Putting on a brand‑new pair of sunglasses, Doflamingo stood alone on the deck, staring at the sea in a daze.
The quickest route from the Grand Line back to the North Sea was through the Calm Belt.A place of eternal stillness — no wind, no current — inhabited by the largest Sea Kings in the world. Ordinary pirate ships entering it accidentally were doomed.
But with his power, Doflamingo wouldn't be trapped by a mere windless ocean.
His fingers twitched like a pianist's, every nerve alive. The Numancia Flamingo glided through the Calm Belt at a speed few dared to attempt.
Occasionally, a massive Sea King would surface, massive enough to blot out the sky—but Doflamingo sliced it to pieces in an instant. He and his crew harpooned the largest chunk, hauling it aboard with triumphant whoops.
"Young Master, your strength… it's increased again!""I didn't believe it when Trebol said it—but now, the Young Master truly is born to be king!""A‑hah ah hah!"
Doflamingo tilted his head toward Lao G's odd, angular profile, speaking softly to himself:"Only by constantly growing stronger can one claim a place in this era.""Only then can I realize my dream.""But I can't do this alone. I need you. I need my family."
He recalled the shame of losing to Kaido—it haunted him. Strength, he decided, must be the first priority when they returned to Beihai. Some rules needed rewriting; some contracts, new foundations.
He turned to Trebol, who had crept up beside him, silent as always, and spoke gravely:"It is our strength that lets our business expand so fast—because of the Underground World platform—but without strength, even the greatest empire is just meat on someone else's chopping block.""You'll be devoured by the first wild beast that comes for you.""In this era, strength is everything.""So the first goal upon returning to the North Sea: raise up the strength of our cadres."
Trebol sniffed, amused."Hey, though it wounds my pride, Dover, I'll follow you without question."
Doflamingo laughed quietly in return."Thank you, Trebol. But the first thing to do when we dock in Beihai: root out the traitors in the Family—and end the Navy's pursuit of us."
"Traitor?" Trebol's voice was sharp."Who is it? A traitor in our midst? Unforgivable!"
"Don't get heated yet. When we return, I'll find them. Within a month."
They sailed into the horizon. The pink Numancia Flamingo finally docked at Culent, a small town in Nordis Kingdom in the North Sea — the Donquixote Family's stronghold. The Navy couldn't land at will there without formal complaint; the Family's headquarters was under cover and protected by both influence and fear.
As the gangplank dropped, family members came forward. Rosinante stood first, wearing his black feathered coat. Behind him, Diamante and Pica. Pique and others followed. At the very end were Baby‑5 and Buffalo.
Doflamingo stepped off the ship. In unison they called:"Dover!""Little Lord!""Welcome back!"
He nodded in acknowledgement. Glanced past Rosinante, who towered over some of them, and waved. Then two tall identical twins—Hardy and Bolton—stepped forward. Doflamingo announced:
"Hardy and Bolton will live here from now on. They are our Family!"
"Yay! A new comrade!" cried Baby‑5 and Buffalo.
Luo rolled his eyes, contempt clear in his face. Rosinante suddenly strode up and kicked both Hardy and Bolton.
"Boom!""Ah! Hiss!""It hurts! What—what are you doing!"
Though the twins were already almost two meters tall, Rosinante was over four meters. He kicked them till they spat blood. Luo clenched his teeth and hissed:
"That bastard!"
"Run! Lord Corazon hates kids!" Baby‑5 pulled at Hardy's arm.
Trembling, the twins tried to flee, but Rosinante pursued, throwing another kick. Doflamingo stepped in, blocking him.
"Alright, Rosinante!" he said sharply."Stop!"
Rosinante paused, turned, looked at Hardy and Bolton with scorn, then walked away.
Doflamingo knelt by the twins, gathered their heads in his hands, whispered a few words. The twins' tears dried. They looked up at him in shock and hope.
"Baby‑5," he said, "take them inside. Give them the room next to yours. Let the others disperse. Rest for a few days before we start plotting."
"Understood, Young Master!"
Doflamingo watched Rosinante standing at a distance, some confusion in his posture. He shook his head slightly.
"My foolish brother…" he murmured."You seek death, Rosinante. Betrayal shall not stand, anywhere."
Rosinante glanced back. Doflamingo gave him a grin—cold. Then he turned and walked forward, toward what lay ahead.