The fruits of victory—the hard-won achievements of the nineteen kings, including Queen Lili, who founded the World Government... were they stolen just like that?
The thought of that Empty Throne—a seat that should have remained vacant—now occupied by an ancient being, one who had lived a full 800 years and was a contemporary of his own ancestor, Queen Lili, sent a cold shiver down Cobra's spine. His scalp prickled with the unsettling sensation of goosebumps.
He could hardly fathom that such a thing had even happened.
What kind of ability or schemes had Imu, the thief of victory, used to deceive the other nineteen kings back then?
Or… could it be that Queen Lili had sensed something was wrong, which is why she ultimately chose not to stay in the Holy Land of Mary Geoise?
Where had she gone after leaving Alabasta? Could it have anything to do with this mysterious figure, Imu?
Or perhaps…
Suddenly, Cobra seemed to realize something. His pupils contracted sharply, and his hands trembled.
"Are you wondering if Queen Lili's disappearance is somehow connected to Imu?" Daren's voice cut through the silence of the carriage, interrupting Cobra's confused and panicked thoughts.
Cobra took a deep breath and met Daren's piercing gaze. A bitter smile tugged at his lips.
"It feels like you can read my mind…" he muttered.
Daren shrugged, shaking his head.
"Your Majesty Cobra, you are an excellent king, but not such a great politician."
"Curiosity can be dangerous, especially when someone lacks the strength and confidence to back it up."
"I suggest you avoid digging too deep into Queen Lili's past, especially when you're in front of the Five Elders. Your position as a king of a Member Nation and as a member of the Nefertari clan… means nothing to them."
Cobra shot a confused glance at Daren and asked, "You seem quite concerned about my safety?"
Daren smiled slightly.
"Not really. I'm not particularly interested in other people's lives or deaths. Everyone has the right to decide their own fate."
"But we've worked hard to secure this deal. If you act on impulse—demanding a confrontation with the Five Elders and throwing your life away—then all my efforts will have been in vain."
Cobra gritted his teeth, his voice cold and determined. "I'm not afraid of death."
Daren took a slow drag from his cigar and smiled. "Everyone fears death. If you didn't, your hands wouldn't be shaking so much…"
"Besides, even if you truly don't fear death, you need to consider Alabasta's citizens and Princess Vivi."
"…What the hell are you scheming!?" Cobra's eyes narrowed suspiciously as he fixed his gaze on Daren.
"Don't even think about laying a hand on Vivi, or I'll make sure you regret it!"
Daren: "…"
It's not like you're that old, and Vivi's still just a kid!
Am I really that kind of pervert?
He rolled his eyes in exasperation and said,
"Then stop doing pointless stupid things."
"You don't want Princess Vivi to be the only one left, living alone and miserable in this world, do you?"
Cobra: "..."
Just then, the carriage's pace slowed noticeably.
"Knock knock..."
Igaram, outside the carriage, tapped lightly on the door and whispered a reminder,
"Your Majesty, we are about to arrive at Pangaea Castle."
Cobra's eyes sharpened as he looked at Daren. Daren nodded and said,
"Then we'll conclude our conversation for today, Your Majesty Cobra."
"—Wait!"
As if remembering something, Cobra suddenly asked,
"You still haven't told this old man why you came to the Holy Land of Mary Geoise."
Daren smiled meaningfully.
"The newly appointed leader of the God's Knights is an old friend of mine. This is a momentous occasion as he ascends to a new stage in life. Naturally, I came to congratulate him."
...
Footsteps echoed forward as the pink feather coat fluttered defiantly amidst the Sea Clouds.
This was the feeling…
CP members in black suits and Holy Land guards in silver armor knelt reverently on either side, their expressions brimming with utter submission and obsequiousness. A thought surged uncontrollably through Doflamingo's mind.
This is everything I deserve.
As he ascended the immaculate steps of the Celestial Stairway, the colossal statue—carved by master artisans and bearing a striking resemblance to himself—grew ever closer. The monumental statue stood atop one side of the Celestial Stairway, seemingly enveloped in clouds. Gazing up at it evoked the overwhelming grandeur and weight of a crumbling city wall, inducing dizziness and awe.
Staring at the statue bearing his likeness, Doflamingo's eyes flickered behind his sunglasses, his fists clenching involuntarily.
So, Father… did you see?
Did your ignorant eyes witness all this?
Power and status—these are the most beautiful things in this world.
Yet you abandoned it all.
I said I would make the Donquixote name great again.
I did it.
Even those five decrepit old fools who once sneered at me had no choice but to erect my statue at their own doorstep.
A mocking smile slowly curled the corners of Doflamingo's lips.
But this is far from the end.
Those five decrepit old fools… they think they've hidden it well, but I saw it…
I saw the look in their eyes when they looked at me.
That contempt, buried deep within their pupils.
Perhaps in their eyes, this position of Vice Commander of the God's Knights was a favor they bestowed upon me?
How utterly laughable.
As his thoughts drifted, the Celestial Stairway reached its end.
"Doflamingo-sama..."
"Doflamingo-sama, you have arrived."
"The Five Elders have been waiting for you in the Hall of Power..."
"..."
Several CP members on duty approached respectfully, bowing slightly.
"I understand."
Doflamingo-sama kept his hands in his pockets, striding past the crowd with his distinctive gait. Without waiting for the guards to lead the way, he pushed open the doors to the Hall of Power and chuckled softly,
"Well then, old men... What is it you wish to discuss that required such urgency?"
Five aged, sinister figures flickered in the oil lamp's light, some standing, some seated, their gazes fixed upon the arrogant, flamboyant blond youth before them.
"It concerns your duty..."
Saint Saturn stated flatly,
"...to annihilate the North Blue Fleet!"