Chapter 138: Before the New Journey

Doflamingo walked ahead, with two little shadows constantly following behind him. Passersby, upon seeing this scene, cast curious glances. After all, a handsome man and beautiful young women were quite pleasing to the eye. However, no one dared to approach and strike up a conversation, because they had already recognized who the two young girls following him were. Weren't they the ones taken away by Kenn? How could they be appearing here? But even if they guessed something, they wouldn't do anything. Indifferent observation was the norm in this world. As long as one lived well themselves, that was better than anything. They didn't have the strength or inclination to perform any grand acts of justice.

Although they didn't dare to take any righteous action, their mouths were busier than anything else. Idle gossip inadvertently drifted to Doflamingo's and the girls' ears.

"Could these two young lasses have latched onto some rich master?"

"Definitely! Otherwise, how could that fellow Kenn have let them go?"

"What good luck they have!"

"Hmph, just a couple of pretty faces, nothing but trouble."

Monet and Sugar's expressions soured as they heard the pedestrians' words, but they didn't bother to refute them. There was no need. They had long since seen these people's true colors. Such hurtful words were no more than farts in the wind to them now. Doflamingo paid them no mind either, simply leading the two sisters back to the inn. He woke Bepo, preparing to take the three of them back to the Family.

"Bepo, wakey-wakey! It's time to go home!" Sugar whispered gently by Bepo's ear, trying to wake him.

Bepo's ears twitched. He then groggily opened his bear eyes to see Sugar's doll-like face right in front of him.

"Sugar, what are you doing here?" Bepo asked, puzzled. He knew he shared a room with Doflamingo; they were supposed to be together.

"The Young Master sent me to tell you it's time to go home!" Sugar said with a pout, somewhat annoyed, as if a certain bear had upset her.

But Bepo, oblivious, said cheerfully, "Really? Then let's go quickly!"

Soon, the three humans and one bear were reunited, preparing to leave Beautiful Town. Sugar was nestled in Bepo's arms, while Monet quietly walked beside Doflamingo. Before long, the group had exited the town. Doflamingo then stopped and turned to look back at the town behind them. Monet and Bepo, seeing Doflamingo stop, also looked at him curiously, then mimicked him by glancing back at the town.

"What a beautiful town," Doflamingo murmured.

"Yes, it is," Monet agreed, though her heart felt differently. This place had brought her more pain than happiness; it was hard to like it. And the people of this town were the same; their "beauty" was truly infamous.

"I don't like it here," Sugar, cradled in Bepo's arms, stated bluntly, making no attempt to hide her aversion.

Bepo looked at them curiously. His brain capacity was a bit small; he couldn't grasp the deeper meaning behind their words. But he didn't bother to think too much about it. Following Doflamingo was enough; why worry about so much?

Hearing the sisters' replies, Doflamingo smiled profoundly. Under the watchful eyes of the two sisters and Bepo, Doflamingo began his move.

"One Hundred Million Volt: Thunderfall: Meteor Shower!"

Doflamingo extended his hands, and arcs of lightning from his body shot continuously towards the sky above the town, then rained down upon it like a meteor shower.

RUMBLE-BOOM!

A thunderous sound echoed. Beautiful Town looked as if it were hosting a grand fireworks display, incredibly beautiful and dazzling. The two sisters and Bepo watched this "fireworks show" in utter shock. They had never imagined that human power could achieve such a feat. As for the people in the town, they didn't cross their minds; their lives or deaths were of no concern to them.

"A beautiful town indeed! A pity it doesn't belong to us. No matter how beautiful, it's useless!" Doflamingo glanced one last time at the town, now submerged in lightning, and lost interest. As for how many might survive, that would depend on their luck. This act could be considered revenge for Monet and Sugar.

Monet looked deeply at Doflamingo, her golden pupils seeming to etch his figure firmly into her memory, her face radiant with a happy expression. Sugar wore an expression of sweet revenge, looking very pleased.

"Let's go!"

Several days later, Doflamingo finally returned to the Family with the two sisters and Bepo. There was the usual gathering, meetings with Family members, and very ordinary conversations. Although Doflamingo had been away for over half a year, his position was unshakable. As for the new people Doflamingo brought back, apart from Bepo, who was greatly liked by Robin and Ibes, their arrival didn't cause much of a stir. After all, over the years, Doflamingo had brought back too many people. The Family's growth depended on talent, and fresh blood would certainly keep increasing.

Since Bepo's arrival, Robin had added a new hobby: she liked to lean against Bepo while reading. Especially after Bepo found out Robin was a highly-educated scholar, the two of them naturally got along very well. After all, Bepo wanted to become a navigator, and he could learn a lot from Robin. Even if Robin didn't know something, she could at least recommend some books to Bepo, couldn't she? Thus, these two compatible souls hit it off.

However, Sugar was not happy. She also liked Bepo very much. Seeing Bepo "stolen" by another woman irked her greatly. Unfortunately, she couldn't beat Robin and was often teased by her. Sugar, being quite stubborn, didn't tattle to her sister or Doflamingo. Robin's life was just this content: leaning against Bepo reading books and newspapers, teasing Sugar, and, of course, her indispensable daily training.

