A crumpled newspaper drifted softly to the floor.
The wind from the window sent the curtains billowing, folding and swirling in the air.
Doflamingo leaned back against the soft leather sofa, one hand over his forehead, silently enjoying the breeze.
The corners of his mouth lifted, and a low chuckle gradually grew louder.
"Madman... what a madman..."
"The Great Pirate Byrnndi World... he actually took him down! Fufufufufu!!"
Thinking about the pirate who once crushed him like a demon, now dead in the North Blue, filled Doflamingo with a sense of absurdity so intense he couldn't stop shaking with laughter.
Not far from the family's council hall, Trebol and the others stared at the newspaper in their hands, shock written all over their faces.
"What do you think? Like the news?"
A low voice, tinged with amusement, drifted in from the distance.
Trebol and the others flinched. A chill ran down their spines.
An explosive roar approached at blinding speed—a tall figure riding a silver metal skateboard dropped from the sky and landed firmly.
The wide cloak of justice rippled behind him. The streamlined board quickly melted and reshaped into a metallic wrist guard that latched onto his arm.
"Didn't expect this, did you... Godfather?"
Doflamingo looked at the black-haired Marine approaching step by step and smiled.
Daren stopped in front of him, towering over him. He reached out with his left hand, smiling.
"You're my godson... Doffy."
"Never forget that. Anyone who dares offend you... will pay the price."
His eyes narrowed dangerously.
Doflamingo paused for a moment.
Faced with the black-haired Marine's overbearing gaze, he went silent, then knelt on one knee, bowed his head, and gently kissed the back of Daren's hand.
"Thank you, Godfather."
Daren smiled with satisfaction.
"Get up. Has anything changed in the underworld lately?"
Doflamingo rose slowly and replied in a deep tone.
"Not much. Under your protection, the Donquixote Family has taken complete control of most industries in the North Blue underworld."
"As for the Grand Line, we've already cleared key trade routes and established several merchant connections. I believe it won't be long before the Donquixote flag flies across the seas of the Grand Line."
"Good. Just be mindful of the pace. The Grand Line isn't like the North Blue. Expand too fast, and the Marines will start paying attention."
Daren's tone carried a hidden warning.
Doflamingo froze, then nodded firmly.
It was true—the Donquixote Family had been growing too quickly. It was bound to attract unwanted eyes.
He'd been able to act so brazenly in the North Blue thanks to Daren's protection—Daren, the true "King of the North Blue."
But the Grand Line was a different beast entirely. The Marine branches marked with "G" and the elite-filled Marine Headquarters weren't forces they could afford to provoke.
To those stationed in the Grand Line, especially the Vice Admirals from HQ, crushing the Donquixote Family would be no harder than swatting a fly.
"Take it slow, Doffy..."
Daren reached out and ruffled Doflamingo's hair with a grin.
Doflamingo hesitated, then asked,
"Godfather... when are you leaving for training in Marineford?"
"In less than a week. I'll head out two days early."
Daren glanced back, thinking to check on Trebol and the others—but they'd already slipped away unnoticed.
"Before I go, I need you to handle something for me."
Doflamingo lowered his head. The shadow of his sunglasses hid his eyes.
"Say the word, Godfather."
"Byrnndi World died in the North Blue. I need you to use every resource, both underground and above, to track down any information on the Moa Moa no Mi."
Daren lit a cigar. The drifting smoke swirled around his sharp features.
"If you find a lead, use any means necessary. At any cost—secure the Moa Moa no Mi."
Doflamingo was stunned, though his face remained unreadable.
Having faced Byrnndi World's strength himself, he was naturally curious about the fruit that could multiply both speed and mass.
He cast a subtle glance at Daren.
Could it be... Daren had been after the Moa Moa no Mi from the start?
"I'll follow your orders, Godfather."
"Good. Then I'm leaving this to you."
Daren turned to leave. Tʜe source of this ᴄontent ɪs novel⁂fire.net
The metal bracelet on his wrist twisted and stretched again, transforming into the streamlined silver skateboard that hovered at his feet.
Daren stepped onto it.
Just as Doflamingo thought he was finally leaving and began to relax, Daren suddenly turned back—making Doflamingo's heart skip a beat.
Daren looked at Doflamingo's submissive pose and chuckled.
"From now on, the North Blue is yours."
"I expect great things from you. Don't disappoint me... understood?"
"Rest assured, Godfather."
"Good. If anything comes up and you can't reach me, contact Momonga. He'll be taking my place as the new Marine Admiral of the North Blue."
With that, Daren turned away.
The air around him erupted with energy as the magnetic field surged, launching the silver board beneath him.
He vanished into the clouds with a sonic boom.
A violent wind swept through the council hall, sending papers flying in every direction. Curtains flapped wildly.
Doflamingo remained kneeling, breathing heavily, cold sweat dripping from his forehead.
"What the hell did that bastard want with you?"
Trebol and the others snuck in through the side door, glancing around carefully. After confirming the Marine Admiral was gone, they finally spoke.
"He... asked me to find a Devil Fruit."
Doflamingo took a deep breath and pushed himself up with both hands.
He reached for the cigarette on the table, lit it, and took several harsh drags. His eyes were bloodshot.
"That guy... he's gotten even stronger..."
Doflamingo muttered through pale lips, still shaken by the oppressive presence in Daren's final gaze.
p@treon com / PinkSnake