Chapter 25

Law was caught and brought back without much delay.

The reason was that Doflamingo had already given the order: if Abel and Law tried to escape, they should be captured immediately.

Even though Corazon pretended that nothing had happened and didn't order anyone to capture Law, he still couldn't escape.

Law was confined, and Abel, wanting to advise him, was stopped outside.

Even though he had joined the Donquixote family, his status was still too low. As a mere trainee member, he naturally couldn't make them violate Doflamingo's orders.

Even if he got Baby-5 to help, it was useless.

With no other options, he had to give up.

In any case, as long as Law kept his mouth shut when the time came, there would be no problem.

A day later, Doflamingo, who had swiftly eradicated the traitors, returned.

They seemed to have gained a lot; boxes of money, and various gold, silver, and jewels were all brought back.

However, their expressions were grim, almost as if they had been through a rough patch.

It turned out the reason they came back so quickly was due to the navy led by Sengoku chasing them.

In order to shake off the annoying navy, Doflamingo had to stay behind alone, board the navy ship, engage in a battle with Sengoku, and then escape through the sky using the power of his Ito Ito no Mi fruit.

"That old hag really never gives up!"

Thud!

Returning to the base, Doflamingo was exasperated and slammed his fist on the table.

"It's strange, our decision to handle the traitor at Rai Kisu was impromptu, yet the navy showed up there as if they knew in advance. Could it be..."

"Shut up, Jora!"

"This is just a coincidence, I don't want to hear any baseless speculations."

"I'm sorry, Young Master."

Doflamingo, uncharacteristically furious, reprimanded Jora.

He preferred to believe this was just a coincidence or the navy had information about their movements, rather than suspect those present.

Once seeds of mutual suspicion were sown, the so-called family would eventually fall apart.

Unless there was substantial evidence proving someone betrayed them, betrayed the family.

In that case, he would personally execute them!

At this point, two subordinates brought Law over.

"Young Master, we don't know why, but this brat suddenly tried to escape. As per your orders, as soon as we found out, we brought him back immediately."

"Let me go!"

Law struggled futilely.

Moreover, when he saw Corazon sitting by the table, sipping his tea as if nothing happened, he was shocked, his heart sinking rapidly.

He couldn't believe that Corazon was still alive?

Now everything was over.

This guy must have told Doflamingo everything.

However, something unexpected happened.

Doflamingo suddenly burst into laughter, "Heh, heh, heh, Corazon, it seems you've been tough on them."

Corazon just calmly sipped his tea, as if to acknowledge the statement.

"Alright, let him go. And those hiding outside, come in."

Law was visibly confused, "Could it be that Corazon...?"

Could it be that Corazon didn't say anything? But why? Is he deliberately covering for me? No, that's impossible! There must be some plot behind his actions. Moreover, the people he saw that day were not just..."

At this moment, Baby-5, Buffalo, and Abel, who had been peering through the window, entered the room.

Buffalo even gave Law a menacing grin.

"Damn it!"

Law thought that because Doflamingo and the others had just returned, this imbecile didn't get the chance to gossip yet, but now they certainly wouldn't let him go.

However, unexpectedly, Buffalo just smiled and did nothing.

Then, Law caught a reassuring glance from Abel.

Although he had no idea what was going on, it seemed like they had successfully weathered the storm?

Law felt a little relieved.

Abel, on the other hand, was mainly focusing on the people in the room.

He was comparing the appearances and attire with the names he remembered, realizing that aside from Vergo, who was likely undercover in the Navy, the Donquixote Family was 'complete', only missing two or three people.

For instance, the legally underage Sugar, whose whereabouts were still unknown.

Viola wouldn't be forced to join until after Doflamingo usurped the throne of Dressrosa.

Dellinger, wearing a bull horn hat, was still a baby, currently being cared for by Jora.

Just then, Doflamingo spoke up.

"Law, Abel, from now on, you two are official members of the Donquixote Family."

This announcement left everyone in shock!

After all, not even a week had passed since they had started their apprenticeship.

Doflamingo had always indulged Corazon's behavior, not only because he was his younger brother but also because he saw Corazon's torment as a test, only those who endured could become official members.

Both Baby-5 and Buffalo had undergone the same process.

But now, with the test only halfway done and with Law's attempted escape, Doflamingo's sudden decree was nothing short of surprising!

However, no one dared to question Doflamingo's decision this time.

After all, they had long realized that Doflamingo was determined to keep these two kids. His sudden action now was probably because he didn't want Corazon to really drive them away.

This left Corazon speechless.

His perfect excuse was gone.

Abel and Law becoming official members of the family meant that he couldn't carry on as he had before, at least not to such an extreme.

"Forget it, they're just two pitiful children with not much time left anyway. If they stay, they might at least live peacefully for the remaining years," Corazon contemplated, finally deciding to let go of his issues with Law.

"Starting tomorrow, I'll arrange for comprehensive learning for you two. Whether or not you can seize this opportunity to change your destiny will depend on your efforts and luck," Doflamingo declared.

It wasn't a whimsical decision from Doflamingo. He was genuinely tired of this cat-and-mouse game with the Navy. He didn't wish to hide anymore; he desired to appear openly before the world. As such, he needed to speed up the process of secretly accumulating strength in the North Sea.

Moreover, the situations of Abel and Law were particularly unique. If they wasted their already limited time on irrelevant matters, what would be the point of taking them in? As a 'businessman', Doflamingo naturally didn't want to run at a loss.