One Piece: Crown of Darkness

Far away on the Grand Line.

Enies Lobby, also known as the "never-night island" due to its rare year-round daylight, was a judicial institution established by the World Government and the headquarters of Cipher Pol's ninth branch, CP9.

The Tower of Justice, at the island's highest point, retained its ancient and sturdy architectural style, a style used for centuries.

Yet, Spandine, a man who adored extravagance and splendor, had exquisitely decorated his own room. From a certain perspective, he had carved out his unique little space here... though it was rather incongruous.

But Spandine, who normally cherished his room and its elaborate decorations, had no mood to appreciate them. He huddled in a corner, trembling ceaselessly, tightly clutching the Den Den Mushi receiver.

At the same time, he shielded the Den Den Mushi, fearing it would vividly mimic his current expressions—sometimes sinister and angry, sometimes dejected and fearful—for the person on the other end to see.

Donquixote Doflamingo, a nightmare that had plagued him for seven years, beginning with that exceedingly bizarre mission.

Spandine had tried; he truly couldn't shake off that cunning, deceitful, insidious, and vicious fellow...

He was afraid. He was afraid his dirty laundry would be exposed, his dreams of promotion and wealth instantly shattered, his life taking a sharp downturn into destitution.

He also couldn't bear to let go of the vast resources the other party provided, including millions of Berries for him to bribe and squander, and timely intelligence that gave him opportunities to apprehend criminals, recover stolen goods, and earn merits.

These were all the reasons he became the number two, soon to be number one, in CP9.

Spandine was both happy and tormented. Happy that he could obtain everything he desired without much effort, but tormented by the unease and constant apprehension of being a traitor.

Moreover, Doflamingo always found ways to empty him of everything, whether by coercion or inducement, leading him step by step into degradation and depravity. By the time he realized it, there was no turning back.

His expression constantly shifted, but in the end, only dejection and fear remained. Spandine slumped weakly, replying, "I-I understand."

"Fufufufu~ Hey, hey, what are you doing, my friend?" Doflamingo seemed to understand Spandine's complex thoughts and said, delivering a fatal blow, "Spandine, my dear, loyal friend, admit it! Frankly, isn't your Cipher Pol's and the Marines' responsibility actually to ensure the safe transaction and sale of firearms, drugs, and people, all so-called illegal items? Those bigwigs do far worse than us; it's practically official business. You merely helped your friend while assisting them. There's no need for you to feel guilty about it."

Spandine carefully considered Doflamingo's words, then thought of his own colleagues and superiors who broke laws while enforcing them, who were insatiably greedy, and the Celestial Dragons who created laws only to wantonly trample them. He was utterly speechless...

"It seems... it makes a lot of sense?!"

"Fufufufu~ My friend, what reason do you have to conceal news about the 'Pirate King'? This doesn't even border on crime," Doflamingo guided him.

Spandine exhaled a long breath, self-hypnotizing, "I'm merely going with the flow," and then opened up. "Roger arrived in Marineford and surrendered five days ago. It was only announced yesterday due to disagreements among the high-ranking government officials and Marine officers."

"Oh?" Doflamingo said. "Continue."

"The situation these past few years has been unfavorable, especially after Roger reached Laugh Tale and became the unprecedented 'Pirate King.' The government's rule has been greatly challenged. Roger's sudden surrender was nothing short of a huge gift package from the heavens. The Gorosei, long pressured by the Celestial Dragons, immediately advocated for what was reported in the newspapers," Spandine said, speaking a little faster, lowering his voice. "On the Marine side, Fleet Admiral Kong leading, with Admiral Sengoku and Chief of Staff Tsuru as support, strenuously opposed this outcome..."

"The Marines advocated for first thoroughly investigating the purpose of Roger's surrender and his experiences during his long disappearance, otherwise there would be too many uncertainties! Unfortunately, they lost the gamble. The Gorosei were in a great hurry, and Roger's proactive confession that he didn't have much time left was the absolute reason the Gorosei crushed the Marines," Spandine's thoughts were a bit chaotic. "The Gorosei' objective is to maximize profit while Roger is still alive and solidify the government's control over the world."

Doflamingo remained silent for a moment, then chuckled, "Fufufufu~ Public execution? To deter unlawfulness and proclaim power."

"Yes, yes!" Spandine barely managed to suppress his shock. Doflamingo's "guess" was too accurate. "The meeting between high-ranking government officials and Marine officers confirmed this action. The date is set for September 1st, and the location..."

"Loguetown, Roger's birthplace. What more fitting choice for his end? Fufufufu~" Doflamingo interjected. "Not announcing Roger's 'arrest and imprisonment' and public execution together is a small trick. The World Government intends to use this event to deter lawlessness and declare its strength, so naturally, they have to continuously maintain the news's popularity."

Spandine was speechless.

"Anything else?" Doflamingo asked.

Spandine tried hard to recall. "No, that's all I know."

"Goodbye, my friend."

Click.

The Den Den Mushi disconnected.

South Blue, Flamingo, Lounge.

Doflamingo crossed his hands, his two thumbs rotating against each other, his eyes fixed on his dumbfounded family members.

Suddenly, he leaned forward and quickly dialed a Den Den Mushi number.

A short while later.

Zzzzzzt~~~

"This is the Golden Lion Grand Fleet, who is this?"

"..."

"Roger... arrested?!"

"It's true. Both the World Government's newspaper and our channels have confirmed it."

"Bullshit! Who would believe something like that? You all should know how powerful that man is!"

Bang! Bang!

"Aaaahhhh!!!"

"Calm down, Boss! 'Golden Lion' Boss!"

"..."

Gunshots, screams, the panic of many, Shiki's roar—a chaotic mix.

"Fufufufu~ This is Joker. Tell the 'Golden Lion' I'm looking for him, if he wants to know the truth about Roger's arrest."

————————

~ Access 100+ advance chapters —— patreon(.)com/EmperorGarus [remove the parentheses ( )]