Chapter IX: Smoke & Mirrors
Vivi sat motionless on Mock Town's infamous boardwalk. Doflamingo's three-word request was like thunder in the still night air. She was bewildered completely.
Taking advantage of the young woman's delayed reaction, Doflamingo adjusted the collar of his shirt and proceeded to explain.
"Just think about it. A person carrying the Donquixote and Nefertari bloodlines will not only be the ruler of two kingdoms but also unite and carry on an ancient legacy. I will carve out an empire in the New World and I need an heir to help me rule it. An heir with a worthy bloodline..."
He paused noticing the young woman pick a loose feather off his coat. Her eyes were fixed on it, she seemed to be deliberating something or was she feigning disinterest?
Slightly annoyed by her lack of reaction, Doflamingo decided to take a more strategic approach.
Trying to manipulate me eh? She's a fast learner.
"Alabasta-" he began. Vivi's eyes immediately flicked back to his face, she's so devoted to her Kingdom fufufu. He smirked and continued, "will be granted trade links throughout the New World and a free port in Dressrosa. I can supply your Royal Army with weapons as well. Naturally, you and your kingdom can rely on the Donquixote name for protection. What do you say hm?" he let his question hang in the air.
Vivi sighed at his attempt to sugarcoat, what seemed blatantly obvious to her, she released the pink feather from her hand and looked up at him.
"Do you think I am stupid?! I may be young, but even I can see what you are trying to do here." her voice began to rise as she pointed her finger at him.
"YOU just want to use the Nefertari line and your 'heir'-she flinched in disgust at the word- "to gain a foothold on the Grandline and expand your territory! You are no better than Crocodile!" she hissed.
A vein bulged on Doflamingo's forehead, "You little fool, how dare you compare me to someone like him?! I can kill him in an instant, should I want to...and you exaggerate Alabasta's importance. What can it give me? Sand? The only thing of interest there is the Nefertari line." he said irritably.
I still want to know why your ancestors stayed there...
Riled by his belittlement of her precious homeland, Vivi scowled, placing her delicate hand on her hip.
"You Shichibukais, are all cut from the same clo-hmmph!"
She was cut off as her own hand went up to her mouth. She narrowed her eyes at the blond man and tried to pry her hand off with her other arm. But to no avail.
How can anyone fight his ability?
Doflamingo's dextrous fingers manipulated the invisible string over her hand; effectively silencing her.
"That's enough talk for tonight, Princess. Unfortunately, I have a prior engagement to go to, but..." he flicked his fingers, releasing her arm. "I am not going to take your ans-"
"I WILL NEVER ACCEPT YOUR OFFER!" Vivi burst out, she picked up and threw his coat right back at him.
He caught it with ease, all the while laughing at her outburst. She doesn't give up fufufu.
"Stop mocking me!" she shouted.
He got up and put on his coat.
"Calm down, you are letting your emotions cloud your judgement," he said in a low voice.
Doflamingo took her hand, forcing the young woman to stand up. Her smooth skin contrasted with his large sun-kissed, calloused hands. She tried to pull it back but he squeezed it.
"As I said before, I am not taking your answer for a no. Truly, it's been a pleasure, Princess. Remember my offer still stands, I wouldn't refuse it if I were you. Who knows? You might even make me angry...and I wouldn't want to slice up that pretty face of yours fufufu."
He cupped her face and ran his thumb across her soft lips with a tenderness that placed Vivi into a stupor. Her eyes widened at his unexpected gesture.
Why is he doing this?!
He grinned at her reaction.
"It's a shame that I have to go to Mariejois now...the marines might suspect something if they see me bringing a screaming and kicking woman fufufu. Besides, you wouldn't want to run into your boss now, would you? I'm sure he'll be there, the Marines would want to know what's going on in Alabasta. Crocodile has earned their trust you see..."
She pursed her lips in annoyance at his passing comment. She's like a fierce little desert cat fufu.
Noting the multiple gashes and scratches on her leg, he frowned before leaning into her.
"But I can take you to a safer island for now, and you can wait for me there. So if you ever change your mind, know that I will be more than happy to help my little desert cat." He whispered affectionately into her ear.
"Desert Cat?" I just met him, and he already gave me a nickname...
Vivi was apprehensive of their proximity to each other and his new-found familiarity towards her.
"I won't change it. I will unite my people and do this with their help," she said firmly.
