When Ian and his group landed on this island, they noticed a pirate ship docked by the shore with a bow shaped like a flamingo's head.
Standing at the ship's railing, Drake gazed into the distance at the city where gunfire and explosions echoed nonstop.
This country must have been a peaceful place before.
But just because someone wanted to help the Beasts Pirates sell weapons, it had been turned into this chaotic state.
Pirates—they really are just a bunch of scum.
That was what he thought.
"Are you thinking of joining the island's war too?"
A soft, girlish voice suddenly came from beside him.
Drake turned and saw a little girl with a big bow tied on her head.
She didn't look even ten years old, but Drake knew she was already part of the Donquixote Family.
Drake stayed silent.
"Law also wants to go ashore and cause some trouble."
The girl, undeterred by Drake's cold response, continued on her own, "He's always talking about killing, always saying he wants to destroy the entire world."
Destroy the entire world?
Drake couldn't help but glance at another boy standing by the railing.
Wearing a spotted hat and an emotionless expression, the boy was also staring at the city in the distance, just like Drake.
A child this young, already consumed with thoughts of destruction and killing?
It's the Donquixote Family that made him this way!
Pirates—they're truly the cancer of this world!
Drake's expression remained blank as he watched the group return—the troublemakers were back.
Ian and the others had come back from the island.
"Young Master!"
The young girl beside him cheerfully waved at Doflamingo.
Drake scoffed a little.
The group boarded the ship.
"Brother Ian!"
Jack and Black Maria also came to welcome Ian and Yamato back.
"How did it go?"
Black Maria asked with a cheerful smile.
"Not interesting at all."
Yamato pouted, shaking her head.
"I wasn't asking you."
Ian rolled his eyes.
"It went well. Doffy's a genius at this stuff—looks like we can let him handle the North Blue weapons trade."
"Fufufu, leave it all to me," Doflamingo let out a long sigh of relief—this was as official as it gets.
"Let's head back," Ian said. "Get a night's rest, and we'll return to the New World."
"Huh?"
Umit looked a bit puzzled. "Is there such a rush?"
"That's right,"
Doflamingo added, "There are a lot of interesting places in North Blue. I was thinking I could show you around a bit."
"I don't have time to sightsee with you."
Ian shook his head.
They still needed to make a trip to Fish-Man Island—there was a lot to take care of.
However...
He glanced at Doflamingo with interest. "But you could come along with us and see the New World."
"What do you mean?"
Doflamingo's expression shifted slightly.
Ian got straight to the point. "Kaido-sensei said he wants to see you."
"..."
Doflamingo's smile became a bit stiff.
Kaido?
"Of course, there's no way to refuse, but there's no need to worry,"
Ian spoke casually, "He probably just wants to ask about the things I asked you before. Just say whatever you think is right."
"Is that so?"
Doflamingo chuckled, "Kaido of the Hundered Beasts, one of the strongest pirates in the world, I have been wanting to meet him for a long time."
The friendship of the Beasts Pirates and Kaido's friendship are likely two different things, right?
Also, using this as a chance to venture into the New World seems like a good idea.
Though the North Blue is vast, it's still too small compared to the New World.
In the end, the four seas are still backwaters in this world—the Grand Line is where the strong truly shine!
The Donquixote family should also aim to make its mark in the New World!
But of course, the business in the North Blue can't be neglected either.
After all, the foundation of the cooperation with the Beasts Pirates is the weapon trade in the North Blue.
"Then you can look forward to it," Ian smiled lightly.
Even though Doflamingo was smiling happily now, he probably wouldn't be smiling once he meets Kaido.
Kaido has always looked down on the weak.
And in the original story, Kaido's assessment of Doflamingo was, "Joker, you're too weak."
Just as they were about to set sail, with the ship already leaving the island, Doflamingo's pocketed Den Den Mushi suddenly buzzed loudly.
"Hm?"
Doflamingo was a little surprised and took out the Den Den Mushi to answer, "Who is it?"
"It's me! David!"
General David on the other end of the line sounded incredibly panicked. "Doflamingo! Quick! Come save me!"
Ian turned his head in surprise.
From the Den Den Mushi, aside from David's voice, there was a series of explosions and rumbling noises. It seemed like the guy was right in the middle of a battlefield, under heavy bombardment.
Doflamingo's smile faded, and his expression darkened.
"Didn't we just say that the war wouldn't end so soon? Is David really going to be taken out already? What is he doing? Does the king's army of this country have such power?"
**********
Support me on my patreon and read upto 15 early chapters.
patreon.com/PirateKing24