Chapter 248

A bone-chilling cold laughter echoed throughout the tent, slicing through the tense atmosphere like a blade. Elder Saturn's frown deepened as Doflamingo's laughter continued, a sound that seemed to mock the very authority that Saturn represented.

"After all this time, you ask me this question, Elder Saturn?" Doflamingo's voice was laced with derision, his eyes gleaming with a dangerous mix of amusement and rage. "So, what do I want? What I want is not something that can be given to me; it's something only I can seize with my own two hands." He paused, the smirk on his face widening.

"Remember what I told you back then, when I was captured? I told you to kill me then and there. But no, you chose to use me to stroke your ego. That was your only chance to ever lay a hand on me, Elder Saturn. But now… that ship has long sailed."

The taunting in Doflamingo's voice was palpable, a sharp blade of contempt directed at one of the most powerful figures in the world. Yet, beneath the mocking tone, there was a seething fury, a deep-seated hatred born from the months of torment he had endured as a captive in the Holy Land. Those dark days had taught him everything he needed to know—and more.

But instead of rising to the bait, Elder Saturn's frown morphed into a smirk, cold and calculating. "Then you shouldn't have come here to meet me without your brother. So tell me, Doflamingo, what's stopping me from killing you here and now?"

In an instant, the atmosphere shifted as Elder Saturn's Conqueror's Haki erupted, tearing apart the massive tent. The sheer force of his will rippled outward, stirring the seas into a frenzy as the very air seemed to vibrate with power. This was no idle threat—Saturn was genuinely contemplating whether he should end Doflamingo's life right then and there.

Despite the overwhelming force bearing down on him, Doflamingo held his ground. His own Conqueror's Haki flared in response, clashing against the Elder's will. The air crackled with energy as the two immense wills collided, creating a cataclysmic reaction that resonated across the entire island.

"Fufufufufu!!!" Doflamingo's laughter rang out once more, defiant and unyielding. "Did you truly think I would be foolish enough to walk into the lion's den without proper preparation?" His smirk deepened, and though Saturn's Haki was pressing down on him with the weight of a mountain, there was no fear in Doflamingo's eyes—only a calculated defiance that sent a chill down the spines of the observing CP0 agents.

Elder Saturn's eyes narrowed, the smirk fading slightly as a flicker of uncertainty crossed his mind. Despite pushing back Doflamingo's Haki, the young man stood firm, unyielding. And the blind swordsman at Doflamingo's side remained unmoved, seemingly unconcerned about the intense clash of wills occurring mere inches away from him. It was as if they both knew something that Saturn did not.

Then, suddenly, Elder Saturn's Observation Haki detected a massive presence on the bow of Doflamingo's ship. It was a presence unlike anything he had ever felt—an overwhelming aura that hung in the air like a predator poised to strike. One wrong move, and Saturn knew that this presence would descend upon him like the blade of an executioner.

Elder Saturn's eyes widened involuntarily, his gaze shifting towards Doflamingo's ship. The sudden, ominous sound of footsteps echoed through the air, each step deliberate and unhurried, as if the one approaching had all the time in the world.

"Tap… Tap… Tap…"

The footsteps grew louder, the tension in the air thickening with each step. The CP0 agents, normally stoic and unshakeable, felt a cold sweat bead on their foreheads as they turned their attention to the ship. The very atmosphere seemed to darken, a primal fear gnawing at their nerves as they awaited the source of this dreadful presence.

And then, from the shadows of the ship, a figure emerged. His golden blonde hair with streaks of silver hair shimmered under the pale light, his presence like that of a primordial beast awakening from a deep slumber. The Dark King, Silvers Rayleigh.

His Conqueror's Haki, ancient and potent, rolled out in waves, pushing back the massive ships of the World Government as if they were mere toys. The hulls of the ships creaked and groaned under the pressure, and the very island itself seemed to shudder in response to his arrival.

The sheer magnitude of Rayleigh's presence was suffocating. The CP0 agents, despite their strength and discipline, found themselves struggling to breathe under the weight of his aura. It was as if the world itself was bowing to the will of the Dark King.

Even Elder Saturn, a man whose will had never been truly tested, felt the inexorable pressure pushing back his own Haki, inch by inch. Each step Rayleigh took was like a hammer driving nails into the coffin of anyone foolish enough to stand against him. The distance between the ship and the tent was vast, yet with a single, effortless leap, Rayleigh crossed it in an instant, landing gracefully beside Doflamingo.

The ground beneath him barely registered the impact, yet the sheer force of his presence sent shockwaves through the gathered forces. Rayleigh, calm and composed, walked forward with the confidence of a man who knew that he was a living legend—a force of nature that could not be tamed.

