with these intruders?"

Sachis hesitated. "I mainly wish to warn you of the threat to the Don Quixote family. Our crew was too weak to handle them, but with your strength, I believe you can protect the family's interests. Of course, if Bellamy could be saved in the process, we'd be forever loyal."

Manudo leaned forward, his towering presence suffocating. "I've seen plenty of rats like you—hiding behind the family's banner, using its power for personal gain. Do you know what happens to them?"

Sachis froze as Manudo's piercing gaze bore into him.

"Do you think I can't see through you?" Manudo growled. "There's a reason I'm the family's enforcer in the North Blue."

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