Chapter 128: Chapter 128: The Great Battle of Minion Island
On Minion Island, everyone was startled by the sudden, drastic change in the environment. A dense, white fog rapidly enveloped the entire island, so thick that visibility dropped to near zero. Individuals standing even a short distance apart could barely make out each other's forms; only those in close proximity remained clear. The island was already blanketed in heavy snowfall, and this sudden fog made conditions even more treacherous. One wrong step, a moment of disorientation, could lead to being completely swallowed by the snowdrifts.
"What's going on?" Diez Barrels exclaimed, shocked by the abrupt transformation. "Why such a dense fog all of a sudden? We've never seen anything like this here before! It's snowing, for crying out loud! How can fog form like this?"
Unfortunately, his bewildered crew members were just as clueless, scratching their heads in confusion. They could only assume it was some bizarre natural calamity. While the fog was incredibly thick, it didn't seem immediately harmful, as long as they remained sheltered. It would, however, make things exceedingly difficult for the traders they were expecting.
The World Government contingent and the Marine units were equally taken aback by the sudden development. The heavy snowfall had already made their advance difficult; now, this impenetrable fog compounded their suffering, making the situation miserable beyond words. Unseen by them, outside the shroud of mist, Doflamingo's – azure lightning net pulsed with deadly energy, a beautiful yet terrifying barrier. The "Heaven and Earth Net" didn't just encircle; it would periodically gather more electrical ions from the atmosphere, transforming Minion Island into a deadly thunderstorm zone, where random bolts of lightning would deliver an indiscriminate judgment upon anyone caught within.
Rosinante, too, found his vision completely obscured by the sudden, dense fog. He immediately suspected Doflamingo's group. He knew Enel was a Cloud-Cloud Fruit user; blanketing a small island like this in mist would be child's play for him.
I need to hurry, Rosinante thought urgently. It looks like Doflamingo's side has started to make their move! He pushed forward, heading towards the Barrels Pirates' known location. Nothing would stop him now. The Op-Op Fruit – he was determined to get it. No one would take it from him.
CRACKLE!
A bolt of lightning suddenly slammed down near him. Rosinante reacted instantly, leaping aside just in time to avoid the searing blast. Cold sweat beaded on his forehead. If he hadn't been so alert, that lightning strike would have been devastating.
What on earth is happening? Why is lightning striking me? he wondered, shaken. Could this be my dear brother's doing? He paused, looking at the scorched black earth where the lightning had struck, the pristine white snow vaporized in an instant. He glanced up at the sky; snow was still falling steadily, melting coldly on his face. He waved his hand, trying to dispel the thick fog to get a clearer view of whatever was above, but the mist was too dense; he could see nothing.
Forget it, he decided, pushing his unease aside. The Op-Op Fruit is what matters most.
On the northern side of Minion Island, Doflamingo sat calmly upon a large, bare rock, the snow around it having long since been vaporized by his aura. He watched the unfolding events across the island with a detached, almost playful interest. He had, of course, noticed Rosinante's movements but had done nothing to intervene. He had given Rosinante several chances. Initially, if Rosinante hadn't insisted on coming to the island, Doflamingo would have let him be. Secondly, if Rosinante had simply remained on the Ark Maxim as instructed, Doflamingo wouldn't have pursued the matter too aggressively. Now, it was down to the third chance – Rosinante's fate would depend on who he encountered.
With each of the four cardinal directions guarded, Doflamingo was confident Rosinante had no means of escape. Once Rosinante set foot on this island, the game had begun. And a game cannot end until it has run its course. Doflamingo had spared Rosinante many times before. This time, however, he had no intention of letting him off so easily. The only question was who would be the one to deliver the final blow. That was the essence of this third chance: if Rosinante encountered a relatively weaker Family member, he might have a slim chance of survival. If he encountered Doflamingo himself... death was certain. Rosinante, of course, had no idea that his destiny was being so meticulously orchestrated, that this entire elaborate setup had been designed just for him.
Elsewhere on the island, Diamante, Pica, and Enel had reached their designated positions and were patiently waiting for the 'fish' to bite. They understood Doflamingo's intentions regarding Rosinante. If the spy hadn't come to the island, all might have been well. But if he crossed their paths now, they would show no mercy. No one liked a traitor. If Rosinante hadn't been Doflamingo's own brother, he would have been turned to ash the moment he first infiltrated the Family.
