At Marine Headquarters in Marineford, Sengoku looked at the newspaper with a complicated expression. He wanted to laugh, but he couldn't.
In the battle a few days ago, the Marines had suffered heavy losses. Aside from the two admirals who returned unharmed, the two Vice Admirals had sustained injuries of varying degrees and would likely be bedridden for ten days to half a month. The rest of the Marines who survived were few and far between. It felt like a knife twisting in Sengoku's heart.
Sengoku gritted his teeth in hatred for Doflamingo. In the end, their operation had been a failure. After discussions with the World Government, they had temporarily halted their actions against him. Having already paid such a heavy price without eliminating Doflamingo, pressing on would only lead to diminishing returns.
The news spreading across the seas was, of course, orchestrated by the World Government. They were happy to see this situation unfold. Since Doflamingo was unwilling to accept their olive branch, they would make him famous, attract a pack of hungry wolves, and see how he handled it.
Doflamingo, however, couldn't care less what the World Government was thinking. He would just steadily continue with his own business.
But while Doflamingo was unconcerned, some pirates had set their sights on him. After all, the title of "World's Strongest" had always belonged to Whitebeard. Now that someone had appeared who could supposedly rival him, their curiosity was piqued.
In the New World, in the territory of the Whitebeard Pirates, aboard the Moby Dick, Whitebeard was gulping down sake while reading the newspaper, feeling quite cheerful. He wasn't the least bit angered by the exaggerated reports.
"Gurararara! Doflamingo... what an interesting brat!" Whitebeard said with a laugh.
While Whitebeard paid the reports no mind, his beloved sons were incredibly concerned. "World's Strongest" was the highest praise for their Pops. Could any random upstart really be his equal?
They were furious.
"Pops, this report is complete nonsense! How dare they put some snot-nosed brat on the same level as you! It's outrageous!" Thatch, the fourth division commander, complained.
"Zehahaha! Yeah, Thatch is right!" the portly Teach chimed in with a laugh. As expected of good brothers, Thatch's words were met with a chorus of agreement.
"I say, when this rookie comes to the New World, let's teach him a lesson. Not just anyone is worthy of being compared to Pops."
"Yeah! But I doubt they'll even make it to the New World!"
Whitebeard watched his sons chattering away, a look of warm satisfaction on his face.
"Gurararara! I am Whitebeard!" he declared with authority, completely unfazed by the contents of the newspaper.
"Hahaha! Pops is the strongest!"
On Whole Cake Island, Big Mom looked at the newspaper and let out a hearty laugh. "Mamamamama! Doflamingo? A rookie who can rival Whitebeard?"
Katakuri stood by Big Mom's side, his expression unreadable as he watched her. No matter who Doflamingo was or how strong he was, if he threatened the brothers and sisters Katakuri cared about, he would eliminate him.
On Onigashima, Kaido of the Beasts had also received the news of a rising star. But Kaido was arrogant and didn't give Doflamingo a second thought, even sneering at the idea. He didn't believe a word of what was written in the papers anyway.
Wasn't the Fifth Emperor, Luffy, knocked down by Teacher Kaido with a single swing of his club? He even uttered the classic line: "You said you were going to be the king of what, again?"
Teacher Kaido was the same as always: drinking, crying loudly, and waiting for his enemies to come to him. If Doflamingo had the guts, they would cross paths sooner or later. He, Kaido of the Beasts, feared nothing.
On a deserted island in the first half of the Grand Line, the remnants of the Red Hair Pirates were gathered. Having lost both their captain and first mate, they were now like a pack of stray dogs, waiting for an opportunity to avenge their captain.
"Dammit!" Yasopp slammed the newspaper down, his face contorted with hatred.
Their enemy was growing stronger and stronger, while they were stuck in a rut, unable to even see a glimmer of hope.
Across the seas, some were happy and some were worried. The members of the Donquixote family were naturally overjoyed by the news. Far away in the North Blue, Trebol and the others were also happy for Doflamingo.
Beyond that, there were too many people on the sea who wanted to make a name for themselves. They all wanted to use Doflamingo's fame as a stepping stone. If they could kill him, it would be even better.
There were many who didn't fear death, and even more who overestimated their own abilities. They saw the great benefits associated with Doflamingo's name but overlooked the immense threat he posed.
Or perhaps, in the face of profit, danger was simply ignored.
Aboard the Ark Maxim, in Monet's room, Doflamingo sat by her side, keeping the injured, morbidly beautiful woman company.
"Young Master... do you think I'm useless?" Monet asked, leaning against Doflamingo's broad chest, her voice filled with disappointment.
"If you think you're useless, then you should hurry up and get better. I'll help you become stronger," Doflamingo said, gently stroking Monet's pale, sickly face.
Hearing his words, Monet seemed to think of something, and a blush crept onto her pale cheeks. She replied in a voice as soft as a mosquito's buzz, "Mm, I'll get better quickly."
With that, Monet looked up at Doflamingo with her beautiful eyes, and her weak hands tightened their grip around his waist, as if afraid to lose the warmth of his embrace.
This is so nice. The Young Master's embrace is still so warm, Monet thought. At the same time, Doflamingo gently stroked Monet's long green hair, making her feel even more comfortable.
The two quietly enjoyed their moment together, a taste of happiness.
Due to the aftermath of the battle, everyone was in a state of disrepair. It took a full month of recuperation for their injuries to even begin to properly heal, a testament to the brutality of the fight.
The people were healed, but the Ark's injuries had not yet been addressed. It had been damaged by Doberman's sword slashes and later frozen by Aokiji, suffering heavy damage.
On the fifth day of their voyage, Doflamingo had flown the Ark Maxim into the sky, and Enel had brought the Cook Pirates up as well.
Those who were still searching for Doflamingo lost all track of them, left to wander the sea like headless flies.
For the members of the Cook Pirates, sailing through the sky was a wonderful experience, a real eye-opener.
One day, Doflamingo sought out Red-Leg Zeff again.
"Young Master, what are your orders?" Zeff asked respectfully, looking at the man before him. He had personally witnessed the power this man possessed.
"Red-Leg Zeff, I have a mission for you," Doflamingo said.
"Young Master, just say the word. I will do everything in my power to accomplish it," Zeff said, knowing his place.
"Do what you love. Make your restaurant famous across the seas. At the same time, hide your connection to us. Don't let outsiders know," Doflamingo said earnestly.
"I understand," Zeff nodded.
Doflamingo clapped him on the shoulder and encouraged him, "I will support you. Don't worry, the Donquixote family is with you. Go on and do it boldly."
With that, Doflamingo left without waiting for a reply.
Red-Leg Zeff had always had two dreams: one was to see the All Blue, and the other was to bring his food to everyone. Now, his dreams could finally come true. He was thrilled.
Several months later, a mobile sea restaurant became famous on the Grand Line, attracting the attention of many with its unparalleled taste. However, seeing this sea restaurant was difficult, as it was always on the move. Getting a taste of their food was a rare and sought-after opportunity.
After all, what is easily obtained is rarely cherished.
Doflamingo and his crew had long since parted ways with them. They needed to repair the Ark's scars.
Therefore, their next stop: Water 7.