White White Island, a remote location in the Grand Line. The Donquixote Pirates were busy procuring supplies.
The once-lively docks gradually quieted down. The residents, having learned about the sky islands, lost their initial fervor. The crew members, having found an outlet for their pent-up energy, were satisfied and began to disperse, heading back to the ship.
Doflamingo, sitting cross-legged on the ground, was uncharacteristically silent, appearing deep in thought. His subordinates didn't dare disturb him.
"He's here?" Doflamingo finally broke the silence. Possessing an exceptionally wide range of Observation Haki, he often detected arrivals before anyone else. His crew was accustomed to this.
Alerted by Doflamingo, the others looked towards the island's interior. In the distance, Diamante led a group of men hauling carts laden with supplies towards them.
Soon, they reached the main group.
"Doffy, mission accomplished. These supplies should be enough for us," Diamante reported promptly.
"Excellent. Time waits for no one. Men, load the supplies onto the ship immediately. We prepare to set sail!" Satisfied with Diamante's report, Doflamingo immediately gave the order.
Before long, the supplies were loaded, and the Donquixote Pirates set sail once again, having spent only a short time on White White Island. Who knew when they might return?
Back cruising the open sea, the crew members returned to their respective duties. This time, however, Doflamingo sought out Vergo privately, intending to discuss future plans.
"Vergo, you're here. Sit down," Doflamingo said, seated in the meeting room chair, gesturing for Vergo to take a seat.
"Doffy. Is there something important?" Vergo obediently sat down and asked in return.
"Indeed, there's a major operation brewing. But it will require significant effort from you, Vergo," Doflamingo said, looking directly at him.
"Just tell me, Doffy. Hardship is nothing," Vergo replied calmly, unfazed by Doflamingo's warning.
"Very good, Vergo." Doflamingo's voice held clear admiration. He continued, "I need you to infiltrate the Marines. Infiltration is the first step. More importantly, I need you to get into their elite training camp and learn Rokushiki and Life Return. Remember, this is crucial for our Family. Of course, if your cover is blown, extract yourself immediately. There's no need to sacrifice yourself."
Listening to Doflamingo's earnest words, Vergo felt a flicker of surprise. He hadn't expected Doflamingo to task him with infiltrating the Marines. It caught him slightly off guard. However, refusal wasn't an option.
"Understood, Doffy. No matter what, I will learn Rokushiki and Life Return," Vergo replied without hesitation, accepting the mission and not disappointing Doflamingo.
Thinking back to those monsters during the fights against Kaido, Doflamingo mused internally, every single one of them had insane endurance; they just kept getting back up! How are we supposed to fight that?
They can regenerate health, but we can't? Unacceptable. We absolutely must secure this passive ability. This was Doflamingo's core motivation. The Marines' training methods were undeniably effective. Skills like Rokushiki and Life Return would significantly boost the Family's overall strength. Furthermore, Doflamingo greatly coveted the incredible technique of Life Return himself. Mastering it would elevate his own power considerably. Unlike others, his unique advantages would allow him to grasp Life Return much faster.
Sending Vergo into the Marine elite training camp was essential. As for the complication that Rosinante, currently with the Marines, had met Vergo before, Doflamingo had considered it. He didn't know if Rosinante would report this to Sengoku, but to be safe, Doflamingo planned for Vergo to initially join the Marines in one of the Four Blues. Knowing his 'dear' little brother, once Doflamingo started making waves and building his infamous reputation on the seas, Rosinante would inevitably seek him out. Seizing that opportunity, Vergo could then reveal his talent and rapidly advance to Marine Headquarters. This timing would allow Vergo and Rosinante to avoid crossing paths early on, preventing unnecessary trouble for Vergo.
Of course, the specifics of this plan required further discussion. Among the Four Blues, East Blue – the weakest sea – seemed the most suitable place for Vergo's enlistment. Not only was it weak, but its leadership was notoriously corrupt, offering ample opportunities for manipulation.
Hearing Vergo's firm acceptance, Doflamingo was deeply satisfied. He stood up, clapping Vergo on the shoulder. "We're family, after all. I trust you'll succeed."
Vergo's resolve hardened at Doflamingo's words. Everything was for the sake of their grand ambition.
Doflamingo said no more. Vergo understood everything and would undoubtedly perform flawlessly.
The vast ocean wasn't empty. It was the Grand Line, after all, and encountering other pirate ships was hardly unusual. Doflamingo's vessel wasn't the only one roaming these waters.
"Young Master! We're surrounded by two pirate ships!" the lookout yelled down from the crow's nest.
"So, there are still fools who don't know their place," Doflamingo remarked dismissively. Such encounters were utterly commonplace on these seas.
"Men! Obliterate that pirate crew ahead of us!" "We've been on the Grand Line this long and never seen their flag! Must be rookies. Let's show 'em some proper 'affection'!" "Fire the cannons! Capture them!"
The crews on the two attacking ships cheered, already envisioning their victory.
"A mob of rabble. Utterly beneath notice." Doflamingo sneered with contempt. Though he looked down on them, he acted immediately.
Positioning himself at the ship's prow, he transformed into lightning and shot into the sky. "God's Punishment!" he roared.
The pirates on the two ships saw him ascend but felt no fear, instead shouting boasts about shooting him down.
Fierce bolts of lightning erupted from Doflamingo, streaking towards the two vessels. Faced with the overwhelming tempest of electricity, the pirates were stunned into silence. What is this? We've never seen anything like it!
The outcome was predictable. The pirates were charred black, rendered completely powerless. However, Doflamingo had no intention of letting them off so easily. Since they were so eager to cause him trouble, he was happy to oblige. It was time to start building the fearsome reputation of the Donquixote Pirates.
"Inazuma!"
The low, cold word escaped Doflamingo's lips. His hands transformed into two pillars of searing lightning that lashed out at the enemy ships.
BOOM!
The devastating electrical assault obliterated the pirates and their vessels. A few lucky survivors, merely knocked unconscious by the initial blast, were thrown into the sea, desperately clinging to their only chance of survival. But Doflamingo wasn't finished. Since they wanted a bath, why not add some fire?
"60 Million Volt Discharge!"
Crackling lightning plunged into the ocean, determined to show the children of the sea some 'special care'. The survivors in the water quickly learned the true meaning of electrical conductivity – an experience that was shockingly unforgettable.
"Young Master is mighty!" "Young Master is domineering!"
Having dealt with the minor nuisance, Doflamingo continued onward, wondering what other troubles lay on the path to East Blue.
It was just a small interruption. Such events were common on the Grand Line, and Doflamingo was used to them. If he weren't pressed for time, he wouldn't have even bothered intervening himself; such opportunities were better suited for giving his subordinates combat practice.
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