To help the two girls adapt to Family life, Doflamingo had Ibes, the "big sister" type, take care of them. Unlike Robin, whom Sugar considered a "little devil," Ibes was like an angel in Sugar's eyes, illuminating the world. Monet, however, paid close attention to Ibes. Over these many days, she had learned about the roles of everyone in the Family. She didn't want to remain unknown; she wanted to help Doflamingo. This was a vow she had made to herself.

One night, Monet stood outside Doflamingo's room and knocked on his door.

Knock, knock, knock.

"Young Master, are you in?" Monet asked softly from the doorway.

"Come in," Doflamingo's voice came from inside the room.

Creak!

Monet opened the door and immediately saw Doflamingo, who had taken off his suit jacket and was wearing only a thin white shirt. He stood by the window, a glass of red wine in his hand, swirling it gently, his eyes gazing absently at the starry sky outside, lost in thought.

"Is something the matter, Monet?" Doflamingo asked, seeing Monet remain silent.

"I… I…" Monet felt a little shy looking at Doflamingo's back. The speech she had prepared was now forgotten, and for a moment, she was tongue-tied, not knowing what to say.

"What, is it nothing?" Doflamingo turned around, wine glass in hand, and looked at Monet.

Monet met Doflamingo's gaze, her breath catching. She just stared blankly at him.

"Want a drink?" Doflamingo didn't wait for Monet to react. He poured her a glass of red wine and offered it to her. Monet accepted it with a blush, glanced at Doflamingo, and began to sip.

Seeing Monet drink the wine he poured, Doflamingo downed his own glass in one gulp. A glass of red wine later, Monet's emotions, as if catalyzed by the alcohol, calmed down, and she began to speak the words she had prepared. Monet looked steadily at Doflamingo and said calmly, "Young Master, I want to become stronger."

"That's a good thing!" Doflamingo smiled, giving Monet his answer.

During her time with the Family, Monet had witnessed its prosperity. Each executive had their duties. Even some of the children were not to be underestimated; their strength was beyond hers. This had left her feeling somewhat defeated. So, after careful consideration, she had sought out Doflamingo again, leading to this conversation. Doflamingo hadn't immediately made the two girls eat Devil Fruits upon returning to the Family. He wanted to see their determination, to see if they were truly ready. Donquixote Doflamingo would not force anyone; even if he did apply pressure, he would make them do it willingly.

"Are you ready?" Doflamingo put down his wine glass, walked over to Monet, and gently caressed her beautiful face.

"Young Master," Monet looked at Doflamingo with deep affection, her voice trembling slightly.

"Rest assured, Monet. I've already prepared it for you," Doflamingo stroked Monet's face once more before withdrawing his hand. He walked to a small box, picked it up, and presented it to Monet.

"What is this?" Monet asked curiously.

"A Logia-type Devil Fruit – the Snow-Snow Fruit. Eat it, and you will possess power far beyond ordinary people. Moreover, as long as you have the ability, the world will tremble before you," Doflamingo's gentle voice was like a warm breeze, brushing against Monet's heart, stirring up waves of emotion.

"This…" Monet was deeply shocked. She was no longer ignorant. Her time here hadn't been wasted; the Family had arranged for a proper "enlightenment education," giving her a profound understanding of power in this world. Moreover, she had her own ambitions. She didn't want to remain ordinary. She wanted to stand by Doflamingo's side, to accompany him to the very pinnacle of the world. Even in death, she wanted to be the one to shield him. She wanted to become someone useful to him. Whatever the cost, it was worth it!

Monet had initially wanted to say it was too precious, but then, a thought struck her, and she accepted the box from Doflamingo without hesitation. Under his gaze, she opened the box, took out the Devil Fruit, and ate it in one bite.

"Mm! It's very delicious!" Monet said with a smile, giving Doflamingo a flirtatious glance. Unlike others who grimaced at the taste of Devil Fruits, Monet actually praised it with a smile. It was rather unconventional. However, Doflamingo knew very well what she truly found "delicious" and didn't expose her thoughts.

"Get well acquainted with this power," Doflamingo said with concern.

"Yes, Young Master," Monet replied, her eyes gazing ardently at Doflamingo.

"Go and rest," Doflamingo said, seemingly ignoring Monet's intense gaze, and dismissed her.

Monet looked a little disappointed but still gave Doflamingo a sweet smile before heading towards the door.

"Goodnight, my Young Master!" Monet's voice drifted back, making Doflamingo feel as if he had just been teased. It was quite strange.

"Interesting! Fuffuffuffuffu."

The next day, Monet began her daily training under Diamante-sensei. As for Sugar, like Monet, she started training with Robin. It takes a villain to handle a villain; Sugar couldn't get any advantage over Robin and had to strictly follow Teacher Robin's orders. Regarding the Hobby-Hobby Fruit, Doflamingo still hadn't decided whether to give it to Sugar. After all, eating it meant she would remain in that form, as a little girl, forever. In any case, Doflamingo wasn't in a hurry right now, and the Family wasn't lacking Sugar's fighting power as a child.

