Chapter 182: 182. The Fire Festival Is Coming

Words : 1063 Updated : Oct 4th, 2025

Check out advanced chapters on P@treon: [email protected]/CosmicKaminari ---------- There was still nearly a month left before the Fire Festival. However, unlike in previous years, many of the regular invitees had already begun making meticulous preparations. The only exception was Stussy, Queen of the Pleasure District. In her eyes, she alone would overshadow any gift, no matter how carefully chosen. Alongside the usual guests, new factions sought to use the construction period of the Sky Kingdom to forge closer ties with the king of the new era. North Blue, one of the world's largest seas, is known for its advanced power struggles and relative chaos. In its history lies the tale of a nation that once ruled North Blue through sheer force: the Germa Kingdom. So infamous was its domination that a comic strip was created to frighten children about its power. But those were the glories of the past. Today, King Judge of Germa, also known as Vinsmoke Judge, clings to his ambition to restore his family's former grandeur. Due to governmental intervention and suppression, the Germa Kingdom is no longer recognized as a traditional nation. Instead, it is known as the "Legion of Evil" and the "Masters of War." Their existence is mobile, with no fixed territory—only dozens of massive snail ships that connect to form a sprawling, modular city. Thanks to these unique ships, Germa has survived as a mercenary force, actively operating across the globe. Now, the Kingdom of Germa seeks to align itself with the king of the new era, the Flying Admiral, and join the ranks of those shaping the next chapter of history. However, Germa's approach differs from the others. Rather than relying on the uncertainty of attending the Fire Festival directly, they've turned their sights toward the Donquixote Family, whose influence has surged throughout North Blue. North Blue: Barrencher Island Barrencher Island, a port town in North Blue, serves as the primary base of operations for Donquixote Doflamingo's growing empire. After years of absence, Doflamingo has returned to North Blue—not only to solidify his rule over the region but also to lay the groundwork for his future plans in the New World. Recently allied with Alex, the Donquixote Family has enjoyed significant prosperity. Now a member of the Seven Warlords of the Sea, Doflamingo's legal authority to plunder has given him the freedom to pursue his ambitions, including the development of Dressrosa as a base of power. But before those plans move forward, the Fire Festival takes precedence. This is one of the reasons Doflamingo has returned to North Blue—preparations in his home territory are far easier to manage than in the tumultuous New World. In preparing for the Fire Festival, Doflamingo focused only on gifts worthy of Alex. Ordinary offerings like wealth or swords were dismissed outright—these held no value in the eyes of the Flying Admiral. In the past, when Devil Fruits weren't readily available, Doflamingo had presented intricately crafted jewelry and scepters as gifts. But this time, the stakes were far higher, and the significance of his offering carried much greater weight. Not only had Alex established a new nation, but he had also ascended to the throne as the world's strongest. Gifts offered to someone of his stature needed to reflect these unparalleled achievements, and this put considerable pressure on Doflamingo. To maintain his carefully cultivated superior-subordinate relationship with Alex, Doflamingo knew he had to deliver something exceptional. Having attended the Fire Festival for several years, Doflamingo had developed a solid understanding of Alex's preferences when it came to receiving gifts. Of all the gifts he'd presented in the past, only two had truly pleased Alex: The Snow-Snow Fruit, a Logia-type Devil Fruit that later empowered the Samurai Gray, a prominent figure in Wanokuni's Royal court. Baby 5, who wielded the Weapon-Weapon Fruit and became one of Alex's trusted retainers. Doflamingo had once possessed another powerful Devil Fruit: the Gold-Gold Fruit, which granted control over gold. However, a certain "bastard" caused chaos at the auction house and snatched it away, leaving Doflamingo furious for quite some time. Even so, Doflamingo likely wouldn't have given the Gold-Gold Fruit as a gift. Unlike the Snow-Snow Fruit, it held significant value to him, akin to the Hobby-Hobby Fruit, which was given to Sugar. Reflecting on these past experiences, Doflamingo turned his gaze toward his current family members. His eyes landed on Monet, and for a moment, he appeared lost in thought, nodding and shaking his head alternately. The ambiguous display left his retainers puzzled. The strange atmosphere was interrupted by "Oro," one of Doflamingo's subordinates, who walked in briskly. "My lord, the snail ship of the Germa Kingdom has arrived at the port," Oro reported. The news snapped Doflamingo out of his musings. He quickly gave orders for a response and followed his retainers to the meeting. The Germa Kingdom had already sent a greeting card in advance of their visit, so Doflamingo wasn't surprised by their arrival. As one of North Blue's prominent forces, Germa was no stranger to him. Their relationship extended to business exchanges, particularly the supply of ammunition for mercenaries. Still, it was rare for the Germa Kingdom to approach him using such formalities. Doflamingo had a hunch about their intentions and couldn't help but sneer. The idea that Judge hoped to restore Germa's former glory—where it had once dominated North Blue—seemed laughable in this turbulent era. Despite his inner thoughts, Doflamingo wore a warm smile as he welcomed Judge into his extravagant living room. "Fuffuffuffu... Judge, it's been a while. To what do I owe the honor of your personal visit?" Unfazed by the sinister reputation of his host, Judge seated himself confidently across from Doflamingo. "I want to secure an invitation to the Fire Festival," Judge declared bluntly. Doflamingo's grin widened, his expression embodying the power and privilege he now held. "The Fire Festival isn't so easy to attend. Many have gone to great lengths to obtain an invitation, only to walk away empty-handed." "You know I came to you for a reason," Judge replied coldly. "Stop wasting time. Name your price, Doflamingo!" Doflamingo chuckled, his eyes glinting with amusement. "Two Devil Fruits," he said, without hesitation. "That's the price of admission."

Chapter 182: 182. The Fire Festival Is Coming

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