Doflamingo

Chapter 136: Doflamingo

As twilight approached, Viola woke up in the flower field, feeling an unprecedented sense of relaxation. She couldn't help but stretch lazily, then quickly checked her clothes, finding them in perfect order, which relieved her.

Rodney's voice came from beside her, "Awake? How did you sleep, Princess Viola?"

"I'm not a princess. There are no more princesses in this country," Viola replied.

"True, the people have lost faith in the royal family. Under Doflamingo's leadership, he overthrew the Riku dynasty and incorporated this country into his domain. I must say, Doflamingo is quite clever, a born ruler, and also a born villain," Rodney clapped his hands and chuckled. 

"He's quite different from Crocodile. Unfortunately, Crocodile's luck ran out when he encountered me. Viola, go and meet a girl named Rebecca; she's of the Riku bloodline."

Viola was shocked. She knew of Rebecca's existence, but she was surprised that Rodney knew about her. How much did this man actually know?

"I don't know much, just a bit of information that happened to come my way. Relax, Viola, you needed a good rest. You've been wound up too tight. If you don't relax, that string of yours might snap," he advised. 

"I won't let Doflamingo dance around for too long, but for now, he has some use. Viola, wait and keep hope alive."

Viola chuckled, "I don't know if I should trust you. You seem to know everything, yet you don't seem willing to take action."

"Hehe, his identity involves too many people. If it were Crocodile, Moria, or those others, I could have stormed the palace without hesitation. But this guy's actions have affected the interests of too many people, even making me consider joining the fray."

Doflamingo was a puppeteer, manipulating both sides. In the underworld, everyone knew the name "Joker." He did anything that turned a profit, from illegal arms dealing to selling addictive substances, and even human trafficking. He dabbled in everything, as long as it made money.

He played both sides, with his former status as a Celestial Dragon giving him significant influence within the World Government. Add to that his position as one of the Seven Warlords and the king of Dressrosa, and you had a man who thrived in his current role.

"As expected, Mr. Rodney, shall we go? It wouldn't please young Master Doflamingo if he's kept waiting," Viola suggested, her eyes dimming. Rodney, however, said, "Viola, wait and keep hope alive."

"Wait... and keep hope alive..."

Viola murmured, shaking her head with a wry smile. She led the way ahead, and Rodney's tall figure followed. Viola couldn't resist using her Devil Fruit ability once more. This time, she saw a blazing fire.

A roaring flame, and a man with crimson double pupils standing amidst the ruins, whispering, "Don't pry any further, or you'll die."

She was startled, breaking her ability's connection, and took a step back. The man ahead asked, "Viola, which way to the royal palace?"

"The tallest building over there is it. Master Doflamingo is at the highest point," Viola replied, taking a deep breath and restoring her polite smile.

He said, "Viola, I can control my thoughts. I can control what I show. Otherwise, I'm a master illusionist. Next time, if you pry too much, I'll make you lose consciousness and leave you lying in the street."

His words sent shivers down Viola's spine. She thought he was a good person, but perhaps he wasn't.

"Hehe, in life, it's important to maintain a bit of mystery," he continued. 

"Shall we go? And remember, wait and keep hope alive." With a stride, he walked away.

Viola silently followed him, choosing to leave.

King's Plateau

This was the location of Dressrosa's royal palace.

It was also the highest point in Dressrosa, where the Donquixote Family resided. Every officer had the privilege to live here. Rather than a palace, it resembled a luxury resort.

In the most luxurious room at the summit, Doflamingo reclined on a lounge chair, surrounded by a bevy of women. Their extravagance and indulgence knew no bounds, akin to a feast of debauchery.

He suddenly looked up and locked eyes with Rodney, who was steadily approaching from above. 

"Fufufu," Doflamingo chuckled. A cannonball shot from above and flew toward Rodney.

Boom!

The cannonball exploded!

"If you get killed like this, you don't deserve to be one of the Shichibukai," Doflamingo remarked. Baby-5, who was watching, was stunned. It seemed her attack hadn't harmed the man at all.

Rodney approached, and Doflamingo merely waved to dismiss the women surrounding him. 

"Baby-5, did you think you could kill this monster? Watch closely; this is the difference between him and you."

Smoke cleared, revealing debris, while on a nearby barbecue grill, Rodney picked up a piece of meat and tasted it, commenting, "The meat's a bit tough. Leicester's grilled meat is better."

"How is that possible? Can this guy teleport?" 

Baby-5, refusing to give up, fired another shot, but it still missed.

Doflamingo remained unfazed. 

"His speed is just too much for you, Baby-5. I need you to prepare dinner."

"Of course, Master Doflamingo!" 

As soon as someone needed her, Baby-5's originally furious face transformed into one of delight. This unfortunate woman, with her tragic background, turned into a dimwitted fool whenever someone said, "I need you."

Rodney opened a bottle of red wine for himself and returned to sit in front of Doflamingo.

"All right, what kind of business do you want to do?" Doflamingo inquired. 

"I'm curious about what kind of business a man like you would engage in."

"Arms trade," Rodney replied.

"Arms trade?"

"Yes." 

Rodney produced a gun that didn't belong to this world.