Eternal winter: the rise of the imprisoned celestial dragon (dungeon)

The journey to Dressrosa was smooth, though the tension aboard the Moby Dick was palpable. The crew, invigorated by their captain's apparent rebirth and Jinx's mysterious agenda, maintained a sharp focus. Dressrosa loomed on the horizon, its towering cliffs and vibrant architecture standing out like a jewel amidst the sea.

However, as they neared the port, it wasn't just the Moby Dick that sailed into view. All four of Whitebeard's main ships accompanied the flagship, their presence an unmistakable show of power. The sea around the island seemed alive with activity as the fleet closed in, their shadows casting over the colorful city below.

The moment the ships came into view, chaos erupted in Dressrosa. Civilians and soldiers alike ran through the streets, shouting and pointing at the massive vessels.

"Whitebeard's fleet! They're here!"

"All four main ships? What does this mean?!"

Word spread like wildfire, and soon, even the most powerful figures on the island were alerted to the unexpected arrival.Doflamingo was seated in his palace, casually sipping a glass of wine, when one of his subordinates burst into the room, his face pale with panic.

"Young Master!" the man gasped, struggling to catch his breath.

Doflamingo's trademark grin faltered slightly, replaced by a cold, calculating glare. "What is it? Speak."

"It's… it's Whitebeard's fleet, sir. They've just arrived at the port."

The glass of wine slipped from Doflamingo's hand, shattering on the floor. For a moment, the usually composed warlord froze, his mind racing.

"Whitebeard?" he muttered, his voice low and dangerous. "That's impossible."

He quickly stood, his long legs carrying him toward the balcony. With his enhanced vision, he could see the unmistakable flags of Whitebeard's ships fluttering in the wind. The Moby Dick stood at the forefront, as imposing as ever, followed closely by its three sister ships.

Doflamingo clenched his fists, his grin returning but now tinged with a hint of unease. "What the hell is going on?" he muttered to himself. "Whitebeard should be heading to Marineford… not here."

He turned sharply to his subordinates. "Get me a report on everything happening at the port. Now!"

"Yes, Young Master!" they replied, scrambling out of the room.

As the doors slammed shut, Doflamingo leaned against the railing, his pink coat billowing in the wind. He couldn't afford to ignore this. If Whitebeard was here, it meant something big was happening—something that could disrupt his plans.

At the port, the citizens of Dressrosa watched in awe and fear as the massive ships docked. Whitebeard's pirates disembarked, their presence alone enough to make the local soldiers back away nervously. Leading the way was Marco, his blue phoenix tattoo glowing faintly under the sunlight. Behind him, Jozu, Vista, and the other division commanders followed, each radiating a sense of power and authority.

Finally, Whitebeard himself descended from the Moby Dick. His youthful appearance was still jarring to those who had known him before, but his sheer presence was undeniable. The people of Dressrosa whispered among themselves, their fear mingled with fascination.

Jinx stood beside Whitebeard, his arms crossed and his eyes scanning the crowd. He could feel the tension in the air, the weight of a thousand gazes focused on their group.

As they moved through the port, a commotion erupted at the far end. A group of men dressed in flamboyant outfits approached, their movements quick and purposeful. At the center of the group was none other than Doflamingo himself.

Doflamingo stopped a few feet away from Whitebeard, his grin wide but his eyes sharp. "Well, well, what a surprise. The great Whitebeard, gracing my humble island with his presence."

Whitebeard didn't respond immediately. Instead, he looked Doflamingo up and down, his expression unreadable.

"Doflamingo," Whitebeard said finally, his deep voice carrying over the quiet crowd. "You look nervous."

Doflamingo's grin faltered for a split second before returning. "Nervous? No, no. Just… curious. It's not every day that all four of your ships show up unannounced. Care to explain what you're doing here?"

Jinx stepped forward, drawing Doflamingo's attention. "We're just passing through," Jinx said casually. "No need to get worked up."

Doflamingo raised an eyebrow, studying Jinx carefully. "And who might you be?"

"Just a guest," Jinx replied with a smirk.

Doflamingo's grin widened, but his gaze hardened. "A guest who travels with Whitebeard. Interesting. But let me remind you both—this is my island. You don't just 'pass through' without my permission."

Marco stepped forward, his eyes narrowing. "You'd do well to watch your tone, Doflamingo. You're talking to the man who rules the seas."

Doflamingo laughed, but there was no humor in it. "Rules the seas? Don't make me laugh. Whitebeard might be strong, but even he knows better than to interfere with my business."

Whitebeard's expression darkened, and the air seemed to grow heavier. "I don't care about your business, Doflamingo. But if you stand in my way, I'll remind you why they call me the strongest man in the world."

For a moment, the tension was so thick it felt like the very air might crack under the pressure. Doflamingo's subordinates shifted nervously, their hands hovering near their weapons.

But then Jinx stepped between them, raising his hands in a gesture of peace. "Alright, alright, let's all calm down. We're not here to start a war—not yet, anyway."

Doflamingo's eyes flicked to Jinx, his grin returning. "Not yet? You've got a sharp tongue, stranger. I like that."

Jinx shrugged. "I've been told it's one of my better qualities."

Whitebeard let out a deep laugh, breaking the tension. "Enough of this posturing. We're here for something important, Doflamingo. Stay out of our way, and you won't have any problems."

Doflamingo's grin faded slightly, but he nodded. "Fine. Do what you need to do. But don't forget whose territory you're in."

