Chapter 260

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Three days later, the news of 'Heavenly Gold' being robbed still spread across the seas.

Donquixote Doflamingo's name resonated throughout the world!

Everyone who heard about it wanted to know what kind of person would dare to steal the 'Heavenly Gold' from the Celestial Dragons?

In comparison, this act was not even less significant than Fisher Tiger's incident of infiltrating the Holy Land Mariejois and freeing the slaves.

However, no one was optimistic about Doflamingo's chances of survival.

What awaited him was inevitably the personal intervention of an Admiral from the Navy.

But that did not stop a massive number of pirates from worshiping Doflamingo as they did Fisher Tiger!

Especially in the North Blue, the stronghold and rear base of the Donquixote family.

Now, there were almost no forces daring enough to challenge the Donquixote family, and when mentioning the name Donquixote Doflamingo, there was nothing but pride and honor!

Morgans, who personally broke this major news, received a severe warning from the World Government, but because he disliked others controlling his reporting, he still withstood the pressure.

All of this was part of Doflamingo's plan.

Under immense public pressure, the Five Elders, who originally had divided opinions, quickly made a decision.

They could agree to Doflamingo's conditions, but only if he personally visited the Holy Land Mariejois to ensure the secrecy of the Celestial Dragons would not be compromised.

If consensus couldn't be reached, they would mobilize all Admirals to exterminate the Donquixote family, taking the risk of their secrets being leaked, and eradicate every informed individual!

Doflamingo, having stolen 'Heavenly Gold' and possessing secrets of the Celestial Dragons, had the opportunity to negotiate with the World Government, but that didn't mean he could do as he pleased.

Luckily for Doflamingo, he had never intended to completely turn against them, so he ultimately accepted their condition.

Despite opposition from his other officers, who thought that visiting Mariejois alone was too dangerous,

Doflamingo seemed confident and unworried about his safety.

Unbeknownst to the rest, Doflamingo eventually decided to head to Mariejois alone.

Nobody knew what Doflamingo did or who he met in Mariejois.

All that was known was that half a day later, Doflamingo left the Holy Land unharmed and with a brazen smile on his face.

It seemed that he got everything he wanted from the visit.

Another day later, the World Government released news that shocked the entire sea!

For willingly handing over the 'Heavenly Gold', Doflamingo's crimes were pardoned. He was awarded the title of one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea, along with the privilege of being a privateer with a legal charter.

Everyone seeing the news was dumbfounded!

They had been waiting for the World Government to send an Admiral to fight it out with him, but the situation ended so anticlimactically. And who didn't know 'Heavenly Gold' was stolen by Doflamingo himself?

Ah, so I steal your stuff, return it, and all is forgiven?

Not only is there no retribution, but they freaking make Doflamingo one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea?!Has the world gone mad?

Many are puzzled by the World Government's actions due to a lack of insight into the deal.

Since when did the Celestial Dragons become so amenable?

It's all too strange!

There's speculation that Donquixote Doflamingo may have conducted some covert dealings with the World Government, but no one can pin down what the actual deal was.

Doflamingo himself seems to have no intention of revealing any details, creating one of the most discussed unsolved mysteries of the moment.

However, it has led many pirates to believe they have found a new path to fame.

They aim to emulate Doflamingo's actions, seizing 'heavenly gold' to make a name for themselves on the seas, and ultimately gain the title of one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea.

Sadly, these pirates see only the surface; even if they succeed, they're on a path to certain death.

Moreover, it's easy to imagine how much the armed forces guarding the 'heavenly gold' will bolster in the coming years.

So, good luck to those daring souls.

Regardless, Doflamingo has achieved his goal, not only securing his position as one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea but also making a name across the seas.

Most importantly, he has successfully opened both legal and illegal channels, allowing him to expand his family's influence and business without fear of pursuit by the Navy.

Even his trip to the Holy Land of Mariejois brought an unexpected boon, reconnecting him with the Celestial Dragons.

From now on, for businesses like smuggling and slave trading, he can directly deal with auctions backed by Celestial Dragons or the World Government.

This instantly cements his position as the underground world's most connected middleman, without equal.

After Doflamingo became a Warlord, Rear Admiral Crane, who was responsible for pursuing him, ended her mission and prepared to return to Navy Headquarters to report.

On the day she was leaving the North Sea, Doflamingo personally went with his executives to 'see her off.'

"Ms. Crane, I have kept my word. Now here I stand before you, untouchable, ha ha ha ha ha."

Doflamingo appeared less tense and more relaxed and courteous than before when facing Crane, contrary to his previous frantic state, where he would curse calling her an 'old hag' or 'old woman.'

Crane, however, remained calm, "Doflamingo, the status of a Warlord will not protect you forever."

"Moreover, if I were to risk my position as Rear Admiral to capture you and confine you in Impel Down now, do you think anyone would come to your defense?"

Doflamingo's expression changed instantly, and he quickly ceased his provocations, stepping aside, "It was just a joke. In the Navy, the person I respect most is Ms. Crane. If possible, I hope our relationship can remain as it is now."

"You'd best mean that, as one day, you might still end up captured by my own hands."

"What a terrifying threat, I will certainly try my best to not give you that opportunity. Have a pleasant journey, and until we meet again, maybe at Navy Headquarters. I've long wanted to visit there, and perhaps Ms. Crane will agree to be my guide."

Crane did not entertain the buoyant Doflamingo any further and boarded the naval ship.

Her past concerns had ultimately become reality.