Doflamingo's smirk widened as Rayleigh took the last empty chair beside him, settling into it with a casual ease that belied the immense power he wielded. The close proximity of the Dark King sent a clear message to Elder Saturn—a warning that even he could not ignore.

Elder Saturn, for the first time in a long while, felt a tremor of uncertainty. The Dark King, Silvers Rayleigh, was not just a legend—he was a reality, one that could threaten even the likes of an Elder. The two men before him, Doflamingo and Rayleigh, represented an alliance that could shake the very foundations of the world.

The air was thick with unspoken tension, a palpable electricity crackling between them as Rayleigh's calm gaze met Saturn's. In that moment, the Elder realized that this was no ordinary confrontation. The presence of Rayleigh had turned this meeting into something far more dangerous—an encounter that could tip the balance of power in ways that the World Government had not anticipated.

Elder Saturn's voice was a low growl, barely containing his anger and frustration. "Silvers Rayleigh...! We had a deal."

Rayleigh, the legendary Dark King, responded with the same calmness as if he were merely chatting with a neighbor about the weather. "Yes, we did," he said, his tone nonchalant and almost dismissive.

Elder Saturn's eyes narrowed, his keen mind racing to assess the situation. "So why are you here? And more importantly, why are you here with Doflamingo? I recall there should be no connections between you two. Are you planning to return to your pirate ways, Rayleigh?"

The tension in the tent was palpable. Saturn was a man accustomed to power and control, but now, faced with the presence of the Dark King, even he felt the need to tread carefully. If it had been just Doflamingo and the blind swordsman, Elder Saturn might have fancied his chances.

Perhaps he could have eliminated Doflamingo and even captured Rosinante, were he here. But with Rayleigh seated across from him, all of his calculations and plans had to be scrapped. This was a scenario he had not anticipated, and now, even he had to acknowledge the gravity of the situation.

Saturn knew that Rayleigh held a deep-seated grudge against the World Government for executing Roger and many of his old crewmates after the Pirate King's death. When Rayleigh had resurfaced after the massacre at Amazon Lily, the World Government had not hesitated to strike a deal with him, knowing that keeping such a powerful figure out of the fray was in their best interest.

But now, seeing Rayleigh here, side by side with one of the most dangerous and ambitious pirates in the New World, filled Saturn with a rare sense of unease.

Rayleigh's presence complicated everything. The Dark King's reappearance wasn't just a threat; it was a signal that the delicate balance of power in the world was at risk. With Big Mom and Shiki gone, the Donquixote Pirates were poised to ascend to the ranks of the Emperors of the New World.

And if Rayleigh were to join forces with Doflamingo, it would be a catastrophe for the World Government. Doflamingo's burning hatred for the Celestial Dragons, combined with Rayleigh's unmatched power and his knowledge about the World, could spell doom for everything the World Government had built.

Rayleigh's eyes glinted with a knowing light as he observed Saturn's unease. The Elder was a man who rarely showed fear, but Rayleigh could see the subtle signs—the tightening of his jaw, the slight furrow in his brow.

Rayleigh leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms casually as if he hadn't a care in the world. But the weight of his presence was suffocating, a constant reminder of the legendary power that lay dormant within him, ready to be unleashed at a moment's notice.

The presence of Rayleigh—Roger's right-hand man, the Dark King—changed everything. This was a man whose very name struck fear into the hearts of even the most powerful.

Rayleigh shifted slightly in his chair, casually placing the sheathed blade to his side, a simple action that somehow made him seem even more imposing.

"Don't be so quick to assume my motives, Saturn," he said, his voice calm but carrying an underlying edge that could not be ignored.

"I'm simply here to sightsee. As long as you uphold your side of the bargain, we have nothing to worry about. However, I'd strongly suggest you refrain from disturbing Dressrosa. That's where I've made my new home, and I don't take kindly to unpleasant guests, especially not people like you, Saturn."

The threat was delivered so casually, but it was unmistakable. The message was clear: if the World Government made any move against the Kingdom of Dressrosa, they wouldn't just face the wrath of the Donquixote family—they would have to contend with the Dark King himself.

Doflamingo's smirk widened, clearly reveling in the tension that crackled between the two titans. He leaned forward slightly, his fingers steepled together as he added, "Fufufufu! Elder Saturn, you're worried about the wrong things. The world isn't as black and white as you'd like to believe. The balance of power is shifting, and you ensured that when you exposed the Ancient Weapon."

Despite Doflamingo's repeated jabs, Elder Saturn maintained his composure. It was commendable—most would have been enraged by now, but Saturn was made of sterner stuff.

"In that case," Elder Saturn began, his voice cold and calculating, "both of you should know better than anyone what an Ancient Weapon is capable of. So, tell me, what's stopping me from razing your precious little kingdom, just as we did with the Sorbet Kingdom?"

