Chapter 99: 99. The Excited Donquixote Family

Check out advanced chapters on P@treon: [email protected]/CosmicKaminari ---------- After Alex finished speaking, Doflamingo's initial shock gave way to a growing, wicked grin. "So, that's the situation!" he said, his voice tinged with both awe and excitement. For a brief moment, a wave of clarity washed over him, a detached understanding of his place in the ever-evolving tides of the era. Selling slaves and weapons? Those were outdated ventures of a bygone time. No, this was the sea where the times were 'smiling'! This—this—was the true product of the new era. And as the middleman who would serve as the cornerstone of this operation, he would have the honor of stepping aboard the ship of the future. Veins bulged on Doflamingo's forehead as excitement coursed through him. Without hesitation, he assured Alex, "I will undoubtedly fulfill my role as the middleman for this operation!" Alex, seated in the main chair with an air of authority, rested his head against his hand and regarded Doflamingo with a steady gaze. "When the production chain matures, Kaido won't be the only one involved in the future," Alex said. "You'll handle the profits from the first tier. "Externally, with proper management, you should be able to carve out a place for yourself in the New World's underground world." He let the words linger, tapping lightly on the armrest of his chair. The implication was clear, even without being explicitly stated. Alex's terms came with additional costs. The potential profit from this operation was enormous, and for Doflamingo to take the helm of such a lucrative enterprise, mere offerings like the Snow-Snow Fruit would not suffice. Understanding this, Doflamingo's grin didn't falter. Instead, he leaned forward slightly, the ambition in his voice unwavering. "Shogun Alex, if there are any other instructions—anything within the capabilities of the Donquixote Family—we will spare no effort to carry them out." In moments like this, ordinary men would kneel, offering outright submission. But Doflamingo was no ordinary man. As a former Celestial Dragon, his pride was ingrained in his very bones. Even if his crew wasn't as strong as those of the great pirate emperors, he would never kneel. For Doflamingo, cooperation was the only acceptable path forward. Alex, of course, understood Doflamingo's pride and had no intention of forcing submission. Whether Doflamingo proved useful or disposable later, Alex had already calculated the potential outcomes. With a dismissive wave of his hand, Alex replied, "For now, your position as the ruler of North Blue is secure, but you're still lacking in some areas." Doflamingo's expression stiffened, the concern in his eyes betraying his unease. "But there are things you can do," Alex continued, his voice calm and precise. "I need access to the network you've established across North Blue and the Grand Line." Doflamingo froze. He knew exactly what this request entailed. It wasn't just a matter of lending support—it meant handing over the relationships and connections he had painstakingly built over the years. His carefully woven web of influence would become the foundation for Alex's growing power. Yet, as he weighed this against the promise of the "New Era," Doflamingo decided the sacrifice was worth it. After departing the General Castle, Doflamingo and his core group of subordinates returned to a port in another region. Once aboard his ship and sailing away from the waters of Wanokuni, the tension that had gripped the crew finally broke. Trebol, unable to hold back his curiosity any longer, asked, "Doffy, what did you discuss with that emperor? Is it really going to bring us such... big benefits?" Everyone had been wondering about the outcome of the meeting, but none more so than Rosinante, who fixed his gaze on Doflamingo, hanging on his every word. "Fuffuffuffu... Torrebol." Now back in his domain, Doflamingo let out an unrestrained laugh. His voice was filled with a mixture of triumph and delight. "This time," he said, his grin stretching wider, "we've completely seized the future of the era!" With a flick of his fingers, invisible threads extended around him, forming delicate silk pathways that allowed him to step effortlessly into the air. At the same time, those threads spun around the Flamingo's ship, creating a barrier that prevented any outsiders from eavesdropping. Doflamingo spread his arms wide, as though embracing the future itself, and cast his gaze downward at his four most trusted family members. "Fuffuffuffu... Do you know what I learned there?" he asked, his grin widening. "A true product of the new era: man-made Devil Fruits—SMILE!" The weight of his words lingered in the air, their impact far exceeding even Doflamingo's first reaction when he had heard them himself. Looking at his stunned cadres, each one frozen and awaiting further explanation, Doflamingo saw no reason to hold back. With a sense of triumph, he shared the full details of what he had learned. Shock spread through the group like a tidal wave, giving way to disbelief, and then to unrestrained excitement. Rosinante, however, reacted differently. His fist clenched tightly, and he didn't even notice as the cigarette fell from his lips. His state of mind stood in stark contrast to those around him. While the others saw opportunity and glory, Rosinante felt a sinking dread. A creation like this—something so monstrous—meant one thing: he had to report this to his superiors in the Marines. Doflamingo, oblivious to his younger brother's inner turmoil, continued with pride: "This operation will create a business chain involving two of the Four Emperors, with me as the middleman. From now on, the road to the New World will be wide open for us. This is the reward for riding the tide of the times!" "Hey hey, yes!" Torrebol exclaimed, his lanky frame trembling with joy. "With two of the Four Emperors backing us, the Donquixote Family will only grow stronger!" The group erupted in celebration, and Doflamingo couldn't help but smile as he watched their elation. Yet, amid his satisfaction, Alex's soft yet meaningful parting words echoed in his mind. "By the way, Diamante," Doflamingo began, his tone shifting as he addressed the swordsman directly. "When we return, make sure to raise Baby-5 properly. Wanokuni seems to have a group of scientists who specialize in arms and weaponry. "Their research could be quite... interesting." The instruction was delivered casually, but the meaning behind it was clear. Doflamingo needed his family prepared for the tasks Alex had outlined during the six-month preparation period. For that, he would rely on his capable cadres to handle specific roles. Even this small request carried the weight of future plans. Torrebol grinned slyly, tilting his head. "Hey hey, maybe we should treat her like that Queen of the Pleasure District. Train her up properly and make her a gift. That seemed to go over well with the Shogun before." Doflamingo paused for a moment, his sharp mind considering the idea. He thought of Baby-5, still young yet already showing signs of becoming a delicate and striking beauty. His thoughts wandered briefly to Natasha, who had been sent to Alex's side and moved into the General City shortly after. Slowly, Doflamingo's trademark evil grin returned. "Fuffuffuffu... Not a bad idea. Not a bad idea at all."