While Doflamingo was still saying his goodbyes to Hiriluk and the others, a warship bearing the seagull-and-anchor flag was slowly approaching.
That's right, Vice Admiral Tsuru's fleet was closing in.
The collision was imminent.
A week prior, upon arriving in the waters near Alabasta, Vice Admiral Tsuru had received a message from a branch office. She'd heard that the Donquixote Pirates were lingering in Drum Kingdom, and without pausing for rest, she'd immediately resupplied and set sail. Tsuru was deeply aware that opportunities were fleeting, and this one was likely the best chance they'd get to capture Doflamingo, fearing that they could lose track of him.
Meanwhile, Doflamingo, under the enthusiastic send-off of the guard army, was happily preparing to set sail. He hadn't even gotten far from Drum Kingdom when he spotted the Navy warship approaching in the distance. Doflamingo, however, had no idea who was on that ship. All he wanted right now was a good fight – only a truly satisfying battle could help his body recover even better.
"Fuffuffuffu... After resting for so long, my body's practically rusting. It's perfect timing that these suicidal Marines have shown up. Otherwise, how could I live up to the 'evil' the Navy has labeled me with?"
Doflamingo had learned that his bounty had increased this past month, but he hadn't paid it much mind. Instead, he scoffed at the Navy's propagation of his supposed wickedness.
"Let's see if your 'justice' is up to par. The weak have no right to talk about justice," Doflamingo thought to himself.
"You lot, charge forward!" Doflamingo, full of excitement, began to issue orders.
Doflamingo was acutely aware of his current capabilities. He knew the Navy wouldn't send any of those monsters after him. To put it nicely, the strong have their pride and wouldn't lower themselves. Of course, if you didn't care about your pride as a strong person, that was fine too; after all, who cares when crushing ants? The reality of the situation was that he simply wasn't worthy of their attention yet. The weak are afforded no privileges. If it weren't for his Celestial Dragon heritage, who would even bother?
However, Doflamingo had underestimated Fleet Admiral Kong's resolve. Under pressure from the World Government, who wouldn't tolerate a Celestial Dragon who had abandoned his status and become a pirate, Kong was feeling the heat. Ultimately, he'd dispatched Vice Admiral Tsuru, a move that outwardly gave the World Government a very satisfactory answer.
"Report, Vice Admiral Tsuru! The Donquixote Pirates are ahead, and they're heading straight for us!" a female soldier reported.
"Just as expected, a newborn calf fears no tiger. Meet them head-on! Let's see just what the Donquixote Pirates are made of," Tsuru said calmly, maintaining her composure.
Boom!
A cannonball exploded in the sea beside the ship, stirring up the waves and signaling the start of the battle.
"Fuffuffuffu!"
Doflamingo stood at the bow, undaunted. His crew behind him were also fired up, as if they could already see their imminent victory. Just then, a figure, not particularly tall, emerged from the opposing warship, wearing the Navy's "Justice" coat. A few strands of silver were mixed in with her black hair, and the wrinkles on her face indicated that she was no longer young. While she might not have looked the same beautiful Navy woman she had 20 years prior, it was possible to see the elegance that had made her famous in her earlier years. It is worth to mention that she was still on her prime.
The moment Doflamingo saw a woman emerge from the cabin, he had a bad feeling. Seeing Tsuru's face, his heart sank. Although she looked quite different from how she would appear in twenty-odd years, Doflamingo instantly recognized the renowned Vice Admiral Tsuru.
"You guys are really something. You're really taking me seriously, huh? Sending Vice Admiral Tsuru herself after me. Isn't this a bit of overkill? Is the Navy's Grand Strategist really that bored?" Doflamingo internally grumbled.
Even though his mind was racing with complaints, running away without a fight was out of the question. After all, Don Doflamingo had his pride. He couldn't show weakness in front of so many of his men. Besides, Tsuru's arrival was somewhat opportune – pressure was the best motivator.
"Fuffuffuffu, if it isn't the famous Vice Admiral Tsuru? I'm just a nobody, yet you're giving me so much attention, even coming to capture me personally."
He couldn't lose in terms of presence, and he certainly wouldn't hold his tongue.
"Doflamingo, you're no 'nobody.' We both know that. Just surrender," Tsuru replied, not engaging in a war of words. She immediately ordered an attack.
"So decisive," Doflamingo praised inwardly.
"Soru!" Tsuru swiftly moved towards Doflamingo, aiming to board the pirate ship and engage him in battle.
Doflamingo saw through her intentions and wouldn't let her succeed.
"Armament: Hardening!"
With a low growl, he instantly coated both his hands in Armament Haki and threw a powerful punch at the rapidly approaching Tsuru.
