Chapter 96: Effortlessly Obtained

The Grand Line was a sea teeming with vessels of all kinds. Pirate ships were a common sight, naturally, but so too were ships flying the flags of the World Government and the Marines. Among the Government-affiliated ships, however, some inspired particular dread – the notorious slave ships. These vessels, operated by slavers who acted with impunity, captured individuals to serve the World Nobles, the Celestial Dragons. In any world, human traffickers are despicable, but in this pirate-infested sea, those aboard the slave ships felt untouchable, viewing their service to the Celestial Dragons as both a great honor and a lucrative enterprise.

The future enslavement of Boa Hancock years down the line would serve as a stark example of their arrogance. Yet, such atrocities were commonplace on the Grand Line, and Doflamingo had neither the inclination nor the time to play the saint and interfere. His philosophy was simple: the world is vast, but his own concerns come first. Unless someone directly provoked him, their business wasn't his.

Since Doflamingo had spread the word through his networks that he was seeking Devil Fruits, his subordinates had sprung into action. The underworld hummed with the request; Doflamingo's agents infiltrated auction houses and information brokers, all aiming to gather intelligence on potential fruit acquisitions.

"One hundred... two hundred... one thousand..."

Doflamingo supervised Robin's training regimen. He knew that a young girl like her, especially at this age, would definitely slack off without constant companionship and oversight. Particularly a clever little imp like Robin; if left unsupervised, she'd truly run wild. He recalled the time he'd asked Ibes to watch her, only for Robin to completely bamboozle the poor woman. Since then, Doflamingo had taken it upon himself, personally overseeing Robin's training for the past year, ensuring there was no sneaky laziness.

Over that year, Doflamingo had focused on conditioning Robin's body – which involved not only basic physical training but also quite a bit of electrotherapy courtesy of his Rumble-Rumble Fruit powers. Beyond physical conditioning, he was also actively helping her explore and develop the abilities of her Flower-Flower Fruit. Robin had made considerable progress. Doflamingo mused about her future potential – imagining her manifesting abilities akin to a Thousand-Armed Kannon or even the legendary True Several Thousand Hands technique. And if she ever Awakened her fruit... could it resemble Wood Style? he wondered idly. A pirate Hashirama Senju, perhaps? Now that would be something.

Purupurupuru... Purupurupuru...

As Doflamingo counted Robin's repetitions, the Den Den Mushi placed nearby began to ring. He promptly picked up the receiver.

"Young Master! We've received intel! We've located one of the World Government tribute ships!" The voice on the other end was Ryder's, the Den Den Mushi faithfully mimicking his features as it spoke. "We don't know exactly what's inside, but the World Government is filthy rich! Even a little scrap leaking from their coffers is bound to be something good!"

"World Government?" Robin, still mid-exercise nearby, flinched at the name. It struck a nerve, dredging up the lifelong nightmare that had haunted her. "Brother," she asked worriedly, stopping her workout, "are you targeting the World Government?"

"Relax. There's no problem," Doflamingo reassured her instantly, gently patting her head. He then addressed Ryder through the Den Den Mushi. "Ryder, keep a close eye on that ship. I'll handle this one personally. Also, any news on that fruit?"

"About that, Young Master... we've made numerous inquiries, but... no luck so far," Ryder replied, the Den Den Mushi perfectly capturing his nervous hesitation.

"Keep searching diligently," Doflamingo urged. "That fruit isn't particularly flashy or powerful in appearance. It's unlikely anyone would specifically seek it out. Unless someone has already eaten it, it absolutely will not escape my grasp."

"Yes, Young Master!" Ryder responded respectfully, before providing the current coordinates of the tribute ship.

Doflamingo ended the call and turned his gaze back to Robin, a meaningful look in his eyes. "Robin, I need to head out for a bit. While I'm gone, don't you dare slack off on your training!"

"Why would I? I'm the best-behaved girl ever!" Robin replied, making a playful face before adding pleadingly, "Can I come with you?"

"Not this time," Doflamingo refused gently but firmly. "This needs to be a quick trip, in and out. Bringing you along would definitely slow things down. Maybe next time. I promise I'll take you next time." Seeing her expression fall slightly, he quickly added the promise, watching as her disappointment immediately shifted to hopeful anticipation.

Heh, such a clever little imp, Doflamingo thought, recognizing he'd been expertly manipulated yet again.

"I'll be checking your progress when I get back!" he added, feigning sternness. "If you haven't met your goals, you know I'll have to zap you!"

"Don't worry! I guarantee I'll complete the mission!" Robin declared, patting her chest confidently, her eyes sparkling with mischievous laughter.

"Alright then, I'm off," Doflamingo said, finishing their farewell. With a flicker of golden lightning, he vanished instantly, teleporting away towards his destination.

Come back safely, Brother, Robin thought, gazing in the direction he had disappeared. Determined not to disappoint him – and well aware Doflamingo always kept his word about 'punishments' – she immediately resumed her rigorous training. Though the threat of being zapped was real, her primary motivation was far simpler: Doflamingo was now the most important person in her world, and she couldn't bear the thought of letting him down.

If Doflamingo knew the depth of her feelings, he would undoubtedly congratulate himself. Clearly, his efforts weren't in vain.

Soaring through the sky as a streak of lightning, Doflamingo traveled at immense speed. Even so, the vast distances of the Grand Line meant it took him several days to reach the target coordinates.

Purupurupuru...

He contacted Ryder via Den Den Mushi as he approached the area.

"Young Master, have you arrived?" Ryder's voice came through immediately.