"But nonetheless, I must th-thank you for helping me tonight." Vivi reluctantly expressed her gratitude
"Finally acting like a Princess eh? Fine, suit yourself but if you fail...rethink my offer," he replied amusedly.
"I have to go now Mr...Donquixote," she said quietly, how many times do I have to say no?!
He shrugged and reached for another bottle from the terrified barman's stash.
Vivi whistled for Carue, but he didn't come to her. What is he doing now?
"CARUE" she yelled in frustration.
"Have another companion here?" Doflamingo curiously inquired.
"Yes, he was supposed to be here an hour ago," she answered him absentmindedly.
"He's probably dead by now fufufu." he laughed as he skillfully opened the bottle.
"No..." They wouldn't target him first would they? What about Igaram?!
Suddenly Vivi's mind flooded with all the daunting tasks ahead of her. I can't waste another minute here!
"Didn't you have to go?" she asked him coolly.
"You're so serious desert cat, want some wine?" he offered her a bottle before walking towards the docks.
She ignored him and the ridiculous moniker he gave her.
"CARUE COME HERE NOW!" Vivi yelled again.
Finally, the sound of webbed feet hitting the boardwalks reached her ears. Doflamingo looked in the direction of the sound's source. That doesn't sound human.
"QUACK"
"Where the hell were you?! I was worried! Help me take Mr.9 to the ship!" Vivi chastised her duck.
The latter saluted her and ran towards Mr.9's lying form, Vivi followed suit.
"You have a lot of tricks up your sleeve. Allow me." Doflamingo proceeded to use his ability to lift Mr.9's wounded body off the ground.
Vivi gaped as Mr.9's body practically floated in front of her face and landed on Carue's back.
This would have taken me a lot longer, she thought in frustration.
Shaking off her amazement at the man's abilities and strength, she carefully mounted Carue to avoid causing further damage to a battered Mr.9.
He is still unconscious, and I can't just leave him here.
Vivi was worried about her partner, so much so that she almost forgot about the Shichibukai's lingering presence. How could anyone forget someone like that?
"Good luck to you Princess, I am sure we will meet again," Doflamingo spoke with his signature confidence.
"Thank you, and I hope I will never have to see your face ever again." she retorted giving him a reprimanding glance, before hitting Carue's sides with her feet; the poor duck began to run as fast as it could.
Would he still help me if he didn't know who I was?
"HAH!" Doflamingo burst into a loud guffaw at her audaciousness. "We'll see about that my little desert cat fufufu." He watched her ride out of the town on her peculiar "transport."
She'll be a Queen worthy of my heir...
At this point, Doflamingo couldn't think of a better candidate to secure the diminished Donquixote line.
Setting his emptied bottle on the crate he sat on before, he left a small bag of clinking bellies for the long-suffering barman behind him.
Earlier in the night, Doflamingo spotted a few clouds in the sky, just enough to get him to the meeting point with the marines on a nearby island. Flicking his hand towards a group of clouds he launched himself into the night sky; his coat fluttered in the air current.
Let's see how that Croco-man is doing fufu.
Some of the terrified inhabitants of Mock Town were glad to see (out of their windows) the notorious Shichbukai go. A serious cleanup and ensuing repair works were in order for them.
Thanks to Carue's innate speed, they reached the outskirts of Mock Town within half an hour. This is where they needed to be extra cautious, in order to avoid a potential ambush.
"Slow down Carue and keep quiet," Vivi whispered as she tapped his neck.
I still don't know if that innkeeper is around, maybe she works for Baroque Works?
Carue walked slowly through the clearing near the inn. His webbed feet were practically silent against the thick foliage surrounding it.
Vivi leaned forward hugging Carue's neck when Mr.9 groaned. "W-w-where are weeee?"
The silence around them only served to amplify his groans.
"Shhhhhh! Mr.9 not now, we're on our way to Baby King." Vivi whispered.
"Goooodddd." the poor man slurred in response. They were right in front of the inn again, the lights were out.
Hmm, that woman must be sleeping by now, Vivi thought as she tightened her grip on Carue's reigns.
The latter was going at a good pace that allowed them to be relatively quiet, and cover a decent amount of distance at the same time. They were about to round the corner of the inn when Carue's foot got stuck in something, he tried pulling it free but something tugged on it. That 'something' triggered a loud bell.
"It's a trap!" Vivi panicked and reached for her peacock slashers. Instantly the lights inside went on and the door of the inn flew open.
Vivi turned around only to see the innkeeper Leona, aim a shotgun at them. "THIEVES!" she screeched.
