Returning to the Divine Palace.
"Ah~"
With a few soft sighs, Doflamingo lounged back onto a throne of human cushions formed by his devoted attendants. He wriggled slightly, making himself comfortable as he sank into thought.
Now that the theatrics were over, it was time to analyze things rationally.
Aramaki wasn't weak.
In terms of endurance, he was undoubtedly among the best. Had he been more familiar with the terrain—had the battle taken place in Upper Yard—things might have played out differently.
With his Devil Fruit yet to awaken, the String-String Fruit still lacked large-scale lethality. Perhaps he would have won regardless, but it wouldn't have been this easy. The extent of destruction to Upper Yard would also have been unpredictable.
But now, all of it belonged to him.
A goldmine waiting to be exploited.
...
A Few Days Later — Marine Headquarters
With "Black Arm" Zephyr retired, Garp slacking off as usual, and Tsuru's strength a notch below the others, Fleet Admiral-designate Sengoku had begun assuming more responsibilities.
Thud!
A thick stack of documents landed on the desk.
Crunch—hiss~
Taking a bite of his somewhat bland rice crackers, Sengoku washed it down with hot tea, rubbing his aching forehead.
If only he could be as carefree as Garp...
With Doflamingo's newly developed secret medicine circulating, conflicts across the seas were intensifying. Even the lower-ranking marines were being dragged into the storm.
"Fleet Admiral Sengoku, the officer requesting a transfer has arrived."
"Ah, let him in."
Vergo stepped through the doorway, standing straight and unwavering as he awaited questioning.
Glancing at Vergo's file, Sengoku's eyes briefly flickered to his mushroom-like hairstyle. As an owner of a rather explosive afro himself, he felt a strange sense of camaraderie. Overlooking the odd feature, he spoke kindly.
"Were you in Zephyr's fifth or sixth class?"
"Reporting! Fifth class! I enlisted in 1494, recommended by North Blue branch officer Sams, which allowed me to enter Instructor Zephyr's training camp."
"Impressive. The G-5 base faces far greater pirate threats compared to headquarters. You..."
...
Night — The Divine Palace
Gulu-gulu.
Doflamingo, half-asleep, pulled out a Den Den Mushi from his coat.
"Vergo, what's the matter?"
"Doffy, my transfer orders have been issued," Vergo replied, his voice more composed than before. "In about two months, I'll arrive at Marine G-5."
"Fufufufu. Good. My friend, it's almost time for your return. I'll make sure everything is ready for you."
Doflamingo's lips curled into a smile. Vergo's progress had slightly exceeded his expectations, but that was a good thing.
As for why he wanted Vergo in G-5...
Because G-5's jurisdiction conveniently encompassed Dressrosa's surrounding waters.
"Vergo, I have a gift prepared for you. You'll like it once you're back."
"I look forward to the day I return to the family, Doffy."
Click!
...
Now — Upper Yard Laboratory
With Doflamingo pouring limitless funds into the project, the laboratory was packed with intricate machinery. Bright, sterile lights illuminated the space, providing the researchers with perfect visibility.
For Aramaki, however, it was hell.
He was strapped down in a spread-eagle position, locked inside a coffin crafted from Seastone. His entire body was covered in puncture marks.
As a Logia-type user, he was renowned for his regeneration abilities. But now, with excessive blood drawn and an insufficient nutrient supply, even he struggled to recover.
"P-please... let me go. I'll do anything... I just need to see Doflamingo..."
His voice was mechanical, empty, devoid of hope. His dull, lifeless eyes betrayed a depth of exhaustion beyond words.
Not that he expected a response.
Since arriving here, not a single soul had spoken to him. He was treated like an inanimate object, a mere test subject. The only human contact came in the form of endless needles drawing his blood.
A researcher labeled "No. 18" approached, holding a syringe with a needle so fine it glimmered under the light.
Aramaki was turned onto his side.
Pfft!
The needle pierced between his vertebrae, drawing out a pale pink spinal fluid.
"AAAHHHHHH!"
His pupils shrank, his fingers and toes spasmed, and his bound limbs convulsed violently. A guttural, otherworldly scream tore from his throat—pain beyond what most could fathom.
Bang!
The Seastone coffin lid slammed shut. Soil and freshwater were gradually poured in.
Aramaki clawed desperately at it with his fingers, his hair, even his skin—eager to absorb every last drop of moisture and nutrients.
The coffin was pitch-black.
Yet, for the first time in a long while, he felt a moment of tranquility.
Because out there, someone still cared about him.
...
Holy Land Mary Geoise — Pangaea Castle, Hall of Authority
The Five Elders sat in grim silence, their brows deeply furrowed.
Aramaki had been out of contact for quite some time now. Their plan to control Doflamingo had once again fallen through.
"What do we do? How do we stop Doflamingo?"
Frustration filled the room. The use of Seastone remained necessary, but they still couldn't get a read on Doflamingo's true motives. Even now, the skies of Upper Yard remained a mystery to them.
Aramaki was no ordinary operative—his strength was enough to warrant a position in CP0. Yet, if even he had failed to subdue Doflamingo, what means did they have left?
Doflamingo's Celestial Dragon lineage complicated matters. They couldn't send an admiral to deal with him without disrupting the sacred hierarchy.
"Damn it! He's trying to make his kingdom independent from the World Government!"
"He hasn't attacked any allied nations so far. At the end of the day, he is still a Celestial Dragon. An isolated Sky Island won't pose a serious threat. For now, let's shift our focus to the New World."
"And what about Aramaki? A Logia user of his caliber shouldn't be wasted at Doflamingo's hands."
"Indeed. Not only is he immensely talented, but his loyalty to the World Government and the Nobles is invaluable."
"We'll discuss this further during our next transaction with Doflamingo."
...
Evening — North Blue, Flevance
The precious Amber Lead that made this land famous gleamed under the setting sun.
It coated the passing carriages, adorned the walls of every house, and even lined the fountains, making the entire city look like a fairy tale.
Laughter and chatter filled the air.
Standing at the entrance of a small clinic, Rosinante gazed at the picturesque scene before him, his lips slightly parted as if to speak—but no words came. Only sorrow flickered in his eyes.
Dragging his heavy feet, he trudged toward the next clinic.
...
Knock, knock!
Creak.
A pale hand, speckled with white patches, gripped the door frame. A young boy peered outside, eyeing the tall, weary-looking visitor with curiosity.
"Hello, this is Trafalgar Clinic. How can I help you? You seem... healthy."
"Doctor, do you know about Amber Lead Syndrome?"
"Come in. I'm Trafalgar D. Bone. And you are?"
"Rosinante. A merchant from Spider Miles."
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+145 chapters on p@treon/tambeerg