With that, he turned and walked away, his subordinates following closely behind.As Doflamingo disappeared into the distance, Marco turned to Whitebeard. "Are you sure we can trust him to stay out of this?"

Whitebeard grinned. "Trust? No. But he won't act unless he thinks he has the upper hand. Let's keep moving."

Jinx nodded, his gaze lingering on the path Doflamingo had taken. "We should move quickly. The dungeon isn't going to wait forever."

The crew set off, their destination clear in their minds. Whatever lay ahead, they knew they were walking into something far greater than any of them had anticipated.

Doflamingo had barely taken ten steps before the sound of something slicing through the air reached his ears. His observation haki flared instinctively, and he twisted his body just in time to see a massive black ice shard hurtling toward him. With a sharp leap, he avoided the attack, the shard embedding itself in the ground behind him and radiating an unnatural, frigid chill that made the surrounding area frost over instantly.

Before Doflamingo could react, five razor-sharp haki-imbued strings lashed out from his fingertips, aimed directly at Jinx. The threads moved with deadly precision, their edges sharp enough to sever even steel. However, as they reached their target, Jinx's body dispersed into a murder of crows, the birds cawing loudly as they took to the sky in an unsettling flurry of feathers and shadow.

"Annoying little pest," Doflamingo muttered, his voice low and dangerous.

The crows reformed mid-air, coalescing into Jinx's humanoid shape. This time, however, he was different. Six black, crystal-like crow wings had emerged from his back, their jagged edges refracting the sunlight in a way that seemed both beautiful and menacing. His eyes gleamed with an otherworldly intensity as he floated effortlessly above the battlefield, his wings beating with a faint hum.

Doflamingo clenched his teeth, barely holding back the rising tide of anger within him. "Why?" he asked, his tone cold and laced with barely-contained rage. "Why attack me? Do you have any idea who you're dealing with?"

Jinx's response was calm, almost dismissive. "I was testing you," he said, his voice echoing slightly with a strange duality. "To see if you were worthy of the truth."

With that, Jinx reached for the sword at his side and slowly unsheathed it. As the blade emerged, an unsettling aura washed over the area, sending chills down the spines of everyone present. The sword, Kurotenma, seemed to defy reality itself, radiating an energy that made those who looked upon it feel as though they were staring at both a demon and an angel at the same time.

Whitebeard's eyes widened as he caught sight of the weapon. There was something eerily familiar about its shape—the resemblance to Oden's blade, Enma, was unmistakable. But where Enma had radiated a noble and overwhelming aura of conquest, Kurotenma was its dark counterpart: twisted, malevolent, and suffused with an unnatural power that seemed to emanate from the very depths of the underworld.

"What… is that?" Whitebeard muttered, his voice filled with both curiosity and unease.

Jinx smirked and held the blade aloft. "This," he said, "is Kurotenma. And now you'll see why it's feared."

With a chillingly calm voice, Jinx uttered the command that resonated with pure malice:

"Fall, Kurotenma."

As the command echoed through the air, an oppressive, murderous aura spread out from the blade, washing over everyone in the vicinity. The temperature seemed to plummet, and the light around them dimmed as if the very sun itself was retreating in fear. On the surface of Kurotenma's blade, the kanji for "hell" (地獄) burned itself into existence near the base, glowing with a deep crimson light.

The once-sleek blade turned pitch black, and blood-red cracks began to spiderweb across its surface. The tip of the sword took on a deep, unsettling red hue, as if it had been dipped in the blood of a thousand enemies. A faint, ghostly smoke rose from the blade, carrying with it the stench of decay and the sound of faint whispers—voices from the abyss.

The oppressive atmosphere forced many of Whitebeard's crew to take a step back, their instincts screaming at them to run. Even Doflamingo, who prided himself on his composure, felt his knees buckle slightly under the weight of the aura.

Jinx raised the transformed Kurotenma, his expression unreadable. Dark energy swirled around the blade, coalescing into a deadly combination of Dark Cold, fox-like lightning, and the raw, malevolent demonic energy that radiated from Kurotenma's fallen form.

With a single slash, Jinx unleashed his attack, the dark energy condensing and surging forward in the shape of a massive black fox head wreathed in crackling lightning. The attack tore through the air, its very presence distorting reality as it roared toward Doflamingo with a terrifying intensity.

"Underworld's Howl!" Jinx declared, naming the devastating attack.

The fox-shaped energy surged toward Doflamingo, its jaws snapping as if it were alive. The ground beneath it froze solid in an instant, the frost spreading outward in jagged, blackened patterns. Lightning arced off the attack, scorching the air and leaving deep gouges in the ground as it passed.

Doflamingo's observation haki screamed in warning, and he reacted on instinct. Crossing his arms in front of him, he conjured a massive shield of haki-infused strings, weaving them together in a desperate attempt to block the attack.

The fox head collided with the shield with a deafening roar, the impact sending shockwaves through the area. Doflamingo gritted his teeth as he struggled to hold his ground, his feet digging into the frozen ground. The sheer force of the attack pushed him back several meters, his shield cracking and splintering under the relentless assault.

"Is that all you've got?!" Doflamingo snarled, his voice filled with defiance.

But even as he said it, he felt the icy chill of Dark Cold seeping into his shield, weakening its structure. The lightning crackled and surged through the gaps in the strings, singeing his arms and forcing him to grit his teeth in pain.

Finally, with one last, mighty push, the fox head exploded, sending shards of black ice and arcs of lightning flying in all directions. Doflamingo was thrown backward, landing in a crouch several meters away. His coat was torn, his arms scorched, and his breathing heavy.

