Chapter 71

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Chapter 71: Why Should I Surrender?

"In North Blue, the darkest is you, wearing the banner of justice!" In the dome meeting hall, the man's maniacal laughter kept echoing. "Our so-called giants of the underground world, the so-called giants of the dark forces... are all tools that you, Roger Darren, use to control North Blue!" His face muscles twitched ferociously as he shouted sharply, "You who hold high the banner of justice... are darker and more evil than all of us!"

Darren looked at the panting man quietly, his expression undisturbed by his words. He exhaled smoke like a dragon and said lightly, "This world is just like this."

This is the world of One Piece. Anime is always beautiful, full of elements such as freedom, dreams, passion, friendship, youth, and kindness. The adventures of the protagonist group are even more yearned for, which sounds very happy.

But actually, in the depths of the so-called hot-blooded world, great cruelty and coldness are hidden. The life of slaves is worse than death, civilians are displaced, pirates plunder freely, and the mafia is rampant. Celestial Dragons, the nobles of the world, are aloof and hold power like gods, executing civilians at will. Pirates eulogize freedom and dreams, but the rise in bounties is celebrated. The government is corrupt and greedy, and aristocratic politicians are intoxicated. The World Government has ruled the world for eight hundred years, holding unimaginably terrible cards in its hands. As for the Marines, who defend peace, they are seen as dogs in the hands of the government by many. The so-called justice is pale and powerless.

From the perspective of the protagonist group, the world itself is dark, bloody, and rotten. Darren saw the nature of the world early on. He can't change the world just yet. So he must be darker and more ruthless than anyone else.

Hearing Colonel Marine's blunt answer, the man was momentarily stunned. He was silent for a long time, gradually regained his composure, and suddenly said, "Based on the friendship we've had for many years, can you answer a question for me?" Darren nodded and said, "No problem." The man took a deep breath, fixed his eyes on Darren, and asked in a deep voice, "I want to know, who do you plan to hand over North Blue's underground world to after you've dealt with some of our old fellows?" Darren raised his head, stared straight at the chandelier on the dome, and said calmly, "Don Quixote Doflamingo."

The man was startled to hear the words, and then he laughed. He let out a long breath. "So that's how it is... so that's how it is..." He slowly sat up straight, buttoned his cuff buttons one by one, tidied up his slightly messy lapel collar suit, and stroked the back of his head. "Let's do it," he said with a smile.

Why should I surrender? The extremely sharp silk thread whizzed across the void, and the three mafia members charging forward with long swords were instantly cut by Lanyao. Intestinal viscera mixed with hot blood spilled on the ground in large swaths, and the faces of the three unfortunate ones were still frozen in astonishment, their pupils quickly dilating.

Doflamingo twitched his fingers, and a few drops of blood spattered his sunglasses. He moved on. Members of the Donquixote Family swarmed up from behind him, drew out their long swords, and like wolves entering a flock of sheep, turned the street red with blood.

Why should I surrender? Doflamingo looked at the bloody, hellish streets around him, watched the members of the Rodriguez family fall one by one, and saw his eyes under the sunglasses become restless. Suddenly, five more people jumped from the roof of the building on the left, slashing at him condescendingly with giant axes in their hands. The heavy sound of breaking through the air hit, and Doflamingo only needed to hook his fingers.

The mafia members seemed to be imprisoned by some force, losing control over their bodies.

"What's happening..."

"I can't move my body..."

"My hand..."

"What are you doing!?"

"Sorry, I didn't mean to! I can't control my body!"

Horrified exclamations filled the air as they watched their own bodies betray them, striking their partner's head with their weapons.

Laughs echoed as the weapons of the five struck simultaneously, creating a terrifying gash on the forehead from their partner's weapon. Blood poured out, and one by one, they twitched and slowly fell to the ground. The blood flowed ever more thickly.

I have the power to control the fate of everyone.

Doflamingo, with an indifferent look on his face, stepped forward. His String-String Fruit ability was in full effect, slicing and smashing everything with his sharp threads.

I am a born king.

I am a noble Celestial Dragon, descended from the creator.

All must bow before me.

This is my right.

Everyone should look at me with fear.

Yes, I believe that's correct.

Why would I surrender?

With a heavy wave of his hand, Doflamingo sent dozens of threads shooting out, forming a sharp whip that tore an armory of the Rodriguez family to pieces.

Boom!

A massive explosion erupted, sending a dark mushroom cloud into the sky. In the raging flames, members of the Rodriguez family who couldn't escape became burning figures, wailing woefully.

He said that North Blue's underworld was mine... But even without him, unifying North Blue's underground world would be easy for me.

I am destined to be the king of darkness.

Why should I surrender?

Bodies fell before him while the smiles and laughter of Trebol and the others echoed around, turning the world into purgatory.

Perhaps Trebol and the others were right.

Doflamingo moved toward the grand mansion, leaving chaos and suffering in his wake. A cruel smile slowly formed on his lips.

There is nothing more enjoyable than savoring the pain of others.

He began to tremble uncontrollably.

An incredible force erupted from him, causing his feathers to dance violently.

Gang members rolled their eyes and fainted.

With each mournful wail and mad laugh,

Doflamingo took unstoppable steps forward.

With each step, his Conqueror's Haki grew more violent.

The wind howled and the sky darkened.

Why should I surrender?

The Rodriguez family was just the first step; North Blue was too small for him. The Grand Line, New World, that's where he, Don Quixote Doflamingo, would truly shine.

The sea is for heroes, for rulers.

The cries and wailing dwindled.

Doflamingo paused, standing before a luxurious mansion.

—The North Blue underworld tycoon, leader of the Rodriguez family, Rodriguez Michael's villa.

Unwittingly, blood-scented Trebol and hundreds of Donquixote Family members rallied behind him.

They looked on with admiration and fanaticism at Doflamingo's figure.

That formidable back.

Doflamingo eyed the villa's gate, his sneer deepening.

Indeed.

No one can halt my ascent.

No one.

So... why should I surrender?

Doflamingo mused silently.

Then,

He took a deep breath, his eyes cruel and cold, and strode forward to push open the doors.

Squeak...

The heavy bronze doors creaked open, a dull sound marking their movement.

The smile on Doflamingo's face suddenly froze.