"No, no, it's not what you think. We were just leaving Mock Town, we are not thieves!" Vivi tried to pacify the older woman.
"Oh really? Honey this is Jaya, pirate haven, I deal with people like you every day. And you all say the same thing. Either way, this is how it works here: you give or you take."
"What are you talking about? Just let us go." Vivi was losing her patience but she couldn't afford to risk their lives at this point. Will I ever get home?
"Very simple sweetheart-"Leona said in a nauseatingly sweet voice. "You wanna go, pay up or I shoot your friend's brains out..that'll do him a service. He looks half-dead anyway..."
"We don't have any money. I used what he had to pay for the rooms."
Not any to spare for you at least, that's for sure, Vivi thought bitterly.
"Well, you sure seemed eager to throw it around earlier today. You two didn't even question my daily rates, and that duck of yours looks like it could fetch a good price." Leona drawled as she pointed her stubby finger at Carue.
Carue tensed, Vivi gently soothed his feathers.
I should have known better! Well, I might as well give these another workout. She slipped on the Kujakki slasher.
"I DON'T have time for this!"
Whirling the slasher on her pinky finger, Vivi swiftly cut the rope leaving its ring around Carue's foot, freeing his movement.
"RUN!" Vivi yelled releasing her built up tension.
Carue dashed towards the cove where they left the yacht, Leona ran after them and fired a shot, the bullet whirred past Vivi's ankle.
If I didn't have to press Mr.9's shoulder with my other hand, I could reach for the gun and fire back.
But Vivi decided to focus all her attention on the road ahead, and the risk was not worth it. That woman can't catch up with them at this rate anyway.
Vivi heard a shout followed by another gunshot piercing the tumultuous night; Leona was far behind them by now.
The hanging vines and branches posed a greater danger, as Vivi had to twist and turn her head to avoid getting smacked in the face.
That reminded her of a certain Shichibukai's threat earlier.
He wouldn't want to slice up my pretty face. "Pretty" huh? Should I be flattered or disgusted?
Remembering the price of his offer, Vivi went with the second option.
Eugh.
There was something about Donquixote Doflamingo, that both frustrated and puzzled her. On the one hand she appreciated the help he gave her, but on the other, she knew that it came with an ulterior motive. Vivi felt guilty for even thinking of him and his ridiculous offer at such an important moment.
"Miss..W-Wednesday, you did a brave thing back there. But you should never refuse a man like -." As if on cue, Mr.9 tried to speak about the events of the night, but it put a strain on his lungs. He wheezed loudly.
"Mr.9, please save your breath! We are nearing the cove." Vivi reassuringly squeezed his shoulder.
He winced, "Ah! I am sorry I forgot!" Vivi guiltily apologised.
Don't be an idiot Vivi, she berated herself.
By this point, her hair was tangled and dishevelled, its long blue strands stuck to her sweaty forehead. Her body was probably bruised all over and covered in scratches, gashes and even ash from her fight at the tavern. Vivi tried to ignore the stinging pain from the big gash on her thigh, but it was increasingly harder to do so.
Thankfully, by some miracle, her bones were still intact. Even though her back still ached from her fall on the boardwalk...she shuddered, remembering Doflamingo's imposing physique towering over her.
Not him again!
Finally, the trio broke out of the tropical thicket, the sandy shore made for a welcomed sight.
Vivi got off Carue and walked towards the rocks that hid Baby King, she never thought she would be any happier to see it again.
As Carue hopped on the yacht with Mr.9 on his back, Vivi lingered behind. Dipping her long fingers into the sea, she dabbed the water onto the wound on her thigh.
She yelped in pain at the stinging sensation of the salt, but that was the closest thing to medical aid that she could get in that moment. Her principles simply wouldn't allow her to treat herself until she made sure that Mr.9 was fine.
Vivi grabbed the ladder that hung from the railing of the black yacht and climbed on deck.
"Carue take Mr.9 to his cabin, I will be there in a minute." she instructed her loyal companion.
She went into the galley to gather some of the medical supplies and hot water. Luckily, Mr.9 had several medical kits and plenty of bandages on board.
Vivi placed all the necessary items on a tray and walked to Mr.9's cabin.
"Mister 9, I am going to disinfect and dress your wounds. It's going to hurt but I will be quick, so please bear with me."
"Oh, Miss..err Princess Wednesday? Please set the course for Alabasta first." the injured man requested weakly.
