Flevance.
The assembly line in the laboratory suddenly came to a halt.
The critically ill patients waiting for their turn were left in shock.
As time passed, the weakness in their bodies became more pronounced, and the footsteps of death drew closer. Even the voices of their loved ones calling out to them began to blur.
Panic spread through the crowd!
"Why did it stop? My father needs the serum! He's going to die!"
"Please, I beg you! My son needs it! Hurry up and restart the process! We'll wait as long as it takes!"
"..."
As the crowd grew restless, many finally realized something.
Being test subjects was truly their only way to survive.
However, the soldiers of Germa 66—the ones being pleaded with—had no sympathy. No emotions.
They simply raised their guns, aiming at the agitated crowd.
Just then, a loud and cheerful voice boomed from a Den Den Mushi above.
"Shurorororo! Moshi moshi! This is Caesar! I have some good news for you all—there will be no more experiments from now on!"
The crowd instantly descended into chaos. Some patients, already at their limit, collapsed on the spot.
"WHAT?!"
"THIS CAN'T HAPPEN!"
"What about us? We're doomed...!"
But Caesar couldn't care less about their protests. He continued relaying Doflamingo's decision.
"From now on, your lives will be in the hands of Trafalgar D. Bone! Shurorororo! He's a great doctor, trust me!"
However, after years of failure by the medical community, the people had lost all faith. Doubts erupted like wildfire.
"What? No way!"
"Those so-called doctors are nothing but quacks! They don't understand lead poisoning at all!"
"What has he even done?! My father is dying!"
"Where is he?!"
"..."
...
Even after stepping out of the laboratory, Rosinante still found it hard to believe.
His brother had agreed so easily this time?
Before, when he had tried persuading him to stop selling weapons, he had been beaten half to death.
But there was no time to dwell on the surprise.
"There he is!!!"
The moment they stepped outside, a massive crowd surged toward them, surrounding them completely.
If looks could kill, Rosinante would have been torn to shreds on the spot.
What the hell is going on?!
"Bone! Why would you do this?!"
"Why stop the experiments? You're taking our lives away!"
"You must be satisfied with yourself now, you selfish bastard!"
"Give us back the experiments!"
The barrage of accusations made Rosinante's head buzz. Weren't they doing something good?
Bone shook his head but didn't bother explaining.
He had long since understood the ignorance of the common people. It wasn't stupidity—it was simply a matter of perspective.
Without hesitation, he extended both hands. Ten vine-like fingers shot forward, piercing the white-spotted areas of ten patients in the front row.
"Damn it! You devil, what are you doing?!"
"Guards! Save us!!!"
"..."
Moments later.
The one with the mildest symptoms felt the vines withdraw from his body. He immediately collapsed to the ground, pressing his forehead tightly against the dirt.
"Thank you, Dr. Bone! You saved my life! I'm so sorry—I was an ignorant fool who didn't understand medicine!"
"No need for that," Bone said calmly. "This isn't medicine. If you want to be grateful, thank Doflamingo. He's the one who gave you all a second chance at life."
He didn't hold a grudge over their earlier hostility. Instead, he turned to the shaken crowd and spoke gently.
"Those with more severe symptoms should come forward first. They need immediate treatment."
The same people who had been shouting at him moments ago instantly changed their attitudes, bowing repeatedly.
"Ah, yes, yes!"
"Thank you, Doflamingo-sama! Thank you, Dr. Bone!"
"Quick, quick! Didn't your father pass out? Bring him here now!"
"..."
...
Flevance was coming back to life.
Meanwhile, in the secret chambers of Merveille, Doflamingo sat on a throne, covering his mouth as he laughed uncontrollably.
Kaido was truly a generous man.
Not only had he given Doflamingo his most precious blood.
He had also sent him the most promising talent from his crew.
And now, he was even supplying him with a steady stream of test subjects.
Kaido, my dear friend! I truly admire you!
After basking in self-satisfaction for a few seconds, Doflamingo regained his composure. Seated on the throne that once belonged to the Golden Lion, he stroked his chin in contemplation.
Since Flevance was still valuable, he couldn't allow it to develop freely as he had initially planned.
Judge would have to leave behind a batch of scientific clones to conduct repetitive transplant experiments and record data.
Vergo would need to patrol Flevance from time to time to deal with any troublemakers.
The ever-energetic pirates of the New World could help stimulate the North Blue royal families' purchasing power.
Flevance could also be developed into a gambling hub—another lucrative revenue stream.
IQ grass should be carefully allocated to Flevance. If the results matched expectations, it could significantly improve the success rate of future experiments.
And of course, it would make lonely old Kaido very happy.
But Judge and Caesar still needed to return to Skypiea to continue their work.
With his plans for Flevance sorted, Doflamingo leaned back and closed his eyes, allowing his consciousness to drift into his personal domain.
...
Standing before the now larger lighthouse in his mental realm, Doflamingo nodded in satisfaction.
Perhaps the system had listened to his suggestions last time, or maybe his "cheat ability" was simply a reflection of his willpower.
This time, a display screen had been added.
It showed video records of his battles against Barrett and the Golden Lion.
Of course, the footage had been heavily edited to favor him.
The Golden Lion getting beaten to a pulp was highlighted, while any moment of Doflamingo struggling had been completely erased.
To that, he had only one thing to say:
"Beautiful!"
With a thought, the interface shifted.
Donquixote Doflamingo – A New Legend
Donquixote Family – Renowned Across the World
Era: Sea Calendar 1500—
Birthplace: The Holy Land of Mary Geoise
Skills:
Conqueror's Haki (Master)
Combat (Master)
Rokushiki (Master)
Navigation (Skilled)
Armament Haki (Master)
Demon Form (Expert)
Observation Haki (Expert) – Advanced Technique: "Forced Emotional Resonance"
Devil Fruit: String-String Fruit (Master)
Race: Long-Lived Species
Talents: Enhanced Skeleton
Achievements: Filial Son, King of the North Blue, True Usurper
Milestones:
"Funeral Rites" (Pending)
"Dominating the Seas" (Pending)
...
The Golden Lion had been a worthy stepping stone. Defeating him had cemented Doflamingo's status as a new legend.
More importantly, both his Conqueror's and Armament Haki had advanced thanks to Kaido's brutal training sessions.
But the most intriguing part?
This time, the milestone rewards had "pending" status.
After a moment of thought, Doflamingo decided to be greedy.
The longer you wait, the better the rewards!
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