123. Doflamingo

Doflamingo?

Who is that? Sounds like a bird's name.

Leo scoffed, "And I am supposed to know who you are?"

The other end became silent again for a few seconds and spoke, "Marine, mind your business and leave. Otherwise, you may become food for fish."

Leo raised an eyebrow when he heard the blatant threat, "Heh, food for fish? Very interesting. Would you be kind enough to mention where you are right now."

A cold laughter rang out, "Ehahaha, very good. I will be waiting for you in New World."

Kacha!

The connection was cut.

Leo put away the den-den mushi and thought for a moment. Why the hell was this guy in New World interested in some punk here?

He looked at the bloody pirate on the floor and was lost in thought.

Just then he sensed his ship drawing close. He walked out while dragging the pirate.

He saw Mace command the crew to tie up the pirates. Seeing Leo he said, "Captain, I will take care of the rest. Have a good day."

Leo shook his head and said, "Not yet. Check the cargo area, there are captured women there. Also, relay to headquarters and check this guy's background in detail."

Mace asked, "Why Captain?"

Leo threw the den-den mushi he found and said, "Some guy named Doflamingo called. He said to leave otherwise he would kill me."

Mace's face paled when he heard the name Doflamingo.

Leo saw his unusual reaction and asked, "Is he that famous?"

Mace nodded, "Captain, you should seriously read more. That guy is one of the Seven Warlords!"

Warlord?

Leo was confused. Shinobu standing further from them heard Mace and said, "Warlords, a system put forward by the World Government to balance the powers in Grandline. "

Mace nodded and explained, "The first half of Grandline isn't scary. Navy's presence here can keep off most pirates but the latter half is different. As you know people call it the New World."

"That half is ruled by the Yonko! Each of them is a force to reckon with. Navy alone can't keep them at bay. So a new system was formed, The Seven Warlords."

"Famous pirates are granted immunity by the Navy and the World Government. They can plunder legally and keep what they find for themselves. They only have to pay a part to the World Government to keep their status."

Leo frowned, "Why is the World Government providing immunity to pirates? That's just not right."

Mace sighed, "Nothing can be done about that. Most marines don't want the system to exist, but it's something the higher ups decided."

Leo didn't comment.

"Captain, come take a look at this."

One of the marines yelled out. Leo, Mace and Shinobu went over.

The captured women were freed. However they seems to have been injected with some kind of anesthetic.

Among these women were two furry creatures. Both had human physique but their bodies were covered in glossy black hair. Cat ears stuck out of their head.

What the?

Leo was stunned.

Shinobu seems to have thought of something and asked, "Minks?"

The marine nodded, "Yes, ma'am."

Leo asked Shinobu, "You know about them?"

Shinobu nodded, "They are a special race found in New World. I am surprised we got to see one."

Mace had his head down, he was in deep thought.

Leo saw him and asked, "What are you thinking?"

Mace raised his head and said, "Captain, I think I understand why Doflamingo asked you to leave."

Oh?

Mace pointed to the Minks, "These guys are hard to find. Their home is a moving prehistoric animal, our intelligence only know the name of it, Zou."

"They are like a rare diamond. Rich people and nobles have weird hobbies and one of them is collecting various races. They must have been reserved for some rich tycoon."

Leo raised an eyebrow.

"Where is this Doflamingo?"

Mace felt a jolt in his heart, "Captain, don't! That guy has strong connections above. Otherwise it is impossible for him to survive this long."

Leo frowned, "So? Are you saying I have to turn a blind eye here?"

Mace hesitated and said, "Please don't take any rash steps Captain. Haven't we rescued them, that counts for something, right?"

Leo didn't reply.

Shinobu smiled and pulled his arm, "Let it go for now. When we step into the New World, we can always look for him."

Leo was still thinking.

Mace suddenly said, "Captain, it isn't impossible for you to make a move on him."

Oh?

Leo looked at him and listened.

Mace continued, "Your rank now is Captain. If you can rank up to Vice Admiral, then your words will have weight."

Vice Admiral?

Leo never thought of ranking up, since it didn't matter. However if he wanted to mess with some people he needed higher authority.

Well... Vice Admiral it is.

Leo decided to rank up.

Having made his decision he ordered Mace, "After these two wake up, bring them to me.'

"Yes, Captain."

...

New World.

Putting down the den-den mushi Doflamingo had a cold smile on his face.

Doflamingo was quite tall, well built and wore a sun glass. He wore pink pattered pants and a feathered coat.

"Interesting fellow."

He chuckled.

"Doffy, what about the client? He offered a high amount for those pair of minks."

A man whose body looked as if it was covered in snort asked. His nose was runny and a trail of snort hung from it.

"Didn't we capture men from the Long Armed Tribe, give them to the client for free."

The snort nosed man nodded. He then asked, "What about that Marine?"

Doflamingo started to laugh, "Ehuhuhu, find everything about him. It's been a while since a brave marine opposed me."

The snort nosed man also laughed. They didn't put Leo in their eyes.

They were kings here in New World. The rule makers. Why would they worry about a Captain from the first half of Grandline?