Vice Commander of the God's Knights!
The moment the Five Elders extended their invitation, Doflamingo's pupils contracted into needle-thin slits behind his sunglasses, and his breath caught in his throat.
Even Senor, standing at his side, could no longer maintain his usual composure—his heart shook violently.
Vice Commander of the God's Knights... a position second only to the commander himself. A rank that held authority surpassing even that of the Celestial Dragons, with the power to judge—and even execute—other Celestial Dragons.
Beyond their overwhelming authority, members of the God's Knights were immortalized with statues along both sides of the Celestial Stairway—worshipped by the masses, remembered for eternity.
To put it bluntly, the title of Vice Commander far outstripped the power and prestige of any "underground emperor" of the New World or even a Shichibukai. The difference between them was like heaven and earth.
The council hall fell silent once more.
Behind his glasses, Doflamingo's eyes were bloodshot as he stared hard at the encrypted Den Den Mushi. His breathing grew heavy.
He had to admit—somewhere deep inside—he was tempted.
He had spent his life chasing power and status. Becoming one of the God's Knights had once been a childhood dream.
But he hadn't expected the Five Elders to offer him something so monumental—just like that.
"Are you serious?"
The smile vanished from Doflamingo's face.
His voice came out rough and strained.
On the other end of the line, the Five Elders—some seated, others standing—shared the same self-satisfied smile.
In their eyes, as they looked toward the Den Den Mushi, was a quiet message:
See? This is the weight behind our words. Shichibukai, tyrants of the sea, what are they really? Just pawns—easily played.
"Of course. Figarland Garling himself believes you're the perfect candidate."
Topman Warcury lifted a delicate teacup, took a slow sip, and said with a gentle smile,
"Doflamingo, we know these years haven't been easy for you... but that's all behind you now. It's time to look forward."
He spoke with the tone of a kindly elder, patient and persuasive.
"Think about it—your growth, your strength, the fact that you haven't fallen into the same incompetence and decadence as your kind... it's all because you've endured hardships no one else did."
"That was your trial—and our test for you."
"Congratulations... you passed, Doflamingo."
"You've proven you're not the worthless failure your father was. You're a Celestial Dragon among Celestial Dragons."
His deep voice echoed through the Den Den Mushi and filled the hall with a strange, compelling weight.
"Come back, Doflamingo. We'll grant you a level of glory, power, and prestige you've never known. You'll stand above all others."
"The Donquixote name—under your hand—will rise to greatness once again."
Doflamingo remained silent.
On the other end of the line, the Five Elders waited patiently, unhurried.
It wasn't until a full thirty seconds had passed that Doflamingo finally exhaled a slow breath and said hoarsely,
"I need some time to think."
"Of course, take all the time you need."
Warcury nodded, his smile full of quiet certainty.
For a rebellious brat like Doflamingo, it was only natural to stall—out of pride.
But in the face of overwhelming power and prestige, what were grudges, slights, or pride? Fleeting things—easily forgotten.
He didn't believe for a second that Doflamingo could resist this offer.
Vice Commander of the God's Knights... To any Celestial Dragon, that was nothing short of a dream.
"Doflamingo, don't disappoint us."
With that, the encrypted Den Den Mushi connection went dead.
"...Young Master?"
Seeing the blond Celestial Dragon sitting motionless, Senor suddenly felt an uneasy chill rise in his chest.
Surely the Young Master hadn't really been swayed by the Five Elders' offer?
To become the Vice Commander of the God's Knights... that would mean openly breaking with the Godfather!
"Are you... going to accept it?"
At the sound of Senor's voice, Doflamingo's gaze wavered, then refocused.
He gave a small smile, waved it off, and picked up the Den Den Mushi again.
Staring at it in silence for a long while, he finally took a deep breath and dialed a signal.
"Buru buru... buru buru..."
The call tone rang on and on.
Senor's anxiety only grew, a heavy unease gnawing at him.
Until—at last—a familiar, indifferent voice came through, instantly wiping away his fear.
"Doffy?"
The voice was faint, tinged with fatigue, yet carried a trace of amused surprise.
"Calling me first? That's not like you."
"What's troubling you? Need a favor?"
Doflamingo pressed his lips together. His voice was hoarse.
"Can I ask you a question?"
Daren chuckled softly.
"Of course. You're my godson."
Doflamingo lowered his eyes, silent for a moment, then finally spoke.
"In your opinion... have I achieved what I have today because of the suffering I endured in the past?"
There was a brief pause.
Then Daren's voice returned, with a faint, unreadable smile in it.
"Doffy, let me tell you something real."
"Never glorify suffering. There's nothing noble about it. It's just something you endure because you have no choice. If you want to forge your will, there are countless better ways."
"If someone praises the value of your pain, they're probably just trying to control you—so you'll willingly do what they want."
Doflamingo froze, his hand holding the Den Den Mushi trembling slightly.
Senor froze too. Cold sweat gathered on his back as waves of shock surged through him.
He... guessed it.
Completely, unmistakably.
An unreal, dreamlike sensation filled Senor's mind. He found himself instinctively bowing deeper, his gaze toward the Den Den Mushi now filled with awe.
"...I understand. Thank you, Godfather Daren-sama."
Doflamingo took a deep breath, his voice low and steady.
"Any other questions?" Daren asked.
"No," Doflamingo replied with a shake of his head.
"Good..."
There was a pause. Just as Doflamingo was about to hang up, Daren's voice came again.
"—I think you should accept the government's offer."
Doflamingo jolted as if struck by lightning.
Senor was stunned.
"Godfather..."
Daren sighed softly.
"I'm sorry, Doffy."
"As your godfather, I've often failed to be the father you needed. I wasn't there to guide you, and because of that, you wavered. That's on me."
Doflamingo said nothing.
But Daren continued, unconcerned.
"Still... I want you to remember one thing—always keep your friends close, but keep your enemies even closer."
"...No matter who they are."