Chapter 181: Volume 2 – Chapter 83: Winning People Over

North Blue.

Rubeck Island, base of the Donquixote Family.

"Doffy!"

A sticky, trembling figure stumbled into the lavishly decorated hall.

"Stop panicking all the time, Trebol."

Doflamingo, lounging on a soft leather sofa with a cigar in his mouth and his legs crossed on an expensive marble coffee table, spoke with irritation.

It had been over a month since Daren left the North Blue. In that time, the Donquixote Family had completely seized control over the region's underworld. Their trade caravans and influence had even extended into the Grand Line.

Compared to a month ago, Doflamingo had noticeably grown taller. He had shed the last traces of boyishness and now exuded the swagger and arrogance of a young man.

His presence had become more defiant and imposing. There was already a hint of the spirit befitting a future emperor of the underworld in his gaze.

"I-I'm telling you... something huge just happened!!"

Trebol panted heavily, leaning on his cane, a trail of glistening snot dangling under his nose.

"News from the dark underworld of the New World... Commodore Rogers Daren was captured by Kaidou of the Beasts during a mission. His fate is currently unknown!"

As soon as he spoke, Doflamingo's pupils narrowed behind his sunglasses.

The other Donquixote Family officers—whether standing or sitting—were visibly shaken and sprang to their feet.

"That monster actually got captured!?"

"Well, makes sense... we're talking about Kaidou of the Beasts, after all..."

"He totally had it coming..."f

"So if he's dead... does that mean we're finally free of his control?"

"Doffy, this is seriously good news..."

Hearing the news, Diamante and the others first froze, then couldn't hide the joy spreading across their faces.

The Donquixote Family might seem unstoppable now, their power growing fast and even connecting with underground groups in the New World through arms smuggling and similar deals.

But deep down, every single one of them knew—no matter how far their influence stretched, the name "King of the North Blue" still loomed over them like a giant's shadow.

Doflamingo suddenly raised his hand, cutting off the buzzing discussion. His expression turned cold as he fixed his gaze on Trebol.

"Is the source reliable, Trebol?"

Trebol finally caught his breath and nodded carefully.

"Yes. The intel came from "Deep-Sea Currents" Umit... You know, he controls fifty percent of the arms we smuggle out of the North Blue. So we've got a pretty solid relationship."

Silence fell over the room.

Everyone cautiously watched as their young master's face grew darker. For a moment, no one dared to speak.

They all understood just how complicated the relationship was between their young master and that man...

"He... is he still alive?"

After a long silence, Doflamingo asked expressionlessly.

Trebol shook his head.

"Still unclear. According to intel from the spy we planted under "Deep-Sea Currents" Umit, Umit has been working with Kaidou, handling a large share of the Beasts Pirates' arms smuggling and supplying some of their provisions...

"But for every transaction, the Beasts Pirates are extremely cautious. They always arrange meetings on neutral third-party islands—no one knows where their main base is."

Diamante suddenly spoke up, testing the waters.

"Doffy... you're not thinking..."

He hesitated, then gritted his teeth.

"You're not thinking of saving that guy, are you? His survival doesn't benefit the Donquixote Family at all! We're already strong enough—there's no need for his protection!"

"If he's dead, even better. Then the Marines in the North Blue will never be a threat to us again!"

"We can naturally move in on all those businesses we weren't allowed to touch before—human trafficking, slave smuggling, the drug trade..."

"Shut up!" Doflamingo suddenly snapped, cutting Diamante off.

Diamante froze.

Doflamingo slowly stood from the sofa and walked toward him, his expression ice cold.

"D-Do—Doffy..."

Feeling the pressure radiating from him, Diamante broke out in a cold sweat.

"Diamante, how many times do I have to say this?"

Doflamingo stopped in front of him. The pink feathers of his coat swayed gently behind him. A shadow hung over his brow.

"We don't stay away from those businesses because Daren told us not to."

"We stay away because they're outdated."

As he spoke, Doflamingo recalled something Daren had said before leaving the North Blue.

"You know why I look down on those so-called emperors of the underworld in the New World?"

Diamante croaked, "N-No... I don't."

Doflamingo smirked.

"Because they're just sewer rats. Vultures, feeding on scraps."

"Human trafficking, organ dealing, caravan raids, double-crossing, intel trafficking, slave trade, drug running... That's all the dirty work of lowlifes."

"They scurry around in the cracks between big powers, thinking they're clever. But when the real tides of change come, they won't even make a ripple."

He patted Diamante on the shoulder.

"I know you're thinking about the family. You want to make money, grow our influence—I appreciate that."

"But..."

Doflamingo exhaled a puff of smoke.

"Money—just enough is enough. No need to obsess over that kind of disgusting business."

"The true measure of wealth isn't mountains of treasure or grand palaces—it's how many hearts you've won over."

"And right now, it's time for us to win hearts."

"Senor..."

He called out.

"Young master."

A deep voice suddenly rang out.

Ripples shimmered across the wall of the Donquixote Family's hall. From them, a man with slicked-back hair, dressed in an expensive black pinstripe suit and wearing sunglasses, "swam" out.

"You're a fresh face. Your ability suits this mission well," Doflamingo said calmly.

"Yes." The young man named Senor gave a slight bow.

"But you'll likely die," Doflamingo added.

"That's fine," Senor replied with a smile. "The Donquixote Family is everything to me."

Doflamingo was silent for a moment, then walked over, pulled out a pack of cigarettes, and placed one between Senor's lips.

Click.

He lit it for him.

"Go."

"From today, you're a core officer of the Donquixote Family."

Senor took a drag and smiled.

"Thank you, young master."

...

(70 Chapters Ahead)

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