A faint glimmer of light suddenly pierced the dense fog. Rosinante cautiously approached, listening intently. Soon, he could hear voices coming from inside a nearby building.
"Captain, with this fog so thick, on top of the heavy snow, those guys are probably going to be late... they might not even come at all!" one voice said.
"What damn nonsense is this?!" another voice retorted. "Can't even be on time for a trade! Do they want to make the deal or not?!"
"Enough," Diez Barrels' gruff voice cut in, silencing his men's chatter. "We wait."
Squeak... The door creaked open. The sudden movement drew everyone's attention inside. They quickly looked towards the entrance.
"Who's there?!" Barrels bellowed, eyeing the tall figure silhouetted in the doorway. The person's face was obscured by a wide hood, their features hidden.
His only response was the sharp crack of several gunshots. Rosinante had shot out the overhead lights, plunging the room into darkness. Simultaneously, he activated his Calm-Calm Fruit ability, creating a zone of silence, and moved to seize the Op-Op Fruit.
(Before entering, Rosinante had discreetly set fires in several other nearby buildings. The flames were now raging, and most of Diez Barrels' crew were preoccupied with firefighting efforts. This diversion had allowed Rosinante to pinpoint Barrels' personal quarters, leading to the current confrontation.)
"Fire! We need help! Put out the fire!" "Someone, get these lights back on!" "Enemy attack! Enemy attack!"
But their shouts were swallowed by the silence. Barrels, disoriented and effectively blind in the pitch-black room, began to panic. With a swift, sharp leg strike, Rosinante knocked down Barrels, who had been holding the Op-Op Fruit. In the ensuing confusion, Rosinante snatched the fruit and silently slipped away.
"Which bastard dares to ambush me?!" Barrels struggled to his feet, then rushed towards the door in pursuit. His five billion Berries were gone! He couldn't let this stand! Outside, however, amidst the heavy snow and dense fog, Rosinante had already vanished without a trace. Unable to give chase, Barrels had no choice but to turn back and deal with the spreading fires.
Just then, the advancing Marine and World Government teams spotted the bright glow of the fires in the distance. They immediately changed course, heading towards the blaze. Before long, the World Government contingent encountered Diez Barrels and his men.
"Are you the Barrels Pirates?" the CP0 leader demanded without preamble. "Where is the Op-Op Fruit? Hand it over!" This mission was of utmost importance to his superiors; he had to be efficient. The five billion Berries were waiting just behind them. Once he had the fruit, the Barrels Pirates' happy days would be over, and that massive sum would effectively be his.
"Gone! It's all gone! The Op-Op Fruit has been stolen!" Barrels, in no mood for pleasantries, roared with frustration and fury.
"What? What did you say?! Say that again!" the CP0 leader yelled, astonished.
"I said, the Op-Op Fruit was just stolen!" Barrels shouted back.
"Preposterous! Are you all pigs?! You couldn't even guard a single Devil Fruit?!" the leader cursed, his face contorted with rage.
"Bastard! You're looking to die!" Barrels, already seething over the loss of the fruit, now had a target for his anger.
"Sir, let it go! The Op-Op Fruit is what matters!" one of the CP0 members quickly interjected, urging his superior to stay focused.
"I'll ask you one more time, Barrels," the leader snarled, his face dark. "Which way did the thief go?"
"I don't know!" Barrels retorted angrily.
"Useless!" the leader spat, then turned to his men. "Let's go! He couldn't have gotten far. Once we're off this island, we'll spot his tracks easily enough!"
Hearing the CP0 leader mention leaving the island, Barrels, despite his anger at being called useless, had a sudden thought. Perhaps there's still a chance to recover the five billion Berries! He recalled the strange, silent nature of the attack; the thief was almost certainly a Devil Fruit user. That meant they couldn't eat the Op-Op Fruit themselves. So, the fruit was still out there, potentially retrievable! "We're chasing them too! Everyone, get your gear! We're going after that damned thief!" Barrels yelled to his crew, his eyes glinting with renewed determination. He was absolutely itching to get his hands on Rosinante; when he did, he'd make him suffer.
