Chapter 258

In the heart of the Donquixote estate, the gathering of the core family members was taking place under the dimly lit chandeliers that bathed the room in a cold, foreboding light. Conversations flowed easily around the table, but there was always an underlying sense of menace whenever business was discussed.

At the center of the room, Doflamingo lounged on his throne-like chair, legs crossed, his infamous grin on display. His signature sunglasses gleamed, reflecting the dim light as if nothing could touch the man behind them.

He turned his head slightly towards Senor Pink, who had just disconnected the call. His voice, deep and smooth, filled the room.

"And what about the situation in Flevance?"

The mention of Flevance turned a few heads. The Amber Lead situation was delicate—a secret the World Government was determined to bury, but one the Donquixote family intended to exploit when the time was right. The wealth of the royal family was too tempting, and their blind greed too predictable.

"Already taken care of," Senor Pink said, his deadpan tone never shifting, a cigarette hanging loosely from his mouth. "They think they're playing us, but we're watching every move they make. We'll let them accumulate their riches for now. When the time comes, we'll take it all."

Doffy's grin widened. "Fufufufu... good, good. Let them gorge themselves on their own greed. When they're fat enough, we'll pluck them clean. Ross knows how to play the long game."

"Young Master Ross..." Giolla interjected with a nod, shifting in her chair. "He's becoming more... formidable by the day."

The room fell silent at the mention of Rosinante. Respect, not just because of his bloodline, but because of the man he had become. There was an air of reverence whenever his name came up, even among the most hardened of the crew.

"Ross… he has a way of making you feel like he's three steps ahead, always," Diamante added, his voice rougher than it once was, his injury still affecting his speech. He chuckled, but there was a nervousness behind it, as though he was remembering something unsettling. "You don't really know what he's planning until it's already too late."

Senor Pink gave a nod of agreement. "If Ross says to wait, we wait. He's never wrong about people's intentions. And when the time comes, he'll strike, just like always."

Doffy's fingers drummed on the armrest of his chair, the sound rhythmic and calculated. "Let Flevance's royal family keep living in their delusion for now. When Ross decides it's time... the fun begins." His grin stretched wider, his ambition shining through.

The weight of Rosinante's name within the Donquixote ranks was palpable. He wasn't just feared because of his power but because of the cold efficiency with which he carried out his operations. Even Doflamingo acknowledged that his younger brother's strategic mind had an edge, a ruthless clarity that often outshone even his own.

Rosinante didn't just read his enemies; he dismantled them, piece by piece, until they realized too late that they were never in control.

Issho, the moral pillar of the family, who often found himself torn between his values and his allegiance, shifted uneasily in his seat. His dark eyes, always calm, showed a flicker of conflict.

"Doffy, are we really going to stand by and do nothing? We know the truth about the Amber Lead disease. It's not contagious. If we act now, we could still save the innocents."

Doflamingo's laughter filled the room, cold and mocking. "Fufufufu... Issho, sometimes I wonder how my dear brother convinced someone like you to join us." He leaned forward, eyes gleaming behind his shades.

"Tell me, Issho-san... We're pirates. What exactly do you expect us to do? You think we're saviors?"

He didn't wait for an answer. "We gave them a warning, didn't we? Ross made sure of it. We spread the word. They know the risks, but greed, Issho—greed blinds men. It's their greed that will destroy them, not us. They can't see past their precious Amber Lead and the wealth it brings them. They ignore the sickness because it's easier than facing the truth." He leaned back again, his fingers tapping once more. "And you can't save someone from themselves, Issho. You can't save someone from the evil inside."

Issho frowned, the weight of Doflamingo's words pressing against his conscience. He knew Doffy was right, but it didn't make the situation any easier to swallow. The people of Flevance were deluding themselves, clinging to the prosperity Amber Lead brought, even as it slowly poisoned them.

"But the innocents... the children... they haven't done anything," Issho said softly, his voice full of unspoken pain. He wasn't one to back down easily, not when lives were at stake. He had joined the Donquixote family for reasons that were still personal and complicated, but he hadn't lost his sense of morality, his desire to protect those who couldn't protect themselves.

