The figures of Wayne and Spandam had already vanished into the crowd.
"Mr. Doflamingo, are you sure it's reliable to leave this matter to those two?" Law asked, watching them depart with a skeptical expression.
After all, the dog-eat-dog spectacle they had just witnessed was quite something. Law certainly didn't trust two unreliable men to handle such an important task.
"I never expected them to succeed in the first place," Doflamingo explained patiently, seeing Law's apprehension. "All they need to do is force Tom to take the fall for Franky. When that happens, he'll surely give the Pluton blueprints to Iceburg for safekeeping. That will be our chance."
"So that's the plan," Law murmured. "But is it worth going through all this trouble just for a single blueprint?"
"Fuffuffuffu. Law, you mustn't underestimate the power of Pluton," Doflamingo chuckled, patting Law's shoulder. "Sometimes, the power of technology is no weaker than that of a Devil Fruit. This will be a crucial asset in our ascent to the top."
"I understand." Law nodded, though he only partially grasped the full implications. Regardless, if it was for the good of the Family and would help them stand at the pinnacle of the world, he would give it his all.
"Let's go. Now we just watch their performance. We only need to be spectators and wait for the right moment to take the blueprints."
"Right."
The last rays of the setting sun cast long shadows behind them. The sunset was beautiful, but dusk was near.
Mr. Tom, you're in the way. That's not good.
Doflamingo had no intention of saving Tom. On the contrary, only with Tom's death could Doflamingo more easily make his move on Water 7, taking control of all its shipwrights and making them work for him.
Didn't Iceburg open a company called Galley-La in the future? Perfect. He, Donquixote Doflamingo, was a great philanthropist; he would consider it an investment in Iceburg.
Night had fallen, and a deep darkness quickly enveloped Water 7.
Inside a brightly lit shipyard workshop, the master and his two apprentices were hard at work, completely oblivious to the approaching danger.
Back at the hotel, in Doflamingo's room, Monet was thoughtfully massaging his shoulders, helping her Young Master relax.
"Young Master, is the pressure alright?" Monet asked, her enchanting red lips whispering by his ear as her hands gently kneaded his shoulders.
A soft voice, a beautiful woman, the dead of night, a man and a woman alone.
"Monet, it's very good. The pressure is just right," Doflamingo said, his tone suddenly turning serious. "However, have you been keeping up with your lessons, Monet? Today, your Young Master will conduct an inspection."
Monet covered her mouth and giggled. "Young Master, you're so scary when you're serious! Of course, I've been doing my homework! But... I do like it when you put on that serious face."
"Insolent, Monet. Since when do you speak to me like that?" Doflamingo said, feigning anger.
"Young Master, I'm so scared!" Monet clutched her chest, her eyes wide with feigned innocence. "Weren't you the one who told me to?"
"It seems I'll have to teach you a proper lesson today, Monet."
With that, Doflamingo reached out and pulled her delicate body towards him.
"Ah!" Monet cried out in surprise as she fell naturally into his embrace.
Their eyes met. A captivating smile played on Monet's lips, and as Doflamingo looked at her, he felt she possessed an inexplicable and utterly alluring charm.
"Young Master," Monet murmured, resting her head against his chest while her jade-like hands began to roam mischievously.
"Monet," Doflamingo whispered her name tenderly.
The lights went out, leaving only the cool moonlight to illuminate their intertwined figures.
The night was deep. Everyone needed their rest to have enough energy for the next day.
Aboard a World Government warship in Water 7, Spandam was stewing over the day's events. Fortunately, conspiracy and deceit were his specialties. He quickly concocted a plausible excuse, and the matter was smoothed over with the World Government.
Tonight, he could finally get a good night's sleep.
The next day, Spandam prepared to report to the Five Elders.
Purupurupuru...
Spandam connected the call. He reported everything he knew, omitting only the part about being under Doflamingo's control, and made sure to throw all the blame onto Tom and his apprentices.
"Pluton has appeared?"
"It's truly one thing after another."
"The New World is already in turmoil, and now we have Doflamingo, and on top of that, Pluton."
"Regardless, we must obtain those blueprints."
"Such a thing must be under our control. If we cannot have it, it must be destroyed."
Spandam listened to the Five Elders' conversation, not daring to breathe. He felt his heart—what was left of it—tighten when he heard Doflamingo's name, terrified he would give himself away.
"Very well, Spandam. You have done well on this matter," one of the Elders finally said. "The Pluton blueprints are of immense importance to us. We must ensure they are secured."
"Lord Elders, I will definitely get my hands on the blueprints!" Spandam declared with great conviction, putting himself forward for the mission before they had even assigned it.
Hearing his words, the Five Elders were pleased by his initiative.
