Sabaody Archipelago.

As the end of the year approached, it became clear that this had been an incredibly chaotic year, one that would conclude with two major wars.

Blackbeard, Marshall D. Teach, proved that he was indeed a comrade who had spent three years with Ace. He understood Ace’s personality perfectly, especially his tendency to view the honor of the Whitebeard Pirates as everything.

The day before, Teach had received information from the Golden Hair Pirates that Ace and Sabo had arrived at the Sabaody Archipelago.

However, Ace hadn’t left. According to the Golden Hair Pirates’ investigation, Ace stayed on the island. Sabo, unable to talk him out of it, had no choice but to stay with him.

Teach knew well that Ace was staying on Sabaody to intercept him. And he, in turn, would intercept Ace.

Still a distance away from Sabaody, Teach held a Den Den Mushi, laughing. "Zehahaha... Then I’ll have to trouble you to keep an eye on Ace for now. Our crew will arrive in about a week. The sea currents cost us a bit of time."

The Den Den Mushi in front of Teach wore sunglasses and a bandana, with long straight blonde hair on either side of its eyes—the signature look of Ivalis, one of Alucard’s main forces.

The Den Den Mushi’s tone was cold. "Understood. This time, there is only victory; failure is not an option. Otherwise, I will come for your head myself."

Faced with the threat, Teach’s expression darkened momentarily before he laughed again. "Rest easy. Having a Warlord as a brother was unexpected, but with the assistance of the Golden Hair Pirates, we will definitely catch him."

...

Countless rookie pirate crews who had survived the brutal competition of the first half of the Grand Line began to arrive at their destination, which was also their starting point: the Sabaody Archipelago.

At the same time, due to Alucard’s various actions, the New World was far from peaceful.

Namely, Kaido and Big Mom had used numerous channels to find out exactly who Alucard had distributed the blueprints to.

Aside from the two of them, there was another Yonko: Whitebeard. The Vinsmoke Family, the renowned mercenary clan of the underworld. The incredibly powerful Gran Tesoro, and the Donquixote Family, who stood at the center of the Three Emperors’ industrial chain.

Leaving the "tough bone" of Whitebeard aside for the moment, Kaido and Big Mom wanted to find a way to get the Pluton blueprints from Judge and Doflamingo first.

But before either of them could pin down a specific target, one of Doflamingo’s actions left all who knew of it in shock.

He had returned the blueprint he received.

Almost immediately after Law had delivered the blueprint, Doflamingo chased him down and personally handed the blueprint back to Alucard.

Watching Doflamingo return the blueprint, Law gritted his teeth in fury. He had thought he could drag the Donquixote Family into the war for the blueprints to weaken their strength. He hadn’t expected this bastard Doflamingo to be even more slippery than he imagined, taking the initiative to return it.

Doflamingo seemed to savor Law’s anger. This kid has come to my territory twice to act up; if I don’t hit back, he’ll think I’m an easy target.

On his throne, Alucard held the blueprint Doflamingo had returned, weighing it in his hand. As he looked down through his sunglasses, his eyes reflected a crimson light. "A rather unexpected move."

Hearing this, Doflamingo adjusted his sunglasses. "Fuffuffufu... I know how hot this item is. I have no desire to be targeted by Kaido or Big Mom. Returning it was the best solution." 𝕗𝐫𝚎𝗲𝘄𝐞𝕓𝐧𝕠𝘃𝕖𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝚖

The cunning Sea Scourge.

Everyone present, except for Law, was stunned by Doflamingo’s craftiness. This was a blueprint for Pluton, one of the Three Ancient Weapons, and he had returned it just like that.

Doflamingo suddenly flung his arms out to his sides, sticking out his tongue and laughing. "But speaking of which, Alucard-sama... a certain brat under your command has been repeatedly provoking me lately. If possible, could you please clarify your stance regarding the hostility between him and me?"

Law’s gaze went cold. It was obvious Doflamingo was talking about him. Doflamingo wanted Alucard to state his stance then and there, so that everyone else in the Immortal Pirates could hear it loud and clear.

"Go fight where I can’t see you," Alucard said, completely indifferent.

This answer was exactly what Law expected, and it filled Doflamingo with ecstatic joy. "Fuffuffufu~ Truly a satisfying answer! As expected of the man they say will replace Whitebeard."

Finished, Doflamingo turned and walked out with his arrogant, bow-legged gait. "Better weigh your own abilities before you try attacking again, Law!"

"Curse you, Doflamingo..."

Law was on the verge of exploding, wishing he could draw his blade and fight to the death right then. But unfortunately, he couldn’t.

None of the other cadres of the Immortal Pirates dared to say a word to help Law, because Alucard had publicly stated his stance. No matter who died in the struggle between Law and Doflamingo, he would not hold the winner responsible.

The winner is king, and the loser stays silent!

Such was the way of this world; don’t expect anyone to come and save you.

"But... how should I handle this thing?"

Alucard looked at the single page of the Pluton design blueprints that Doflamingo had returned.

Law stepped forward. "Captain, can you leave that page in my care?"

Alucard glanced at Law. "Oh? Do you want to build Pluton yourself to defeat Doflamingo?"

"No. Just for a rainy day," Law said, his eyes determined.

Alucard let go, and the blueprint fell. Law activated his ability, his Room covering the blueprint and instantly transferring it into his hand.

Alucard rose and walked down from the high platform, muttering to himself, "Something interesting is about to happen. I can’t miss it."

Alucard turned his back to the crowd and ordered, "Call Vegapunk to the castle gates."

"Yes, sir!"