Chapter 140: Setting Sail After Twelve Years

Doflamingo bid farewell to Sugar and the people of Sky Island. He then had Sugar dial the Family's number on the Den Den Mushi to establish contact.

Purupurupuru…

"It's connected, Young Master!" Sugar said to Doflamingo, holding the Den Den Mushi.

"Well then, Sugar, Sky Island is in your hands. We'll meet again soon! Human Data Transmission!" Doflamingo patted Sugar's head comfortingly, then, under the astonished gazes of everyone present, he activated his Human Data Transmission ability, transforming into an electric wave and vanishing.

"Young Master, you have to come back for me soon!" Sugar shouted, unsure if Doflamingo had received her final call.

"I will!" Just as Sugar was feeling a little disappointed, Doflamingo's voice came through from the other end of the call.

"This! God is truly omnipotent!" Gan Fall and the Old Chieftain were astounded by Doflamingo's feat. In just that short moment, Doflamingo had returned to the North Blue.

Hearing Doflamingo's reply, Sugar's mood brightened considerably. "Of course! The Young Master is omnipotent!" she declared proudly.

Back in the North Blue, Doflamingo quickly materialized beside Ibes, gave Sugar his reply, and then hung up.

"How are you? Are you alright?" Ibes looked at Doflamingo with concern, thoughtfully wiping the sweat from his forehead.

"I'm fine. My body can still handle it! It seems my transmission distance is getting longer and longer! Very good," Doflamingo reassured Ibes, also pleased with the improvement in his teleportation range.

"That's good then," Ibes said with relief.

"It's time to set off!" Doflamingo announced.

"Mhm!"

The next morning, the members of the Family gathered and began to board the Ark Maxim. This time, Doflamingo didn't plan for the Ark Maxim to fly directly to the New World. He wanted to sail all the way there, to encounter the strong opponents of the seas. Additionally, Doflamingo was very curious to see Fishman Island; every mature man holds a certain curiosity about mermaids!

The executives were already on board, while other crew members were busy loading supplies, preparing provisions for everyone on the long sea voyage. Trebol and the others staying behind stood on the shore to see Doflamingo and his group off. Baby 5 and Buffalo were very excited, looking around everywhere. Law, however, was rather quiet, not joining in their boisterousness.

"Young Master, all supplies have been loaded!" a subordinate reported respectfully to Doflamingo after checking the inventory.

"Very good. It's time to depart!" Doflamingo nodded and then addressed everyone.

"Been ready for a while now, haven't we?" Enel said with anticipation.

All eyes were on Doflamingo, awaiting the captain's order to set sail.

"Alright, my brats! Set sail!" Doflamingo, receiving everyone's unspoken accord, gave the command.

"Set sail!"

And so, under the watchful eyes of Trebol and the others, the Ark Maxim headed out to sea, growing smaller and smaller in the distance.

Upon the vast ocean, the Ark Maxim sailed smoothly. Everyone on board had their own routines; training was not neglected just because they were at sea. Robin and Ibes, however, were enjoying a leisurely time, sunbathing on deck chairs, looking very comfortable. Diamante-sensei began training Monet and Baby 5. Bepo, the navigator, diligently performed his duties, busy with his work. Enel and Pica were occupied with their own affairs, and everyone else had their tasks, no one interfering with another.

Doflamingo had been away for so long, and upon his return, he hadn't had much time for Law. Now that he was free, he sought Law out. Doflamingo entered the training room and saw Law exercising at a glance.

"Law, how are things?" Doflamingo asked, watching Law train.

"Young Master Doflamingo, I am well. Thank you for your concern," Law replied respectfully.

"Let me see what progress you've made during this time!" Doflamingo didn't waste words, getting straight to the point. He wanted to see Law's development.

Law didn't hesitate. "I look forward to it!" he said immediately.

