"I hope you can provide a perfect explanation, Warlord of the Sea, 'Sea Scourge' Doflamingo."
On the way back, the call from the Gorosei, the highest executive authorities of the World Government, came just as Doflamingo had anticipated.
The World Government, including the Marines, couldn't possibly avoid monitoring openly and planting spies covertly to guard against their biggest enemies, the Four Emperors...
In fact, before the Gorosei questioned him about why he had unauthorized contact with Big Mom and the "Golden Lion," Fleet Admiral Kong had already interrogated him. However, Doflamingo had rebuffed Kong by stating that "the Warlords of the Sea are directly under the World Government; you have no right to question me." That's why the Gorosei had personally stepped in now.
The Gorosei emphasized Doflamingo's identity as a pirate, "Sea Scourge," and a Warlord of the Sea who had an agreement with the World Government, not a former Celestial Dragon. Their words were skillful and menacing.
"Fufufufu~ Don't be so angry! You're all old, why so much temper? Be careful, it's bad for your health," Doflamingo said, embracing Smoothie, as he hovered in the clouds on a hammock woven from strings, playfully jesting, "A perfect explanation? What if I told you I was just discussing life and dreams with them? Would you believe me?"
The person on the other end of the Den Den Mushi changed, and a cold snort came through. "Stop patronizing us, Doflamingo."
Doflamingo calmly replied, "Actually, it was nothing much. Just a small transaction with them."
"Details?" The Gorosei had no intention of letting it go.
Doflamingo answered, "Trade secrets." Then, changing the subject, he spun a web of lies. "Don't worry, I definitely didn't violate our agreement. The transaction content truly doesn't harm the World Government."
"Do you think we'd believe that, Doflamingo?!" The voice on the Den Den Mushi changed again, speaking in a steady tone. "The existence of the Four Emperors, and all pirates for that matter, inherently harms the World Government."
Doflamingo clicked his tongue. "Are you saying... we should all just die? Then why doesn't the World Government directly eradicate all threats, or potential threats? Too bad you can't, fufufufu~" He chuckled darkly, full of sarcasm. Then, changing his tone, he said, "I can tell you the details of my transactions with Big Mom and the 'Golden Lion,' but that means you'll have to give up some other things."
The Gorosei were silent for a moment. "What things?"
"For example, Big Mom's and the 'Golden Lion's' unusual movements at certain times, their real-time whereabouts, etc.," Doflamingo replied.
The Gorosei stated, "Our agents can handle those."
"Don't be so self-deceptive. As far as I know, your agents can't even get a glimpse of Big Mom's or the 'Golden Lion's' faces. They have no chance of deeply infiltrating them, just low-level agents observing superficial matters from the bottom rung..." Doflamingo said disdainfully. "If I hadn't wanted to hide this time, you wouldn't have known I contacted Big Mom or the 'Golden Lion' even if you worked yourselves to death."
"Why did you take Big Mom's daughter?" The Gorosei changed the subject.
Doflamingo met Smoothie's gaze, pinched her cheek, and chuckled flirtatiously. "Hooking up, fufufufu~~"
Gorosei: "..."
After a long pause.
"Once we discover that your transactions with Big Mom and the 'Golden Lion' harm the government, we will strip you of your Warlord of the Sea status."
Click.
Having no other choice, the Gorosei, unable to outmaneuver the openly rogue Doflamingo, could only hang up the Den Den Mushi, compromising for the time being.
"Fufufufu~" Doflamingo put away the Den Den Mushi and said, "Let's go, my dear!"
A few days later.
Flamingo.
"Oh~ hohohoho~ Young Master is back, and Young Master's wife is back too!" Giolla exclaimed joyfully, drawing the attention of the surrounding family members.
Smoothie greeted them politely, "Giolla, Diamante, it's been a while." Looking at Urouge and Weevil, she added, "You two are well too."
"Awoo~~~" Diamante danced with strange steps, waving his arms. "This is great, Doffy, Smoothie, you're finally back! You had us super worried."
"Giolla, prepare for a celebratory banquet," Doflamingo said, sitting on a beach chair, chuckling. "It's truly a rare joyous occasion, fufufufu~~"
Giolla replied, "Understood! Young Master, oh~ hohoho~~~"
"I'll help too..."
Smoothie was still quite thoughtful.
Doflamingo waved his hand in approval, pouring himself a cup of tea. "Diamante, have you chosen the locations for the fighting tournaments?"
"Only one so far," Diamante replied. "We haven't traveled far since you left. The location is an island next to the Prodence Kingdom. It meets your criteria, and importantly, it's a trade market for the Prodence Kingdom and several surrounding kingdoms, very much like a nascent 'City of Sin' before it fully forms."
"Good! You truly are a genius, Diamante," Doflamingo praised without reservation.
Diamante tilted his head, refusing. "You flatter me, Doffy!"
"You are a genius, Diamante," Doflamingo didn't tire of Diamante's routine, playing along with his performance... If one day he should play along with Diamante's performance but ignored him, then something would be seriously wrong.
Diamante's voice became more emphatic. "Doffy! That's not me."
"It is you, alright, I..." Doflamingo deliberately drew out the end of his sentence, as if to retract his praise.
Diamante immediately said loudly, "Since you've said so, I admit I'm a genius!"
"Fufufufu~" Doflamingo crossed his legs and laughed. "Genius Diamante. After the banquet, would you be willing to make a trip to Fish-Man Island for me? I hear the Fish-Men's desserts are quite good. I want to commission a giant wedding cake to give to Big Mom. This is part of my deal with her... In any case, tell the Fish-Men to do a good job, and I'll contact Daifuku for pick-up."
"Leave it to me!" Diamante said with utmost confidence.
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