The World Government agents hadn't gone far before they ran into Captain Macker's approaching Marine force. True to World Government form, the CP0 leader immediately assumed an air of superiority, especially towards what he considered "trash Marines from the Four Seas." He began barking orders, directing the Marines' movements. Captain Macker, though inwardly fuming, had no choice but to comply. These were important figures from headquarters; he couldn't afford to offend them. He just wanted this whole mess over with so he could return to his comfortable life in the North Blue – sipping tea in his office, cozying up with his little secretary, and counting his money in his leisure time. Wasn't that the life? Why bother risking his neck out here like a common hound for a meager monthly salary?
Rosinante, meanwhile, was hastily making his escape from the Barrels Pirates' encampment, heading towards the island's perimeter. He needed to get away quickly. Doflamingo and his group hadn't shown themselves yet, and he had no idea what they were planning.
Screech... screech...
The sound of footsteps crunching on snow reached Enel's sharp ears. "Yahahaha! Finally! Let's see which lucky fellow has stumbled into my domain!" Enel's eyes, previously closed, snapped open, fixing on the approaching figure.
"Who are you?" Captain Macker demanded, leading his subordinates as they confronted the strange, long-eared man. "Was it you who stole the Op-Op Fruit? Hand it over, now!" Macker didn't recognize Enel. Though he had dealings with the Donquixote Family, those were usually handled by Diamante or Trebol. It was perfectly normal for him not to know Enel.
"I was about to ask you the same thing!" Enel retorted with arrogant amusement. "Are you the thief crying 'thief'? Where is the Op-Op Fruit? Give it to me, and I'll grant you a quick death!"
"You... you dare speak to us Marines like that?! Do you even know who you are, you big-eared bastard?" one of the Marines shouted indignantly.
"Good, good... very good!" Enel's amusement vanished, replaced by a chilling rage. His smile turned into a terrifying rictus. "You're asking for death! Men, open fire!" Captain Macker, wasting no more time, raised his pistol and aimed at Enel. BANG! BANG! BANG! A furious volley of gunfire erupted. Enel was instantly enveloped in a cloud of smoke stirred up by the bullets. The dense fog, heavy snow, and gunpowder smoke created a perfect, chaotic screen.
"He should be dead by now!" one Marine said. "With such intense gunfire, how could he possibly survive?" another added.
"You think too highly of yourselves," a voice drawled from within the grey haze. The fog, snow, and smoke were, of course, no impediment to Enel's vision; under his Observation Haki, his opponents' positions were perfectly clear.
"How is that possible?!" Hearing the voice, the Marines gasped in disbelief, bracing themselves, their eyes wide with fear as they stared at the spot where their enemy had been.
"Die, all of you who dared to offend this great one! Cloud Current: Execution Cross!" Enel's voice was filled with chilling malice. The surrounding mist surged, rapidly enveloping the Marines. The insidious fog seeped into their bodies, constricting their lungs, suffocating them. They couldn't even scream. The Marines clawed desperately at their throats, trying to tear away the suffocating clouds, but it was useless. One by one, they collapsed, their eyes rolling back, their faces contorted in a gruesome tableau of death. Their bodies lay strewn across the snow. Enel felt no pity. In this world, it was kill or be killed. Only by constantly growing stronger could one hope to continue living. "Uninteresting. Far too weak," Enel scoffed, his gaze sweeping over the fallen Marines. He then calmly sat down amidst the corpses, looking every bit the part of a great demon king.
On the southern side of Minion Island, Pica encountered the pursuing Barrels Pirates. The two groups stared at each other, sizing up the opposition.
"It's you!" Barrels spoke first. Years ago, when he was still a Marine, he had clashed with Doflamingo's crew. He clearly remembered the massive, stone-assimilating man now before him as one of Doflamingo's key subordinates.
"Barrels. Hand over the Op-Op Fruit," Pica demanded, his unexpectedly high-pitched voice shattering the tense atmosphere, instantly transforming it into one of bizarre hilarity.
"Pfft- Hahahahaha!" "His voice...!" "That's too funny!" "I'm dying of laughter!" Even Barrels couldn't help but burst out laughing. He hadn't expected such a burly, imposing figure to speak with such a comically shrill voice, like a eunuch.
