King Riku then proceeded to recount everything the Donquixote Family had done since arriving in Dressrosa.
Due to Doflamingo's status as one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea, King Riku had no means to counter him.
Even when he sent documents to the World Government, officials there would brush them off with vague excuses and suppress the matter.
King Riku sensed that Doflamingo must have another identity beyond just being a Warlord.
Yet, precisely because of this, he felt increasingly powerless against the Donquixote Family's growing audacity.
He had once considered driving the Donquixote Family out using his own strength, but he later discovered, to his despair, that the family's power was far too great.
Not to mention Doflamingo himself—even the Donquixote Family's executives were more than a match for his royal guards.
Moreover, his guard unit was missing one person.
Though King Riku couldn't recall who it was, he was certain that the guard unit was short one member.
This only added to his distress.
Now, having finally encountered a Navy Admiral, he naturally had to try for the sake of his country.
After listening, Raleigh asked: "If the Donquixote Family has indeed committed crimes, I would like to ask: do you currently have any concrete evidence?"
King Riku patted his head and said, "We only have evidence of the Donquixote Family's arms and drug trafficking. The most crucial evidence—human trafficking—is missing. I remember sending someone to investigate this matter, but I can't recall who it was."
Raleigh nodded.
He understood. It was most likely the captain of the royal guards, and he must have fallen victim to Sugar's Hobby-Hobby Fruit.
Only then would King Riku have forgotten about this person.
"I also have some matters to discuss with Doflamingo. Since you have evidence, come with me."
Overjoyed, King Riku replied, "The evidence is already prepared. I'll send someone to fetch it now."
Sss—
A sound pierced through the air.
Smoke still curled from the index finger of Raleigh's right hand.
King Riku turned around in confusion, only to see one of the guards not far away severely wounded and collapsed on the ground.
The other guards swiftly drew their swords, pointing them at Raleigh.
"Admiral Raleigh?" King Riku questioned.
"A spy from the Donquixote Family." Raleigh retracted his finger without further explanation.
...
At the Donquixote Family's base, after a morning of rigorous preparations, most of the evidence had already been destroyed by Trebol and the others.
They could now relax and await Raleigh's arrival.
"Sirs, Admiral—Christian Raleigh has arrived." A member of the Donquixote Family stationed at the front gate rushed over, reporting urgently.
Doflamingo's mood had improved considerably now, and he was no longer afraid that Raleigh might find any damning evidence.
Soon, the distinctive clacking of Navy boots reached the ears of the Donquixote Family executives.
"Admiral Raleigh, it's been a long time." Doflamingo walked straight over, fully aware that his various identities held little weight in the eyes of the man before him.
"Doflamingo, it certainly has been a while," Raleigh said casually.
Ever since he entered the hall, he had noticed the Donquixote Family executives standing ready for action.
"Hey now, look at all your faces. What, not welcoming me?" Raleigh's gaze turned dangerous.
Doflamingo now stood before Raleigh, a smile on his face as he said, "How could we not welcome you, Admiral Raleigh? After all, we cooperated quite well back in the North Blue."
Doflamingo emphasized the word "cooperated," as if reminding Raleigh that everything in the North Blue had ended with the two of them leaving.
Now, the Donquixote Family owed Raleigh nothing.
Moreover, they were already a Pirate Crew under the Seven Warlords of the Sea.
According to the rules set by the World Government, Raleigh had no right to take action against them.
Raleigh ignored Doflamingo and walked into the conference room where Doflamingo intended to host him, unhesitatingly taking the seat of honor.
Then, with a calm expression, he said, "There's no need to bring up those old matters. I'm here for something else."
The adjutant took a newspaper from his coat and placed it on the conference table.
Everyone's eyes turned to the newspaper.
Only after lighting a cigar did Raleigh speak.
"This is what your fellow Warlord Crocodile has been doing in Alabasta. He's now hailed as a national hero of Alabasta, but it seems your tally of slain Pirates falls far short. If I recall correctly, when the World Government appointed the Seven Warlords, it was stated that a certain number of Pirate heads must be submitted each year."
Raleigh's words sent a jolt through Doflamingo's heart.
He hadn't expected Raleigh to come because of this.
After all, since accepting the position of Warlord, the Donquixote Family had focused on plans to expand the family's power.
Who would waste their money-making time fighting those bloodthirsty Pirates?
Most of the Pirate heads submitted over the years belonged to rival Pirate forces opposing the Donquixote Family.
It was only for this reason that they took action, clearing them out while also fulfilling their quota.
"The Donquixote Family's strength is still far from sufficient. We need more time to develop before we can assist the Navy in combating Pirates."
Understanding Raleigh's purpose for coming, Doflamingo began fabricating excuses without a second thought.
After all, even if this matter were brought before the World Government, no one would strip him of his title.
But the outcome was not as Doflamingo had imagined.
Raleigh picked up the ashtray from the table and hurled it violently at Doflamingo's head.
"Doffy!"
"Young Master!"
The Donquixote Family executives, who had been closely watching Raleigh's movements, rushed forward, hoping to block the blow.
The strike did not land, as Doflamingo had also kept his body tense.
The moment Raleigh made his move, Doflamingo instantly retreated explosively, then activated his String-String Fruit ability, slicing the ashtray into countless fragments.
A small piece of glass grazed Doflamingo's face, leaving a thin line of blood on his skin.
"If you can't handle the duties of a Seven Warlord of the Sea, then what's the point of staying in this position? The Navy wants promising newcomers who can help curb the rampant piracy. If you can't do it, then you can submit your resignation from the Seven Warlords of the Sea to the World Government right now."
Raleigh's eyes were filled with unparalleled killing intent, his overwhelming aura directly locking onto the bodies of all members of the Donquixote Family.
Doflamingo, who had initially been momentarily provoked and wanted to challenge Raleigh, had no choice but to swallow his pride after being pinned down by this aura.
"Admiral Raleigh, our Donquixote Family is willing to fulfill the duties of the Seven Warlords of the Sea. Starting tomorrow, we will crack down severely on Pirates."
Raleigh flicked the ash from his burning cigar, exhaled a puff of smoke, and said:
"Not enough! By tomorrow afternoon, I want to see a thousand Pirate heads. Remember, I said Pirates. Heads of others won't count. If I find out you're using others to impersonate them, think about the consequences yourself."