Doflamingo struggled to keep pace as Law moved forward, only now having the chance to look around.
He realized this was actually a spacious kitchen!
Much larger than the kitchen back in Dressrosa!
Many chefs, all wearing clean white uniforms, were carefully cooking dishes.
That damn brat!!
Doflamingo glared fiercely at the back of Law's head.
Is this where he's healing himself?
Among the chefs, a blonde kid smiled and chatted with Law, "You actually brought him back to life? I thought you were going to stew him instead."
Doflamingo recognized him — the third son of the Vinsmoke family, whom Ian had recruited back in the North Blue. Now, he was starting to look like a teenager.
"Well, that stew probably wouldn't taste good."
Law replied casually.
"Preparing food for them?"
Sanji glanced sideways at Doflamingo.
"For them?"
Law turned back with a playful smile, glancing at Doflamingo teasingly, "Preparing a farewell meal isn't bad, right? After all, letting them starve as they leave this world would be too cruel."
Sanji's brows relaxed, his voice soft, "Law, you're so gentle now."
His tone was gentle, but carried strong determination and confidence.
Sanji had always been a kind soul, but now there was even more conviction in his words.
"Leave it to me. I'll make a meal that will leave them satisfied with this world!"
"Oh! Then it's all yours!"
Watching the two kids chat freely, Doflamingo ground his teeth in frustration.
Really, it's like a tiger fallen to the plains, bullied by dogs—those two bastards actually dared to act so arrogant right in front of him!
Satisfied?
Hell no, he wasn't ready to die yet!
Doflamingo licked his lips.
Since he was still alive now, it meant Ian still wanted to talk with him.
So, there was still a chance.
After finishing his brief greeting with Sanji, Law continued forward with Doflamingo.
They left the kitchen and walked down the wide corridor.
Along the way, many pirates respectfully greeted Law.
"Hohohoho, Law,"
Because he was frozen, even after a long time his injuries hadn't improved at all.
With the suppression of Seastone, every step Doflamingo took was a struggle, but his laughter was as lively as ever.
"You're doing pretty well over on Ian's side."
"Not bad," Law said with a grin, "I have to thank you though, Doffy. Without you, I wouldn't have been able to see Ian."
"Doffy?"
Doflamingo's shoulders shook as he laughed uncontrollably, as if hearing some hilarious joke.
"Hohohoho! Hey, Law, is that how Ian taught you to address me?"
That brat actually dared to call him that?
Law sighed quietly without turning back, saying lightly, "Pathetic."
He didn't say anything more, and didn't need to.
Veins bulged on Doflamingo's forehead.
"Hey! Kid!"
But Law just smiled and walked on by himself.
"Let's go. First, gather your family. Don't worry, they aren't badly hurt. They're doing much better than you."
He didn't care about Doflamingo's rage at all.
Doflamingo's face flushed red.
Ignoring him was the greatest form of contempt.
This brat who once lived under his command now didn't even put him in his sights!
But at this moment, Doflamingo could do nothing.
He couldn't even shout a few insults at Law.
He could only suppress his anger and quietly follow behind Law.
Soon, Doflamingo followed Law to the underground prison.
The Donquixote family's officers were all locked up here.
Because many of them were Devil Fruit users, they all had Sea-Prism Stone shackles on their wrists.
Now, each one of them was weak and barely alive, sitting slumped against the walls.
When they saw Law, they glared at him furiously.
However, when they saw Doflamingo behind Law, their eyes immediately lit up.
"Doffy—"
Torebol's weak voice trembled, but his eyes were full of excitement. "It's so good to see you're alright!"
"Young master!"
Baby-5, two years younger than Law, even had tears in her eyes.
Everyone called out to Doflamingo excitedly.
Locked up here, with Doflamingo gone, they had lost their leader and were restless and anxious.
Thankfully, now, the man leading them had returned!
Doflamingo let out a slight breath of relief. It was good that he was okay.
Law, however, couldn't help but smile bitterly as he reminded them, "Calling out Doffy's name won't help. The one releasing you will be me, and the one who will control your lives from now on is Ian."
"Instead of calling Doffy's name, you'd better pray for Ian's mercy."
"Law, you brat!"
Gladius looked at this arrogant kid before him and clenched his teeth in hatred.
This damn brat was once so thoroughly beaten by him that he didn't dare say a single word in front of him.
Fate really does turn like a revolving wheel.
"Alright, let's go," Law said calmly, ignoring the whining of the defeated.
"It's time to see Ian. Don't keep him waiting."
He had the prison doors opened, then led Doflamingo and the other executives of the Donquixote family up the stairs.
After reaching the first floor, they took the Tanaka-brand elevator all the way up until they finally arrived at the floor where Ian's office was located.
As they approached the large door of the office, beads of sweat appeared on the foreheads of the Donquixote family members.
They were about to face one of the Four Emperors—Ian—directly.
Ian was no longer their partner now.
"Hmph."
Law noticed their hesitation but said nothing, only letting out a faint chuckle before stepping forward and knocking on the door.
Knock knock knock.
"Come in," came Ian's calm voice from inside.
Doflamingo's lips tightened instantly.
The moment of destiny had arrived.
Law pushed open the office door and gestured for the Donquixote members to enter.
Doflamingo felt his heart race uncontrollably.
No matter how much he told himself to stay calm, he couldn't.
Eventually, he took a step inside the office.
"Yo, Doffy," the familiar voice greeted immediately.
Doflamingo saw Ian sitting calmly behind a desk, watching him with a steady gaze.
"Long time no see. How did you end up looking so defeated?"
Doflamingo gave a forced smile, the smile not reaching his eyes.
"What do you think?"
"My fault," Ian said with a sigh.
"That girl Yamato never knows how hard to hit. I should have warned her earlier."
Law stood silently on the side with a serious expression, but the slight upward curve of his lips showed he was starting to break his composure.
"You specially asked me to come over," Doflamingo emphasized the word "asked."
"Don't tell me it's just to mock me?"
"Of course not, Doffy, my friend." Ian suddenly sighed deeply.
"I just want to ask you, what exactly did I do wrong? Why did you betray our friendship and do something I forbade you from doing?"
Doflamingo said nothing.
He almost wanted to laugh. Friendship?
You can really say that, Ian.
But Doflamingo clearly knew that now was a critical moment of life and death.
No matter how unwilling he was, he must not provoke this bastard in front of him.
"But whatever, since we are friends," Ian smiled and said, "A so-called friend should be tolerant, right? Let's forget all past grudges and join hands from now on."
Doflamingo still didn't speak, just stared intently at Ian.
What was this guy trying to say?
However, because of Ian's words, the officers of the Donquixote family suddenly brightened.
Could it really be wiped clean with one stroke?
"Then Ian," there was a trace of nervousness in Doflamingo's smile, "What's the price?"
"Join me, Doffy," Ian sincerely invited.
"You're no longer even a Shichibukai now. Only I can protect you."
"Become my subordinate, follow behind me, and I'll take you to see the highest scenery this world has to offer."
Doflamingo immediately fell silent.
Behind him, the Donquixote family's officers also quieted down simultaneously.
Law crossed his arms and watched quietly.
What choice would this guy make?
**********
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