In Water 7, Doflamingo had entrusted the Ark entirely to Franky. He was confident that Franky's craftsmanship would not disappoint him.
With business taken care of, it was, of course, time to relax properly, to wander through Water 7, experience its charm, and taste the local specialty, "Water-Water Meat."
Aboard a small boat, Doflamingo and his little follower, Baby 5, drifted through the canals of Water 7. Upon hearing that Doflamingo was going to try some "Water-Water Meat," Baby 5 insisted on coming along.
Doflamingo didn't refuse her suggestion and had no choice but to let her follow. Besides, he was quite lenient when it came to his subordinates' private lives. As long as it didn't interfere with official business, it didn't matter how much fun they had in their own time.
Relaxation, after all, is about having fun, isn't it?
Baby 5 certainly needed a good rest after the high-frequency battles of the past month. As for Law not needing a rest, that was his choice. They were pirates now; they had to learn to be responsible for their own decisions. Doflamingo had no desire to be overbearing.
Doflamingo and Baby 5 sat on the small boat propelled by a Yagara Bull, drifting along with its movements, taking in the beauty of Water 7.
"Young Master, these Bulls are so cute! Water 7 is so lively! There are so many people coming and going," Baby 5 said cheerfully, leaning over the side of the boat and trailing her hand in the water.
"It certainly is prosperous," Doflamingo said, taking in the sights and sounds of the city.
"Young Master, do you think that Water-Water Meat is delicious?" Baby 5 asked casually, still focused on playing with the water.
"Won't you know if it's delicious or not when we get there?" Doflamingo retorted, slightly exasperated.
"Oh, I see," Baby 5 said, seemingly oblivious to his tone. She continued to play happily in the water, occasionally greeting the Yagara Bulls that swam by.
The streets were bustling with an endless stream of people, and the Yagara Bulls in the canals were constantly busy. It was truly a scene of prosperity.
Soon, Doflamingo brought Baby 5 to a restaurant. It was said to be the most famous in the area, and everyone who came here was very satisfied with the food.
"Honored guests, welcome!" A waiter greeted them enthusiastically, rushing over the moment he saw Doflamingo and Baby 5 approaching.
"Prepare your best dishes for us. We have a little one here who is very eager to try your local specialty," Doflamingo said, teasing Baby 5.
"Young Master," Baby 5 grumbled.
"This way, please," the waiter said politely, leading them into the restaurant.
As expected of a place with a thriving shipbuilding industry, the restaurants here were also top-notch, designed to serve the rich and powerful.
The seating inside was well-arranged, ensuring that guests would not feel crowded. The noble patrons had their own exclusive sections, and of course, people from all walks of life also had their places, so no one felt out of place.
Doflamingo was led to a table by the waiter, and he and Baby 5 waited for the delicacies of Water 7.
Doflamingo, with his aristocratic demeanor, stood out here. It was a kind of charisma that few possessed. Although pirates were not forbidden from entering, the establishment primarily catered to dignitaries and the wealthy.
The evils of capitalism. The rich and powerful certainly know how to enjoy themselves. The pirates, knowing their place, mostly avoided coming here to look for trouble. They were much more comfortable and free in the taverns.
Marines were also frequent customers here, but not just any Marine could afford to dine here.
After the meal, Baby 5 was very satisfied, thoroughly enjoying the food. As it turns out, being expensive does have its reasons.
Doflamingo elegantly picked up his napkin and wiped his mouth, then said to Baby 5, who was patting her full belly with satisfaction, "Let's go."
"Oh, okay," Baby 5, receiving her orders, quickly tidied up and prepared to leave with him.
"Please come again, honored guests!" the waiter called out as they left.
Just then, a Marine happened to walk in. Judging by his rank, he wasn't low-level. But Doflamingo paid him no mind. He had fought admirals; what was a minor Marine to him?
Doflamingo didn't care, but the Marine cared a great deal. After all, Doflamingo was quite famous now, and within the Navy, every Marine knew of his existence and the threat he posed.
