The afterglow of the setting sun illuminated Doflamingo's face, making it appear exceptionally bright.
Doflamingo had been waiting for the Cook Pirates for a long time, but they had yet to return. Even his own subordinates, who had received his orders, had already rushed back to the Ark, their faces alight with the joy of having "fulfilled their duties."
Doflamingo saw the satisfaction and delight on their faces. After all, money earned was money to be spent – if not on food, clothing, shelter, and transport, then on women.
Being a pirate was a high-risk profession; today's earnings naturally had to be spent to the fullest. Saving it for tomorrow would just be a waste.
Doflamingo glanced at his men, then paid them no further heed. The deeper their joy today, the greater their pain might be in the future. This could be considered a send-off for them. Who knew how many would survive then, how many would still be around to enjoy a "happy massage" together.
Urged on by the setting sun, the group of people finally dawdled back.
Doflamingo, seeing his target number of people had finally arrived, allowed a faint smile to touch his lips.
"Captain, look quickly! That luxurious big ship still hasn't left!" Moris exclaimed, his heart unable to suppress its greed as he gazed at the Ark Maxim, sparkling in the sunset.
"Moris, you brat! You only remember the food, not the beatings, do you? That's an existence we cannot afford to provoke!" Red-Leg Zeff scolded irritably.
"Yes, yes, Captain! I was wrong!" Moris shrank back, speaking fearfully, though it was uncertain if his greed had truly vanished.
Red-Leg Zeff, stroking his mustache, led the way. As they passed by the Ark Maxim, he also saw the dazzling young man on its deck.
The two exchanged a glance. Zeff felt mostly alarm; Doflamingo felt mostly curiosity, wanting to see this adoptive father of the lecherous cook, Sanji.
"Hurry up!" Zeff urgently barked at his crew members following behind, his pace quickening.
The members of the Cook Pirates were somewhat bewildered but didn't dare to disobey their captain's orders. They thought Zeff was just annoyed with them for walking too slowly!
"Ahead lies hell, and it has no gates. Are you sure you want to walk in?" A calm yet threatening voice echoed in the ears of the Cook Pirates, causing their already hurried footsteps to involuntarily halt.
"It seems we still couldn't avoid it!" Red-Leg Zeff muttered to himself. Ever since their eyes had met earlier, a dangerous feeling had been lingering in his heart.
"Captain, it looks like we have an enemy! Perfect, we can kill him, and then all the gold on that big ship will be ours!" Moris paid no heed to Doflamingo's words. His eyes were now filled with gold, consumed by greed.
"Damn it! Moris, you bastard! Have you fallen into a money pit?!" Red-Leg Zeff was also somewhat furious. At a time like this, still causing trouble! Truly, the ignorant are fearless – a human head with a pig's brain, not an ounce of perception.
"Captain, I…" Moris looked aggrieved, not understanding what had gotten into the captain today. Such a huge fortune was right before them, yet he showed no interest at all. He knew that men die for wealth as birds die for food. Having become pirates, how could they be timid and hesitant? How else would they get rich?
"Well? Have you made up your minds?" Doflamingo's voice rang out again.
"Hey, you bastard over there! Hurry up and roll down here to meet your death! We, the Cook Pirates, have taken a fancy to your treasure! Hand it over quickly!" Moris yelled at the top of his lungs, venting all the frustration he had received from Red-Leg Zeff onto Doflamingo.
"The ignorant are truly fearless!" Doflamingo didn't get angry with a minor character. Just letting him die was enough; no need to get worked up.
"Moris, you idiot!" Red-Leg Zeff was alarmed, quickly preparing to stop his suicidal behavior.
Just then, Doflamingo lifted a finger and unleashed a "Thunder Finger." With unerring accuracy, it directly pierced Moris's forehead.
"Moris!" The members of the Cook Pirates shouted Moris's name, their faces etched with shock and astonishment. A living person had died right before their eyes, just like that. Moris's eyes, wide with disbelief, were still clearly visible.
"Much quieter this way," Doflamingo said, standing at the edge of the Ark, looking down condescendingly at Red-Leg Zeff and his group.
"Damn it!"
"Bastard! Let's fight him!" Hearing Doflamingo's words, the Cook Pirates were filled with righteous indignation, wanting to fight Doflamingo to the death.
"Don't be impulsive! We are no match for them!" Red-Leg Zeff was very calm. Although Moris's death also pained him greatly, there were still so many others. As their captain, he had to protect them; this was his duty.
"Captain, we…"
Red-Leg Zeff shook his head, then looked up at Doflamingo again. "Your Excellency, how can we earn your pardon? If there's anything I can do, I will definitely accomplish it for you. Whether it's treasure or anything else, I will certainly get it done for you." Red-Leg Zeff was very clear-headed about his own capabilities and made no suicidal moves, being very pragmatic.
"As it happens, I have three things that require your assistance." Doflamingo also gave Red-Leg Zeff a second look. He hadn't expected this man to possess such spirit. As expected of the lecherous cook's adoptive father.
"Three things? Alright, I'll do them!" Red-Leg Zeff agreed without hesitation. After all, their lives were currently in Doflamingo's hands; they had no right to bargain.
"Captain, we…" The members of the Cook Pirates also calmed down. Thinking about their actions just now, they had truly walked through the gates of hell. Luckily, the other party hadn't stooped to their level; otherwise, a single finger could have annihilated them.
Red-Leg Zeff raised his hand, silencing his subordinates. Right now, survival was paramount. Dignity and the like were not important at all. This was the status of the strong; the weak had to obey. They were all weak and had no choice but to heed Doflamingo's commands. Never mind three things; even if it were ten thousand things, they would have to do them. "Hopefully, the other party will show some mercy!" Red-Leg Zeff thought, calmly accepting the current situation.