A mix of anguish and gratitude washed over her.
I will never forget your kindness.
"Thank you! Mr.9 but I will do that after -"
"No no, we must get away from here! It's dangerous! You need to get back to your kingdom! " Mr.9 protested.
"Alright, I will be right back!" Vivi replied in a wobbly voice as she tried to contain her tears.
Not wasting another minute she ran to the bridge of the yacht. Vivi regretted her decision to bring the eternal log pose with her to Jaya. My escape plan was an utter failure, what if it got damaged during the attack?
Fearing the worst, Vivi opened her belt bag, several perfume bottles were cracked. Their contents seeped into the interior of the bag, soaking the thick cloth that wrapped the log pose. As she pulled out the log pose, Vivi saw a few glass shards falling off the cloth.
Her heart fell. No, no, no, please anything but that.
Unwrapping the precious object, Vivi exhaled loudly.
The log pose was intact! The glass shards belonged to one of the bottles that surrounded it.
Alabastan perfumes protected you, Vivi kissed the log pose and pressed it to her forehead in relief. Thank you. Thank you.
Setting their course for Alabasta, Vivi steered the ship out of the cove into the open sea. She looked back at the receding shore and mentally thanked Mr.9 for insisting that they leave immediately. Jaya was not a place she wanted to come back to, not after all the things that happened to them there.
After setting the course, Vivi went back to tend to Mr.9's wounds, leaving Carue to patrol the deck.
Two Days Later
Doflamingo often came and went as he pleased, whenever and wherever he wanted. Unless it was an emergency or as in this case duty. He didn't attend the annual Shichibukai meeting every year, but this time was different.
His underground network grew at an exponential rate, thanks to the Yonko Kaido's insatiable appetite for SMILES. It was going so well that he thought of selling off the less profitable "divisions" of his business on the Sabaody Archipelago.
Thus it was crucial that he stayed well-informed about world affairs. This included the activities of some of his other "illustrious colleagues" among the Shichibukai.
Doflamingo disembarked from the Marine escort ship when someone announced his arrival on the speaker. He was followed by the silent, Bartholamew Kuma.
A certain part of him loathed coming to the Holy Land of Mariejois, his birthplace. His heaven and hell. He frowned remembering the snide remarks, snobbish attitudes of the other Celestial Dragons as they berated him and his father.
And that was after he brought them that fool's head! What more did they need?! He never forgave them for it.
Their heads will roll down these steps soon too.
He followed the Marine guides to the meeting room, even though he knew his way around this place probably better than they ever will.
His mood soured considerably.
Doflamingo was the first Shichibukai at the meeting.
Pfft how dull...he thought in disappointment.
"Admiral Tsuru, how nice to see you again fufufu." he greeted the elder woman with an old familiarity, which he solely reserved for her.
"Hmm? Didn't expect to see you here today. Have a seat." Tsuru gestured to a chair at the round table.
"I'd rather get some fresh air first if you don't mind," Doflamingo responded as he perched on the balustrade of the terrace.
Taking in the view of his old home before him, reminded him of his mother.
Her soft smile, as she strolled with him and his brother through the ornate gardens below him.
Always so elegant, poised and kind. Too kind for the world that Father dragged us into! She would still be alive...if it weren't for him.
That old rage threatened to spill out again, Doflamingo clenched his fist and looked back into the meeting room.
Seeing that it was just himself, Tsuru and a few Vice-Admirals, he decided to pass his time by using his ability on the two men that stood around the entrance to the terrace.
Their shouts and confusion offered reasonable entertainment. Pompous fools, fufu.
"Doflamingo, stop that and be a good boy. Take a seat at the table please." Tsuru calmly made her request.
"How could I ever say no to you, fufufu."
Doflamingo hopped off the balustrade and walked to the table. His fingers, still puppeteering the two Vice-Admirals who were forced at each other's throats.
"That's enough! This isn't a circus!" someone bellowed from the corridor.
"Sengoku-san you know it's not us!" one of the Vice-Admirals pleaded.
"Yes, yes. Greetings to you scum of the sea!" Sengoku's voice dripped with sarcasm.
"Well aren't you polite fufufu." Doflamingo knew that the Fleet Admiral had a personal dislike for him because of that "incident" with Rosinante. The feeling was mutual as Doflamingo despised him for ordering Vergo's execution.
"Frankly, I am surprised that you even bothered to come all the way here," Sengoku responded cooly.