"Barrels... Very good. You will all die for this!" Pica seethed, his rage reaching a boiling point. No one, no one, was going to get away with this. He would slaughter every last one of them.
"And who do you think you are?" Barrels sneered, regaining some composure. "Go call your boss! You're still far too green! Only your leader is worthy of facing me!"
"You dare to insult the Young Master as well?!" Pica roared, his anger incandescent. "The Young Master's name is not for trash like you to utter!" Disrespecting him was one thing, but insulting Doflamingo? Pica would kill them all to avenge this slight! Pica's body dissolved into the surrounding earth and rock. Moments later, a colossal stone giant rose from the ground. A massive, heavy stone arm swung down with devastating force towards the Barrels Pirates on the ground. This single blow would mean certain death.
"How is this possible?! Th-this... Captain, do something!" "We're going to die!" "Aaaargh! I don't want to die!" The pirates watched in horror as the giant stone palm descended upon them. There was no escape. All they could do was passively accept Pica's 'loving embrace.' CRASH! The violent impact sent tremors through the entire island. Everyone still alive felt the ground shake. Rosinante, hearing the commotion, quickened his pace. The World Government team also changed direction, heading rapidly south, still determined to catch the thief who had stolen the Op-Op Fruit. Whatever else was happening on this island was irrelevant to them.
"Are they dead?" Pica, in his stone giant form, lifted his massive hand, looking down at the crushed figures below. Apart from Diez Barrels himself, not a single pirate remained alive. Barrels, too, was in a terrible state, nearly all the bones in his body shattered; he was barely clinging to life.
"You're quite durable, aren't you?" Pica mocked, but his actions were relentless. Another violent tremor shook the ground as he struck again. Diez Barrels, who had been hanging on by a thread, was finally, brutally, crushed to death by Pica. The Marine defector, X Drake's father, met his end.
In another sector, Diamante heard the violent tremors caused by Pica and sighed with exasperation. "That Pica," he muttered, "always making such a racket. Doesn't he know how to be quiet?"
"Who are you? Was it you who stole the Op-Op Fruit?" The World Government agents, having arrived in this area, spotted Diamante.
"What are you talking about? I was about to ask you to hand over the Op-Op Fruit!" Diamante replied, a note of weary amusement in his voice.
"Then get out of our way!" the CP0 leader declared imperiously. "World Government business! All you worthless scum clear the path!"
"My, what imposing authority! I'm so scared!" Diamante feigned terror.
"If you know what's good for you, then scram!" the leader barked again.
"Apologies," Diamante said, his demeanor changing, his hand resting on the hilt of his rapier. "This road is closed." He drew his sword and, with a swift flourish, unleashed a wave of sword energy that gouged a deep scar across the snowy ground, separating him from the World Government agents.
"So, you're a swordsman after all. Is that what gives you your confidence?" the leader sneered.
"Confidence or not, let's let our skills do the talking, shall we?" Diamante replied coolly.
"The rest of you, go!" the leader commanded his subordinates. "The Op-Op Fruit is paramount! Quickly, pursue the one who stole it! I'll deal with this fellow and catch up shortly!" Hearing their commander's orders, the other CP0 agents quickly made their decision and began to move off into the distance.
"Apologies, but none of you are leaving," Diamante declared, his rapier flashing as he sent another slash of sword energy towards the departing agents. He didn't necessarily expect to kill them with that attack; he knew they couldn't escape the island anyway, not with the Heaven and Earth Net active.
"In your dreams! Rankyaku!" the CP0 leader shouted, his leg blurring as he unleashed a powerful vacuum blade kick, deflecting Diamante's attack. A fierce battle between titans erupted.
To the north, Rosinante was finally nearing the edge of Minion Island. The light of victory seemed to be beckoning him! Exhilarated, he pushed himself forward, a desperate hope surging in his chest.
"My foolish little brother... have you finally come?" Doflamingo's voice, calm and chilling, drifted through the fog. He sat serenely on his large rock, having sensed Rosinante's approach but making no move. "Did fate still lead you to make this choice? I'm sorry, little brother... but let me personally send you on your way."
Brother against brother. Light against darkness. The judgment of justice versus evil. Who was right, who was wrong – the final reckoning was about to arrive.