In the center of Dressrosa, there stood a tower-like fortress that split the city into two distinct regions. Whenever a major event occurred, proclamations would be posted there for all to see.
But this time, it wasn't a notice on display—it was a stunning woman.
And not just any woman. Everyone recognized her—former member of the Donquixote Family, Baby-5.
Her body was bound tightly with ropes, tied to the top of a pillar, suffering under the scorching sun as countless citizens pointed and whispered in speculation.
"Baby-5, give up on this attempt to assassinate the Young Master!"
"By the family's 'Blood Oath,' your actions should be punished with impalement. But the Young Master, considering your years of service, has shown mercy!"
"As long as you abandon this foolish assassination and return to his side, all can still be forgiven!"
Violet tried to persuade her.
As a fellow woman, she genuinely sympathized with Baby-5. But no matter how hard she tried, she simply couldn't understand what kind of man could make Baby-5 so loyal—enough to openly betray the Young Master, even if it meant losing her life.
"Violet, this has nothing to do with you!"
"For the man I love, giving my life means nothing. I will never give up!" Baby-5 declared firmly. "If you really pity me, give me a cigarette."
Violet sighed and shook her head.
A woman poisoned by love… there's no cure for that.
"What a reckless woman… Strutting right up to kill Doflamingo—of course she'd fail. Seems like she still can't let go of the family she lived with for so many years."
Lance sat calmly in a room, exhaling a puff of smoke. Eyes closed, he watched the scene through Kuro's vision—Baby-5 tied up atop the execution tower.
It was obvious she hadn't fully severed her emotional ties with the Donquixote Family. Otherwise, she wouldn't have made such a public attempt to assassinate Doflamingo.
She clearly wanted to fail on purpose—to break ties with the Donquixote Family while showing Lance her resolve.
"If that's all she's capable of, she might as well give up."
Lance opened his eyes and withdrew his vision. His expression didn't change at all.
The next day, the man-eating monster moved again.
This time, the target wasn't the bound Baby-5, but another Donquixote Family member—Lao G!
After Trebol's death, Lao G had taken over his duties, guarding Sugar inside the Toy House.
But on the day after Baby-5's capture, Lao G was found dead in the Toy House—reduced to nothing but a skeleton.
"Baby-5, Old Man Lao is dead. The Young Master needs your help!"
"Can you really sit by while he suffers because of that man-eating monster?"
"You haven't eaten in two days. Just admit your mistake and return to the Young Master's side!"
Senor Pink, the Swim Swim Fruit user, chewed his pacifier and shouted loudly.
Baby-5 was extremely weak at this point. But even so, she still shook her head stubbornly and refused.
On the third day, the execution was set to take place.
Countless citizens of Dressrosa gathered to witness what would be the first public execution of a Donquixote Family member.
Something had never happened before.
"Baby-5, I'll give you one last chance in front of everyone… You know very well what rejecting this chance will mean."
Doflamingo's gaze was sharp as he spoke. "Tell me who ordered you to kill me. Say the name, and I'll let everything slide. You'll remain one of my officers, and I won't hold it against you."
"But if you still refuse… I will show no mercy to a traitor!"
Doflamingo wasn't one to hesitate.
He only asked because he wanted to know the identity of the one behind Baby-5's betrayal. He wouldn't rest until he tracked that person down and made them die in agony.
This was about his pride and reputation.
Whoever it was—once he had a name—he'd destroy them without hesitation.
"Baby-5, it's already been three days. The man you spoke of hasn't shown up… not even tried to save you. Is a man like that really worth dying for?"
"Come back. Come back to the Young Master. You're still our beloved little sister!"
"I… I won't betray my man…" Baby-5's lips were cracked and pale, her face ghostly white. She was on the brink of collapse, but even now, she shook her head stubbornly. "He's my only man. I won't betray him, even if I die…"
Her words caused Senor, Violet, Pica, Sugar, and the others to lower their heads in resignation.
They had done everything they could to save her.
After all, she'd been part of the Donquixote Family for twenty years. To them, she was truly one of their own.
But now, she had committed an unforgivable betrayal and showed no signs of remorse.
"For the one she loves, huh…"
Cavendish, hidden in the crowd, lifted his hood slightly, gazing at her with emotion in his eyes.
Doflamingo covered his forehead, laughing wildly—his laughter edged with madness.
Everyone looked at him nervously.
"All this… just for a man?"
"Baby-5, you've disgraced the trust I placed in you!"
"If you're a traitor… then accept the traitor's punishment!"
"I have no need for someone like you under my command!"
He raised his hand, pointing a finger at her forehead.
[Ito no Dangan] (Bullet Line)
A razor-sharp thread shot from his fingertip, forming into a bullet that flew straight toward Baby-5's forehead!
If it hit, she wouldn't survive.
Doflamingo had reached the end of his patience. He no longer cared about keeping her alive.
"I was going to let this game run a little longer, but you, foolish woman… you've forced my hand."
"Honestly, what a pain you are…"
Suddenly, a figure appeared before Baby-5 and with a casual wave of the hand, struck the bullet-thread away!
[Check Out My P@treon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!!][[email protected]/euridome]
[Thank You For Your Support!]