Chapter 23

Sengoku's perfunctory demeanor towards Xilan stirred a natural sense of discontent within him.

However, recognizing Sengoku as his immediate superior, Xilan knew he had to maintain a semblance of respect.

The warship, undeterred by wind and waves, forged its path across the vast sea towards the distant horizon.

As the islands gradually came into focus, it was likely that Doflamingo had already caught wind of their impending arrival.

Among the astute operatives under his command was Violet, who provided valuable reports.

"Young master, according to Violet's intelligence, Marine Admiral Red Dragon has arrived and is expected to make landfall on the shores of Dressrosa's West Blue in approximately half an hour," Trebol stated cryptically within the opulent halls of the palace.

Confusion engulfed the gathering, for Marine had not issued any prior notice of an imminent visitation.

"What could this be about?" Doflamingo muttered to himself, pondering the matter at length but failing to discern its purpose.

"Oh well, it doesn't matter. After all, I am a Shichibukai, and the blood of Celestial Dragons still flows within my veins. What harm can that old man inflict upon me?" Doflamingo reclined upon his throne, indulging in the leisurely consumption of a fine wine, his spirits buoyed.

In truth, his statement held some merit. The Marines were prohibited from attacking the Shichibukai, let alone considering his unique standing among the ranks of pirates.

As for the notion of execution, it hadn't even crossed Doflamingo's mind.

Half an hour later, Xilan made his descent.

In a display of diplomatic grace, Doflamingo, aware of the proprieties, personally led his retinue to welcome Xilan and extend an invitation to the palace for his entertainment.

However, an unpleasant incident unfolded during this period.

"What is the meaning of this?!" Doflamingo seethed with fury, his gaze fixed upon Xilan, who sat upon the throne, igniting a fiery anger within him.

It was permissible for his superior, the Black Dragon, to occupy that seat, but anyone else... absolutely not!

Xilan regarded Doflamingo with a piqued interest. "Are you not content, Doflamingo? Your clandestine alliance with the Black Dragon has been laid bare. The Five Elders and Marshal Sengoku have dispatched me to execute you," he declared, taking a sip of his tea and discreetly observing Doflamingo from the corner of his eye.

"Execute me?!" Doflamingo exclaimed, startled by the prospect. While it was inevitable that secrets would eventually be exposed, the idea of execution came as a shocking revelation.

"Those old geezers, are they not afraid that I will divulge the secret of the Great Secret Treasure?" Doflamingo contorted his face, his eyes darting about with uncertainty.

"Listen closely, you fool. Your execution shall be conducted covertly, with no secrets escaping into the realm of the living," Xilan scrutinized Doflamingo intently, finding it peculiar that, beyond his anger, there was not a trace of fear on the man's countenance.

Xilan was taken aback by this unwavering confidence. Did Doflamingo truly believe he could escape his clutches unscathed? "Ah, well... Would you prefer to meet your demise on your own terms, or shall I do the honors myself?" Xilan first yawned and then asked casually.

"Old man, do you dare challenge my authority?" Doflamingo retorted without hesitation, straightening his posture as he mockingly spoke, "Since my affiliation with the Black Dragon has been revealed, I see no reason to conceal it any longer. You should be well aware of who stands behind me!"

"That Black Dragon, the one with a bounty of 4.1 billion berries, single-handedly decimated Impel Down. Even you Marines are powerless against him!" Doflamingo produced a black phone bug and sneered, "Xilan, you're just an elderly man in his seventies. With a single phone call from me, the Black Dragon will come and eliminate you instantly. You won't even realize that you've walked right into my trap, will you? The one who should be trembling in fear is you!"

Upon hearing these words, Xilan's expression grew even more peculiar. Killing myself? As in taking my own life?

"Then go ahead, make the call. Summon the Black Dragon immediately. But let me remind you, don't regret it later."

Xilan maintained a stoic demeanor, closing his eyes calmly.

"Old man, you were undeniably formidable in your prime. Together with Garp, you were known as the 'Marine Double Wall,' a legendary presence," Doflamingo acknowledged. "However, those were bygone decades. In this sea, there are only a select few who can challenge the Black Dragon, and you are not among them. Now... prepare to meet your end."

Without further ado, Doflamingo dialed the phone bug.

Blue, blue!

The phone bug nestled in Xilan's possession began to ring, and Doflamingo regarded it with suspicion.

Xilan retrieved a pitch-black phone bug from his own pocket, causing Doflamingo to rub his eyes in disbelief as he looked down at his own device—it was an exact replica.

"You also use this type of phone bug?" Doflamingo exclaimed, evidently caught off guard by the revelation that the Red Dragon and the Black Dragon were one and the same.

It was not his fault, for such a notion appeared preposterous. How could the legendary Admiral of the Marines also be one of the most notorious 'pirates' in history?

"A dimwit, aren't you?" Xilan regarded Doflamingo with a mixture of disbelief and amusement. Once a shrewd individual, the current state of his scrambled thoughts was rather perplexing.

"Joker, is there a chance that the person you called might be me?"

"I could be your elder brother," Xilan playfully suggested, winking at Doflamingo as he leisurely retrieved a cigar with his right hand.

Crossing his legs, he savored the act of smoking, emanating an air of sheer contentment.

Doflamingo stood frozen, resembling a statue, utterly motionless.

Could it be that the Red Dragon and the Black Dragon were one and the same?

Once this news reached the world, chaos would ensue!

"Open your eyes wide and behold," Xilan commanded, as scales began to emerge on his skin—ebony in hue and radiating a metallic sheen.

These scales interlocked upon his body, akin to a suit of impenetrable armor, leaving no gaps exposed. From his head sprouted sharp horns, completing his transformation.

"You... you... you are brother Black Dragon?!" Doflamingo exclaimed with a strange cry, swiftly dropping to his knees.

An icy shiver ran down his spine. How could he have previously regarded Xilan as an antiquated Admiral?

Folly!

…

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