Chapter 31: Plans

"So… what if I said I wanted to take revenge on Mariejois?"

Doflamingo's voice came hesitantly through the phone. He paused for a moment, as if waiting for Claudius's response, but before Claudius could answer, he quickly added, "Of course, not revenge on you, cousin. I know you've always treated me well. If it weren't for your support over the years, I probably wouldn't have made it this far. And if my father hadn't stubbornly refused your kindness, we wouldn't have ended up living in such a miserable state…"

Claudius didn't hesitate. Doflamingo wanting revenge on Mariejois made sense to him. After all, Claudius himself had plans to turn Mariejois upside down when the time was right. He wasn't planning on staying a Celestial Dragon forever.

A few years ago, he'd been too young, still figuring things out. Back then, Claudius lacked the strength and influence to make any real moves. But now, things were different. He might not be at the peak of his power yet, but he was more than capable of holding his own in this vast ocean. If he were in the Navy, he figured he could easily hold the rank of Vice Admiral by now.

His age was no longer a limitation, and he was beginning to think it was time to start laying the groundwork recruiting allies, building up his own forces. Claudius knew it would be a long process before he had enough power to pull off what he was planning, but that was fine. He was still young, and there was plenty of time.

Now, with Doflamingo at a breaking point with his family and ready to strike out on his own, things were aligning in Claudius's favor. Doflamingo needed time to rise to power, to establish himself. Perhaps, by the time Doflamingo succeeded, he would be a valuable ally in Claudius's own plans.

So, rather than stopping him, Claudius fully intended to support him. Their bond had grown stronger over the years, and Doflamingo essentially saw Claudius as the only family member who truly understood him.

Sure, Doflamingo might want to carve his own path for a while, aiming to create his empire, but Claudius was confident. When Doflamingo eventually realized he needed more, there was a high chance he would fall under Claudius's banner completely.

This was the perfect time for investment.

"I've already told you, Doffy," Claudius said with a smile, "you're my brother the person I trust most. You know you're my only family. So, whatever you decide to do, even if it's taking revenge on Mariejois, I'll support you. In fact, I wouldn't mind seeing those pompous fools taken down a peg myself. Maybe our timing will be perfect."

"The only family…" Doflamingo whispered to himself.

His eyes reddened. Despite his resolve to strike out on his own, he was still just a thirteen-year-old boy. His mother had passed away. His father had dragged their family from the heights of privilege to the depths of despair. His younger brother, Rosinante, didn't understand him at all, holding on to naïve ideals and fantasies that Doflamingo found insufferable.

If he were to count the people who truly understood him, only his cousin Claudius came to mind. Now, hearing Claudius call him his only family stirred something deep within Doflamingo's heart.

Though he still had his father and brother, none of them were like Claudius. Claudius was the only one who really understood him the only one who was truly family.

If Claudius had known what Doflamingo was thinking, he might have felt a pang of guilt. It was true that he had some thoughts of using Doflamingo for his own purposes, but it was also true that, aside from that, Doflamingo really was his only family. Claudius didn't consider Homing or Rosinante as family. In his eyes, they were more like burdens or nuisances.

"I knew it, cousin. I knew you'd support me," Doflamingo said, his voice filled with excitement. "Let's turn this world upside down together, the two of us!"

"Hahaha, exactly!" Claudius laughed. "We'll turn this world on its head."

After a moment, Claudius's tone shifted as he asked, "So, what's your plan? What do you need from me? Just tell me, Doffy."

Doflamingo paused for a second, then said, somewhat shyly, "Cousin, do you know about Haki?"

"Huh? Of course I do. You should know I've always been interested in that sort of thing," Claudius replied.

"Good. Something strange happened recently. While I was fighting a mob that was bullying Rosinante, I suddenly awakened this power called 'Conqueror's Haki.' Because of that, a few people approached me. They seem to think I have the potential to be a king. They've pledged their loyalty to me, calling me 'Young Master.' With them by my side, I'm ready to make my move."

As Doflamingo explained, Claudius felt a wave of disbelief wash over him. He had spent years honing his skills, pushing himself to the limit, but he hadn't managed to awaken Conqueror's Haki. Meanwhile, his cousin, after suffering in North Blue, had accidentally unlocked it and, on top of that, had people lining up to pledge their allegiance to him.

