Chapter 108: Baby 5

"Damn it, what did you do to me...?"

Doflamingo may be stubborn, but even with his arms twisted in pain, he refuses to scream. The veins bulge on his skin, cold sweat drips down his face, and he can barely stand, his words stuttering through gritted teeth.

"Enough with the misleading words. You clearly know about my abilities. This isn't the first time I've done this – the third, to be exact."

"The first time, I reduced a Onigumo's bones to the fragility of crackers, shattering most of them."

"The second time, I turned one of Crocodile's minions into mud – his blade-like body couldn't withstand it."

"And now, you. I've altered your arms to behave like springs. You understand the concept, but your body remains flesh and blood. The result, as you see, is rather unpleasant."

"Remember our previous encounter? Garp and Sengoku never dared use direct attacks. They relied solely on Busoshoku Haki. Any idea why?"

Luo Ning's smile stretched across his face, sending shivers down spines despite its cheerful appearance. Who wouldn't be terrified by someone capable of such horrific acts while wearing a carefree grin?

"Oh, and there's one more thing I nearly forgot. Baby 5, I need your help. How about joining my side?"

Luo Ning's gaze swept over the figures behind Doflamingo, landing on a new target: Baby 5. As arguably the most brilliant strategist in the entire Pirate World, she could be a valuable asset. Of course, that hinges entirely on dealing with Doflamingo first. Many have attempted to sway her loyalty, only to be swiftly eliminated. Baby 5's strategic prowess is undeniable, but the obstacle of Doflamingo proves a formidable challenge.

Even Baby 5 herself harbored a sliver of resentment towards Doflamingo in this regard, which was rather peculiar. Later, with Lao G, they became an unlikely Beauty and the Beast duo.

"Really? You need me?!"

Baby 5's eyes lit up at that question, and she approached Luo Ning without hesitation.

"Baby 5!"

Witnessing this scene, everyone gritted their teeth slightly. While they understood Baby 5's personality, surrendering directly to the enemy was a bitter pill to swallow.

"That's right, I could use a maid around here. You're perfect!"

Luo Ning nodded, and Baby 5 simply followed him.

This development surprised no one present, not even Violet. She knew Baby 5's character all too well, but she never anticipated this tactic working at this critical moment.

However, Violet wasn't envious. After all, siding with Baby 5 required defeating Doflamingo and his crew, and she hadn't forgotten the fate of those who dared to oppose him recently.

In the end, no one dared to approach Baby 5, fearing Doflamingo's wrath.

Violet could have directly tried to sway Baby 5, but the likely outcome would be Doflamingo eliminating her. If she lacked the strength, attempting such a move would be a suicide mission.

Luo Ning, however, considered Doflamingo and his crew no threat whatsoever. Therefore, Luo Ning felt no need to remain.

"Excellent, I've achieved my objective. You can go now. Farewell!"

Luo Ning didn't intend to send Doflamingo and his crew to Impel Down; he simply killed them. Unlike their Devil Fruits, which held little interest for him (except for the Sugar's Hobi Hobi Fruit), eliminating them earned him some Freedom Points. However, these paled in comparison to his previous gains.

"The shadow that loomed over this country has been lifted with such ease!"

Violet felt a sense of unreality. After all, this was Doflamingo, a seemingly insurmountable obstacle she'd struggled against for so long. It wasn't that she hadn't desired to overthrow him, but her efforts were futile. Doflamingo's position as a Shichibukai made any attempt seem hopeless.

Now, this mountain of a figure simply vanished, gone in the most unexpected way.

"According to our agreement, I've eliminated them. As for King Riku, he's also in the country, along with your niece Rebecca. They'll find you soon."

"I'll contact Morgans to directly expose Donquixote Doflamingo's crimes, revealing his connection to Impel Down. As for you, I'll give you a few days to reunite with your family before heading to Impel Down to report."

"Your sole task will be to utilize your mind-reading ability on incoming prisoners and ensure their legitimacy. Release any innocent souls."

After Luo Ning finished speaking, Violet readily agreed. With such a powerful ally at her side, it would be foolish not to capitalize on the opportunity.

Just like that, Doflamingo and his crew were eliminated. Luo Ning then led everyone to the underground exchange, a major source of weaponry. This operation dealt a significant blow to Doflamingo's influence within the criminal underworld.

With Doflamingo's cadres gone, Violet and the others swiftly restored order. King Riku also emerged to help maintain stability.

The deserted underground exchange stood silent. Violet and her allies had eradicated Doflamingo's forces, prompting the remaining personnel to flee. Only Luo Ning and Sugar remained amidst the emptiness. The dwarves, fortunately, had been relocated.

While the dwarves possessed a healer named Mansherry, her abilities wouldn't be of any use to Luo Ning. Though undeniably valuable in the One Piece world, self-healing was a concept Luo Ning could effortlessly imagine for himself, far surpassing anything Mansherry could offer.

"Let's begin!"

Luo Ning focused his imagination on fruits, and a vibrant spectacle unfolded. The entire exchange floor transformed into a sea of various fruits, filling every crevice of the stage.

With a decisive move, Luo Ning eliminated Sugar. Beneath the expansive base, true to his expectations, the childlike fruit materialized beside him. However, another fruit materialized alongside it.

"What a stroke of luck. Did the devil fruit user's death trigger the fruit's regeneration amidst this pile?"

Luo Ning stared at the fruit in his hand, a hint of surprise in his eyes. Having consulted the Devil Fruit encyclopedia, he recognized it as a Zoan-type fruit, and not a particularly desirable one.

"Oh well, a windfall nonetheless, even if it's useless to me."

Luo Ning pocketed the fruit.