Doflamingo steadied himself, his grin twisting with malice as he extended his arm. "Overheat!" he roared, sending a single, condensed flaming string lashing toward Jinx with incredible speed and force. The blazing string hissed as it cut through the cold air, aiming directly at Jinx's back.

Jinx turned slightly, his crow-like wings snapping shut behind him like a shield. The string struck the black crystalline feathers, sparks flying as the flame fizzled against the ice-like surface. The clash created a brief explosion, sending shards of ice and flickers of flame into the air, but Jinx stood unharmed.

"That the best you've got?" Jinx taunted, his tone laced with amusement. He extended his hand, conjuring a whip of dark cold energy laced with lightning, mirroring Doflamingo's earlier Overheat.

Doflamingo sneered and leaped into the air, firing a barrage of sharp, haki-coated strings. Jinx moved with precision, deflecting them with his blade before twisting mid-air and returning fire with his own whip, forcing Doflamingo to dodge.

The two clashed repeatedly, Doflamingo launching his Five Color Strings and Bullet Strings, while Jinx mirrored the techniques with dark cold-infused energy, keeping the pace fast and brutal.

"You're a quick learner," Doflamingo growled.

Jinx smirked. "And you're predictable."

As the battle intensified, Jinx and Doflamingo clashed violently in midair. Sparks of haki-infused energy lit the sky, Jinx's wings gleaming ominously as they deflected blow after blow. Doflamingo sent a barrage of Five Color Strings toward him, their razor-sharp edges carving through the air with deadly precision. Jinx countered effortlessly with his blade, sending bursts of dark cold energy that froze the air around them.

"You're not bad," Jinx said with a smirk, his wings spreading wide as he hovered above the battlefield. "But your strings are nothing compared to what I've seen."

Doflamingo's grin twisted. "You talk too much," he growled, firing a reinforced string straight at Jinx's throat.

Jinx deflected the attack, but the force caused his choker to snap and fall to the ground. The sudden exposure revealed a thin, faded scar circling his neck, barely visible against his skin but unmistakably there.

Doflamingo's eyes widened, and for the first time in the fight, his grin faltered. Memories surged through his mind—fragments of a distant past he had buried beneath layers of arrogance and cruelty. He saw himself as a child, tied atop a building alongside his father and older brother, Rosinante. The jeers and screams of the mob filled his ears as he remembered the moment his Conqueror's Haki had first awakened, shattering the resolve of their captors.

But then came the memory he had tried hardest to suppress: searching desperately for his youngest brother. He had found the baby barely alive, his neck cruelly constricted by a thin steel string. Doflamingo recalled the panic, the way his hands trembled as he freed the infant and how the baby gasped for air, his tiny lungs finally finding breath. That scar... it was the same.

"You..." Doflamingo's voice was uncharacteristically shaken, his eyes narrowing as he stared at Jinx. "That scar... It can't be..."

Jinx, noticing the sudden change in demeanor, tilted his head. "What's wrong, Doflamingo? You look like you've seen a ghost."

The Warlord clenched his jaw, suppressing the storm of emotions that threatened to surface. "That scar... where did you get it?" he demanded, his voice low but laced with an uncharacteristic hint of desperation.

Jinx raised an eyebrow, his expression unreadable. "You seem awfully interested. Why don't you tell me what's going through your head?"

Doflamingo's grip on his strings tightened as the flashbacks continued to assault him. He couldn't bring himself to speak, the weight of the revelation gnawing at him. Could it really be his youngest brother, the one he thought had been lost to time and circumstance? Or was this some cruel trick of fate?

The moment of hesitation passed as Doflamingo forced himself to refocus, masking his turmoil behind his usual grin. "You've got some explaining to do," he said darkly, launching another attack toward Jinx.

But now, his strikes lacked the same confidence, his mind clouded by the haunting possibility of who Jinx truly was. The clash continued, yet the air between them was charged with something far more personal than before.

The battle raged on, the sky above Dressrosa growing darker as Jinx's Dark Cold began to permeate the air. Every clash of Doflamingo's flaming strings against Jinx's chilling, shadowy ice sent shockwaves rippling across the battlefield, leaving patches of frozen darkness on nearby buildings and terrain. The entire port trembled from the intensity of their duel, the onlookers—including Whitebeard's crew—watching in stunned silence.

Doflamingo weaved his strings into intricate patterns, firing a volley of Bullet Strings at Jinx. The dark figure twisted midair, his wings shielding him as the strings ricocheted off the crystalline feathers. Jinx retaliated by slashing Kurotenma downward, releasing a jagged wave of Dark Cold energy that crackled with black frost and sinister light. The wave consumed everything in its path, leaving a patch of frozen ground that seemed to suck the light out of the area, turning it eerily dim.

"Interesting," Doflamingo muttered, his sharp grin returning as he dodged the attack by flipping into the air. His mind raced, analyzing Jinx's unique abilities. The ice wasn't like any he'd encountered before—it didn't simply freeze; it consumed. It drank in the heat, leaving the surroundings unnaturally cold, while the shadows it cast seemed to pull at the edges of his perception.

But there was something else—something missing. For all his incredible power, Jinx's movements were... off. The way he barely evaded certain attacks, or reacted only at the last moment, hinted at a glaring flaw.

"No Observation Haki," Doflamingo realized aloud, his grin widening. "That's your weakness, isn't it? You can't see me coming until it's almost too late."

