As the year 1519 of the Sea Calendar drew to a close, the Yonko appeared somewhat quiet. At the very least, they were making no grand maneuvers; in reality, they were secretly amassing their strength.
On the World Government's side, having realized the severity of losing Dr. Vegapunk, they no longer intended to keep the Army stationed at Mariejois. Units led by Momousagi and Shirokitsune were deployed into the Science Unit to assist in the construction of aerial warships.
Among the Yonko groups, the Immortal Pirates reaped the greatest harvest. They had secured Dr. Vegapunk, the former head of the Government's Science Unit and possessor of the world's greatest mind, as well as Aranea Highwind, the former Mobile Commander of the Second Aerial Unit, and the former Warlord Bartholomew Kuma, now known as PX-0.
Next was the Beasts Pirates. Their trade of SMILE with the Donquixote alliance had officially begun. The success rate was initially low; Beasts Pirate crewmen who consumed the Artificial Devil Fruits faced a mortality rate exceeding 70%. However, as research deepened, the death rate gradually declined. Kaido was waiting for his army of artificial ability users to mature before settling scores with Wano and Alucard.
By year's end, the Whitebeard Pirates gained a rising star: Fire Fist Ace. Having joined mid-year, it took him a mere six months to secure the position of Second Division Commander.
The Big Mom Pirates established a connection with the Donquixote alliance, though this proved of little unique advantage since the other two Yonko had done the same. Consequently, they showed the lowest growth during this period.
Just as the year 1520 began, two major events occurred within the Immortal Pirates.
The first: Trafalgar Law, captain of the Heart Pirates, attempted to infiltrate Gran Tesoro to assassinate Donquixote Doflamingo, the leader of the alliance. He was defeated.
…
"Show-time!"
Inside the glittering golden city of entertainment, the key players were gathered in a dimly lit room. Gild Tesoro sat upon a plush, expensive pink velvet sofa, gesturing with a contemptuous middle finger toward Law, who was embedded in the wall.
Law was currently pinned to the wall in a spread-eagle fashion. Parts of his body were turning to gold, clearly the work of Tesoro's Gold-Gold Fruit. However, most of the wounds on his body were lacerations from cutting attacks; this was Doflamingo's handiwork.
On the floor beneath Law lay Bepo, Shachi, Penguin, and the rest of the Heart Pirates, their status unknown.
"Idiot. To dare assassinate the Young Master... you deserve ten thousand deaths!" Giolla of the Donquixote Pirates jeered from the side.
"Fuffuffuffu..."
Doflamingo, hands in his pockets and walking with his signature splayed-legged gait, stepped up to Law. He grinned wickedly. "Just because you joined the Immortals, you've become so arrogant? Did you really think you could kill me with this level of skill, Law?"
"Young Master," Gladius said. Despite his mask, the fury was evident behind his goggles. "This brat killed Buffalo and Machvise. He broke the family's 'Iron Rule of Blood.' He should be executed immediately."
Though Law's plan failed to take down Doflamingo, he had managed to kill two officers, Buffalo and Machvise, incensing the Donquixote crew.
Before Doflamingo could speak, Tanaka, the user of the Phase-Phase Fruit, emerged from the floor to report. "Tesoro-sama, Doflamingo-sama, a representative from the Immortal Pirates has arrived. They say they're short on funds this year and demand the immediate payment of the annual 10 billion Berry 'protection fee.'"
Gladius, who had just been urging Doflamingo to kill Law, shut his mouth instantly. What did family rules matter? If the Immortals were provoked to anger, they could wipe out the Donquixote family in a matter of minutes.
Tesoro crossed his hands, twiddling his thumbs. He looked at Doflamingo's back and asked, "Do you think this is a coincidence, or intentional?"
The Immortals arrived exactly when they were about to deal with the Heart Pirates... it was far too convenient.
Doflamingo recalled his previous conversation with Alucard when he had suggested kidnapping Vegapunk. He had asked Alucard what his reaction would be if Law ever came for revenge. Alucard's answer was that he wouldn't do a thing as he never interfered in the affairs of his subordinates.
While Doflamingo felt Alucard wasn't the type to lie, the fact remained that the Immortal Pirates' men were at his doorstep. If he killed their subordinate now, regardless of whether Alucard was telling the truth, it wouldn't look good.
In short, Doflamingo was stuck in a situation where he had won the fight but didn't dare kill the loser.
Relenting, Doflamingo snapped his fingers and spat through gritted teeth, "Let them go!"
Silence fell over the room; everyone understood the frustration in Doflamingo's heart.
"Go and see how the Immortals react."
Though he decided to release them, Doflamingo wouldn't do it simply. He wanted to use this opportunity to gauge the Immortal Pirates' response. If this truly was a coincidence, then Doflamingo could kill Law without hesitation the next time he dared to attack. If they had come intentionally to save him... then he would need a serious talk with Alucard.
Soon, the Heart Pirates were returned to the Immortal Pirates' custody, and Tesoro had his men deliver the 10 billion Belly protection fee.
Two hours later, after the Immortal and Heart Pirates had sailed away, Tanaka returned to report.
It really was a coincidence. The reason the Immortal Pirates were so desperate for money this year was that Dr. Vegapunk's research was such a massive money sink that they had demanded the funds at the very start of the year.
"Ahahahaha!"
Tesoro threw his head back and laughed, mocking Doflamingo. "Joker, it seems your luck is just terrible!"
Doflamingo placed a hand on his forehead. After a long silence, he spoke calmly. "Tesoro, send them another 10 billion."
Tesoro's smile froze. "Joker, are you joking?"
Another 10 billion? That would make 20 billion total. Even the Celestial Dragons' Heavenly Tribute wasn't that outrageous.
"We need the Immortals to know our importance," Doflamingo grinned like a demon. "Because next time... I am definitely killing Law."
The Heart Pirates' challenge to the Donquixote Pirates ended in a crushing defeat.
Meanwhile, at the beginning of the year, another incident occurred: Sanjuan Wolf, a top-tier powerhouse of the Immortal Pirates, was defeated by an unknown pirate named Weevil.