North Blue.
Rubeck Island.
"Bru."
The Den Den Mushi in front of him slowly went to sleep.
Doflamingo leaned back into the soft leather sofa. A cold glint flickered beneath his sunglasses, and a twisted smile crept onto his face, lingering there like a shadow.
"What happened!?"
"Doffy!?"
"Why did your Conqueror's Haki suddenly erupt!?"
"..."
At that moment, Trebol and the other officers burst in, flustered and alarmed, assuming a defensive stance as if ready to face an intruder. They quickly scanned the room, and when they saw no threat, they all let out a collective sigh of relief.
"It's fine. No need to panic."
Doflamingo gave them a glance, smiled faintly, and lit a cigar.
Seeing their young master sitting there so casually, as if nothing had happened, Trebol and the others exchanged uneasy glances.
"Um... I mean... Doffy, did something happen?"
Trebol asked carefully.
He could sense that something about Doflamingo felt different today—his mood seemed exceptionally good.
Doflamingo exhaled a long stream of smoke, paused for a moment, then suddenly asked,
"How's our Donquixote family's business doing in the North Blue?"
Hearing the question, Trebol thought for a moment, ticking points off on his fingers.
"Everything's going really well. Thanks to Momonga's connections, our partnership with Germa 66 is now officially underway. Soon, our family members will be equipped with some of Germa 66's advanced technology."
"In the past year alone, our gambling, loan sharking, arms trade, and vice businesses have all seen at least a 50% increase."
"Most importantly, many of the ruling elites and nobles of North Blue's nations have begun to recognize our Donquixote family's standing. They're starting to trade with us."
Diamante, standing nearby with his usual eccentric flair, chuckled.
"As for our dealings with the underworld, business is booming... especially with the Underworld Emperors like the Shipping King Umit. Our collaborations have grown closer and more profitable. Just from those ventures alone, we're pulling in at least 2 billion Belly in profit every month."
A monthly profit of 2 billion Belly meant over 20 billion a year.
In an era untouched by inflation, that was a staggering sum—comparable to the annual tax revenue of a small island nation.
With that kind of income, Doflamingo could easily build a formidable small fleet.
Of course, according to the "friendly cooperation agreement" between the Donquixote family and the North Blue fleet, half of the profits exceeding 20 billion Belly were discreetly funneled into the hands of the North Blue fleet.
Even so, the remaining 10 billion Belly was still a mind-boggling fortune for any mafia pirate group.
Hearing their reports, Doflamingo smiled and said calmly,
"Looks like our business in the North Blue really is doing quite well."
"More than just well! We're living like nobles!" Pica shrieked with laughter.
"That's right, Doffy, you wouldn't believe it... When those government officials and nobles see the Donquixote family's symbol, they tremble in their boots!" Diamante let out a sharp laugh, full of smug pride.
"We've finally realized our dream! We're living like kings!" Trebol's snot wobbled under his nose in excitement.
But the next words out of Doflamingo's mouth froze their triumphant expressions.
"In that case, it's time for us to leave the North Blue."
Doflamingo's voice was flat, almost casual.
Leave... the North Blue!?
Trebol and the others widened their eyes in disbelief, staring at him as if they hadn't heard right.
They had poured everything into building their empire here—endured endless trials, fled countless dangers—only to finally reach a position of unmatched fame, wealth, power, and influence...
And now, before they could even enjoy it, they were going to leave the North Blue?
Everyone looked around, uncertain. They hesitated, but none dared to question Doflamingo directly.
The atmosphere turned tense in an instant.
...
"What's wrong?"
Doflamingo glanced at them, his face expressionless.
His cold gaze sent a chill down their spines, and everyone swallowed hard in unison.
Finally, Trebol opened his mouth hesitantly.
"Um, I mean... Doffy, we've only just begun our reign in the North Blue. Isn't it a bit too sudden to leave like this?"
"Hasty?"
A self-mocking smile tugged at the corner of Doflamingo's lips.
"Not at all."
His gaze dropped, unreadable.
"...He even thinks I'm moving too slow."
"Who dares to say that about you!? Let's kill him!" Pica shrieked, his voice high-pitched and full of murderous intent.
Doflamingo replied calmly,
"Rogers Daren."
Pica's words caught in his throat, his face freezing mid-expression.
Seeing their reactions, Doflamingo shook his head and sighed.
"I know how much all of you cherish what we've built in the North Blue."
"Yes, compared to the wandering, unstable life we had in the beginning, we're now enjoying a life of luxury."
"But deep down, you all know—it's only temporary."
At those words, everyone fell silent.
There was nothing they could say to argue.
Before they met Doflamingo, each of them had been a thug, a scoundrel, or a villain—scraping by through robbery, theft, scams, and all sorts of petty crime.
But the moment they laid eyes on Doflamingo, the moment they felt the innate charisma radiating from him, they saw something else—an opportunity.
They gave him their loyalty, made him their king. But truthfully, they did it to escape their old lives and grasp a better one.
Craving comfort—it's only human.
Doflamingo didn't blame them.
"One day, we were always going to leave the North Blue."
"We can indulge in comfort all we want, but the sea waits for no one. And this era waits for no one."
"Daren... no, my godfather just told me that the government is planning to launch the Shichibukai system. And I intend to claim one of those titles."
Doflamingo rose slowly to his feet. Behind him, his pink feather coat stirred wildly despite the still air, lifted by the overwhelming aura he released.
A powerful pressure surged outward, the dominating presence of a ruler bearing down on them all.
"My family... Godfather-sama has shown us the way."
"And now, it's time for us to reclaim everything we once lost."
Trebol and the others trembled. One by one, they dropped to one knee, heads bowed with conviction.
"Yes, young master."
But deep within their hearts, the same uneasy thought crept in—
Doffy is becoming more and more obedient to that Marine...
...
(40 Chapters Ahead)
p@treon com / PinkSnake