Doflamingo, hearing Zeff had agreed to his conditions, paid them no more mind, simply letting Baby 5 relay his words.
Soon, a little girl who acted much older than her age appeared before Red-Leg Zeff and his men. Zeff and his crew looked at the little girl before them, then at each other, not knowing what trick Doflamingo was playing.
Baby 5 arrogantly walked up to Red-Leg Zeff and his men and said haughtily, "It's evening, time for dinner. Our Young Master greatly appreciates your culinary skills and wishes to sample your delicacies."
Red-Leg Zeff looked at the arrogant Baby 5. He had initially been somewhat nervous, afraid the other party would propose some impossible condition that would put him in a difficult position. But upon hearing they merely wanted to taste his cooking, confidence bloomed on his face.
When it came to culinary arts, he, Red-Leg Zeff, had never backed down from anyone.
"Follow me!" Baby 5 glanced at Red-Leg Zeff, signaling him to hurry up.
"Alright," Red-Leg Zeff didn't dally, quickly following behind Baby 5 to the kitchen of the Ark Maxim.
A large, fully equipped kitchen, with every kind of utensil imaginable – Red-Leg Zeff's eyes widened in amazement, his excitement irrepressible.
"Uncle, hurry up and start!" Baby 5 urged, seeing Red-Leg Zeff in a daze.
"Hahaha, my apologies! I'll start right away. I guarantee you all will have a wonderful dinner!" Red-Leg Zeff snapped out of his daze and apologized with a laugh.
"Then you'd better be quick! I want to taste your delicious food too!" Baby 5 said, licking her lips with anticipation.
"You just wait and see!" Red-Leg Zeff didn't waste any time and began to busy himself.
The last warmth of the setting sun dissipated. The bright, clear moonlight spilled on the sea, draping the originally azure ocean in a silver cloak.
The evening banquet began. The Donquixote Pirates started their meal.
Doflamingo also thoughtfully began to eat. He put a mouthful of food from his plate into his mouth. The rich, savory flavor exploded on his taste buds, making Doflamingo involuntarily exclaim in approval. As expected of the man who could train a great chef like Sanji.
The others also ate without reservation. Like Doflamingo, they greatly enjoyed today's delicacies.
"So delicious! That uncle really didn't lie to me!" Baby 5 mumbled, her mouth stuffed with food.
"Indeed, very delicious!" Enel also praised.
The others also nodded one by one in agreement. Although they weren't particularly passionate food lovers, when good food was present, they too would enjoy it.
After the last dish was served, Doflamingo called Red-Leg Zeff over, asking him to stay and eat with them, to share in the joy of the Donquixote Pirates.
Red-Leg Zeff, unable to refuse, agreed and joined in with the Donquixote Pirates' members, eating to his heart's content. Even the members of the Cook Pirates were overwhelmed by this unexpected favor, stunned by such treatment.
Just moments ago, they had been in a life-or-death situation!
Having eaten their fill, it was, of course, time to discuss serious matters.
On the deck, Doflamingo turned around and looked at Red-Leg Zeff, who was following behind him. Zeff also looked at Doflamingo cautiously. Although the other party's actions just now had made him feel quite amicable, he always remembered they were pirates. Pirates could turn hostile faster than flipping through a book; this was never more apparent than with them.
"How about joining our Donquixote Pirates?" Doflamingo said to Red-Leg Zeff.
"I…" Red-Leg Zeff was somewhat taken aback. He hadn't expected this to be what Doflamingo wanted to discuss. During the banquet just now, he had learned about the Donquixote Pirates and only then realized what kind of monster the deceased Moris had provoked. What a relief!
"No need to rush into a refusal. You can fly our Donquixote Pirates' flag, become one of us. It won't affect your voyage," Doflamingo said lightly.
"What do I need to give in return?" Red-Leg Zeff also knew that since the other party wanted to recruit him, they must have taken a fancy to something of his. However, he himself only had his culinary skills and his kicking techniques to be proud of.
"Do you want the name of your Cook Pirates to spread throughout the seas, for your culinary skills to be loved by everyone, and even to find the legendary All Blue?" Doflamingo looked at Red-Leg Zeff, trying to entice his deepest desires.
Red-Leg Zeff fell silent for a moment upon hearing Doflamingo's words.
"Hahaha! I have to say, Your Excellency's proposal has indeed moved me," Red-Leg Zeff also chuckled.
"So?" Doflamingo looked at Red-Leg Zeff.
"Young Master, the Cook Pirates will henceforth join the Donquixote Pirates and await your command," Red-Leg Zeff said respectfully, half-kneeling before Doflamingo. He felt no unwillingness and agreed quite readily.
"Good," Doflamingo personally helped Red-Leg Zeff up.
Red-Leg Zeff looked at the man before him. He believed this man could help him realize his wishes. Whether it was the All Blue, or making his name famous across the seas, or letting everyone taste his delicacies – these were all things he wanted. He had no reason to refuse.
"Now, there is a third matter I need you to handle." Doflamingo spoke of the third matter beside Red-Leg Zeff, and Zeff's expression grew heavier.
"I understand, Young Master. You can rest assured," Red-Leg Zeff also nodded solemnly.
"I believe you!" After Doflamingo finished speaking, he patted Red-Leg Zeff's shoulder and then headed towards his own room, leaving only a solitary, proud figure behind him.
Red-Leg Zeff quietly watched Doflamingo's departing figure, remaining silent.
Everything was understood without words.