"Excellent, Spandam. We will entrust this matter to you. Do you have any requests?" an Elder asked without hesitation.
"I need manpower!" Spandam knew how to read the room. Especially in front of his superiors, he wouldn't dare make an excessive demand.
"Granted. Spandam, I am putting CP9 under your command. Do not disappoint us," an Elder instructed.
"Thank you, Lord Elders! I swear I will obtain those blueprints!" Spandam promised, his face alight with excitement. He couldn't believe Doflamingo's prediction had actually come true.
"We're leaving it to you."
"Yes, sir!"
The call ended. Spandam instantly felt a sense of vindication, his back straightening with newfound pride.
The World Government's efficiency was remarkable. The moment the call with the Five Elders ended, the members of CP9 were dispatched to Water 7 to await Spandam's orders.
While Spandam awaited their arrival, Doflamingo appeared at the shipyard workshop, making small talk with Franky.
"So, Franky, are the repairs on the Ark Maxim finished yet?" Doflamingo inquired.
"Almost. Give me two more days, and the Ark Maxim will be good as new," Franky replied, looking up to give his assurance.
"I'll be looking forward to it."
"You can count on it."
With that, Franky went back to his work, head buried in his task.
Doflamingo didn't feel the need to say anything more. They weren't kindred spirits and had nothing in common. As long as Franky didn't get in his way, it was fine. If he did... well, then he would have to say goodbye to this world.
The two fell silent, each immersed in their own world.
Time flew by, and the repairs on the Ark Maxim neared completion. A week had passed since their arrival in Water 7, and the members of the Donquixote Pirates had familiarized themselves with the city. For them, this leisurely time was a rare treat, but even old flames can grow cold.
The rare vacation was finally coming to an end.
Inside Iceburg's office, Doflamingo was settling the final payment and discussing a few other matters.
"Hahaha, Mr. Doflamingo, thank you for your business!" Iceburg said with a warm, beaming smile.
"It's a small matter. I'm very satisfied with your craftsmanship," Doflamingo replied politely.
"Then I must thank you for the compliment, Mr. Doflamingo," Iceburg returned the pleasantry.
"Tell me, Mr. Iceburg, have you ever thought of striking out on your own?"
Seeing the opportune moment, Doflamingo floated the idea.
"On my own?" Iceburg echoed, puzzled.
"That's right. A fledgling can never grow strong hiding under its parent's wing. If you want to soar, what better way than to fly on your own? If you can surpass your master, not only will you be happy, but he would surely be proud of you as well," Doflamingo said with conviction.
Iceburg fell into deep thought. He had, of course, considered it. Remaining under his master's protection forever wasn't a solution. He wanted to fly, too. He had his own dreams.
"I can support your dream," Doflamingo continued, striking while the iron was hot. "You will become the greatest shipwright in Water 7. With my help, you can establish the largest shipbuilding company in the city, perhaps even the world. Your ships will be famous across the seas."
Doflamingo leaned in slightly. "You will be one of the top names in the shipbuilding industry. History itself will remember you. So, what do you say? Will you work with me?"
"What do you want?" Iceburg remained calm, not allowing himself to be swept away by the grand vision Doflamingo described.
"It's not about what I want, but what you want. I am simply giving you an opportunity. If you must know what I want... it's money," Doflamingo said, his gaze sincere as he looked at Iceburg. "After all, supporting this many people is very expensive."
Hearing this, Iceburg's doubts began to fade. He couldn't believe someone would be so kind as to fund his dream out of sheer goodwill. A profit motive was far more believable.
"What would I have to do? And how would we split the profits?" Iceburg asked, laying out his concerns.
"How about a fifty-fifty split? I will support you in establishing the largest shipbuilding company. All I ask for is half of the revenue. I will be a silent partner; you will be the one actually managing it."
"That's fair," Iceburg conceded. "But are you sure you only want to be a silent partner? I can give you half of the management authority."
"Fuffuffuffu," Doflamingo laughed. "The world is a big place. Besides, I'm just a pirate. I don't have time to help you manage a company. Just focus on doing your job well."
"That's true. Mr. Doflamingo's path lies across the stars and the great seas. You naturally wouldn't have time to stop."
Doflamingo's words put Iceburg greatly at ease. Of course, his own company had to be his to command.
"I have high hopes for you, Mr. Iceburg."
"Then... it's a pleasure doing business with you, Mr. Doflamingo."
Their hands clasped firmly together. They looked at each other and smiled, both pleased with the benefits they had secured.
Money, power—they were all illusions. Doflamingo had long seen through the essence of this world. Only strength was the ultimate truth. On the surface, it seemed Iceburg had gained more, but in reality, the true winner was Doflamingo.
Iceburg was, after all, just an employee.