Jinx smirked, his wings flaring as he hovered above. "Observation Haki is for people who can't trust their instincts," he taunted, his tone calm despite the insult. "And let's not forget—you're not exactly doing a great job stopping me."

Doflamingo clicked his tongue, whipping out a Fullbright Slash—a wide arc of flaming strings. Jinx raised his sword, condensing Dark Cold around the blade, and swung. The two attacks collided, creating an explosion of fire and frost. The flames struggled against the shadowy ice, flickering as the cold drained their heat, until both forces dissipated into steam and darkness.

Doflamingo landed gracefully, observing the patch of frost left behind. The ice spread slowly, its edges crawling outward like living shadows, and he could feel the temperature dropping. His instincts warned him that stepping into the frozen area would be a mistake; the frost seemed to cling to everything it touched, sapping heat and energy alike.

"Your power's not just ice," Doflamingo mused, his voice filled with intrigue. "It's something else entirely. It doesn't just freeze—it suffocates. It kills the fire, steals the light, and turns everything into darkness. A fitting ability for someone who fights like a predator."

Jinx tilted his head slightly, his expression unreadable. "Figured it out, have you?" he said, his voice as cold as the frost creeping toward Doflamingo. "It's called Dark Cold—a power born from the deepest shadows of nature itself. It doesn't just freeze; it devours."

Doflamingo chuckled, running a hand through his blonde hair. "Clever. But no ability is without its limits. Yours spreads, but only where you guide it. And that means you're wasting energy just keeping it going." His smirk turned malicious. "I'll just have to outlast you."

"Try it," Jinx replied, his wings flapping once, sending a flurry of black ice shards hurtling toward Doflamingo. The shards gleamed with an unnatural sheen, each one radiating the chilling power of Dark Cold.

Doflamingo dodged, weaving through the air with expert agility. He countered with Five Color Strings, sending five razor-sharp lines toward Jinx. But this time, instead of blocking with his wings, Jinx dissolved into a murder of crows, the strings slicing harmlessly through the flock before Jinx reformed a few feet away.

"You're slippery," Doflamingo admitted, his eyes narrowing as he extended his arm. "But you're not untouchable." He swung his arm, unleashing Overheat—a massive string of superheated flames that burned brighter and hotter than before.

The fiery string lashed toward Jinx, who raised his wings to block. The flames collided with the crystalline feathers, hissing as the intense heat met the freezing cold of Dark Cold. Steam erupted in a violent cloud, obscuring the battlefield for a moment. When the mist cleared, Jinx stood unscathed, his wings glowing faintly with frost where they had absorbed the heat.

"You'll have to try harder than that," Jinx said, his tone taunting. He spread his wings wide, the dark crystals reflecting the dim light as they emitted an aura of bone-chilling cold. "Your fire's impressive, but it's nothing compared to the abyss."

Doflamingo's grin widened. "I'm starting to like you," he said, his voice dripping with mockery. "But let's see how long you can keep up this act."

The Warlord surged forward, closing the distance between them in an instant. He lashed out with Bullet Strings, aiming for Jinx's chest. Jinx parried with Kurotenma, the blade emitting a sinister hum as it deflected the attack. The two exchanged blows at close range, their movements a blur of speed and power.

Jinx swung Kurotenma in a wide arc, releasing another wave of Dark Cold, but Doflamingo leapt over it, using his strings to anchor himself to the sky. He retaliated with a barrage of flaming strings, forcing Jinx to dodge and block with his wings.

Despite the intensity of the fight, Doflamingo's mind remained focused on Jinx's abilities. He had already noticed that the Dark Cold required energy to spread, and that Jinx had to direct it consciously. And now, with the revelation that Jinx lacked Observation Haki, Doflamingo saw a clear path to victory.

"You're strong, but you're sloppy," Doflamingo taunted, launching another Overheat attack. "Without Observation Haki, you're fighting blind. You can't see what's coming until it's already too late."

Jinx smirked, sidestepping the attack and slashing downward with Kurotenma. The blade emitted a burst of demonic energy, forcing Doflamingo to retreat. "You talk too much," Jinx replied. "And you underestimate what instincts can do."

Doflamingo's eyes narrowed. "Instincts won't save you forever," he said, weaving his strings into a net-like structure. He threw the net at Jinx, who dissolved into crows once again. But this time, Doflamingo was ready. He extended his strings, capturing several of the crows and forcing Jinx to reform.

As Jinx reappeared, Doflamingo lashed out with Bullet Strings, cutting through the air toward his opponent. Jinx blocked with his sword, but the force of the attack sent him skidding backward. Doflamingo pressed the advantage, unleashing a relentless assault of strings and flames, each attack aimed at exploiting Jinx's lack of foresight.

The fight continued, both combatants pushing their abilities to the limit. Jinx's Dark Cold spread further across the battlefield, the temperature dropping to near-unbearable levels. Doflamingo's strings began to freeze where they touched the ice, forcing him to rely more on his flaming attacks. But even as the cold sapped his energy, Doflamingo's grin never wavered.

"You're running out of tricks," Doflamingo said, his tone mocking as he dodged another slash from Kurotenma. "And once I've figured out all your little secrets, it's over."

Jinx didn't respond, his eyes narrowing as he prepared for his next move. The battle wasn't just about strength or power anymore—it was a clash of wits, a test of who could outmaneuver the other. And despite his opponent's confidence, Jinx knew that the fight was far from over.