"I haven't been here in a while you see. Besides, things are going so well for me that I thought it'll be a fun little vacation trip." Doflamingo didn't bother to look at the man in the entrance; he smiled at the terrified Vice-Admirals before him.
"That's unfortunate to hear. Anyway, let the meeting commence, shut the doors."
Sengoku gestured for the two entrance guards to do so.
"Hold it." A cool male voice interjected.
The guards respectfully obeyed the man, who made his way to the roundtable.
"Oh, three out of seven, I never thought you would even come here. Have a seat Hawk-Eyes." Sengoku mumbled awkwardly.
"Indeed, the most unexpected man has arrived!" Doflamingo commented in surprise.
"I've had an interesting encounter in the East Blue, with one of the rookies you will be discussing today so I thought it I might learn more about them," Mihawk explained nonchalantly.
"Well, we have several topics on the agenda today. Top of the list is Akagami Shank's contact with Whitebeard in the New World. It's a good thing you're here Hawk-Eyes as I know of your friendship with the Yonko Shanks." Sengoku nodded at the bored Shichibukai.
"I don't know much about Akagami's movements in the New World." the man in question responded.
"Hmm, I see." Sengoku was sceptical as he continued to read out their agenda.
"The other thing I wanted to discuss today, is as you know, the wave of Rookies that cause chaos across the seas. The more notorious ones have now made their way to the Grandline. And finally-" Sengoku looked around the room- "ah, of course, that man has only answered our summons twice in all the years he's been a Shichibukai...anyhow, the crisis in Alabasta is the final topic on the agenda. I wanted Crocodile to be here the most." Sengoku said in dismay.
"Don't worry, my people informed me that he's on his way here." Doflamingo chimed in.
"What? You even spy on-" Sengoku never finished his sentence as a terrified marine soldier opened the door.
"S-sir Crocodile is h-here, Sengoku-san!" the young man saluted his superior and quickly walked out.
Crocodile strolled lazily into the large meeting room, with a remarkable confidence, that made him seem like he owned the place. The bottom of his signature, dark green fur coat swished behind him.
"Speak of the devil..." Doflamingo mused aloud. He took out the volume on Alabasta's history that he brought from Dressrosa.
Crocodile's eyes narrowed when he saw the title of the book and he frowned at Doflamingo but didn't say anything.
"Can't say I remember the last time I saw you." Mihawk threw in his comment.
"Trust me, neither can I." Crocodile quipped right back at him.
"Hmph." Mihawk didn't deem it worthy to reply.
Crocodile shrugged as he eyed the typically quiet Barthlomew Kuma.
"Ah, thank you for coming here Crocodile. I was just talking about the crisis in Alabasta. Take a seat please."
Sensing the rising tension in the room, Sengoku greeted the man far more politely than he normally would.
That didn't go unnoticed.
Let's see if he still gets this treatment in a few month's time fufufu.
"I am rather busy at the moment, so I will stay here just to discuss this pressing matter. I need to go back to Alabasta as soon as possible." Crocodile spoke in his brisk, businesslike manner.
"Well, uh, I suppose we could get it out of the way then." Sengoku willingly obliged.
The older man took a seat next to Tsuru. Doflamingo demonstratively opened his book on Alabasta, he made sure to face his "colleague" at the table.
Crocodile glanced at him but chose to ignore his antics.
"How is the situation there now? Do the people still support King Cobra?" Sengoku inquired.
"It's quite...unfortunate. As you probably know from the News Coo, half of the Royal Army deserted their posts and joined the Rebels. King Cobra is very unpopular... there is a rather unpleasant rumour going around the Kingdom about him." Crocodile began his report with a hint of concern in his voice.
Hmm, and so it begins. Baroque Works must be succeeding...did the desert cat make it home? Doflamingo thought of the Princess he encountered in Jaya.
"What is the rumour about?" Tsuru joined the discussion.
"Ah, it's rather hard to believe, and I personally can't. But apparently, King Cobra is buying up Dance Powder and storing it at the palace for use in Alubarna, the capital." Crocodile replied.
"Preposterous! King Cobra would never do that, he's a very wise and just man." Sengoku exclaimed in disbelief.
"He has a spotless reputation." Tsuru nodded in agreement.
How will you explain this one Croco-man?
"Like I said, I couldn't believe it myself, but this long drought brought famine and sandstorms. These calamities are killing off thousands of people outside the capital. Rainbase is still safe because I hold off the sandstorms with my devil fruit there. Whichever way, one may choose to look at it, the evidence against King Cobra is mounting and it's hard to dismiss it entirely. Although I still think it could be pure coincidence of course."
