A week later, Doflamingo and Diamante returned to Water 7.
Stepping back onto the long-missed Ark Maxim, both Doflamingo and Diamante were filled with joy. After all, it had been a long time since they had seen their family.
By the time they arrived back in Water 7, the sky had already grown dark. Not wanting to disturb everyone's rest, Doflamingo and Diamante didn't make a grand announcement of their return.
The moment the two of them landed on the deck, a crew member spotted them.
"Young Master, Lord Diamante, you're back! Should we go and inform everyone?" the subordinate asked perceptively.
"No need. Thank you for your hard work," Doflamingo said, walking over to the man and giving him an encouraging pat on the shoulder.
With that, Doflamingo slipped away, his destination unknown.
"You... not bad," Diamante said, following his leader's example and also giving the subordinate an encouraging pat on the shoulder.
"Yes, sir! I will continue to do my best! I would go through fire and water for the Donquixote Pirates!" The subordinate, overwhelmed by the encouragement from his two great leaders, did his best to express his loyalty.
Doflamingo entered the ship's cabin, originally intending to go back to his own room. But after taking a single step, he felt it wasn't right. He turned and headed towards Monet's room instead.
Arriving at her door, Doflamingo used his Observation Haki to check if Monet was inside.
"Already asleep?" he murmured to himself. Out of kindness, he decided not to disturb her. It was because of this decision, however, that he was met with Monet's reproachful gaze the next morning.
Next, he arrived outside Ibes's room. Through a crack in the door, Doflamingo could see a light shining from within. A mysterious smile appeared on his face.
Inside, Ibes was dressed in casual sleepwear. Her chest was alluringly displayed, her attire daring. Her long, pale legs were exposed to the air, an exceptionally tempting sight. Her slender figure and proud peaks, illuminated by the moonlight, made her as bright and captivating as a fairy.
Doflamingo sensed that Ibes was standing by the window, staring blankly at the sky, her brow furrowed as if worried about something.
A pair of strong, warm hands gently and easily wrapped around her beautiful, captivating body. The moment Doflamingo's hands touched her, the lost-in-thought Ibes reacted.
"Who's there?!" she cried out in alarm, struggling in his embrace.
"What, you don't recognize me?" Doflamingo whispered, holding her tightly from behind, his lips close to her ear.
Recognizing the familiar presence, Ibes's alarm turned to joy. She immediately stopped struggling, trying to turn around and face him.
"Don't. Just like this. I like holding you like this," Doflamingo said gently.
"Dof, you..." Ibes blushed slightly but obediently stopped trying to turn, presenting her perfect back to his embrace.
They held each other quietly for a moment. Doflamingo inhaled the fragrance of her hair, resting his head on her shoulder, and felt the fatigue of his journey melt away.
"Ibes?" Doflamingo whispered, his head still on her shoulder.
"Mm, Dof, I'm here," Ibes replied softly. One of her hands stroked his intertwined ones, while the other gently caressed his face.
"You seem to have gotten fatter," Doflamingo said, opening his eyes and teasingly nibbling on her ear.
"I have not," Ibes retorted. What woman didn't care about her figure, especially in front of the man she loved?
"Oh? Look here, isn't this proof?"
Doflamingo's actions made Ibes's face flush a deep red. She now understood what he had meant. She didn't push his mischievous hands away, allowing him to have his way as she tried to melt even further into his embrace.
"Isn't that because you're so amazing, Dof?" Ibes said, her face crimson, her eyes sultry.
"I have even more amazing skills. Do you want to see them?" Doflamingo whispered warmly into her ear.
"Mm."
With just that soft affirmation, a surge of hot blood rushed through Doflamingo's veins, filling him with boundless energy.
"The night is deep, Ibes. Let's rest," Doflamingo said, reaching out to smooth the worry from her brow. From now on, there would only be pleasure.
"Alright," Ibes replied. She quickly turned and threw herself into his chest, her burning face practically scorching him. Her hands wrapped tightly around his strong, powerful waist.
Ibes let go of all her defenses, giving herself completely to Doflamingo.
He gently carried her to the bed, extinguished the room's light, and under the soft glow of the moon, they danced to the most beautiful song.
The next morning, in Ibes's room, she woke up early. The revelry of the previous night had left her very happy. They had moved in perfect harmony, and the song they danced to had been mutually satisfying.
Ibes leaned against Doflamingo's chest, feeling an immense sense of security. She gently stroked his face, her eyes full of love.
"This is so nice," she murmured.
"What's so nice?" Doflamingo, who had been feigning sleep, suddenly opened his eyes and asked the woman in his arms.
"Of course, it's nice having you here, you silly Dof," Ibes said, covering her mouth with her hand as she laughed.
"Oh, it is? Ibes, it seems you weren't satisfied enough last night. Shall we have another round of morning exercise?" Doflamingo teased with a grin.
"No, no, no! Dof, I was wrong! Let me rest!" Ibes pleaded, looking at Doflamingo with pitiful eyes.
"You know you were wrong?" Doflamingo asked, his hand stroking her body.
"I know!" Ibes nodded, pressing her shapely body even closer, until she was on top of him.
"I'm not convinced," Doflamingo said, caressing her.
"Really, Dof, I was wrong! Why don't... you go find Monet? She misses you very much too," Ibes said, lying naked on top of him, a cunning glint in her eyes as she whispered in his ear.
"Alright, I'll let you off the hook. Then I'll go find Monet," Doflamingo said, affectionately tweaking her nose.
"Go, go! Monet will be very happy," Ibes said generously.
"Time to get up," Doflamingo said, his tone serious, no longer teasing her.
"Alright." Ibes lifted her now-misshapen peaks from his chest, and they returned to their original round, full shape.
As they were getting dressed, Doflamingo asked again, "Ibes, how have Law and Monet been during this time?"
"They're all doing well. It's just... Baby 5 hasn't come back yet," Ibes replied.
"Is that so? And what about Tom's situation?"
"Everything is proceeding in an orderly manner. Their Sea Train is already in its trial phase. It probably won't be long before it's officially put into use. Dof, if you hadn't come back last night, I was going to urge you to return."
"Well, I'm not too late, am I?"
"No, you're not."
Having found his release, Doflamingo was refreshed and in high spirits. Ibes, having been comforted, was even more radiant and vibrant.
The moment Doflamingo and Ibes appeared before everyone, they were all overjoyed. Monet, in particular, had a look of longing that was practically overflowing from her eyes.
"Young Master, you're finally back!"
"Mr. Doflamingo, I've been training according to your instructions this whole time."
"Young Master, I missed you so much!"
"Dof, it's good to have you back."
Under the enthusiastic welcome of his crew, Doflamingo basked in each person's greeting.
"Alright. Thank you all for your hard work during this time," Doflamingo said, thanking everyone and silencing their greetings.
Everyone listened with rapt attention, not wanting to miss a single word.
"Next, let's witness a miracle."