After Doflamingo's death, the Donquixote Family abandoned Dressrosa immediately.
Though it had been their stronghold for nearly a decade, there was nothing they could do. Without Doflamingo's status as a Seven Warlords of the Sea, the Marines would never allow a pirate crew to occupy a Member Nation of the World Government. Overnight, the family packed all their wealth and fled.
Violet, having learned of Doflamingo's death, chose to leave the Donquixote Family as well. But the pirates had no time to deal with her betrayal; the Marines could arrive at any moment.
Aboard the Flamingo, the family's remaining forces were divided into three factions. One believed they should seek refuge with the Big Mom Pirates, using their strength to take revenge on the Phoenix Pirates. Another thought Law, the traitor responsible for—or perhaps even the killer of—Young Master Doflamingo, should be eliminated first. The last faction argued that since their young master was dead, they should unite and head to the Beasts Pirates, joining forces with Vergo to consolidate the family's strength.
At first, Trebol had been able to maintain control with his authority, but as time passed since Doflamingo's death, internal dissent grew. While they had not yet fractured entirely, the top executives increasingly pursued their own agendas.
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"Lord Trebol, Lord Pica, Lord Diamante, a cargo ship has appeared ahead," Baby-5 called from the lookout.
Diamante waved it off dismissively. "A cargo ship? No need to bother with them."
"But… it's heading straight for us!" Baby-5 insisted.
"What?" Diamante frowned. Even without Doflamingo, the Donquixote Family remained a force to be reckoned with in the New World. Who would dare provoke them?
"Is it really just a cargo ship?" Trebol asked, narrowing his eyes.
Baby-5 looked again through the telescope, horror spreading across her face. "It's not… it's the Blackbeard Pirates! That ship belongs to Blackbeard!"
The executives stiffened. The name Blackbeard was infamous. Formerly a Warlord of the Sea, he had become a great pirate after the Marineford War, his bounty soaring past a billion Berries. From obscurity, he had risen to meteoric prominence.
"What is their purpose?" Trebol asked, tense. "We can't attack them yet."
As the ships drew closer, Blackbeard stood at the bow of the cargo ship, laughing loudly. "Zehahahahaha! Greetings, Flamingo Pirates! Zehahaha!"
Diamante's eyes narrowed, wary of Blackbeard's reputation for ruthlessness. "Blackbeard… what is your purpose? Are you trying to start a war?"
Shiryu, smoking his cigar nearby, sneered. "Hmph. These idiots have no idea the gap between us. Teach, are you really targeting them?"
Blackbeard laughed casually. "Zehahahahaha! They're the subordinates of Doflamingo, a former Warlord. We're a little short-handed, aren't we?"
He turned his gaze to the Donquixote Family members. "Your master is dead, and your enemy is the Phoenix Pirates, right? How about joining me instead? Want to be my comrades?"
Diamante's face reddened with fury. "Don't be ridiculous."
"Zehahaha, rejected, as expected!" Blackbeard laughed without a hint of concern. "Burgess, bring the ship closer."
The Flamingo erupted in chaos. "Fire! Open fire!" Cannons roared as dozens of cannonballs swarmed toward the cargo ship.
With a swift movement, Shiryu drew his Raiu and sliced through the projectiles, sending them exploding midair.
The Blackbeard Pirates leaped from their ship onto the Flamingo as the distance closed. Blackbeard strode forward, commanding, "Zehahaha, none of you make a move! I want to test my new ability on you first."
Shiryu sheathed his sword, smirking. "Looks like you're eager to show off, Teach." Though he had recently gained the Suke Suke no Mi ability and was eager to test it himself, Blackbeard's command left no choice.
Blackbeard took two steps forward, beckoning. "All of you, come at me!"
Diamante's face twisted with rage. "Bastard! You really look down on us!" He charged forward.
Blackbeard's lips curled into a sinister grin. Black smoke coalesced in his palm. Slamming it onto the deck, he roared, "Black Vortex!"
Darkness spread outward instantly. Diamante had taken only two steps when his feet sank into the swirling void, as if trapped in quicksand, unable to pull free.
"What kind of power is this…?" The other Donquixote executives watched in horror, moving away from the encroaching darkness.
"Zehahaha! Don't even think about escaping, Dark Water!" Blackbeard unleashed his Devil Fruit power again. Most of the executives, themselves Devil Fruit users, were immediately pulled into the inky void.
"Next… Shadow Horn Spear!" Black spears formed from the darkness, impaling the executives with precision.
Having mastered the powers of two Devil Fruits, Blackbeard completely overwhelmed the Donquixote Family, leaving them defenseless before his strength.