A sinister smirk tugged at Saturn's lips. He knew that even someone like Rayleigh couldn't contend with the might of an Ancient Weapon. Now that it had been revealed to the world, its mere presence was a deterrent, a symbol of the World Government's unassailable power.

But the reaction he expected never came. Rayleigh's expression shifted slightly, becoming more serious, but Doflamingo remained unfazed, his smirk growing into a wide, almost feral grin.

"Fufufufu! So you plan to threaten me with that, Elder Saturn? Tell me, how much life is left in that old relic? My best guess is that you can fire it maybe another half a dozen times at best. So tell me, Elder, have you thought about the consequences once the power source of your Ancient Weapon runs dry? What then?"

Elder Saturn's blood froze. The smug confidence drained from his face, replaced by a mask of sheer terror. How could Doflamingo possibly know this? The true condition of the Ancient Weapon was a closely guarded secret, known only to a handful of the most elite members of the World Government, himself included.

Even Rayleigh, who had seen and experienced more than most men could imagine, widened his eyes in surprise. He knew of the Ancient Weapon the World Government had wielded, and he knew of another, hidden away, its location a mystery even to the Government.

But this information—this startling revelation—shook even the Dark King. How far did the reach of the young man beside him extend? Rayleigh had always respected the Donquixote brothers for their refusal to ask him about the information he held, information that could have made them kings of the world. They had always sought to carve out their own path, without relying on secrets from the past.

Yet, before the shock could fully settle in, Doflamingo spoke again, his voice cutting through the tension like a blade.

"And the weapon you possess isn't the only Ancient Weapon capable of destroying the world, Elder Saturn. Who knows? After all these years, perhaps someone has already reclaimed the weapon developed in Water 7 centuries ago. Maybe, just maybe, my little brother is taking a jolly ride on that very weapon, strolling around your precious Holy Land. I wonder… could Mary Geoise truly defend against the might of an Ancient Weapon? Or should I say, would your esteemed Imu-sama be able to overpower such a force?"

As Doflamingo finished speaking, Elder Saturn's rage boiled over. His body partially transformed into his fearsome Yokai form, one arm morphing into a deadly spider leg, poised to strike Doflamingo down where he sat. But before the blow could land, Rayleigh moved with blinding speed, his blade flashing out and stopping the attack mid-air. The force of the clash was immense, but Rayleigh didn't let the Elder's attack move even an inch forward.

Elder Saturn's eyes were bloodshot, filled with fury and something else—regret. He regretted every second he hadn't taken to eliminate this menace when he had the chance.

"Seems like the Elder truly wants to test whether your esteemed Imu-sama is invincible after all," Doflamingo said, his tone casual, as if he weren't inches away from death. He reached into his coat pocket, pulling out a transponder snail.

Elder Saturn's mind raced with a million possibilities. Was Doflamingo truly telling the truth? Had the Donquixote brothers really found the second Ancient Weapon? He knew about Poseidon, but could it be possible that they had found a mermaid with Poseidon's abilities? No, that couldn't be.

Despite not having direct control over Fishman Island, the Government had operatives in place, monitoring the situation. But Doflamingo had mentioned Water 7—the place where Pluton had been created. If Doflamingo knew this, could he have knowledge of Pluton as well?

Elder Saturn felt as though he were standing on the edge of a precipice, unsure whether Doflamingo was bluffing or if he truly held such devastating power. Could he afford to test a madman like Doflamingo? If the brothers had indeed found the Ancient Weapon lost since the Void Century, the consequences would be catastrophic.

He knew the madman sitting in front of him would not hesitate to use it against the World Government. Sweat beaded on Saturn's brow as he reverted back to his regular form, trying to compose himself. The power dynamics had shifted, and for the first time in a long while, Elder Saturn felt genuinely threatened.

Rayleigh let out a hearty laugh, his voice booming through the tent. "Hahahaha! Who would have thought that even the Elders could be backed into a corner like this? You're something else, young man. No wonder Ross-kun asked me to be here. I would have missed such a wonderful spectacle."

He sheathed his blade with a casual flick, the tension easing ever so slightly. But the message was clear: the World Government was no longer the only force capable of shaking the world. And as Doflamingo sat back with a satisfied grin, Elder Saturn couldn't shake the feeling that the age of their uncontested rule was drawing to a close.

Elder Saturn's voice trembled with a mix of anger and disbelief as he hissed, "You're bluffing. There's no way what you said is true..." His grip tightened around the staff he was holding, knuckles white with tension.

The power dynamic had shifted. Where once the World Government had stood as an untouchable monolith, now it felt as though they were in the light, exposed, while Doflamingo lurked in the shadows, pulling strings only he could see.

Elder Saturn had long known that the Donquixote brothers were aware of Imu-sama's existence, but what Doflamingo was revealing now went far beyond anything he could have anticipated.

