章節 25: Mutual Praise

The battle between Hailan and Doflamingo came to a halt.

Having lost his family early on, Doflamingo now valued his new family above all else. According to the original plan, Pica and Trebol were supposed to ambush the Marines successfully, but now they had gone silent, and most of Doflamingo's attention shifted to them.

"Doflamingo, you're under arrest!"

Having shed her disguise, Vice Admiral Tsuru arrived at the battlefield with her subordinates.

"I see. You sent a skilled young Marine to distract me while you disguised yourself as a regular soldier and targeted my family, huh? Not the most brilliant plan, but effective nonetheless. I didn't expect there to be such smart people in the Marines!" Doflamingo stood on his "Sky Path" and analysed the situation, realising how he had been outmanoeuvred.

However, he miscalculated one thing: Hailan wasn't part of Tsuru's plan but was lured into the jungle by a Tontatta dwarf and encountered Vergo by chance. Remembering Tsuru's operational plans, Hailan quickly adapted, resulting in seamless cooperation.

Doflamingo, having spent his early years in the North Blue and not yet becoming the underground dark emperor "JOKER," was unfamiliar with Vice Admiral Tsuru, who had long fought in the Grand Line.

"I underestimated you as well," Tsuru remarked, staring at Doflamingo. "Since Roger started the Great Pirate Era, many overhyped Supernovas have emerged. I didn't expect you to be much stronger than them."

Tsuru admitted that if not for Hailan's presence, she might not have been able to pressure Doflamingo, Pica, and Trebol to this extent.

Doflamingo sneered, "So you think you can capture me just like that? You really overestimate yourselves..."

Before he could finish, he was interrupted by a familiar voice that sounded like it was chewing on molasses—Trebol.

"Doffy, just listen to Vice Admiral Tsuru. Don't fight the Marines anymore, alright?"

The content of the voice was jarring.

"Hey, Trebol, now's not the time for jokes!"

"I'm not joking. I'm serious, Doffy..."

"Yeah, Doffy, let's join the Marines and fight for justice!"

The second speaker was Pica. Not only was Doflamingo confused, but Hailan also looked over in shock. How could someone with a massive, muscular frame sound like a three-year-old?

"Trebol... Pica... you...?"

Doflamingo felt like he was dreaming. He turned to Tsuru.

"What did you do to my family?"

"I've cleansed the evil from their hearts. They've now turned over a new leaf," Tsuru explained. Her "Wash-Wash Fruit" could temporarily wash away evil from people's hearts, similar to a hypnotic effect. However, Tsuru wouldn't reveal that this effect was temporary to Doflamingo.

Listening to Trebol and Pica's earnest persuasion, Doflamingo's veins bulged on his forehead, feeling worse than if he had swallowed a fly. The family who once supported him had suddenly turned into paragons of virtue, reminding him of his despised father and igniting his anger further.

"Let them go!"

"Doflamingo, don't resist any longer. Do you really think you still have a chance?" Tsuru continued to persuade him, understanding that capturing Doflamingo wouldn't be easy, even with Hailan's help.

Doflamingo raised his right hand above his head, a sinister smile forming. "Not necessarily..."

"Parasite String!"

Countless strings descended from the sky like fine rain, falling on everyone present. Only Tsuru and Hailan reacted swiftly—Tsuru caught the strings with her Haki-infused hand, and Hailan evaded using his speed.

"What is this technique?" Tsuru wondered, watching as the previously alert soldiers began attacking each other indiscriminately. Some went berserk, attacking their comrades, while others fought back in self-defence, resulting in chaos.

"It's a pity... I couldn't catch you," Doflamingo said, glaring at Hailan. His right hand made a peculiar gesture aimed at Hailan.

Doflamingo's "Parasite String" had two forms. One caused an uncontrollable frenzy, while the other allowed him to manipulate the victim like a puppet. He loved using this technique to play his targets to death. This time, however, Hailan's quick reflexes had allowed him to escape.

"No matter, I've achieved my goal." Doflamingo shifted his focus from attacking Hailan to negotiating with Tsuru. "Vice Admiral, how about a deal? Release my family, and I'll release your soldiers. A fair trade, don't you think?"

"Don't think you can threaten me with such petty tricks," Tsuru replied, activating her "Wash-Wash Fruit" to flatten the parasitised soldiers, rendering them incapable of fighting. "Thank you, Vice Admiral Tsuru!" they cried in relief.

Doflamingo, hearing Tsuru's name for the first time, finally recognised her reputation. "Vice Admiral Tsuru... I'm genuinely afraid of you."