Tsuru, seeing this, had no choice but to also coat her hands in Armament Haki to block and deflect the immense force of Doflamingo's punch. She was forced to retreat back to her warship. Although she hadn't taken any damage, Doflamingo had successfully prevented her from boarding.
This time, Doflamingo didn't dare recklessly charge onto the enemy ship. After all, his opponent was Vice Admiral Tsuru, the user of the Paramecia-type Wash-Wash Fruit. This ability was the most troublesome for Doflamingo, which was why he'd coated himself in Armament Haki from the start. If Tsuru touched him, he'd lose his fighting strength, which would be disastrous. Taking advantage of the situation, Doflamingo signaled Diamante to widen the distance between the two ships. This was a tough opponent, not easily dealt with.
The repelled Tsuru showed little emotion on her face, but inwardly, she was impressed by Doflamingo's accomplishments at such a young age. Judging from that punch, Doflamingo's strength was indeed as described in the intelligence reports – he had even awakened and mastered Haki to a considerable degree. Without further hesitation, Tsuru, leading the charge, once again moved towards Doflamingo.
"Geppo!"
Watching Tsuru step on the air as she approached, Doflamingo wasn't overly surprised, but he couldn't help but admire her. She was truly a veteran Navy officer who had sailed the seas for many years, proficient in the Rokushiki. Currently lacking any means of aerial combat, Doflamingo would definitely be at a disadvantage. He absolutely couldn't let Tsuru board the ship. And in the future, he'd have to learn Geppo. The Navy's Soru and Geppo weren't particularly difficult techniques; many people in the New World knew them, especially since there were quite a few Navy defectors, Doflamingo reflected.
"Trebol, Diamante, let's attack together. It's time to get out of this mess. We can't afford to mess with Vice Admiral Tsuru right now," Doflamingo said to Trebol and Diamante behind him.
"Behehehe, leave it to me!" Trebol laughed. "Sticky-Sticky Launcher!"
"Half Moon Glaive!"
Flying slashes and a disgusting-looking mucus flew towards Tsuru in the air, blocking her path forward. Taking advantage of the distraction, they quickly sailed away.
"Quick, Vice Admiral Tsuru is in danger! Follow them!" Seeing Doflamingo's intention to escape, the Marines hastily steered their warship towards the pirate ship.
Tsuru skillfully dodged the incoming attacks in the air, occasionally launching Rankyaku attacks at Doflamingo.
"What an annoying old hag," Doflamingo muttered, his forehead veins bulging in irritation.
"You're a good boy. Stop this," Tsuru said, ignoring his outburst. She looked down at Doflamingo from above, speaking in a gentle tone, like a kind mother.
But Doflamingo wasn't happy. Being entangled with Tsuru would be a major headache. If I can't beat them, I'll run! You're tough, I'll give you that. Just wait, what goes around comes around. Don't underestimate a young man's potential! I, Doflamingo, will be back, Doflamingo thought to himself.
"Full power attack on their warship! Use the opportunity to break free from their pursuit!"
"Sticky-Sticky Launcher!" "Half-Moon Glaive!"
The meal that Tsuru should have been enjoying was now being served to her subordinates. The Marines on the warship were all Tsuru's direct subordinates, all female soldiers she had trained, and they were relatively weaker in combat. Vice Admiral Tsuru would never stand by and watch them fall into danger.
Doflamingo's intentions were malicious, and Tsuru knew it, but she had no choice. There would be other opportunities to arrest Doflamingo, but her subordinates might not get a second chance. Therefore, she turned back to help the female soldiers.
Seeing Tsuru leave the airspace above and fly towards the warship, Doflamingo knew his plan had succeeded. He quickly made his escape.
Watching Doflamingo's retreating figure, Vice Admiral Tsuru knew this arrest attempt had failed. Although Doflamingo's strength was still lacking, the brat was incredibly slippery.
"We're sorry, Vice Admiral Tsuru! It's our fault Doflamingo got away," the female soldiers said, filled with guilt, unable to meet Tsuru's gaze.
"I didn't expect this kid to be so cunning. It's not your fault. I was careless. Alright, you'll do better next time," Tsuru was always forgiving towards her female subordinates. "Now, let's pursue them!"
"Yes!" The female soldiers, seemingly revitalized, responded with a collective, resounding cry.
Meanwhile, Doflamingo had already shaken off Tsuru's pursuit. Everyone breathed a sigh of relief. Of course, Doflamingo knew they would definitely continue chasing him. They might let anyone else go, but not him.
"The World Government, the Celestial Dragons, the Navy... Heh, we'll see about that."