Chapter 179

### **Chapter 179**

Carl cast a glance at **Vergo**, who looked **uneasy**.

Then, with a calm voice, he said—

**"Vergo, try using your ability to sew up his wound."**

Both Vergo and **Doflamingo** stiffened in surprise.

They had **never considered** using the String-String Fruit this way.

Their awe for **Carl** deepened.

Carl, however, was merely **guiding them toward the inevitable**—

After all, in another future, Doflamingo would **master this very technique**.

But to the **thirteen-year-old Dover and Vergo**—

**This was revelation.**

And they were **eager to learn**.

---

Encouraged by **Doflamingo's nod**, Vergo stepped forward.

He placed his hands on **Doflamingo's chest**—

Thin white threads extended from his fingertips.

Manipulating something **so delicate** was **new to him**.

Bamboo? That was easy.

But **soft, intricate stitches**?

**That was another challenge entirely.**

Sweat dripped from his brow as he carefully **sutured the wound**.

Doflamingo **grimaced**, beads of sweat forming on his forehead—

But he endured the pain **silently**.

After several tense moments—

Vergo finally **secured the last stitch**.

Both men let out a quiet sigh of relief.

Carl, watching with **arms crossed**, gave a **satisfied nod**.

---

Just then, **Trebol waddled over**, his mucus glistening.

He rubbed his hands together and **suggested eagerly**—

**"I can reinforce it with my glue!"**

Doflamingo's eye **twitched**.

Blood vessels pulsed at his temple.

Forcing a **strained smile**, he **waved Trebol off**.

**"That won't be necessary."**

His physique was **extraordinary**—

His body naturally resisted **infections**.

But with **Trebol's mucus**?

**He wasn't about to take that risk.**

Instead, he **moved his arm slightly**, testing Vergo's handiwork.

The stitches held **firmly**.

He was **impressed**.

---

Afterward, Doflamingo gestured for Trebol and the others to **lead the way**.

He and **Vergo** accompanied Carl **toward the estate**.

Before long—

They arrived at **a grand manor**.

Carl stopped, casting **a knowing smirk** at Doflamingo.

Doflamingo's face **flushed slightly**.

Carl could tell **at a glance**—

This manor was **modeled after the Figarland family's estates** in **Mary Geoise**.

As a child, Doflamingo had only been able to **admire them from afar**.

And now—

Though his manor lacked the **grandeur** of the Figarland's wealth—

It carried **the same air**.

A **symbol** of his aspirations.

---

Inside, Doflamingo **hurriedly ordered tea** to be served to Carl.

Carl took a slow sip—

Then, his **piercing gaze** settled on Doflamingo.

**"Doflamingo, Devil Fruits are powerful, but you must not rely on them entirely."**

His voice was **calm yet firm**.

**"Focus on mastering physical skills and Haki."**

Doflamingo sat **attentively**, nodding like a **diligent student**.

Carl raised an eyebrow.

**"Don't just nod. Do you even understand what Haki truly is?"**

Doflamingo hesitated.

**"I know what it is… but I don't know how to practice it."**

His admission **carried embarrassment**.

Carl, however, **wasn't surprised**.

---

Originally, Vergo was meant to **join the Marines** at this age.

There, he would have learned **Haki fundamentals**—

And in turn, taught them to **Doflamingo**.

But now—

That path was **closed.**

Carl tapped his fingers on the **armrest**, deep in thought.

Then—

Without warning—

A **powerful aura** erupted from him.

A wave of **Conqueror's Haki** flooded the room—

**Overwhelming. Unrelenting. Absolute.**

Trebol's **eyes rolled back**.

With a **thud**, he collapsed.

Pica followed **shortly after**.

Vergo's **knees buckled**—

His body trembled under the **crushing pressure**.

But he **gritted his teeth**—

**And refused to fall.**

Doflamingo felt his mind **blur**, the weight of Carl's presence **suffocating**.

But he **held on.**

Carl watched them **calmly**.

Satisfied, he **reined in his Haki**.

Vergo let out a deep **breath**, wiping sweat from his brow.

**The last time Carl had done this—**

He had collapsed **instantly**.

This time, he had endured.

Even if Carl had **shown restraint**, it was still **progress**.

Carl ignored Trebol and Pica's **unconscious forms** and spoke **slowly**—

**"Doflamingo, I'll be staying here for a week."**

**"During that time, I'll teach you the fundamentals of Haki."**

**"The rest is up to you."**

Doflamingo's eyes **lit up**.

Carl was one of the **strongest in the world**—

His guidance was a **rare privilege.**

Nearby, Vergo clenched his fists.

He felt **proud** of Doflamingo—

But also, deep down—

A **faint envy stirred.**

Carl's gaze flicked toward him.

Then, with a smirk, he said—

**"Vergo, you can join as well."**

Vergo's **heart pounded**.

His hands trembled with **gratitude**.

He nearly **dropped to his knees** in thanks—

But Carl had already risen from his seat.

His arms suddenly gleamed with the **dark sheen** of Armament Haki.

With a **wicked smile**, he declared—

**"Time is precious. Let's begin."**

---

Before they could react—

Carl's **fist moved.**

In an instant—

**Doflamingo and Vergo were sent flying out the door.**

The **impact echoed** through the estate.

Carl had **shown mercy** for Doflamingo's wounds—

But **Vergo took the full force** of the blow.

Onlookers **gawked in shock**, unsure **what to make of it**.

Then, with **a flicker**, Carl appeared once more—

His **cold gaze** sweeping over them.

The sheer **pressure of his presence** sent them **collapsing** to the ground.

Carl barely spared them a glance.

Instead, he turned his gaze back to **Doflamingo**.

His expression unreadable.

**Deep. Calculating. Expectant.**

Doflamingo, still dazed from the fall, **missed the look**.

Vergo, lying beneath him, clutched his **bruised head**, seeing—

**Imaginary pink birds circling above.**

---

By the end of the week—

Both had been **pushed to their limits**.

Both had **visibly toughened up.**

And **both**—

Were forever changed.

---

**+115 chapters on p@treon/tambeerg**