Commodore Herbert Albert, a Marine who had been stationed in Water 7 for many years, had close ties with the people here. He usually ate and drank on the public dime and was on very good terms with the head of CP5, Spandam, with whom he often exchanged information.
Seeing Doflamingo pass by him, a cold sweat broke out on Herbert Albert's forehead. He knew exactly what kind of person this was. Albert lost all appetite for his meal and quickly fled, afraid that Doflamingo would remember him.
Pirates and Marines were mortal enemies. Albert didn't want to take any chances. If he were to be killed by Doflamingo, it would be too late for tears.
Albert fled in a hurry, preparing to report the news to his superiors and let them handle this troublesome matter.
On the other side, Doflamingo had already forgotten about this minor character. He was indifferent to the Navy's actions.
On the street, Doflamingo and Baby 5 wandered aimlessly, stopping here and there to admire the scenery of Water 7. It had to be said, the city was truly vast. No wonder that directionally challenged person, Zoro, would get lost here. No, even if he weren't in Water 7, he would still get lost.
As they were wandering, Doflamingo and Baby 5 happened to run into Bepo.
The bear was thoroughly enjoying the beauty of Water 7.
"Hey! It's Bepo!" Baby 5 spotted Bepo's big, white bear head and pointed him out to Doflamingo.
"Let's go have a look," Doflamingo instructed.
So, the two of them headed towards Bepo, with Baby 5 walking in front and Doflamingo following behind.
Bepo, at a food stall, was completely lost in the temptation of the food, so absorbed that he didn't notice their arrival at all.
"Bepo, is it that good?" Seeing Bepo's look of pure enjoyment, Baby 5 leaned in and whispered in his ear.
Bepo, who had been savoring the food with his eyes closed, heard the familiar voice and opened his bear eyes. Seeing who it was, he let out a sigh of relief. He had thought he'd been caught by Robin and the others for sneaking off.
"Oh, it's you, Baby 5! This is delicious, you should try some," Bepo generously offered to share.
Baby 5, ever brave, began to sample the food with Bepo.
"These two," Doflamingo watched them from a distance, feeling a bit speechless. Well, it's a rare vacation. Let them be.
Doflamingo left on his own, no longer paying attention to the two of them.
After a long while, Baby 5 finally came to her senses and looked around for any sign of Doflamingo, but found none.
"Baby 5, what are you looking for?" Bepo asked curiously.
"I'm looking for the Young Master," Baby 5 answered casually.
"The Young Master? He probably went back. Let's just keep eating," Bepo urged.
"Mmm, you're right," Baby 5 gave up her search. Anyway, the Young Master is so strong, no one would dare to mess with him.
Having left, Doflamingo felt a bit bored and decided to activate his Observation Haki to survey Water 7.
His Haki was like a radar, sweeping over the city again and again.
Under Doflamingo's Haki, nothing could hide. He saw Robin and the two other women happily shopping, eating sweets, and drinking tea. Diamante and the others were in a bar, drinking merrily, bragging, and having a great time.
Law was as diligent as ever. Even though the Ark was being repaired, he was still training nearby. The other subordinates were acting normally, all having gone to find their old flames. Although they didn't have any old flames here, if they went enough times, they would become old flames.
As he scanned the city, Doflamingo finally found the existence of Tom, as well as the hidden presence of the World Government in Water 7.
As expected. The World Government wouldn't let Tom go so easily. His every move is being monitored. Once the Sea Train is complete, Tom's time will be up.
He wondered if Iceburg and Franky knew about this, but Tom certainly did.
Well then, I might as well go and meet this great man. Doflamingo made up his mind and prepared to head to Tom's place to meet him.
As for being exposed to the World Government's eyes, he had already been exposed for a long time. It didn't matter. The Marines and the World Government weren't eager to play with him for the time being anyway.
Mr. Tom, an honored guest is coming. Prepare for his arrival.