Chapter 1230: Everything Was Within My Plan, At Least Before

Doflamingo did not answer Law’s question, but the veins on his forehead furrowed.

“Law, do you know? There’s only one thing I want to do now, right here… take you down!”

Although he said he wanted to take down Law, Doflamingo didn’t take action; the Op-Op Fruit was one reason, and Fujitora next to him was another issue.

Facing Doflamingo’s reaction, Law proposed a method to cancel the deal, which shocked Caesar. He hurriedly sought help from Doflamingo, during which Fujitora overheard many things.

But faced with these statements that sounded like evidence, Fujitora did not take action. Doflamingo was still a bona fide member of the Seven Warlords of the Sea; with this status, Fujitora had no reason to act, as he was following some special regulations.

He even posed the question to Law, asking what the relationship between the Straw Hat Gang and him truly was, leaving the choice to Law. If Law claimed Luffy as his subordinate, then according to the regulations concerning the Seven Warlords of the Sea, Fujitora would similarly refrain from taking action.

However, Law did not say that. The actions in Dressrosa had already begun, and even compromising with Fujitora would not benefit him. Law’s choice was to try and buy time, so that the actions in Dressrosa could proceed smoothly.

This gave Fujitora a valid reason to act. That meteor was pulled down by him using the Press-Press Fruit, but ultimately, Fujitora hadn’t put in a serious effort. Both sides were pirates, and Fujitora wasn’t interested in putting effort into helping pirates.

Without the faction aura or the Oden buff, Law was not a match for Doflamingo. After some minor setbacks, he was still brought back to the palace of Dressrosa.

Later, Doflamingo received some new information.

…

“Diamante lost?”

“Yes, Doflo, Diamante lost to an old man named Redfield. As for his identity… we gleaned some hints from the emblem on him; he may be… the man once called the ‘Solitary Red’.”

Among the high-level officials under Doflamingo, Diamante was still recovering from injuries, Trebol was protecting Sugar, and Vergo had already been taken down by Law. At this moment, only Pika was left to report the information.

The intelligence network of the Donquixote Clan was quite expansive. Having seen the pattern on Redfield’s flag, they managed to ascertain some information, although they weren’t completely certain.

“Moreover, that Redfield… seems to have some connection with Rebecca, which might lead to adverse effects.”

“Solitary Red? Truly an old monster, even attracting someone like him here? Don’t worry, monsters naturally have monsters to deal with. Since she’s here, she won’t just stand by and let outsiders take this thing. The young lady is quite cherished; the trouble will only grow larger if she is affected.”

Doflamingo wasn’t worried about Redfield’s matter. The intelligence Pika handed over explained everything. Doflamingo didn’t believe a monster who had acted alone for decades would suddenly help a young girl.

If it was truly a battle, then Yamato would be his opponent.

As for how he came to the conclusion about the cherishing aspect, it partly came from some hints during his transaction with Queen and partly from past actions over recent years.

Before the Paramount War, Yamato had just caused a stir in the East Sea, and Kaidou made an even bigger move in the New World, leaving the Navy too busy elsewhere. This isn’t something a mere bystander role achieves.

“Furthermore, the Toy House encountered an attack, and Ironman Franky from the Straw Hat Gang is currently battling with Senor Pink.”

“Believe in Senor, he’s still very reliable. Any more news?”

Even upon hearing that his territory was under attack, Doflamingo did not panic, remaining incredibly calm. He trusts that the subordinates who have fought alongside him for years won’t be taken down by a group that hasn’t been in the New World for long.

However, bad news continued to flow from Pika, one after another. First, there was the inexplicable old monster, followed by the attacked base, then Law whose motives were unclear, and now there was an additional “traitor.”

“Violet is almost certainly betraying us, and Trebol discovered this person underground.”

Pika led Doflamingo into the “Poker Room” of the palace, where King Riku was present.

In the divine arena, King Riku undeniably became a defeated participant, as he did not encounter someone like Redfield who could lend him a helping hand.

…

“Unexpectedly, your family would participate in this competition together. A former king turns to desire the Devil Fruit privately; it seems you’ve reached a dead end. But your family truly stood out today. Rebecca surprisingly caught the interest of someone who never needs partners, and Violet made her move too. This isn’t a coincidence. Coupled with your actions, is today some kind of anniversary?”

Although Doflamingo himself orchestrated the big commotion in Dressrosa, the successive surprises that all occurred today left him feeling quite puzzled.

“You truly have no sense of it. The news from this morning gave us hope, that’s all. Even the rhetoric about abandoning an entire country can be placated with a false report, allowing you Warlords of the Sea to wreak havoc—what a rotten World Government.”

“Fufufufufu, isn’t this your own foolishness? Turning unexamined banter into hope? Well, it makes sense, since you believed the words of a pirate back then.”