The battle between Jinx and Doflamingo raged on, the air heavy with tension and the freezing aura of Dark Cold. Doflamingo, ever the opportunist, unleashed another Overheat, the flaming string lashing toward Jinx with searing intensity. Jinx raised his crystalline wings once more, the dark feathers absorbing the heat and neutralizing the flames, but in his focus on blocking the attack, he failed to notice the thick thread of string snaking along the ground toward his ankle.

With a flick of his fingers, Doflamingo tightened the string and yanked, wrapping it securely around Jinx's leg. Before Jinx could react, Doflamingo let out a wicked laugh and flung him through the air with tremendous force, sending him crashing into a nearby building. The impact shook the area, a cloud of dust and debris erupting as the structure partially collapsed.

Jinx emerged from the rubble moments later, his wings spread wide as he steadied himself. His expression remained calm, but the tension in his stance betrayed his growing frustration. The Whitebeard Pirates, watching from a distance, noticed something off immediately—Jinx's Kagekao mask was shattered, revealing his face for the first time.

It wasn't until Jinx finally realized the mask's absence that the full weight of his predicament hit him. His six eyes, now exposed, began to flood his mind with information—a torrent of overwhelming sensory data pouring in from every corner of the battlefield. Each movement, every subtle change in the environment, every ripple of energy or shift in temperature—it was all laid bare before him in excruciating detail. His brain struggled to process the influx, and his legs buckled, forcing him to his knees.

Whitebeard, Ace, and the rest of the crew watched in confusion and concern as Jinx clutched his head, his wings folding around him like a protective cocoon. Ace's expression darkened as a memory surfaced—a flashback to a conversation they had two days earlier during the festivities on the Moby Dick.

Two Days Earlier on the Moby Dick

The atmosphere on the Moby Dick was lively, the crew deep in celebration after Jinx had joined Whitebeard's crew for a feast and a drinking contest. Music played, laughter echoed, and mugs of sake clinked together in a joyous symphony. Amid the revelry, Jinx, now thoroughly drunk, leaned heavily on the table, his eyes glazed over but still carrying a glimmer of mischief.

"Oi, Jinx," Ace called, sliding into the seat across from him. "You're holding your liquor better than I thought. Guess you're not just all power, huh?"

Jinx chuckled, raising his mug in a mock toast. "Takes more than a few drinks to take me down, y'know. Though I will admit, Whitebeard... he's on another level."

Ace laughed, leaning back in his chair. "Yeah, the old man's unstoppable when it comes to drinking. But you've got me curious—what's with that mask you always wear? You never take it off, even when you're eating or drinking."

Jinx hesitated, his laughter fading as he stared into his drink. The alcohol had loosened his inhibitions, and for a moment, he debated whether or not to share his secret. Finally, he sighed, setting his mug down and leaning closer to Ace.

"You wanna know why I wear it?" he asked, his tone lower now, almost conspiratorial. "It's not just for show. My eyes... they're not like everyone else's."

Ace tilted his head, intrigued. "What do you mean?"

Jinx hesitated again, then reached up to tap the edge of his mask. "These eyes of mine—they can see things that others can't. They're... similar to something you might've heard of—the Voice of All Things. But instead of hearing the world's voice, I can see its information. Everything about the world around me—energy, life, movement, even the tiniest details—it's all laid bare to me."

Ace blinked in surprise, leaning forward. "Wait, so you're saying your eyes can... what, read the world?"

Jinx nodded, his expression serious. "That's one way to put it. But there's a downside. Seeing that much information all at once—constantly—it's overwhelming. If I don't cover my eyes, the data overloads my brain. It's like trying to read every book in a library at the same time. That's why I wear the mask. It filters the information, keeps it manageable."

The conversation around them seemed to dim as Ace processed what Jinx had said. He couldn't help but feel a mixture of awe and pity for the man sitting across from him.

"That's... incredible, but it sounds like a nightmare," Ace said. "How did you even get those eyes? Were you born with them?"

Jinx hesitated, his gaze drifting to the horizon. The alcohol seemed to dull his usual caution, and he sighed before speaking. "No. I wasn't born with them. They're the result of... a discovery I made years ago. A new kind of power, something that exists in everyone but only a few can access. I call it Cursed Energy."

Ace's brow furrowed. "Cursed Energy? What's that?"

Jinx's lips curved into a small, wry smile. "It's hard to explain in simple terms, but think of it like this—it's the energy that comes from negative emotions. Fear, anger, hatred, sadness—all the things people try to suppress or avoid. That energy builds up inside of us, and if you learn how to harness it, it can be turned into power."

Ace leaned back, his mind racing with questions. "Negative emotions as power? That's... kinda dark, don't you think?"

Jinx shrugged. "Dark, maybe. But it's also incredibly potent. The stronger the emotion, the more energy you can draw from it. The trick is learning to control it, to channel it without letting it consume you."

"And your eyes?" Ace asked, gesturing to the mask. "They're connected to this Cursed Energy?"

Jinx nodded. "Exactly. During my training, I pushed myself further than I ever thought possible, trying to unlock the full potential of Cursed Energy. And in the process... these eyes awakened. They're a byproduct of that power, a glimpse into the deeper truths of the world. But like I said, they come with a price."

Ace studied Jinx for a long moment, the weight of his words sinking in. "You've been through a lot, haven't you?"

Jinx chuckled, raising his mug again. "Haven't we all?" he said, deflecting the sentiment with his usual humor. But Ace could see the pain hidden behind his smile, the scars of a past he wasn't ready to share fully.