"I'm here. Where are they now?" Doflamingo didn't waste time with pleasantries.

"They just departed from Baffalo Island, Young Master. At your speed, you should be able to intercept them in less than fifteen minutes," Ryder replied respectfully.

"Good. Send your people to follow discreetly. Once I've dealt with the escort, have them move in quickly to secure everything. I only want the Devil Fruits; the rest is yours," Doflamingo instructed.

"I'll lead the team personally, Young Master!" Ryder responded eagerly, clearly seeing the potential spoils involved.

Since being recruited back on Whisky Peak, Ryder and Wendell had spared no effort in diligently developing the White Dove network across the first half of the Grand Line. They had built a substantial web of contacts and subordinates, establishing an effective communication system. Though Doflamingo hadn't given them many direct orders over the years, they remained loyal and conscientious, continuing to expand White Dove's reach. Thoughts of betrayal had naturally crossed their minds, but any such notions were firmly extinguished after news spread of Doflamingo's clash with Vice Admiral Kuzan. Having operated on the Grand Line, they knew exactly who Aokiji was. Their boss, they concluded, was undoubtedly a monster in his own right.

Doflamingo hung up and accelerated, streaking across the sea. Shortly thereafter, near Baffalo Island, he spotted the World Government vessel.

He approached rapidly, materializing directly onto the ship's deck in a flash of lightning.

The ship's guards and crew instantly reacted to the intrusion, weapons raising, all aimed squarely at Doflamingo.

"Doflamingo! What are you doing here?!" a man in a crisp white suit, clearly a Government official, demanded loudly, recognizing the infamous pirate, his brow furrowed with apprehension.

"My, my. Since when does livestock dare to be so impudent towards their master?" Doflamingo replied with chilling arrogance, his gaze sweeping disdainfully over the armed men.

"Heh," the official scoffed, forcing a smile that didn't reach his eyes. "Our masters are the Celestial Dragons. And just what are you?" He spat the last word like an insult.

Ah, a loyal dog, Doflamingo thought, subtly probing the man's reaction. It seems you aren't important enough to know my true origins. This likely meant there was no high-level escort aboard. His expectations for the cargo dropped slightly.

"This cargo is not for the likes of you to covet, Doflamingo!" the official blustered, trying to intimidate him. "Leave immediately! World Government property is not something you can touch lightly!"

"Fuffuffuffu… Such impressive airs of authority!" Doflamingo laughed mockingly. "Unfortunately for you, when I set my sights on something, I don't intend to let it slip away. I suppose I'll just have to dispose of you all."

Hearing Doflamingo's casual declaration of intent, a palpable wave of fear washed over the ship's crew. Their unease intensified.

"Men! Take him down! Eliminate him on the spot!" the official shrieked, ordering his subordinates to attack.

BANG! BANG! BANG!

Bullets flew towards Doflamingo, only to pass harmlessly through his form as if he were mere air.

"100 Million Volt Discharge." Doflamingo stated coldly, his expression hardening.

"AAAAHHH!"

A chorus of agonized screams erupted as electricity coursed through the deck. The guards and crew were no match at all; they collapsed in droves, twitching and smoking. Doflamingo hadn't even broken a sweat. He deliberately spared the official, however, leaving him alive for questioning.

Pathetic trash, Doflamingo thought, looking with contempt at the fallen men. Not a single one could put up a fight. And they're supposed to be guarding Government tribute? I expected at least a few CP agents.

He strolled casually into the ship's hold, ready to search for his prize.

The first chamber dazzled the eye – piles upon piles of gold, silver, and jewels. Doflamingo barely gave them a second glance, shaking his head dismissively before moving deeper into the ship. Finally, in a secured room, he found them: three Devil Fruits, resting on velvet cushions. A wide grin spread across Doflamingo's face. Obtained without lifting a finger! Perfect. He scooped them up immediately, then headed back to the deck to interrogate the sole survivor.

He roughly woke the trembling official. "Tell me the names of these fruits," Doflamingo demanded, holding the three bizarre objects before the man's terrified eyes. "Do so, and I might spare your life."

"Th-that…" The official hesitated, torn between duty and survival.

"What's wrong?" Doflamingo pressed, his voice dangerously soft. "Is information more important than your life?"

That decided it. "Th-that one is the Logia-type Cloud-Cloud Fruit," the official stammered, quickly pointing to the first fruit. "And these two are Paramecia-types: the Flutter-Flutter Fruit and the Stone-Stone Fruit." He identified each one without further resistance. Life was indeed precious.

Excellent! Doflamingo internally rejoiced. Just as I thought! Aside from the Cloud-Cloud Fruit, these are Pica's and Diamante's canon fruits! Fate truly smiles upon me.

The official watched Doflamingo nervously, terrified the pirate would go back on his word.

"Relax," Doflamingo said, easily reading the man's thoughts. He had indeed promised to spare his life. Others, however, made no such promise. "Ryder should be arriving soon. I'll leave things to him." He smirked. I trust he'll understand. When you do a job, you do it thoroughly. Cut the weeds but leave the roots, and they'll just grow again come spring. Leaving loose ends only causes trouble later.

Without another word to the official, Doflamingo vanished in another flash of lightning. The official, believing himself saved, scrambled to find a Den Den Mushi to report the incident to the World Government. He never got the chance. Ryder and his White Dove agents arrived moments later, swiftly silencing the loose end before securing the ship's remaining treasures. The wealth went to White Dove's coffers; the Devil Fruits belonged to Doflamingo.