Doffy's laughter died in his throat, and his grin faded. He turned to face Issho, the air around him suddenly colder, more dangerous.

"And who decides who's innocent, Issho? You? Me? The World Government? God?" His voice grew sharper, more intense. "In this world, no one is innocent. The moment we're born, we're all the same—scrambling to survive, doing whatever it takes to live another day. Does being 'innocent' give someone the right to live? Does it protect them from the reality of this world?"

Issho clenched his fists under the table, his heart heavy with the weight of Doffy's words. He had always known the world was cruel, that the lines between right and wrong were often blurred beyond recognition. But still, he couldn't shake the feeling that some lives were worth saving.

Doflamingo leaned forward again, his voice low and dangerous. "If you want to play the hero, Issho, that's your choice. But don't forget—this world doesn't care about innocence. It only cares about strength. The strong survive, the weak perish. That's the law of this world." He paused, a devilish grin returning to his face. "And we, Issho... we are the strong. We are the ones who decide."

Issho didn't respond immediately, his mind racing. He knew Doffy was speaking the truth as he saw it—the brutal truth of the world they lived in. But that didn't make it any easier to accept.

Doffy's grin widened once more as he reclined in his chair, his amusement returning. "Fufufufu... Don't lose sleep over this, Issho. Soon enough, Flevance will fall. When it does, you'll see. Greed, not us, is what will bring them to their knees."

The room fell into a tense silence, and the casual atmosphere that had once filled the air was gone, replaced by the weight of unspoken truths. The Donquixote family was ruthless, yes, but it wasn't without its own internal complexities—its own twisted sense of justice.

Issho took a deep breath, trying to calm the storm brewing in his heart. He understood the bitter truth behind Doflamingo's words—he always had. The world was a cruel place, ruled by strength and greed.

But despite knowing this, his conscience still pushed him to act, to at least try. "In that case," Issho began, his voice steady but solemn, "I'd like to go to Flevance myself. I'm not sure how much of a difference I can make, but I would like to try."

Doflamingo leaned back in his chair, his grin fading slightly as he studied the blind swordsman. Issho, with all his ideals and morality, was an enigma in the family—so different from the ruthless mindset that the Donquixotes thrived on, yet so valuable in his own way.

Doffy sighed, shaking his head with a kind of amused resignation. Despite their clashing beliefs, Issho was part of the family, and family was everything to Doflamingo.

"Fine... if that's what you really want, I won't stop you." Doffy's tone softened, but there was still an edge of finality to his words.

"But if you're going to Flevance, I want you to ensure the safety of the child as your first priority. Oversee what's going on in North Blue while you're there. And take one of the kids along with you—let them learn what this world really is."

Issho gave a slight bow of his head, a gesture of gratitude and respect. He knew Doffy's permission was more than just approval; it was an acknowledgment of the trust that still existed between them, despite their differences. The room began to shift, the conversation turning to other matters as the Donquixote family continued to strategize.

Scarlett was the next to speak, her voice calm but serious. "Master Doffy, the World Government has reached out to us again through the Underworld Network. They want to acquire weapons in bulk, and they've been insistent on trying to purchase a railgun from us."

Doflamingo's grin returned, colder and sharper this time. "Fufufufufu... do they think we're fools?" He chuckled, leaning forward. "A railgun? They want to pry into our secrets. In their dreams! As for the other weapons, we can sell them. It's no skin off our backs, and we'll make sure to charge them more than double the standard price."

The Donquixote family had built a near-monopoly on the weapons trade. Their technological advancements had put them decades—sometimes even centuries—ahead of any other kingdom or power. With kingdoms across the seas emptying their treasuries for the latest weapons, they held a tight grip on the underworld markets. It wasn't just about power—it was about control.

But Diamante, always cautious, leaned forward with a frown. "Is it wise to sell our weapons to the World Government's dogs? They're amassing them for something big. It feels like they're preparing for a large-scale conflict. They're looking for steady suppliers... and I can't help but think there's more to this than meets the eye."

Doffy's fingers began tapping rhythmically on the armrest, his mind turning over Diamante's words. Although he knew their weapons wouldn't pose a threat to them, Diamante had a point. The sheer volume of weapons the Government was purchasing raised suspicions. Something was brewing, and it wasn't just about a few skirmishes here and there.