Crocodile fired another metaphorical bullet at Alabasta's royal house.
Well played. Now even the government will suspect the Nefertaris. Doflamingo knew that Crocodile was notorious for his schemes but this time the man went above and beyond his previous "work."
"Did you find the Nefertari Princess?" Doflamingo asked the other Shichibukai with a mocked curiosity.
Tsuru eyed him with suspicion, while Sengoku looked at him in surprise.
"Princess Vivi is still missing and that's another tragedy for Alabasta." Crocodile frowned. Bastard, why is he here? Shouldn't he be back in the New World serving Kaido?
Crocodile knew that Doflamingo was up to something if his unsubtle hints were anything to go by.
"I hope these rumours will be disproven but in any case, please keep us updated on the situation on the ground, and try to keep the conflict from getting out of hand. If necessary, we can send you help to deal with it. Tsuru will also assist with the search for the Princess." Sengoku explained as he signed a document, before passing it to Tsuru.
"But remember with all the commotion in the world right now, Alabasta's stability is paramount. The Revolutionaries might snoop in at this opportunity too, and we can't hand them a kingdom that's right on the Grandline!" The Fleet-Admiral spoke with gravity.
"Very well then, I will send you an update if it gets out of hand." Crocodile replied in an indifferent tone as he got up from his seat. He was about to leave, but Doflamingo jumped off the table and blocked his way.
"What is it this time Flamingo? Get out of my way." Crocodile growled.
One of the Vice-Admirals gasped at the sight. Sengoku sighed in annoyance, Tsuru folded her arms as she quietly observed from the sidelines.
"Fufufu, I see you still haven't dropped that nasty attitude of yours. I will only say this once: lay a finger on her and consider yourself out of business." Doflamingo threatened Crocodile in a low voice.
"What the hell are you talking about huh?" Crocodile asked aggressively.
The other Shichibukais and Marines shared his confusion.
"Don't touch my possessions and I won't touch yours..." Doflamingo walked up to Crocodile, "Mister...Zero." He whispered his demystified codename.
The blond Shichibukai laughed at Crocodile's annoyed expression.
"Spoiled idiot." The brunet said in response and pushed past the other man.
That Nico Robin better have a good explanation for this, he thought angrily before leaving the building to head back to Alabasta.
The rest of the meeting was fairly uneventful, Doflamingo was pleased with the news that Law and his pirate crew were gaining notoriety on the Grandline. For Doflamingo that only meant that he was getting closer to obtaining his immortality.
As the meeting concluded, and the other Shichibukais and Marines left the room, Doflamingo approached Sengoku.
"So I hear my little brother is an architect now...what an interesting career choice. Or is he an architect spy this time?"
"Stay out of this one. You put him through enough hell already, I haven't seen him in years actually. I wouldn't know if he is a spy or not. Don't you know that he cut all his ties with the Marines?" Sengoku asked him bitterly.
"Fufufu, I have no interest to even speak to him, for now at least. But I am surprised that you let him go, after all, he betrayed you too. Now there's an another rookie with a rare devil fruit on the loose." That one interests me a lot more!
"I didn't let him go, I thought he was dead, besides his file was classified." Sengoku said impatiently
"Fufufu, you had it conveniently destroyed right after his 'death', so he can't be prosecuted now. And here I thought you always took the moral high ground...Sengoku-san."
"That's a standard procedure. Now, a pirate infiltrating the marines is a different matter entirely. Look, I know what you are trying to imply here, but you need to stop comparing Rosinante's situation to that of the man you sent here." Sengoku replied icily.
"His name was Vergo and he never betrayed me. Unlike my sweet, little brother."
"Give it up already. You deserve a lot worse!" Sengoku's patience was running thin.
"Ah, why won't you take your own advice Sengoku-san? Give it up already, I am working with you now fufufu."
Sengoku grunted, mumbling something about authority and went back to his paperwork.
Doflamingo left the meeting in higher spirits, he now had information that the coveted Ope Ope No Mi was approaching his sphere of influence. Law I can't wait to meet you again!
Plus, annoying Sengoku was always a nice little bonus for him.
Crocodile's quick leave most likely meant that his take over operation was in full swing too.
He is well-prepared, what is the desert cat going to do? Perhaps I should drop by her beloved Kingdom...