Chapter 377: The Timing Issue
Dressrosa, known as the country of love and passion and toys, is a tropical island with a resort atmosphere. The men and women on this island pursue love with fervor, the streets filled with the fragrance of flowers, and the island is renowned worldwide for its exquisite cuisine. Besides the abundance of food and music, the dancing of young women and sexy ** is a major attraction. This is the most romantic place, the country with the most couples. Men and women who come here might fall in love at first sight in an instant, plunge into a romance, and then walk hand in hand along the famous "Lovers' Avenue."
Of course, this excessive obsession with love also breeds intense jealousy among women. If betrayed by a man, they will commit terrifying acts of assassination. The more beautiful the woman, the more ruthless she is, with love and hate clearly defined. Thus, emotional disputes and even physical conflicts are common occurrences.
This country is also known as the Toy Kingdom because on its streets, one can see freely moving, living dolls everywhere. They coexist harmoniously with humans and are part of this society. These toys help people take care of children, shop, walk dogs, clean up after pets, and even patrol the streets to maintain order. Their hard work and dedication have earned them the people's affection.
No one knows where these toys came from. They seem to have appeared in Dressrosa over a decade ago, but now they have fully integrated into people's lives.
Beyond these, there is a long-standing legend about fairies in this country. If someone accidentally loses something, it's no big deal; people will tell them it's just a fairy's prank. Since 700 years ago, the island's residents have believed in the existence and legends of fairies, regarding them as local guardian spirits and paying no mind to their mischievous tricks.
The people of this country also value bravery and martial prowess. Here, there is the largest colosseum in the New World, with dedicated gladiators. Originally, those who participated in the arena were criminals, but when they display strong fighting spirit, they earn cheers and praise from the crowd.
Unique geography, unique customs, and unique legends together form Dressrosa—a pearl in the New World's seas.
Originally, the king of this country was from the Riku family. However, for some unknown reason, over a decade ago, the Riku family led their army to attack their own people, earning the people's scorn. It was at this time that the Donquixote family appeared, helping the people of Dressrosa overthrow the Riku family's rule. Grateful for the Donquixote family's kindness, the people elected their master, Doflamingo, a Warlord of the Sea and a great pirate, as the new king of Dressrosa.
Over the past ten-plus years, Doflamingo as king has gained the people's approval, or rather, they have grown accustomed to him as their ruler...
In this country, the Donquixote family members are the most unique presence; no one dares to provoke them.
However, today, the Donquixote family suddenly mobilized in full force. A large number of lower-level members and key executives of the Donquixote Pirates all appeared, armed and rushing toward the port with fierce expressions, causing panic among the people.
At the same time, a broadcast across the island began: "All citizens, take shelter immediately! Evil army Germa 66's ships have been spotted approaching Dressrosa. The Donquixote family will intercept them to protect the safety of the general public!"
Hearing this broadcast, the people of Dressrosa felt both fear and gratitude. Fear of the evil army Germa—though most didn't know what Germa 66 was, the mere mention of "evil army" was enough to terrify them. As for gratitude, it was naturally directed at the Donquixote family.
Thus, no one dared linger on the streets. They all ran home, locked their doors and windows, and waited for good news from the Donquixote family.
Unfortunately, they didn't realize that the Donquixote family, whom they saw as protectors, were the biggest liars! Doflamingo and his people had deceived the entire nation of Dressrosa. The toys that surrounded people day and night were originally living humans, but they had been turned into toys by Sugar, a subordinate of Doflamingo who possessed the Hobby-Hobby Fruit ability! The moment someone becomes a toy, everyone associated with them loses all memory of that person!
The toys walking alongside people on the streets might be their fathers, brothers, wives, or husbands, but people have no recollection of them, unable to remember anything about them.
This is a terrifying thing...
The Donquixote family's deception of the citizens doesn't stop there. In fact, even the Germa group currently appearing offshore is Doflamingo's fault, yet he disguises himself as the people's protector, stepping forward so openly, earning their respect and gratitude—what a profound irony...
Now, the Donquixote Pirates' underlings and some ordinary executives are gathered at the port, under orders to prevent Germa 66's fleet from landing on Dressrosa.
Doflamingo is no fool. He knows that once Germa's people land on Dressrosa, Ian and the others chasing them will immediately turn Dressrosa into a battlefield.
On Dressrosa's surface, Doflamingo has hidden too many dirty secrets. The people turned into toys by Sugar aren't just island residents; they include pirates from outside, Marine soldiers, and even World Government officials—all silenced by Doflamingo to cover up his secrets.
Beyond these, the most important thing is the Artificial Devil Fruit factory!
In fact, at this point in time, Doflamingo has already formed a partnership with Caesar. Punk Hazard, abandoned after an explosion accident, has been secretly remodeled. Caesar's research institute has been quietly established on the island, using this gas-filled, uninhabited island to research the special raw material SAD needed to produce Artificial Devil Fruits.
So, when he learned that Germa 66's fleet was being chased by Ian's fleet toward Dressrosa, Doflamingo was both shocked and furious.
Just a few days ago, the first batch of SAD produced by Caesar had been transported to Dressrosa Island. Doflamingo was planning to start cultivating Artificial Devil Fruits. He had already reached an agreement with one of the Four Emperors, Kaido. If the cultivation went smoothly, he would supply Kaido with the first batch of Artificial Devil Fruits!
Generally, the first transaction is the most critical. Whether Doflamingo can successfully connect with Kaido depends entirely on this effort.
And at this crucial moment, this kind of trouble arises—how could Doflamingo not be enraged?
Germa's snail ships had already approached the port. When the Donquixote Pirates' fleet got within firing range, they immediately opened fire!
Mortars, machine guns—a massive amount of ammunition poured toward Germa's fleet.
However, a surprising scene unfolded. Germa's snail ships retracted their large eyes into their shells, letting the ammunition bombard their metallic shells!
As mentioned before, these snail shells are entirely made of metal, so ordinary firearms are completely ineffective against them!
Although the snails hid in their shells, they still had sails on their backs. Germa's fleet, relying on wind power and inertia, forcibly charged into Dressrosa's port!
Dozens of giant metal snails crashed onto the port's shore, crushing everything in their path. Most of the Donquixote Pirates' underlings were ordinary pirates, and seeing this spectacle, they dropped their weapons and fled in terror.
At the same time, Germa's clone soldiers finally proved their worth. Armed with heavy weapons, they jumped off the ships and engaged the Donquixote Pirates in fierce combat!
Compared to the fleeing pirates, Germa's soldiers could be called death warriors! They were fearless, even when shot or slashed to the point of fatal injury, they would expressionlessly drag their opponents to hell with them.
Back at sea, when Germa faced Ian and the other high-end combatants, they were beaten without any chance to fight back. But now, against the Donquixote Pirates, the terror of Germa's evil army finally emerged.