"Have our people look into it," Doffy ordered, his gaze shifting to Senor Pink. "I don't think the World Government would act hastily, but it's always good to be cautious."

Senor nodded, making a note of Doffy's instructions. The conversation shifted back to routine business, but before it could progress, a soft knock echoed through the room, drawing everyone's attention.

The door creaked open, revealing a small figure—Monet. She walked in with a folder in hand, her face as neutral as ever. Though young, she had proven herself to be an invaluable asset to the family. With her sister secured under the Donquixote banner, Monet's loyalty was now absolute. Every task she was given, she carried out with quiet, relentless efficiency.

"Master Doffy," Monet said, placing the folder in front of him. "We've found her."

Doflamingo's grin returned, slow and deliberate, as he picked up the folder. He opened it, skimming the contents, and his expression darkened with amusement.

"So, that's where you've been hiding..." His voice trailed off as his fingers traced the edge of the folder. "She'll make a fine pawn for what we have planned."

The room held its breath for a moment, waiting for Doffy's next move. He looked up from the folder, his grin widening. "Relay this message to my little brother," he said, handing the folder back to Monet. "Ross will know how to handle this... personally."

Monet bowed slightly and exited the room, her footsteps barely audible as she disappeared into the hallway.

*********

Logue Town, East Blue

The sun hung high over the bustling town of Loguetown, its rays reflecting off the calm waters surrounding the harbor. Loguetown was always alive with energy, but today was different.

It was the anniversary of Gol D. Roger's execution, a day that drew travelers, pirates, and tourists alike to the "Town of Beginning and the End." People gathered to pay homage, others to gawk, but all came for the same reason—to stand on the scaffold where the Pirate King met his end.

As I stood on the deck of our colossal ship, the gentle breeze blew through my hair, and for a moment, I thought I'd get to enjoy a peaceful arrival. That idea shattered quickly when a high-pitched whine echoed across the deck.

"Ross, I want to go too!" Dora, in her full, towering glory, threw herself onto the deck, rolling dramatically. The entire ship shook as she flailed, her enormous limbs making loud thuds every time they slammed into the wood. For a giant, she sure knew how to throw a tantrum like a toddler.

"Dora, for the love of...!" I began, pinching the bridge of my nose. But before I could finish, another voice chimed in.

"Yeah, Ross, we want to go too!" Leo, in his tiny yet enthusiastic tone, piped up, running in circles around Dora's massive form. Mansherry, always the follower, was right behind him, her delicate tail fluttering as she joined in the protest.

"I told you all to stay on the ship," I said firmly, though my voice lacked conviction.

"But it's the Town of Beginning and the End," Robin's soft, intelligent voice floated in from the side, adding fuel to the already chaotic fire. "A place rich with history. It would be a shame to miss such an opportunity." Her calm demeanor and mischievous smile told me she wasn't on my side in this.

I shot little Robin a tired look, and she gave me a little shrug, as if to say, Well, you brought this upon yourself.

To make matters worse, Miyamoto, sitting cross-legged and sharpening his sword nearby, let out a hearty laugh. He looked up from his work and gave me an amused grin. "You're in quite the bind, Ross Kun. You can't deny a child like Dora—especially when she's throwing a fit like that. She might tip the whole ship over."

Dora, hearing that, dramatically increased her tantrum, rolling from one side of the deck to the other, her enormous arms flailing in exaggerated frustration. "I want to see the scaffold where Roger died!" she wailed, her booming voice making the wood creak under her weight. Each time she rolled, the whole ship shook violently, as if it were caught in a storm.

By now, Leo and Mansherry had joined in fully, both lying on their backs next to Dora and pretending to cry in sync.

"Ross! Please! We have to go!" Leo shouted between fake sobs, while Mansherry pouted, tears sparkling in her big eyes. The three of them had formed a tiny, yet obnoxious, rebellion.

Robin, the main instigator, was standing off to the side with a book in her hand, smirking as she watched the chaos unfold. She was adding more kindling to the fire. "You know, Brother Ross, I think it would be educational for all of us... and besides, who knows when we will ever come back here?"