As the conversation shifted back to lighter topics, Ace couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to Jinx than met the eye. The man was a mystery, a puzzle with pieces missing. And yet, there was something about him that commanded respect, even admiration.

Back to the Present

Ace snapped out of his thoughts, his gaze snapping to Jinx as the man struggled to rise. His six eyes glowed faintly, the overwhelming flood of information clearly taking its toll. Whitebeard, observing from the sidelines, frowned deeply.

"Jinx," Whitebeard called out, his voice firm. "You've got to get control of yourself. That power of yours—it's dangerous, but I've seen you handle worse. Don't let it consume you now."

Jinx gritted his teeth, his hands trembling as he gripped the hilt of Kurotenma. He took a deep breath, forcing himself to focus. The information continued to flood his mind, but he began to filter it, separating the important details from the noise. Slowly, he rose to his feet, his wings unfurling once more.

Doflamingo, watching the scene with a calculating gaze, couldn't help but feel a pang of recognition as his eyes fell on the scar around Jinx's neck. Memories from his past resurfaced unbidden, a reminder of a time he'd long tried to bury. But he pushed the thoughts aside, focusing on the battle at hand.

"You're full of surprises," Doflamingo said, his grin returning. "But I'm not done with you yet."

As Jinx stood, his dark wings unfurled and his six glowing eyes locking onto Doflamingo, he reached up and tore off the remaining fragments of his broken mask. The pieces fell to the ground with a faint clink before disappearing into his inventory. Jinx straightened and looked Doflamingo directly in the eyes, his smirk both taunting and filled with unspoken meaning.

Doflamingo's ever-present grin faltered. For the first time in years, a mix of emotions flickered across his face—disbelief, shock, and an overwhelming wave of recognition. The resemblance was uncanny: Jinx was nearly a carbon copy of their late mother, her beauty and strength etched into his features. Yet, there were three distinct differences. His hair was pitch black, darker than any shadow. His six eyes shimmered like a star-filled night sky, mysterious and endless. And then, there was the unmistakable scar encircling his neck—a mark that had haunted Doflamingo for decades.

Doflamingo's lips parted, and in a barely audible whisper, he uttered the words, "Little brother..."

The soft murmur reached the trained ears of Whitebeard and his commanders, as well as Ace and the others. They froze, disbelief coloring their faces. But none were more affected than Jinx, whose smirk widened as he tilted his head slightly, a hint of mockery in his tone. "About time you recognized me, elder brother."

The weight of his words hung in the air like a thunderclap. For once, Doflamingo was at a loss for words, his mind reeling as memories of his past came rushing back. The day his family was captured. The mob's cries for vengeance. His awakening of Conqueror's Haki. The frantic search for his youngest brother, only to find him on the brink of death, a thin steel string biting into his tiny neck. The relief of hearing the baby's fragile breaths after he'd freed him. And then... the crushing realization that Jinx had vanished the next day, never to be seen again.

"You're alive," Doflamingo finally said, his voice breaking. A lone tear escaped his left eye, trailing down his cheek. The sight was so uncharacteristic of the infamous Heavenly Yaksha that even his most loyal subordinates would have been stunned. "All these years... they told me you were dead."

Jinx's smirk faded slightly, his expression becoming more neutral as he folded his arms. "Dead? No, not quite. Though I suppose to you, I might as well have been." His voice was calm, but there was a distinct edge to it, a mix of bitterness and understanding. "The truth is, I was taken. Taken to Impel Down, to the lowest level, by the order of the Five Elders themselves. You probably know what that means."

Doflamingo's hands clenched into fists at his sides. Of course, he knew. The Five Elders didn't waste their time on common criminals. If they had taken Jinx, it was because they'd seen him as a threat—or, more likely, because of their obsession with keeping their secrets buried. "Who?" Doflamingo demanded, his voice low and dangerous. "Who took you?"

Jinx's smirk returned, though this time it was colder. "Does it matter? They're dead now. All of them. But if you must know, it was Garp who escorted me there. He was under orders, but... he kept me alive. Barely."

The mention of Garp made Ace's eyes widen. He stepped forward, his voice cautious. "Wait a second—you were in Impel Down? The same Impel Down where Jimbei and I were imprisoned?"

Jinx turned his gaze to Ace, his smirk softening. "That's right. I was there long before either of you. The lowest level of hell, where only the most dangerous and unwanted are kept. It's where they threw me as a baby, and it's where I stayed... until I decided I'd had enough."

Ace's mind raced as he remembered the escape from Impel Down, how Jinx had saved him and Jimbei, guiding them through the chaos with precision and ease. He'd thought Jinx was just another prisoner looking for freedom, but now it was clear there was much more to the story.

"You didn't tell us," Ace said, his voice barely above a whisper. "You didn't say anything about who you were."

Jinx shrugged. "What difference would it have made? At the time, I didn't think it mattered. Besides, I had more important things to focus on—like saving your sorry ass."

Despite the tension, Ace couldn't help but crack a small grin. "Fair enough."

Whitebeard, who had been silently observing, finally spoke, his deep voice cutting through the conversation. "Jinx... if what you're saying is true, then you've lived through something most wouldn't survive. But what I want to know is, what do you plan to do now? With Doflamingo, with all of this?"

Jinx turned his attention back to Doflamingo, his expression unreadable. "I don't hate him, if that's what you're asking. He was just a kid, a naive kid who thought he could take on the world. I don't blame him for what happened to me. But..." He paused, his gaze hardening. "I do hate what he did to Rosinante. He was our brother, and you killed him. That's not something I can forgive so easily."

