Buzz!
The engine roared to life.
Through gears and chains, the propeller began to spin rapidly.
The wind generated by the spinning propeller pushed the pitch-black iron bird forward, its speed steadily increasing.
Finally, just as it was about to rush off the runway of the massive ship's deck, the black iron bird abruptly lifted, soaring into the sky.
It ascended swiftly, disappearing into the depths of the sky as a tiny black dot in the blink of an eye.
"Are you sure it's fine to let Drake go alone?"
Law turned his head to ask Ian.
"There's no one more suitable for this," Ian replied. After all, Barrels was Drake's father.
"Besides, we need to pick up the pace."
Accelerating was the next step.
As for how to speed up—it was surprisingly straightforward.
"Roar!"
In the sea, several tamed sea beasts roared as they bit down on the thick chains hanging from the sides of the ship, using their brute strength to drag the massive vessel forward.
And so, the Golden Dragon sped ahead at an incredible pace.
Not far ahead, the Donquixote Family's flamingo-shaped ship was also pushing forward with all its might.
From another direction, the Navy fleet was rapidly closing in.
Everyone's target was the same—Minion Island. Everyone's goal was the Ope Ope no Mi.
"Hmm?"
On the Donquixote Family's massive ship, Doflamingo raised his head in surprise.
It sounded like thunder.
Was it really thunder?
The North Blue was in its winter season, and this area was in the northernmost part of the sea, with freezing temperatures. Thick clouds blanketed the sky, and heavy snowflakes, like feathers, were drifting down steadily.
Yet there didn't seem to be any signs of a thunderstorm.
Forget it, whether it thunders or not doesn't matter at all.
Doflamingo simply gazed at the horizon, anticipating the moment when the island called Minion would appear before him.
He couldn't see it — above the dense clouds, a pitch-black iron bird roared forward.
Drake calmly piloted the warplane, advancing straight ahead.
"Father, I'm coming."
Minion Island.
Deep within the island, in a dilapidated castle blanketed by snow.
Barrels and his crew were hiding here.
They were waiting for tomorrow's deal.
"Dori! Bring me some wine!"
Wrapped in a thick cotton coat against the cold weather, Barrels was already drunk, hiccupping and calling out with bleary eyes, "Hahaha! We're about to strike it rich! We must celebrate properly!"
"Coming, Captain!"
Drinking the fine wine handed over by his subordinate, Barrels laughed heartily while once again cautiously taking out a small box. From it, he retrieved a heart-shaped fruit.
"Is this fruit really worth five billion Berries?"
A nearby pirate, still unable to believe it, couldn't help but shout, "It's insane! The Navy must have lost their minds!"
"Hahahaha! You fools know nothing!"
Barrels carefully closed the box again. Ever since obtaining the fruit, he had to take it out and look at it every so often, fearing it was all just a dream.
He said, "If a doctor eats this, they'll undoubtedly become the world's top physician! History tells of doctors who consumed this fruit, performed what could only be described as miraculous surgeries, and cured countless incurable diseases — legendary doctors."
"The World Government officials sure value their lives, huh? Just five billion Berries for a doctor who can cure all kinds of incurable diseases—isn't that worth it?"
"But, hahaha! These things have nothing to do with us. Money is more practical anyway."
"That's right!"
The pirates burst into cheers. "With this money, we won't have to be pirates anymore!"
Their joyous voices echoed through the dilapidated castle, seeping out through the broken window frames and scattering into the chaotic wind and snow outside.
The storm was wild, their laughter even louder, so they didn't notice the roaring sound passing through the sky above them.
However, Barrels remained somewhat sober. Raising his bottle high, he shouted, "Boys! Don't drink too much tonight! We can't mess up tomorrow's deal!"
"Once the trade is done, we'll celebrate properly!"
"Oh!! Long live the captain! Long live Captain Barrels!"
The pirates cheered once more.
Just then—
Bang!
The castle's old, shabby door suddenly exploded, splintering into countless fragments that scattered in all directions like a shower of petals.
"Urgh—"
Barrels was caught off guard by the sudden commotion, nearly choking on the liquor he'd been gulping down. He hurriedly swallowed the rest, letting out a long, heavy belch.
Only then did he see the figure stepping in through the castle's broken doorway, surrounded by swirling snow and icy wind.
The newcomer wore a peculiar helmet paired with large goggles and a thick face mask.
Dressed in a strange black uniform resembling a long military coat, its hem swayed in the wind, revealing sturdy, heavy boots beneath.
The boots scraped against the floor, producing a sharp, grating crunch with every step.
"There are plenty of places to hide on this island," The figure spoke calmly, "This spot is the most comfortable, but also the most conspicuous. So, I guessed you'd be here, and it seems I was right."
Barrels shook his head hard, trying to dispel the dizziness brought on by the alcohol. He warily got to his feet, his right hand reaching for the long blade at his waist while his left instinctively clutched at his chest.
He shouted, "Who are you?!"
Bad news!
We've been found!
Is it the Navy?
Or someone else?
The newcomer sharply noticed Barrels's movement and shook his head lightly. "I've imagined our reunion many times, but I never thought there would be a father in this world who couldn't recognize his own son after two years."
In the puzzled gazes of Barrels's crew, the man slowly removed his helmet, eyepatch, and mask, revealing a resolute face.
Barrels froze.
The entire pirate crew froze.
They stared at the newcomer in disbelief.
Standing over two meters tall, with a determined face and steady eyes, his powerful physique was evident even beneath the heavy uniform.
"No way."
One pirate was dumbfounded.
"How could this be possible?"
Another pirate rubbed his eyes, wondering if he was drunk.
"This must be a mistake! How could he be here?"
A pirate shook his head repeatedly, denying the outrageous thought forming in his mind. "Yeah, I must be dreaming!"
But Barrels's eyes widened in shock.
Taller, stronger, more mature.
No longer the scrawny boy from two years ago who seemed like a mere child.
But he could recognize him.
It wasn't some ridiculous notion of blood ties; it was because he had just seen that face on a wanted poster!
"DRAKE!!"
Barrels screamed, "Why are you here?!"
Drake!
His foolish son!
The weak Drake from two years ago, the one taken by Ian the Skyfire!
Ian the Skyfire!
Suddenly, Barrels realized something.
"Long time no see, father."
Drake spoke calmly, "It's been over two years, and you haven't changed at all."
He sighed softly, "There was a time when I imagined that maybe my father wasn't just a scumbag. Maybe he lost his sense of justice after witnessing the Navy's corruption, leading him to give up on himself."
"But now it seems that's not the case. You even dared to deceive Lord Ian. Truly impressive."
Barrels suddenly noticed the slight tilt of Drake's chin. This boy! This boy was talking to him from a position of superiority!
But… Ian!
He knows?
"Well, whatever. None of it matters now,"
Drake shook his head slightly, extending his right hand toward his father. "Hand over what Lord Ian wants. You wouldn't want to find out what happens to those who deceive him."
Barrels's pupils shrank sharply.
The pirates beside him were even more visibly terrified.
So, Ian really does know!
**********
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