I groaned audibly, looking up at the sky as if some divine intervention would swoop in and save me from this madness.

"You should probably just give in now," Miyamoto chuckled again, crossing his arms as he leaned back against the mast, thoroughly enjoying my misery. He had been the one who mentioned the significance of Loguetown, and now I was paying the price.

From the corner of the deck, I heard an all-too-familiar voice grumble. "Why don't you just say no, huh? Stop letting them walk all over you."

It was Smoker, I knew the little rascal was the one who taught Dora how to throw a tantrum . He was savoring his candy, watching the chaos unfold with an amused grin on his face. But before he could continue, a swift smack came down on the back of his head.

"Quiet! This was all your fault…." Lucci snapped, smacking Smoker's head harder than necessary. He had a deadly serious expression, but Hattori, the pigeon perched on his shoulder, was less composed.

The bird let out an exaggerated squawk, mimicking Dora's tantrum with uncanny accuracy. "I want to go! I want to go!" Hattori shrieked, his tiny wings flapping.

Lucci's eye twitched as he glared at the bird. "You're not helping, Hattori."

The bird merely puffed out its chest and squawked louder, enjoying the role it had taken up.

I sighed deeply, rubbing my temples as the headache grew. I had a ship full of lunatics, and they were all working against me.

Just as I was about to respond, I noticed something out of the corner of my eye. A small crowd had gathered at the port, staring up at us in disbelief.

The sheer size of our ship had already drawn attention, but now Dora's tantrum—her rolling, flailing, and shouting—was turning heads like nothing else. The citizens of Loguetown were looking up, wide-eyed and mouths agape, as the colossal ship made its approach.

Some onlookers screamed, assuming an attack was imminent. Others dropped whatever they were holding, frozen in place by the sight of a giant thrashing on a ship. The closer we got, the more panicked the crowd became. It was like a scene straight out of a nightmare.

"Is that... a GIANT!?" one man shouted from the dock, pointing up at Dora, who was now dramatically lying on her back with her arms crossed over her chest.

"Are they invading!?" Another woman screamed, her groceries spilling onto the ground as she turned and bolted.

The Marines stationed at the port were already scrambling to respond. Alarms began to blare, and ships started mobilizing as if preparing for an all-out war. Marines ran back and forth, shouting orders, their faces pale with fear.

"Mobilize the fleet! Prepare to intercept!" One officer barked, waving his arms wildly.

I groaned again. Great. Now I was going to have to explain this mess.

"Dora," I said, finally relenting. "Fine. You can come to the island. But—" Before I could finish, Dora shot up from the deck, her face lighting up with pure joy. The whole ship shook with the force of her movement, almost throwing me off balance.

"YAYYYYYY!!!" Dora cheered, shaking her fists in excitement. The thunderous sound of her voice echoed across the harbor, making the citizens of Loguetown cower in fear.

"I was going to say... you need to behave," I muttered weakly, knowing full well it was a lost cause.

Leo and Mansherry immediately stopped their fake crying and jumped to their feet, cheering alongside Dora. Even Robin had a small smile of satisfaction on her face, though she pretended to focus on her book.

As I turned back to the shore, I saw the full-scale panic unfolding below. Marines were scrambling onto their ships, preparing for what they probably thought was an invasion by a giant pirate crew. The alarms blared louder, and smoke began rising from the port as they readied their cannons.

"We're going to have a lot of explaining to do when we get there," I sighed, finally accepting my fate.

Miyamoto stood up, sheathing his sword with a laugh. "Don't worry, Ross kun. The chaos is half the fun."

I looked at him incredulously. "*You* caused this mess!"

With the ship approaching the harbor, Dora stood tall at the bow, waving excitedly at the townspeople below. "Look! We're going to the scaffold!" she bellowed.

The crowd below only screamed louder.

"Well," Smoker muttered, unwrapping another candy wrapper, "this should be interesting."

Lucci remained silent, but Hattori had one last squawk to add: "Behave, behave, behave!"

With the ship nearing the port and the Marines on high alert, I couldn't help but shake my head. Today was going to be a long day.

*****

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