Claudius couldn't help but compare their experiences. He had worked so hard to earn every bit of power, even managing to recruit Stussy into his circle. But Doflamingo, despite his miserable circumstances, had managed to awaken Conqueror's Haki and gain followers just like that.

Claudius thought with a wry smile. Why is no one falling over themselves to be my follower?

Then he remembered Rothschild, the Celestial Dragon who had begged to be his subordinate back on Sabaody Archipelago. Claudius had turned him down, of course. Maybe he shouldn't have been so quick to refuse?

Doflamingo really does have the protagonist's template if only he wasn't a villain, Claudius thought with amusement. Born into a Celestial Dragon family, cast down into hardship, and now rising through sheer force of will. And now, he's awakened Conqueror's Haki.

Claudius sighed inwardly. In a different world, Doflamingo could have easily been the main character of some epic saga.

He even has me behind him, like some powerful mentor figure. Damn, the kid's got it all.

"Cousin? Cousin, are you still there?" Doflamingo's voice interrupted Claudius's thoughts.

"Ah, yeah, sorry. Just lost in thought for a moment," Claudius said, brushing it off. "So, what's your next move?"

"I'm going to form the Donquixote Family. I'll start by taking control of the area where we've been living. I'll become the biggest power in the region's underground, and from there… I'll keep growing," Doflamingo explained. His voice was filled with determination, and it was clear he'd been thinking about this for a long time.

Claudius listened carefully. Everything was pretty much as he'd expected. Doflamingo was planning to build his own crew, get involved in the underworld, expand his influence, and eventually take on the World Government.

There were a lot of holes in Doflamingo's plan, but Claudius knew those would get filled in over time. As Doflamingo gained experience, he would grow stronger, smarter, and eventually become the infamous "Heavenly Demon."

Once Doflamingo finished laying out his plan, Claudius asked, "So, how can I help you? What do you need from me?"

There was a brief silence on the other end before Doflamingo spoke, sounding a bit embarrassed. "Well… I was hoping… you could lend me some money, cousin. Just to get started."

Claudius blinked in surprise. All Doflamingo wanted was a loan? Given how difficult life had been for him in North Blue, Claudius had expected him to ask for something bigger.

His heart went out to his cousin. It was clear how much Doflamingo had suffered. Feeling a surge of brotherly affection, Claudius spoke generously.

"We're brothers, Doffy. You don't need to borrow anything from me. When you left Mariejois, you gave me all your slaves. Think of this as me returning the favor. I'll send you one billion Baileys to start. Is that enough? If you need more, don't hesitate to ask."

"One… one billion?" Doflamingo stammered. Having lived in poverty for so long, he had lost touch with the value of money. For years, he'd been scraping by, barely able to earn enough to survive. Now, his cousin was offering him one billion Baileys as if it were nothing. It was more than he could've imagined.

Moved to tears, Doflamingo said emotionally, "Cousin, you're the best. Don't worry, I won't let you down. I'll make something great of myself, and I'll repay your trust."

"Hahaha, you're part of the Donquixote family, Doffy. I know you'll rise to become someone important. Work hard, and if you ever need anything else, just let me know. As long as I can help, I will," Claudius said with a hearty laugh.

After exchanging a few more words, the call ended. Claudius put the receiver down and gazed out toward the island that was now in clear view.

"Finally, the wheels are in motion. The figures of this era are slowly starting to move. I can't afford to lag behind," Claudius muttered to himself, a sense of anticipation swelling in his chest.

Nia standing nearby, heard his words and asked, "Your Highness, what are you thinking about?"

"Hahaha, nothing too serious. Just feeling a bit reflective," Claudius replied with a grin.

Meanwhile, at the port of Cornillo Island, Dragon had just stepped off a small boat. He turned to glance toward the horizon and noticed a larger ship flying the World Government's flag approaching the dock.

"That's probably him," Dragon said quietly, watching the ship draw closer. "It's been years since we last met. I wonder if Mr. Crowe has changed… and if he'll agree with my ideas."

Instead of leaving, Dragon stayed at the harbor, waiting for the ship to dock, curious to see if the man he had invited Claudius was indeed onboard.

At the same time, in the Holy Land of Mariejois, the headquarters of the World Government, the Five Elders were gathered together, deep in discussion. The tides of the era were shifting, and by 1496, the tremors of change had already begun to be felt around the world.