Five Elders

As the Five Elders made their presence known, the atmosphere grew tense with their formidable aura. The Matriarch bowed respectfully, a gesture of deference to their esteemed status.

Warcury's piercing gaze fell upon Garling, his curiosity piqued. "Garling, is this the little one who released Conqueror's Haki?" he inquired, his tone laced with intrigue.

Garling affirmed Warcury's query with a nod. "Yes, he is the one. And at just three years old, he possesses remarkable strength," Garling confirmed, his voice tinged with admiration for Doflamingo's prowess.

Saturn, one of the Elders, turned his attention to Doflamingo, a challenge gleaming in his eyes. "Punch me, kid," he commanded, his tone authoritative yet expectant.

Without hesitation, Doflamingo obeyed, delivering a powerful blow to Saturn's chest. But to his surprise, it was Doflamingo's hand that recoiled in pain, while Saturn remained unfazed.

"Incredible power," Saturn remarked, his gaze fixed upon Doflamingo with a mixture of astonishment and respect.

Nusjuro, another of the Elders, observed Doflamingo with keen interest, noting the sharpness of his eyes and the aura that surrounded him. Drawing a sheathed sword from his side, Nusjuro extended it towards Doflamingo.

"Take it out, Doffy," Nusjuro instructed, his tone firm yet encouraging.

Mars, witnessing the exchange, voiced his concern. "Are you crazy, Nusjuro? That's Rock's sword," he admonished, his voice filled with apprehension.

But Nusjuro remained undeterred, his confidence unwavering. "Just watch," he replied cryptically.

Curious and intrigued, Doflamingo accepted the offered sword, gripping it firmly in his hand. With a swift motion, he drew the blade from its sheath, revealing its sleek black surface.

"Holy... it's a black sword," Doflamingo marveled, his eyes widening in awe at the weapon's dark beauty.

As Doflamingo effortlessly wielded the sword, the Five Elders stood in stunned silence, their disbelief palpable. Mars, in particular, couldn't contain his astonishment.

"It looks like you don't know what you just accomplished, kid," Mars remarked solemnly, his tone tinged with reverence. "This is the sword of Rocks. It couldn't be tamed by any of us. It always fought back. But in your hand, it is calm and controlled."

Nusjuro extended the offer to become his disciple, and Doflamingo eagerly accepted, nodding with enthusiasm. "Okay, teacher," he replied eagerly, his eyes shining with anticipation.

Chuckling warmly, Nusjuro presented the sword to Doflamingo as a gift, his gesture met with gratitude and joy from the young Celestial Dragon.

Meanwhile, Warcury's attention turned to the Matriarch, addressing her with a hint of familiarity. "Hmm, Matriarch, then your father is... Homing?" he inquired, his tone laced with curiosity.

Doflamingo bristled at the mention of Homing, dismissing him as "trash" in a display of disdain. Warcury's laughter echoed through the air, amused by Doflamingo's outspokenness.

As Shepherd, one of the Five Elders addressed the Matriarch, a sense of nostalgia washed over her. "I am very happy with Doffy by my side, Patriarch," she replied respectfully, her voice filled with gratitude for the protection and guidance they had offered her.

Confusion flickered across Doflamingo's face as he overheard the conversation. "Mom, why are you calling him Patriarch?" he queried, his curiosity piqued.

The Matriarch sighed softly, her fingers gently grasping Doflamingo's ears as she explained, "Doffy before I married Homing, I was in Elder Shepherd's family. After marriage, the girls changed their surname."

Shepherd, affectionately known as Grandpa Shepherd to Doflamingo, interjected with a smile. "Say 'Grandpa,' kid," he suggested, but Doflamingo remained silent.

Unfazed by Doflamingo's reticence, the Matriarch urged him on, her grip on his ears firm yet gentle. Reluctantly, Doflamingo relented, addressing Shepherd as "Grandpa," his words laced with a hint of reluctance.

Pleased with Do flamingo's compliance, Shepherd reached into his pocket, withdrawing a stack of black notes. Handing them to Doflamingo, he instructed, "Buy something with these."

Doflamingo examined the unfamiliar currency, intrigued by its dark hue. Pocketing the notes, he nodded in acknowledgment, silently resolving to make good use of Shepherd's gift.

As Shepherd bid Doflamingo farewell, he expressed his confidence in the young Celestial Dragon's future. "Train well, kid. We have high hopes for you," he remarked, his voice tinged with pride and expectation.

Nusjuro, another of the Elders, offered his guidance to Doflamingo, inviting him to visit his residence for training sessions starting the next day. With a sense of purpose and determination, Doflamingo accepted the offer, eager to embark on the path laid out before him.

As Garling and the Five Elders departed, Nusjuro couldn't help but remark on Shepherd's good fortune. "You've got luck, Shepherd," Warcury said a note of admiration in his voice. Shepherd smiled in response to his words.

In the sanctuary of their home, the Matriarch gently retrieved the black notes from Doflamingo's pocket, her touch reverent as she cradled them in her hands. Sensing her son's concern, she reassured him with a tender smile. "Don't worry, little Doffy. I will keep them safe for you until you grow up," she promised, her voice filled with maternal warmth.

Doflamingo nodded in agreement, trusting his mother implicitly. Although he didn't fully understand the significance of the black notes, he found solace in his mother's assurance.

Unbeknownst to Doflamingo, each of those black notes held immense value, worth one billion beli each. In a world where power and wealth held sway, such a fortune was beyond comprehension. Even the highest bounty, that of the legendary Whitebeard, paled in comparison at 2.1 billion beli.

Yet, as the weight of prosperity lay within arm's reach, Doflamingo remained blissfully unaware, drifting into a peaceful slumber in the comforting embrace of his mother's arms. And as the gentle rhythm of his breath filled the room, a sense of tranquility settled over them both, a fleeting moment of respite in the tumultuous sea of their lives.