One Piece: Crown of Darkness

Charlotte Linlin's wedding was absurdly speechless, but after eating the wedding cake, her mood was indeed very, very, very good. No tantrums, no pouting, no explosive temper—just pure, delightful savoring of the sweet deliciousness in her mouth.

She was practically a large, somewhat homely, benevolent aunt, a complete reversal from her usual image...

This also made Doflamingo understand why the Big Mom Pirates, though not enthusiastic, actively supported Charlotte Linlin's frequent weddings.

Anyway, while Charlotte Linlin was still in high spirits, everything was negotiable. Doflamingo had already left the Big Mom Pirates about a week ago and was about to reach the coast of Arinland. It was too late for Charlotte Linlin to regret it now!

He wasn't alone.

Doflamingo had acquired enforcers from the Big Mom Pirates, operating under Big Mom's flag.

Two of them.

One was Charlotte Daifuku, the third son of the Charlotte Family, who was already somewhat famous in the New World.

Charlotte Linlin's exact words were, "Because you mediated the dispute between Mama and the 'Golden Lion,' allowing Mama to smoothly eat her wedding cake, Mama is very happy and will strongly support you"

... A nonsensical reason.

It wasn't even because Doflamingo resolved the issue of her offending the 'Golden Lion''s dignity, allowing her to return to the New World instead of continuing to seek refuge in the South Blue?!

The other was Smoothie.

Charlotte Linlin eventually agreed to Smoothie being with Doflamingo, but there was a catch!

It was temporary.

Once Doflamingo decided to venture into the Grand Line, Smoothie had to return to the Big Mom Pirates and wait for him to gain fame and propose.

He couldn't use the Big Mom Pirates' power to enter the Grand Line; both Charlotte Linlin and he felt this way, as it concerned a pirate's sole glory and dignity.

The last one was a small singing ship, with two hundred anthropomorphic chess piece "Homies."

...

Blue sky, white clouds, gentle cries of gulls.

And fair company.

A beautiful day, a lovely afternoon that should have been spent drinking tea.

Doflamingo continued his training without slack, doubling his efforts especially after witnessing the world's peak.

The 'Golden Lion''s imposing presence truly left a deep impression on him... Sometimes he couldn't help but think that Trebol and Diamante being scared to death of the 'Golden Lion' made perfect sense; their fear was justified.

"Take a break, Do... Doffy," Smoothie said, slightly shy, offering him a towel.

Doflamingo put down his training equipment and wiped away his profuse sweat. "Thanks, fufufufu~ We'll be at our destination soon."

"Young lovers, so clingy, truly enviable and jealous," Daifuku teased from the side. True to his name, his appearance exuded good fortune, with large earlobes big enough for three earrings. He had a buzz cut, dull small eyes, and a heavy fur coat that couldn't hide his robust, tall physique, though he had disproportionately short legs.

Smoothie might be shy with Doflamingo, but she was blunt with Daifuku. "Daifuku-nii, you're also at an age to find a wife, but you're still single."

Daifuku: "..."

Single...

Single...

Single...

"Don't worry, if you're willing, I can help you find someone," Doflamingo chimed in, supporting Smoothie.

Daifuku rolled his eyes. "It's no use! According to Mama, none of us children have the right to choose our preferred partners. Political marriages are our ultimate destiny..." He saw it very clearly, so he sighed to Smoothie, "Not everyone is as lucky as you, Smoothie. Cherish it! My sister, Doffy is really good."

"Fufufufu~ You're praising me so much, I'm getting embarrassed," Doflamingo chuckled.

Daifuku rubbed his buzz cut and changed the subject. "Doffy. Seriously, you handled the 'Golden Lion' so he won't bother Mama, but what about 'Whitebeard'? Mama played a bit too big this time, accidentally infringing on the territory of two Sea Emperors and needlessly angering them."

"Fufufufu~ I have a special solution; it's already taken care of! You just tell Big Mom to return to the New World, to establish her dream kingdom," Doflamingo said with an amused smile.

Daifuku paused, pondering. "That Den Den Mushi call a few days ago?"

"Yes," Doflamingo confirmed.

In truth, by handling the 'Golden Lion,' he had implicitly handled 'Whitebeard' too. All he had to do was a bit of follow-up: relaying some of the information he gave to the 'Golden Lion' to his "friend" Spandine.

He believed this information would quickly reach the World Government via Cipher Pol, and the World Government would surely make a big move.

The Marines and pirates would all inevitably be drawn into the fray, and the entire world would dance madly!

At that point, 'Whitebeard' wouldn't have the time to bother with Big Mom. Of course, Big Mom herself might not be able to remain entirely uninvolved either.

In short, Doflamingo was likely going to quell the conflict between Big Mom and the 'Golden Lion' / 'Whitebeard' by single-handedly stirring up world-engulfing tidal waves... solving a small problem with a bigger one.