Chapter 15: Shadows of Firelight
Night had fallen.
Erica pulled the hood of her cloak over her head and silently followed behind Mio as they disembarked from the ship and walked toward the forest.
The party was being held deep within the woods.
The forest, under the cover of night, appeared dim and eerie. Shadows swayed with the rustling leaves, and the faint sound of insects echoed in the distance.
Warwick, cloaked and looming, twitched his nose and suddenly pointed in a specific direction.
Without hesitation, Mio followed that direction. Before long, a warm glow flickered into view ahead of them—a fire. It seemed this was the place where Doflamingo's gathering was being held. Even before arriving, the sounds of raucous laughter and shouting reached their ears.
Mio raised his foot and calmly stepped forward.
Soon, they arrived at the clearing.
A massive bonfire stood at the center, surrounded by people drinking, feasting, and brawling. The gathering was large, with at least twenty to thirty pirate captains sitting around the fire, and with their crews included, easily over a hundred pirates had assembled here.
Doflamingo sat near the center, a smug grin on his face. Beside him stood Trebol and Seka, two high-ranking members of the Don Quixote family. Behind them were several large crates stacked with weapons—obviously the goods involved in tonight's deal.
Of course, Mio had no interest in the weapons.