"Doffy? Doffy?" Smoothie gently embraced Doflamingo's arm, calling out to him.
Doflamingo snapped back to reality, looking at Smoothie in confusion, his expression asking "What's wrong?" He'd been staring blankly for a long time, seemingly deep in thought, ever since Shiki had left.
"Nothing," Smoothie leaned against Doflamingo's chest, easing her tension. After all, it was Shiki who had suddenly visited, and Doflamingo had left him waiting for over half an hour.
It wasn't just Smoothie; the family members who gradually emerged from the ship's cabins also looked relieved, including the somewhat intellectually challenged Weevil.
"That was... terrifying, oh~ hohoho~~~" Giolla gasped for breath, speaking incoherently. "Young Master, can you avoid interacting with that monster so much in the future? At least, at least don't let him come to the family's place? Even if he does, at least give us a heads-up. It happened last time, and it happened again this time..."
Doflamingo waved his hand, stopping Giolla's outburst, and chuckled, "Don't worry, Giolla! Shiki isn't like the others. Our cooperation is very solid. There's no need to fear he'll harm you."
The "others" Doflamingo referred to were naturally the other Emperors on par with Shiki, like Big Mom, with whom he also had a cooperative relationship.
Compared to Big Mom, Shiki wasn't as barbaric, crazy, or unreasonable, and he was more focused on maintaining their cooperative ties, also because Doflamingo could provide immense benefits.
"Doffy..." Diamante stammered carefully, "I heard you and Shiki... if he dies, you can really inherit everything he has?"
"Actually, it doesn't matter. After the Battle of Edd War, whether he's alive or dead, besides himself, what the hell does he have to inherit? Fufufufu~" Doflamingo twitched his fingers, chuckling darkly. "I just want to give him a hand, see how far he goes, it's a kind of hope; also, I want to become like him, not like 'Whitebeard' or the 'Pirate King'."
Standing up, Doflamingo stretched his arms and casually ordered, "Keep an eye on the progress of the Swordsman and Fighting Tournament venue renovations. Peclo's publicity is doing great. I believe swordsmen and fighters will soon flock here to participate. These individuals are full of vigor and prone to conflict, so pay attention to maintaining order. If there are any unruly bastards who disobey the rules or cause trouble, just slaughter them and hang their heads on the flagpole."
"Leave it to me," Diamante adjusted his hair and put on his hat. "What about you, Doffy? Still experimenting?"
Doflamingo pondered, then shook his head. "No, I have to go out."
Looking up at the floating white clouds in the sky, Doflamingo leaped and quickly disappeared.
"Doffy..." Smoothie rolled her eyes helplessly, complaining, "He's becoming more and more like Mama, truly stubborn."
Doflamingo was indeed headstrong, irresponsibly going off alone whenever he pleased. But he also had his own calculations; many matters were best handled lightly and simply, just like... meeting Vergo.
...
Marine Headquarters' G-5 Base was the only force of the Marines and even the World Government that deeply penetrated the latter half of the New World, which was controlled by pirates.
Thus, it was a thorn in the pirates' side, with countless skirmishes occurring nearby every year, earning it chillingly realistic nicknames like "Graveyard," "Meat Grinder," and "Bastion of Justice."
However, in the past two years, despite the Pirate King's dying declaration igniting a pirate frenzy and frequent upheavals worldwide, the G-5 Base, once a ceaseless battleground, had strangely become calm.
This was mainly because the Four Emperors had established a firm presence in the latter half of the New World, each controlling their own domain. None of them wanted to provoke the Marines, fearing the Marines would target them first. Other pirates also lacked the strength to dare provoke the Marines.
On a deserted island near G-5 Base.
"Fufufufu~" Embracing him, Doflamingo examined Vergo up and down, clicking his tongue in praise. "Handsome, truly handsome! As expected of my brother."
Vergo had shaved his watermelon-shaped hair, replacing it with a short, neat buzz cut that accentuated his sharp demeanor. He'd grown a small mustache and, paired with dark sunglasses, indeed had the air of a tough guy. His light blue shirt, black tie, and black gloves, combined with a white trench coat, white trousers, and white leather boots, added a certain softness, overall giving people a fresh and pleasant impression.
"Following your advice, I underwent a small makeover," Vergo's usually stern and rigid face broke into a smile.
Doflamingo teased, "Should I call you Major Vergo now, or rather, Officer Vergo?"
Having graduated from the Marine Academy a year ago, Vergo's initiative in applying for a position at G-5 Base had been recognized by the Marine high command. His own strength was also exceptionally outstanding, allowing him to smoothly advance to the rank of Major. If G-5 Base hadn't strangely become calm, and he had accumulated more merits, his rank would be even higher.
Clap!
Vergo gave a perfect Marine salute.
"Fufufufufu~~" Doflamingo laughed loudly. "Alright, Vergo!"
Vergo lowered his hand and said earnestly, "Doffy, I can't stay long. You probably know that the newly appointed base commander of G-5 is Vice Admiral Akainu. That guy is extremely difficult to deal with."
"I heard," Doflamingo nodded. "Be careful in everything you do. I know Akainu; he's as fierce as a tiger... I came to tell you to be prepared. I'm planning a major incident soon, and you should make sure to participate. This is your chance to prove yourself."
Vergo asked, "What major incident?"
"West Blue, Ohara. Remember that place name," Doflamingo patted Vergo's shoulder, instructing, "Go back! Be careful. If you sense anything amiss, pull out immediately, even if it means breaking ties with the World Government. I'll protect you, my brother."
"Yes!" Vergo retreated swiftly.
Watching Vergo leave, Doflamingo didn't depart. He was waiting; there was still one more person.
As evening approached.
"Gather intelligence on your colleague, Major Vergo, for me, fufufufu~" Doflamingo instructed. This time, he said, "My friend."
In the twilight of the setting sun, Shuzo's expression was complex.Chapter 4: Major Vergo
————————
Want to read ahead of schedule? Head over to my patreon —— patreon(.)com/EmperorGarus [remove the parentheses ( )]
There are 100+ advance chapters available for you to read!