Chapter 230: Chapter 230
Under the bright sunlight, the cries of seagulls echoed through the sea breeze. Gentle winds brushed across the blue sea, creating ripples that shimmered under the light.
At Marineford's harbor, tensions were high. The atmosphere was heavy as a group of naval soldiers stood on alert. Nearby, a contingent of troops designated to greet the Warlords of the Sea had already fallen under Doflamingo's string control.
Holding his chin thoughtfully, Doflamingo watched with interest as Riri hid fearfully behind Tina. Beside him, Gecko Moria let out a crazed laugh.
"Originally, I came to Marineford hoping to acquire the corpses of strong fighters to turn into zombies. If I could get my hands on the corpse of a Navy Admiral or even Whitebeard, that would be perfect," Moria said.
"But I never imagined I'd find a zombie here that doesn't fear sunlight!"
Stretching out his arms in excitement, Moria's gaze locked onto Qiqi, who stared back at him with a calm expression.
"You, zombie! By the name of the King of Zombies, I command you!" he roared. "From now on, you belong to me!"
Wriggling his body with excitement, Moria shouted, "Once I dissect and understand you, my zombie army will rise again! This time, I'll find that person and repay them tenfold for the past humiliation!"
"That person, I'll turn them into my zombie and make them kneel before me!"
"Fufufufufu!"
Doflamingo, standing nearby, couldn't help but laugh at Moria's delusional rant. Knowing Moria's history, Doflamingo could easily guess who Moria was talking about. And as someone who had worked with that individual, Doflamingo was well aware of their strength. Listening to Moria's dreams only made him laugh harder.
Ignoring the clown's glare, Doflamingo focused on Riri's horns. As someone familiar with the power they symbolized, he knew exactly what they represented.
Clenching his fists, threads began to materialize around Doflamingo as he plotted to claim the little girl for himself. With that power in his hands, he could become the new emperor of the world.
"You sea scum! What are you trying to do?!"
Smoker's voice rang out angrily as he stood between Doflamingo, Moria, and the children. Holding a weapon made of seastone, his body emitted thick smoke as it surrounded him in waves.
"This is Navy Headquarters! We won't tolerate your lawlessness here!" Smoker declared. "And to target our honored guests? Are you trying to throw your lives away?!"
"Hahaha!"
Moria laughed dismissively, looking at Smoker with disdain. "And what if this is Navy Headquarters? I'm still standing here as a pirate, aren't I?"
"I'm a Warlord of the Sea, appointed by the World Government itself. You Navy dogs wouldn't dare defy the World Government's decision."
"Fufufufufu!!"
Doflamingo spread his arms and pointed at Smoker. His gaze burned as it remained fixed on Riri.
"So, these kids aren't part of the Navy? Even better!" he sneered. "Let me take control of this power. You will join my family, and together, we will ascend the highest throne!"
Moria followed Doflamingo's lead, his interest in Qiqi growing. Compared to Riri, Doflamingo's words were inconsequential to him. With fervent eyes, Moria focused on Qiqi, convinced that unraveling her secrets would allow him to overwhelm Doflamingo with his zombie army before claiming Riri for himself.
Behind them, Bartholomew Kuma silently closed his book and removed his gloves. Mihawk, too, wore an expression of impatience as he watched the two Warlords obsess over the children.
"Hmm?"
Mihawk raised an eyebrow but soon lowered his hand from the hilt of his sword. "It seems I won't need to step in."
From the distant sky, an overwhelming aura spread across the battlefield, covering the entire area in an instant. Doflamingo and Moria froze mid-action, their gazes snapping toward the horizon as a vibrant, multicolored light approached.
Qiqi, who was shielding Riri and Xiaohei, smiled faintly and turned to Xiaohei.
"Brother Hiroshi is here," she said softly. "Xiaohei, Riri, don't be afraid. Brother Hiroshi will protect us."
With a relieved smile, Xiaohei nodded, calming the magical energy coursing through his body. "Thank you for protecting me, Qiqi-sis."
"Mm~" Qiqi nodded gently. She raised her hand to pat Xiaohei's head and said seriously, "Qiqi is the older sister. I must protect my little brothers and sisters."
Hiroshi descended from the sky, holding Klee in his arms. Smiling, he nodded at the stunned Tina and Smoker before patting Qiqi's head.
"You did very well, Qiqi. Protecting your siblings in times of danger is important."
"Mm," Qiqi nodded, looking up at Hiroshi. "Brother Hiroshi, the bad guys who bullied us... they're trying to run away."
"It's fine," Hiroshi said with a calm smile, gently placing the fuming Klee on the ground.
Glancing briefly at Mihawk and Kuma, Hiroshi turned his gaze to the fleeing figures of Doflamingo and Moria in the distance.
Moments ago, the two had been arrogant and overbearing. Now, they were fleeing as if their lives depended on it.
Doflamingo looked back in terror at Hiroshi, who stood calmly in the harbor. Panic and desperation filled his movements as he tried to escape faster.
"Damn it! Where did this monster come from?! That aura, that presence... there's no doubt about it. This guy is stronger than even the Four Emperors!"
"Since when did the Navy have such a monster? No wonder they dare to go against Whitebeard's pirates!"
"Damn it all!"
As rage and fear consumed him, memories of his former status as a Celestial Dragon resurfaced. His father had spoken of such beings—monsters only the one seated atop the throne could hope to defeat.
Back at the harbor, Hiroshi scratched his ear and raised his hand.
"Lightning, come," he commanded.
His voice carried an undeniable authority as his gaze locked onto the fleeing figures of Doflamingo and Moria.
Recognizing Hiroshi's overwhelming power, the two had fled without hesitation. Taking hostages wasn't even an option; the oppressive aura surrounding Hiroshi left no doubt that such an attempt would be futile.
The sky darkened as countless thunderclouds gathered, stretching to the horizon. Lightning crackled and roared, purple bolts cascading like divine punishment.
With a snap of Hiroshi's fingers, the thunderclouds roiled, and massive bolts of lightning obliterated the distant figures of Doflamingo and Moria, reducing them to nothing.
As the sky cleared, Hiroshi turned back to pat Klee and Qiqi's heads, a gentle smile on his face.
"Let's go. Didn't you ask me to bring the big fish back so we can raise them?"