Instantly, Doflamingo's body was sent flying backward like a cannonball. The force of Marco's kick made his head spin, his thoughts hazy, almost losing consciousness. He twisted in the air, desperately stabilizing himself with his String-String Fruit powers to avoid plunging into the sea.
But before he could recover, Marco charged again. Doflamingo had no time to defend and took another crushing kick to the stomach. With a thunderous splash, his body crashed into the water below, sending waves over ten meters high.
"Young Master…" "Joker…" Caesar and Monet froze. They had suspected Doflamingo might be overpowered by Marco, but seeing him felled by a single kick left them stunned.
"Tch… even with top-tier Armament Haki, I still can't instantly defeat someone with a single blow like Kaido," Marco muttered, a hint of disappointment in his voice.
In the original story, Kaido could flatten opponents like Monkey D. Luffy in Gear Fourth with a single strike. Marco suspected his inability to replicate that feat stemmed from not yet mastering Conqueror's Haki Infusion. Infusing Haki into attacks did more than damage physically; it also attacked the opponent's mind, which was why Kaido could knock Luffy unconscious so effortlessly.
Turning to the Phoenix Pirates, Marco commanded, "Quickly pull him out! He's a Devil Fruit user."
"Leave it to us, Captain!" Trafalgar Law had recovered from his shock. A Warlord was suddenly vulnerable to Marco's might. He instructed Bepo, "Bepo, bring the seastone handcuffs and haul Doflamingo up."
"Right away, Captain!" Bepo, along with Shachi and Penguin, dove into the sea with a splash.
Moments later, they dragged Doflamingo onto shore. He coughed violently, spitting seawater, while the Phoenix Pirates secured him in seastone handcuffs.
Marco turned to Law. "Doflamingo has been captured alive. I've kept my promise. How to deal with him is up to you."
"Thank you," Law said, sincere gratitude in his eyes.
Doflamingo let out a cruel, ambiguous laugh. "Fufufufufu… so it's true. You sought refuge with an Emperor to take me down. Clever, Law. Very clever indeed."
Marco explained calmly, "Law is not a member of the Phoenix Pirates, though I did extend an invitation."
Law stood before Doflamingo, who now sat cross-legged, cold fury in his eyes. "I never imagined our next meeting would be like this," Law said, his voice icy.
Doflamingo laughed wildly. "Fufufufufu… it seems I raised an ungrateful wretch, Law! Lao G trained you in martial arts, Diamante in swordsmanship, Gladius in artillery. I nurtured you like a younger brother. Is this how you repay me?"
The Phoenix Pirates looked at Law like spectators, aware that he had already repaid Doflamingo by capturing him.
Law's gaze remained unwavering. "Treating me like a brother? You can fool others with that, but not me. You even killed your biological brother, Corazon. No one understands your true nature better than I do. Today, I honor Corazon's memory by ending your life."
Drawing Kikoku, his cursed sword, Law pressed it to Doflamingo's throat. Doflamingo, sensing Law's resolve, offered no plea, only a smug smile. "Fufufufufu… I killed Corazon because he betrayed the family, believing in the Marines, in shallow justice. How could you understand what it's like to be betrayed by your own family?"
Law's eyes froze. "Family? You call those tools 'family'? Everyone is simply a means to an end, even Corazon and I. A man who can kill his own father and younger brother has no right to speak of family. It is merely a tool to seize power and loyalty."
"Before you die, one question remains. After killing Corazon, did you feel even a trace of regret?"
Doflamingo paused, realizing he had no escape. He sneered. "Fufufufufu… I never imagined that a brat I once let go would become such a problem. You win, Law. But do not think it ends here. The Donquixote Family and Kaido of the Beasts will not forgive you."
"There's no remorse," Law growled, his eyes icy. "ROOM, Cardiac Shock."
Doflamingo, restrained by seastone, could not resist. His Devil Fruit powers were useless against Law's attack.
"Young Master…" Monet cried, tears streaming like pearls, but no one paid her attention.
Marco, sensing Doflamingo's heartbeat slowing through Observation Haki, felt a flicker of emotion. He did not particularly like Doflamingo, but he bore no hatred. In the original story, Doflamingo had at least been defeated by Luffy—but now, he died so easily.
Marco did not concern himself with the original plot. Ever since he transmigrated to this world, the story would follow a new path.
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