These were secrets known only to a select few within the Holy Land—knowledge that, if exposed, could unravel the very foundations of the World Government. The idea of Imu-sama being revealed to the world was unthinkable.

The moment the world realized the Empty Throne wasn't empty, chaos would ensue. And in a world on fire, with madmen like Doflamingo and his brother stirring the flames, there was no telling how the conflict would end.

Even during the war against the Ancient Kingdom, victory had been won through a confluence of favorable factors. But now, the enemy was hidden in shadows, their reach unknown, their motives inscrutable.

"Fufufufu!" Doflamingo's laugh was a low, mocking chuckle. "Which part exactly are you referring to, Elder Saturn? The part where your ancient weapon is running out of its power source, or the part where I might or might not have Pluton under my control?" His voice trailed off, daring the Elder to call his bluff.

But Elder Saturn did not dare. Even the slightest possibility that Doflamingo was telling the truth would spell doom for the World Government. He could feel his pulse quickening as the implications sank in. The confidence he once held so firmly was eroding, piece by piece, under Doflamingo's relentless assault.

"What do you want, Doflamingo?" Saturn asked, trying to regain control of the situation. "Do you truly want to go to war with the World Government? Remember, once an all-out conflict starts, you will have nowhere to hide. You will have nothing to gain and everything to lose." His voice was laced with an intimidating edge, hoping to rattle Doflamingo, to make him reconsider.

But Doflamingo's smirk only grew wider. He leaned forward, his eyes gleaming with a dangerous resolve. "You seem to have forgotten, Elder. I embraced death a long time ago. If I'm not willing to stake my life in pursuit of my goal, what kind of man would I be? The real question is—do you truly want to know how far I'm willing to go to achieve my goal?"

Elder Saturn felt a cold chill run down his spine. He had encountered many enemies over the years—pirates, revolutionaries, even rogue marines—but Doflamingo was something else entirely.

A man who had nothing to lose was a man to be feared. Yet, Saturn was not without his own cards to play. He straightened, his expression shifting from fear to something more calculating.

"You... why are you doing this?" Elder Saturn asked, his voice tinged with a mix of curiosity and desperation. "You have the blood of a Celestial Dragon running through your veins, whether you like it or not. Even now, you can have it all. Our offer still stands—as long as you're willing to join us, you can have this world."

Rayleigh, who had been watching the exchange silently, frowned. The offer was tempting, far more tempting than anything he had expected. For someone who had fallen from grace, who had been cast out and hunted, to be offered a chance not just to reclaim his former status but something far beyond that—it was an offer that could sway even the most steadfast of men.

Doflamingo, however, only laughed harder, his voice dripping with scorn. "Fufufufu! Do you take me for a fool, Elder Saturn? You think I'd be enticed by such an offer? To trade my freedom, my ambitions, for the empty promise of power? You must be desperate if you believe I'd fall for such a pathetic bribe."

His eyes narrowed, and his voice dropped to a dangerous whisper. "You've never understood me, Saturn. Power means nothing to me if it's handed to me on a silver platter. I take what I want with my own two hands. I carve out my own path. And I'll burn this world to the ground before I let anyone, especially you, dictate my fate."

The words hung in the air like a death sentence. Elder Saturn, usually composed, felt a flicker of doubt, of fear. Doflamingo was more than just a pirate; he was a force of nature, a man driven by a singular purpose that nothing and no one could stand against. And now, standing in the midst of this storm, Saturn realized that he had severely underestimated the young man he once thought he could control.

Rayleigh, for his part, watched with a mixture of admiration and amusement. He had seen many men make their play for power, but few with the audacity and sheer will that Doflamingo displayed. "Seems like you've got your answer, Saturn," Rayleigh said, his voice light but with a hint of steel underneath. "The world's changing, and it looks like you're not holding the reins anymore."

Elder Saturn's eyes flickered with barely contained fury. He had played his best hand, and Doflamingo had not only rejected it but thrown it back in his face with contempt. The war he had been trying to avoid was now more likely than ever, and he knew that the consequences would be catastrophic.

But as he looked at Doflamingo, still smirking, still unyielding, he couldn't help but wonder—what else did this man know? What other secrets had he uncovered? And most importantly, how far was he truly willing to go to see his ambitions realized?

"Very well," Saturn finally said, his voice cold, masking the storm of thoughts swirling within. "But remember this, Doflamingo. You may think you have the upper hand now, but the World Government is not so easily defeated. You've made powerful enemies today, and they won't rest until you're brought to heel."

Doflamingo's laughter echoed through the tent, a chilling sound that sent shivers down the spines of all who heard it. "Fufufufu! Let them come, Saturn. Let them all come. I'll be waiting."

*****

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