The two created some distance between themselves, giving each other room to maneuver. Doflamingo gestured with his hand, signaling Law to attack. Receiving the signal, Law attacked Doflamingo without hesitation. He didn't use his abilities; he wanted to see what level his physical prowess had reached. Doflamingo watched Law approach, throwing a straight punch – simple and direct. Doflamingo didn't dodge, also extending a fist to meet Law's. However, the difference in their strength was too great. Law was sent flying back by the recoil, taking several steps back before barely managing to stabilize his unsteady body. So strong! Law cried out inwardly.

"Again," Doflamingo said to Law.

Law didn't give up, lunging forward with his fist once more. But no matter how many times he clashed head-on with Doflamingo, he was always the one who suffered.

"Not enough strength, not enough speed," Doflamingo stated, sending Law reeling back again, then offering a sharp critique.

"I've disappointed you, Young Master Doflamingo!" Law said apologetically.

"Since you know your weakness, then redouble your efforts to make up for it. Hard work will not betray you!" Doflamingo said lightly.

"Yes, sir!" Law replied respectfully.

"Unleash your fruit abilities. Let me see how well you've mastered them."

Law took a deep breath, palm facing down. With a low cry of "Room!" a hemispherical, transparent spatial dome enveloped both Doflamingo and Law.

"Here I come, Young Master Doflamingo!" Law said.

"Come on! Show me your growth, Law," Doflamingo said with anticipation.

"Cut!" Law swiped his fingers, attempting to slice Doflamingo's body.

Several cutting forces shot towards Doflamingo, instantly dicing his body into multiple pieces. However, in a moment, Doflamingo's body reformed to its original state. Law's attack hadn't caused him any injury.

"Very good, Law," Doflamingo praised. The cutting force just now, formless and intangible, wouldn't be easy for everyone to block if caught off guard.

"There's more, Young Master Doflamingo!" Law didn't feel elated by Doflamingo's praise, instead continuing to demonstrate his strength.

A sword appeared in Law's hand. He held it with a serious expression, his gaze fixed on Doflamingo.

"Injection Shot!"

Doflamingo, looking at the sword in Law's hand, realized Law had combined his swordsmanship with his fruit abilities. It seemed Law had indeed made some progress during this time. The Op-Op Fruit was truly extraordinary, but Law's development of it was still too weak; he couldn't yet fully unleash its power. Doflamingo, of course, wouldn't let Law's Injection Shot succeed. He quickly rushed towards Law, not using his teleportation, as that would be bullying Law too much.

Law realized this wasn't good and quickly changed his position, adjusting the direction of his injection. However, every time Law moved, Doflamingo would appear where he was about to materialize next, forcing Law to constantly shift, giving him no opportunity to strike. And so, a game of cat and mouse began. But it didn't last long before Law collapsed from exhaustion. The Op-Op Fruit was good, but it consumed stamina incredibly fast. The current Law couldn't sustain such expenditure.

Doflamingo supported Law, who was about to collapse from exhaustion, and said comfortingly, "I've seen your strength. For now, you should focus on training your body. Otherwise, it'll be troublesome if you don't have enough stamina to use your fruit's abilities."

"Understood," Law said, somewhat weakly.

"Rest well for a while," Doflamingo said and then left, leaving a fatigued and drained Law lying on the floor.

Law stared up at the ceiling and said with some emotion, "So strong… so strong it's boundless. Young Master Doflamingo, is this your power?"

Then, Law clenched his fists tightly and said with determination, "I will catch up!"

The Ark Maxim was now well-known throughout the North Blue. No suicidal fools dared to trouble the Donquixote Family. Even if pirates encountered them, they would generously make way for Doflamingo and his crew. This was the hegemon of the North Blue, an authority no one dared to challenge. What a truly boring journey!

Just as Doflamingo was heading towards Reverse Mountain, a pirate ship from the East Blue, its flag bearing two longswords and a skull with three red slash marks over one eye, was also making its way towards Reverse Mountain. This was to be a fateful clash! The path of a king is never lonely! This era was about to usher in a new order!