A few days later.
On the deck of the Oro Jackson.
It was noon, the sun blazing overhead, yet the sea here was unusually calm—none of its usual violent temper.
On deck, Valthior had just finished his training not long ago. Now, with a bucket in one hand and a fishing rod in the other, he sat leisurely by the railing, wearing Roger's straw hat to block the sun.
After baiting the hook, he cast the line in one smooth motion, waiting expectantly for a bite.
Not far away, Bullet stood with a pointer in hand, barking orders as he forced Shanks and Buggy through their physical training.
Gaban sat cross-legged atop the bow cannon, eyes closed, seemingly meditating.
Meanwhile, Rayleigh held a Den Den Mushi, speaking in a disgustingly sweet tone with Shakky. Doringo, who happened to pass by, caught a bit of the conversation and immediately made a face of pure disgust—he looked like he wanted to kick Rayleigh straight off the ship.
After waiting a while with no bites, Valthior thought for a moment, pulled out his notebook, tore off a page, and began writing after a brief pause.
"My friend Borsalino,
I've received your reply. First of all, congratulations on joining the Marines. As I mentioned before, I am now a pirate. Given your talent and ability, I believe it won't be long before you make a name for yourself among the Marines.
The sea is vast, but I have a feeling—sooner or later, we will meet again upon it.
When that time comes…"
Not long ago, his butler Alfred had relayed Borsalino's reply. Since he had nothing better to do today, Valthior figured he'd write back—strengthen their "bond," so to speak.
Even though he had already told Borsalino his identity—and had even pulled some strings to bypass the branch Marine process, sending him straight into Marine Headquarters—
Borsalino's letter still expressed surprise. He clearly hadn't expected Valthior to be a Celestial Dragon… let alone one currently sailing as a pirate.
Before Valthior could finish writing, the cabin door burst open.
Roger came striding out with a deck of cards in hand, shouting, "Why's everyone so quiet? If you've got nothing to do, come play cards! Or what—are you all scared of my reputation as a Gambling Freak?"
"Tch, noisy bastard," Valthior muttered, putting away his paper and pen.
Better to finish that letter tonight in peace.
"You're fishing again?" Roger walked over, glanced at the empty bucket, and burst out laughing. "I told you—you've got no talent for it!"
A few days ago, Rayleigh had taught Valthior how to fish out of boredom—and somehow, Valthior had gotten hooked on it. Ever since, he'd been fishing whenever he had free time.
Normally, beginners had some kind of luck boost, right?
Apparently not for him.
Nine out of ten casts came up empty. And the one that did work usually brought in something weird.
Which gave Roger endless material to mock him.
"You believe I can make one call and have your bank account frozen?" Valthior shot him a glare.
Roger froze for a second, then cursed, "You bastard! You think I'm the kind of man who can be threatened with money?"
"Aren't you?" Valthior asked, genuinely puzzled.
Roger immediately broke into a flattering grin. "Lord Valthior, I absolutely am."
He dragged over a stool and plopped down beside Valthior, watching him fish while sighing wistfully.
"Rayleigh's got Shakky. Gaban doesn't say it, but everyone knows he's got someone in mind. Even you—you picked up a new 'bond' back in Wano. And me… the great captain of the Roger Pirates… at my age, I don't even have a harbor for my soul. Sometimes it gets lonely, Valthior…"
"You mean you're feeling lonely and starved for affection?" Valthior said flatly. "Perfect timing. We're heading to Whole Cake Island—Linlin probably wouldn't mind marrying you."
Gaban, having just finished meditating, overheard this and burst out laughing as he leapt down from the bow.
"Roger! Don't say we didn't have your back—Linlin's a rare beauty! If you're willing, we'll risk our lives to kidnap her onto the ship for you!"
Rayleigh chimed in from the side, "Stop faking the loneliness. Shakky said Gloriosa nearly died because of you..."
"Huh?" Roger blinked. "Why? What happened on Amazon Lily?"
"Lovesickness," Rayleigh replied calmly. "But she got better after seeing your photo. Honestly, once we reach the final island, how about we head to Amazon Lily together?"
Roger's face immediately darkened. He waved his hands frantically. "I'd love to see the Land of Women, but thinking about Gloriosa being there... I'll pass."
"Scumbag," Valthior commented casually.
"You don't get it! That kind of suffocating love is stressful! I'm a man as free as the wind!" Roger retorted.
Just then, Spencer stepped out from inside, his expression serious.
"I just got word from our informants—Shiki's Flying Pirates have started actively searching for our whereabouts. That's not good, right?"
"Shiki?" Roger frowned.
The others immediately dropped their joking. Rayleigh wrapped up his call and hung up the Den Den Mushi.
"That guy looking for us is never a good sign," he said.
"Wasn't he busy fighting Newgate? Don't tell me they already settled things?" Gaban asked.
"Latest intel," Spencer said as he walked closer. "A few days ago, the Whitebeard Pirates and the Flying Pirates officially declared a truce. They've divided territory based on current control and ended their years-long war. Clearly, neither side could overpower the other."
"So Shiki's turned his attention to us?" Roger scoffed. "Damn bastard—does he think we're easier than Whitebeard!?"
Valthior was just about to chime in when the Den Den Mushi in his coat suddenly rang.
Seeing the others still arguing about Shiki, he stepped aside and answered.
"What is it?"
"It has been a while, Young Master!" Spandine's voice came through.
Before Valthior could remind him about formalities, Spandine hurried on, "I've noticed that the Marines have also begun making moves toward Whole Cake Island. However, based on the timing, it shouldn't interfere with your plans."
"Good work," Valthior said, raising a brow. "By the way, I asked you to keep an eye on my unreliable nephew. What's the situation?"
"Donquixote Doflamingo and his family are currently in the North Blue, in the Lvneel Kingdom," Spandine replied promptly. "Our agents report that their life is peaceful… and quite comfortable."
"Is that so?" Valthior smiled faintly. "Seems Mary Geoise is still looking after them."
"Indeed. CP-3 has deployed two full units undercover around their residence to ensure their safety," Spandine added.
Clearly, the Donquixote family's situation was completely different from the original timeline.
Back then, Homing had voluntarily abandoned his Celestial Dragon status to live as a commoner—an act seen as outright betrayal by the Celestial Dragons.
It was a slap in the face to their entire race.
As a result, his family had suffered horribly, with no help whatsoever—some even secretly worsening their plight.
But now, things were different.
Homing hadn't "betrayed" them—he had accepted punishment to atone for his son's crimes.
Though they had lost their status, the perception was entirely different. No one kicked them while they were down—in fact, the Donquixote name still afforded them protection.
Just like Spandine said, they were living quite well in the North Blue.
And that…
Was unacceptable to Valthior.
Doflamingo was someone who needed to be tempered through suffering to truly shine.
If he just lived comfortably, how was he supposed to grow? Without growth, he'd be useless in the future.
And Valthior had high expectations for him.
He needed… cultivation.
"Arrange some trouble for them," Valthior ordered calmly. "Give that brat Doflamingo a proper trial."
How can one see a rainbow without weathering the storm? As for where the storm came from—well, that wasn't Doflamingo's business!
Spandine paused for a moment, then quickly responded, "Understood, Young Master. I'll make the arrangements… properly."
"Just don't kill them," Valthior added with a faintly sinister smile. "Ideally, push Homing to the point where he begs to return to Mary Geoise. When that happens, approve it under the name of the Jaygarcia family…"
"But make sure Doflamingo is not allowed back."
"After all—he's a criminal."
...
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