Doflamingo flinched at the mention of Rosinante's name, a rare crack in his otherwise unshakable facade. "I didn't have a choice," he said, his voice laced with regret. "He betrayed me, betrayed our family."

Jinx's wings flared behind him, the dark crystals catching the light ominously. "And what about me, elder brother? Was I not family? Or did you forget about me the moment I disappeared?"

The accusation hung in the air, and for a moment, Doflamingo was silent. Then, he spoke, his voice low and filled with an uncharacteristic vulnerability. "I never forgot you. Not for a single day. I searched for you, Jinx. I did everything I could to find you. But when I couldn't... I thought the world had taken everything from me. That's why I became what I am. To take it all back."

Jinx studied him for a long moment, his expression unreadable. Finally, he sighed, the tension in his wings easing slightly. "You've always been good at justifying your actions, haven't you? But I'm not here to judge you, Doflamingo. I'm here because fate put us on the same path again. What happens next is up to you."

Doflamingo's lips twitched into a faint, bitter smile. "You've changed, little brother. You've grown stronger."

"So have you," Jinx replied, his tone neutral. "But strength alone isn't enough. Not anymore."

The two brothers stood facing each other, the weight of their shared past heavy in the air. For the first time in years, they weren't just enemies or strangers—they were family. And while their bond was fractured, it wasn't entirely broken. Not yet.

Jinx's six eyes glimmered faintly as he froze mid-conversation with Doflamingo. A faint, nearly imperceptible sound reached his heightened senses—soft, like the whisper of silk sliding against stone. Without hesitation, Jinx tapped his foot against the ground, channeling a surge of Dark Cold energy through the stone. A jagged spike of black ice erupted from the floor, encasing whatever had made the sound in a web of chilling darkness.

Everyone turned toward the source of the sound, their expressions ranging from curiosity to alarm. The sharp crackle of the ice echoed in the tense silence, and as the frost settled, a figure was revealed within the crystalline prison—a woman clad in the sleek, unmistakable attire of a CP0 agent.

Whitebeard narrowed his eyes, his towering frame radiating authority. "A World Government agent... here of all places." His voice rumbled like distant thunder.

Ace's fists clenched. "What's a CP0 agent doing here? Were they spying on us?"

Doflamingo's reaction, however, was far more telling. His signature grin faltered as recognition flashed across his face. "Stussy...?" he murmured, his tone laced with disbelief.

The name drew everyone's attention.

"Stussy? You know her?" Marco asked, his eyes narrowing.

Doflamingo's gaze was fixed on the woman, whose calm demeanor hadn't wavered despite being caught. The name triggered memories in the Shichibukai—a name whispered in the darkest corners of the underworld. Stussy, the Empress of Desire, a queen among brokers and an enigma even within their circles. She was known for her charm, manipulation, and unparalleled network of secrets, but she was also rumored to have a deeper allegiance—to the World Government.

With a wave of Jinx's hand, the black ice encasing her shattered, freeing the agent. Stussy adjusted her hat, brushing shards of frost from her shoulders as she stepped forward, her sharp eyes taking in the scene with measured calm.

"Jinx," she said, her voice smooth and controlled. "You're as perceptive as ever. I thought I masked my presence well."

Jinx smirked, his wings shifting slightly. "You did, but you underestimate how attuned my senses are to people like you."

Stussy's gaze briefly flicked to Doflamingo before settling back on Jinx. "I wasn't here to interfere," she said, raising her hands in a placating gesture. "Just to observe. But it seems my cover's been blown."

"Observe what, exactly?" Jinx asked, his tone icy.

Stussy's lips curved into a faint smile, but she said nothing.

Whitebeard took a step forward, his imposing figure casting a shadow over the group. "Enough games. If you're here, it's because the World Government sent you. Speak, woman, before I lose my patience."

Stussy's confidence didn't waver under the Yonko's gaze. "I wasn't sent by the World Government, at least not officially," she said carefully. "I'm here on my own... interests."

"Interests?" Doflamingo repeated, his voice sharp. "Since when does a CP0 agent act without the Government's orders? What are you really after, Stussy?"

Her smile widened slightly, but before she could answer, Jinx interrupted. "It doesn't matter why you're here. What matters is what you know—and what you're hiding."

Stussy's eyes narrowed, but Jinx stepped closer, his six eyes glowing faintly as he observed her. "You're not just any CP0 agent, are you? You're different—created, not born. I can see it all over you."

The declaration caused a ripple of confusion among the group.

"Created?" Ace echoed.

Stussy's calm facade cracked for the first time, her eyes widening slightly. "How do you know that?"

Jinx smirked. "Let's just say my eyes see more than most. You were created by Vegapunk, weren't you? One of his experiments. A masterpiece of artificial life, loyal to the Government—or so they think."

Doflamingo's head snapped toward Stussy, his expression unreadable. "Is that true?"

Stussy hesitated, her lips pressing into a thin line. Finally, she sighed, her shoulders relaxing slightly. "Yes," she admitted. "I was created by Dr. Vegapunk. A perfect blend of science and art, designed to serve the Government's interests. But that doesn't mean I don't have my own goals."

"And those goals brought you here?" Whitebeard asked, his voice steady but commanding.

Stussy nodded. "Yes, but not for the reasons you might think. I came here because of him." She gestured toward Jinx. "Your reputation in the underworld precedes you, Jinx. And now, with this... new development, I couldn't stay away."

