One Piece: Crown of Darkness

"Yes, it's me, Doflamingo."

The fading, hazy crescent night was on its way out, and a faint crimson glow shimmered on the eastern horizon where the sea met the sky.

Doflamingo, who had just finished training with Pica, Weevil, and Urouge, wiped the dripping sweat from his brow as he answered the Den Den Mushi. Hearing the stiff tone from the other end, he chuckled deeply. "How are you, my brother? Fufufufu~"

It was Vergo, who replied solemnly, "I'm fine. Don't worry about me, Doffy!"

"Oh, come on! My brother, don't try to fool me with the same tactics you use on the Marines!" Doflamingo clutched the Den Den Mushi and paced to the stern of the ship, speaking privately with Vergo. "The outside world isn't home, after all. There's trouble and inconvenience everywhere. I can imagine you, all alone, being cautious every day. It must be so hard on you!"

Vergo remained silent, clearly touched by Doflamingo's words. How he wished he could be like Trebol, Diamante, and Pica, constantly by Doflamingo's side, helping the family.

"Just bear with it a little longer, bear with it a little longer," Doflamingo pleaded sincerely. "Your mission is too important to me, my brother! Of course... if you want to decline, I'm willing to accept, provided you tell me honestly."

Vergo said sternly, "I have never thought of declining. Your needs are my dreams."

"Fufufufu~ Your performance makes me incredibly happy, my brother! You have no idea how unreliable Trebol and Diamante are! I don't have many people I trust, and yet I have to send the one I trust most willingly into the enemy camp~!!!" Doflamingo sighed deeply, half-truthfully, half-feigning.

Vergo comforted him, "Don't worry, Doffy. You'll slowly find suitable companions! I saw your bounty posters; they're fantastic."

"Is that why you contacted me?" Doflamingo changed the subject.

Vergo said, "No, Doffy. I've been summoned by Marine Headquarters. They're preparing to send me to the Marine Academy for training."

"Oh? GOOD! Fufufufu~ That former Admiral, 'Black Arm' Zephyr, his work behind the scenes is as the Chief Instructor of the Marine Academy. He's excellent at teaching," Doflamingo said happily, joking. "Congratulations, my brother! If you perform exceptionally during your Marine Academy training, your future career path will be smooth sailing."

Vergo was not optimistic. "Due to the unfavorable situation at sea, this year's Marine Academy recruitment is different from before. The scope is wider, there are more personnel, and the selection is stricter. They're prioritizing the training of promising individuals whom they recognize... I'm not sure if I'll be considered among the excellent ranks, as it brings together all the young elites of the new generation of Marines."

"Where are you?" Doflamingo asked.

Vergo paused. "On my way from the South Blue towards the Red Line."

"What I mean is, when will you arrive at Marine Headquarters or Mariejois?" Doflamingo rephrased his question.

Vergo calculated. "About forty days."

"Good! I just left Sky Island not long ago and am almost at Long Ring Long Land. In about forty days, I'll definitely reach the Sabaody Archipelago. We'll meet then," Doflamingo mused.

Vergo, not one for many words, simply said, "Yes."

Click.

The Den Den Mushi disconnected.

"Everyone, get up!" Doflamingo turned and roared.

"What's wrong, Doffy?"

"Are there enemies? Behehehe~~"

"Young Master?"

"..."

Chaos ensued.

"...Forty days! Within forty days, we must reach the Sabaody Archipelago!" Doflamingo smiled sinisterly. "I don't care what stands in our way—Marines, pirates, Cipher Pol, storms, tsunamis... Crush everything! Fufufufu~ Within forty days, we must reach the Sabaody Archipelago! Understood?"

The family members exchanged glances.

"Oh~ hohohoho~~ Young Master is truly spirited," Giolla sweet-talked, easing the tension.

Trebol came to his senses and quickly guaranteed, "Leave it to us, leave it to us, Doffy!"

"That's right!" Diamante echoed, although he was inwardly breaking down... For the upcoming journey, it would be impossible for them to reach the Sabaody Archipelago within forty days without traveling day and night.

Everyone swiftly hoisted the sails and increased their speed.

When Doflamingo wasn't paying attention...

"Nyeh, nyeh, what got Doffy so riled up?" Trebol mumbled dishonestly.

Diamante guessed, "The other rising stars in the Grand Line?"

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