Doflamingo finally turned to look at the visibly shaken Gladius.
With a flick of his finger, the photo from earlier sailed through the air and landed neatly in Gladius' hands.
Still dazed, Gladius caught it without really looking.
By then, the Young Master had already walked off with the future lady boss in his arms, his voice trailing back lazily.
"Gladius, take some time off. Go visit the place you used to live... Just don't do anything that'll piss me off."
"Young Master! My life belongs only to you!"
Doflamingo waved a hand in response.
Even when kindness comes with no strings attached, it still leaves a mark on your heart.
Maybe it's not a bad idea to go back. Might even add a little more hate toward the World Government.
As the Boss disappeared from view, Gladius trembled, running his fingers over the smiling faces of the three people in the photo.
His life had been given to him by the Boss.
But those people… they were family too, the ones he'd lived with for the past two years.
...
A little ways off, Smoothie looked around curiously at the rising bubbles.
In the glow of the setting sun, the bubbles shimmered in all colors, painting the whole world in dazzling light.
She clung to Doflamingo's arm, pressing her growing "mountains" against him as she asked,
"Doffy, aren't we heading out right away?"
"No rush," Doflamingo said, pulling out a Vivre Card. "Let's take a look at Sabaody's scenery first."
He glanced at the card again.
"And maybe check in on a family member while we're at it."
"Alright, Doffy!" Smoothie replied eagerly. She was more than happy to get some alone time with him.
Since leaving Dressrosa and coming to Sabaody, Doflamingo had been busy handling all sorts of family business.
Now, holding the Vivre Card, the two of them strolled toward area #3.
Doflamingo wasn't planning to meet her face to face—just observe from a distance.
As for why not use a Den Den Mushi? What kind of beggar can afford one of those?
Gotta commit to the disguise.
They crossed the border from area #2 to area #3.
The moment they stepped across, the surroundings shifted from lively and bustling to run-down and grimy. In the distance, wisps of smoke still hung in the air.
The scene made the less experienced Smoothie visibly confused.
The Marine and World Government facilities were located just a few areas away, from #60 to #69.
So why did this place look like a war zone?
People in the crowd began eyeing the two of them suspiciously, with growing hostility.
But with their towering height and intimidating presence, no one dared act rashly.
Doflamingo noticed Smoothie's unease. Before she could ask, he let out a loud laugh.
"Fufufufufu! Smoothie, do you think laws ever apply to the ones who make them?"
"Of course not!" Smoothie said, catching on right away. It was like with Mama—everyone had to obey her, but she could always change her mind.
"Exactly. That's why the chaos here… someone's paying for it."
Doflamingo turned his gaze toward a nearby alley.
In the shadows, something interesting was happening.
...
In that alley—
A green-haired little girl was tugging at a drunken man, her voice sweet as honey.
"Uncle, please, I really need your help. My mom… she can't move, and I can't carry her on my own!"
"Sure, sure," Jayray slurred, stumbling along with a lecherous grin.
What luck—he'd only come out for drinks with his buddies, and now he had this kind of windfall.
The kid and her mom? He could have his fun for a whole month.
His eyes roamed greedily over the green-haired girl in front of him.
A catch like this hadn't shown up on area #3 in ages.
They rounded a corner, and Jayray spotted a woman shackled in the shadows of the wall.
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