Jinx tilted his head, his smirk fading. "What development?"

Stussy's enigmatic smile faltered slightly, replaced by a contemplative look. She crossed her arms and let out a soft sigh. "I remember something... a long time ago," she began, her voice quieter than before. "Back when Vegapunk was still studying how to replicate Devil Fruits. It was a few years after he created me. He told me about a peculiar encounter he had during one of his visits to Impel Down."

Jinx's eyes narrowed, his curiosity piqued. The mention of Impel Down struck a nerve, and Stussy, noticing his reaction, pressed on.

"He said he stopped there briefly during his research, gathering data on the world's most dangerous criminals. While there, he... met you," she revealed, her words laced with intrigue. "At the time, you were just a prisoner, locked away in the depths of the fortress. But something about you caught his attention."

Jinx's frown deepened. "Vegapunk met me?"

Stussy nodded. "Not just met you—he took a sample of your blood. He was always fascinated by anomalies, and from what he said, your very existence was... unique. That blood of yours became the foundation for one of his experiments—a project he took further than I ever thought possible."

The room was dead silent as everyone processed her words.

"Vegapunk made four clones," Stussy continued. "Each one modeled after you, though they're not identical. He sent them out into the world with their own wills, letting them carve out their paths. But there's one he spoke about with particular interest—the last one."

She paused, her eyes narrowing as if recalling the details. "By Vegapunk's own words, that one is the closest to you in every way. Your abilities, your appearance—everything, down to what he called your... 'feminine allure.' But there's one difference."

Jinx raised an eyebrow, his tone skeptical. "And what's that?"

"His Devil Fruit," Stussy said. "It's not quite the same. Instead of the black ice you wield, his is... purple. It doesn't have the same properties as yours, but it's unnaturally resistant to heat, even more so than yours. Vegapunk designed him to be a near-perfect copy, a guardian for himself, someone who could protect him in any situation."

Jinx's wings flared slightly, his dark aura intensifying as he digested this revelation. "And the others?"

Stussy's expression softened slightly. "The other three... well, he let them decide their own paths. Somehow, all three ended up as Marines."

That earned a sharp intake of breath from Ace, Marco, and even Doflamingo.

"Marines?" Marco repeated, incredulous.

Stussy nodded. "Yes. From what I've gathered, one of them has risen to the rank of vice admiral. Another is a rear admiral. And the last..." She hesitated, as if unsure how much more she should say. "The last one... experienced a sudden burst of strength and potential not long ago. They've already climbed to the position of commander."

The silence in the room was deafening. The idea that clones of Jinx—crafted by Vegapunk and gifted with their own versions of his abilities—had infiltrated the Navy at such high ranks was both shocking and troubling.

Jinx leaned back slightly, his arms folded across his chest. "So Vegapunk didn't just play God—he made sure his creations were scattered everywhere, didn't he?"

Stussy nodded again. "He's always been one to hedge his bets. And with you, Jinx, he saw an opportunity to experiment on a level no one else could comprehend. But I'll say this: the clone serving as his bodyguard... from everything I've heard, that one is the most dangerous. They're the closest to you, after all."

Jinx chuckled softly, though there was no humor in it. "So, I've got a twin out there with a slightly different power set, and three other copies of me running around in Marine uniforms. Sounds like Vegapunk had a little too much fun with his pet project."

Ace frowned, glancing at Jinx. "And you had no idea about any of this?"

Jinx shook his head. "None. I've spent most of my life trying to stay out of the Government's grip. I didn't think anyone would bother experimenting on me, let alone creating clones."

Stussy's sharp eyes fixed on him. "Well, now you know. And it seems the Government isn't aware of all this, either. Vegapunk kept his cards close to his chest."

Whitebeard, who had been silent until now, spoke in a deep, rumbling voice. "If this is true, Jinx, then those clones of yours could become either a threat... or allies."

Jinx smirked faintly. "Let's hope for the latter. But something tells me it won't be that simple."

Stussy's gaze lingered on him. "It won't. But there's something else I need to know, Jinx."

Jinx raised an eyebrow. "Oh? And what's that?"

Stussy hesitated, then asked, "What is this 'dungeon' you spoke of? Vegapunk might be able to set up something in there when it opens, but from what you've said, no one truly knows what it contains. Why would you create something like that?"

Jinx's smirk returned, though his tone grew serious. "The dungeon is a place where the strong thrive and the weak perish. It's a crucible—a test for anyone brave or foolish enough to enter. Vegapunk might be a genius, but even he wouldn't be able to control what's inside. If he sets up something there, it'll be because he's intrigued, not because he can dominate it."

Stussy's expression shifted to one of cautious curiosity. "So, it's chaos incarnate. A place that exists beyond the Government's reach."

"Exactly," Jinx replied. "And that's why it's dangerous—and why it's necessary."

Doflamingo, who had been silent for a while, finally spoke. "Jinx... if what you're saying is true, then this dungeon of yours could be the key to reshaping everything. The world, the balance of power, the underworld... all of it."

Jinx nodded. "That's the idea. But make no mistake—it's not for the faint of heart."

Stussy crossed her arms, her mind clearly racing. "If Vegapunk gets involved, he'll want to study it. He won't be able to resist."

Jinx chuckled. "Good. Let him. The dungeon is a puzzle that even he won't solve."

The room fell into silence once more as the weight of Jinx's revelations settled over them. For better or worse, the world was about to change—and Jinx was at the center of it all.