However, Doflamingo hadn't sought out Sugar, but Sugar herself found him first. How could Sugar, as Monet's own sister, not know about Monet eating a Devil Fruit? Plus, with Robin, that little devil, teasing her, Sugar's desire to become stronger flared up instantly. Without a second thought, she found Doflamingo, wanting power.

"Are you serious, Sugar?" Doflamingo asked, sitting in his chair.

"Young Master, I want to become strong like my sister. I don't want to go on like this," Sugar said, looking up at Doflamingo.

"I do have a Devil Fruit here. Its ability is very strong, but whoever eats it will remain a child forever. Are you willing to accept that?" Doflamingo looked at Sugar, trying to read her thoughts from her expression.

"Become a child? I'm willing! What's so bad about being a child? I don't want to be like adults, always so worried! Besides, I have you, Young Master! You definitely won't let me get hurt!" Sugar accepted the side effect of the Hobby-Hobby Fruit without much thought.

"Are you really sure?" Doflamingo asked again.

"Young Master, you actually need the ability of this fruit very much, don't you? I am willing to eat it. I also want to help you, Young Master, just like my sister," Sugar said, blinking her eyes at Doflamingo.

"Fuffuffuffuffu." Doflamingo chuckled, then instantly teleported in front of Sugar, picked her up, and affectionately ruffled her hair. "Our Sugar is really smart! But don't become a crybaby in the future, okay?"

"I won't!" Sugar said, hugging Doflamingo, a little proudly.

"You said it yourself, you have to remember that, Sugar," Doflamingo teased.

"Young Master!" Sugar pouted.

Doflamingo put Sugar down and took out the Hobby-Hobby Fruit, presenting it to her.

"What a beautiful fruit! I feel like it's calling to me!" Sugar exclaimed, looking at the Devil Fruit on the table.

"It seems you two are truly fated!" Doflamingo sighed. Indeed, the Hobby-Hobby Fruit seemed to favor Sugar.

Doflamingo handed the Hobby-Hobby Fruit to Sugar. She took it carefully, preparing to put it in her mouth and taste it. Doflamingo watched with anticipation, expecting Sugar's comical reaction. Sure enough, Sugar ate the Hobby-Hobby Fruit, but that taste… it hit her all at once.

"Ugh! Young Master, this fruit tastes awful!" Sugar whined to Doflamingo, her eyes welling up with tears.

"Fuffuffuffuffu. You chose it yourself. Besides, every Devil Fruit tastes more or less the same. Alright, stop acting cute," Doflamingo chuckled, seeing Sugar's expression.

Sugar didn't reply, but right now, some rather wicked thoughts were brewing in her mind. She was planning to get revenge on Robin, to make Robin suffer a little. Seeing Sugar's expression, Doflamingo knew exactly what she was thinking and warned her. "Sugar, everyone in the Family is family. Don't go too far."

"I know, Young Master! I'll be careful. I'll be going now," Sugar replied softly and then headed for the door.

It seemed that unless Sugar was allowed to vent a little, this matter wouldn't be resolved. Robin was in for a bit of trouble. To prevent Sugar from going overboard, Doflamingo made a note about Robin's situation, to prevent any accidents and to remind himself. Now that Sugar had eaten the Hobby-Hobby Fruit, ordinary training was useless for her; it had to stop. Armament Haki was a lost cause for her in this lifetime. As for Observation Haki, that would depend on her talent.

In the following days, Robin seemed to have vanished into thin air. However, a small toy figure was always by Sugar's side, struggling desperately in front of people, but no one could remember her. After all, once she was turned into a toy, memories of her briefly disappeared from everyone's minds.

"Little sister Sugar, please change me back quickly!" Toy-Robin pleaded.

"Just a little longer! I haven't let off enough steam yet! Who told you to always tease me?" Sugar said fiercely.

"Sigh, Sugar, my dear little sister, I was just playing around with you, wasn't I? Big sister me won't dare to do it again!" Robin sighed and begged for mercy. She was truly scared this time, never expecting to fall into the hands of a little brat. She could only say all the nice things she could think of, praying Sugar would stop being angry.

Just as Sugar was talking to Robin, Doflamingo appeared before them again. "Sugar, change Robin back quickly," he said.

"Huh? Young Master, how can you remember Robin?!" Sugar asked, incredulous.

"I have my ways," Doflamingo said lightly.

"Alright, Young Master," Sugar obeyed Doflamingo's command and changed Robin back to her original form.

Robin, transformed back, was somewhat sullen and annoyed, chiding Doflamingo. "Onii-chan! How could you give such a dangerous ability to Sugar?!"

Doflamingo hadn't expected Robin to blame him. He patted Robin's head and comforted her. "Alright, Robin. Abilities themselves aren't dangerous or not; it all depends on the user."

Robin pouted but accepted Doflamingo's explanation. And so, this matter came to an end. The Family was harmonious, and everyone got along well! A new journey was about to begin!