Summary:
As the battle for Block D continues, Thunder Soldier explains to the Straw Hat Pirates how King Riku lost his throne and Dressrosa’s respect. Ten years ago, Doflamingo appeared in the king’s chambers and demanded a 10 billion ransom for Bella to leave the country. Riku sent his soldiers to ask for the money of the citizens, but while they willingly tried to help their king, Doflamingo controlled Riku and his soldiers with his ability and made them attack their own people against their will. Doflamingo and his crew wait in the shadows for the right moment to intervene and act as a saving hero in the eyes of the confused citizens of Dressrosa.
As Rebecca continues her fight in Block D, the Thunder Soldier explains to Usopp, Franky, and Nico Robin how the former King Riku lost the faith of his people and ultimately the throne. Dressrosa used to be a relatively poor country, but the people were happy and grateful for their king, whose family had managed to keep their country from war for 800 years.
However, one night, ten years ago, Doflamingo appeared in the king’s chambers. Recognizing him as a descendant of the Donquijote family, Riku commented on his exploits as a pirate, which include stealing money from the Sky Dragons and blackmailing the world government to attain the position of Shichibukai. Doflamingo makes his demand and by dawn demands a fee of 10 billion for Bella to leave the country alone. Riku panics at first, but then decides that there is no other way if he wants to avoid war, he gathers his soldiers and asks them to collect all the citizens’ money without informing them of the situation.
Tank Lepanto, as the commander of the army, takes the will of his king and deploys his men around the island, asking the people to give their wealth as the king needs it right now. People are reluctant at first, but when they see their king begging on his knees through Den Den Mushi’s video, they are finally convinced. Tank is moved to see everyone giving away their treasures without asking the reason, suggesting that it shows great faith.
Just as the money was being collected, Riku appeared in the town of Sevio on a horse. With tears in his eyes, the king begins to attack innocent people and destroy everything in his path, while begging everyone to stay away from him. Soon the soldiers follow the king’s actions and cannot control their movement either. In the shadows, Doflamingo and his crew can be seen using their Devil Fruit ability to control Riku and his soldiers, waiting for the right moment to intervene and act as a saving hero in the eyes of the confused citizens of Dressrosa.