One Piece: Crown of Darkness

"So, tell me about how it feels to be a Marine?" Doflamingo lowered his head, took a sip of coffee, and casually said, "No matter how awful your old man was in life, like my old man, he must have wanted you to follow in his footsteps and become a Marine, right? And then, not be as awful as he was, but become exceptional, outstanding, excellent, fufufufu~"

Vergo seemed a bit fidgety, always looking left and right. Although he tried his best to control himself and lower the frequency, it was still noticeable. "I... I don't know..." This was a typical answer from him, troubled and confused. "Every day is spent training, my ears are filled with the word 'Justice,' sometimes I like it, more often I detest it, but all of this has nothing to do with him."

"Like it? That's a dangerous sign," Doflamingo put down his coffee cup, his smile fading. "Always remember your identity, my brother! You come from the 'black,' a 'grey' forged by blending between 'black' and 'white.' You disguise yourself to resemble 'white,' but you are ultimately not 'white,' and you can't be 'whitewashed'! If you forget that you are 'black' and abandon your disguise, thinking you are 'white,' then you will be neither 'black' nor 'white,' forever banished to the chaotic 'grey'."

Doflamingo's words were highly metaphorical, not without warning. If it were those idiots like Trebol, he would never beat around the bush like this; they wouldn't understand. But Vergo was different; he believed Vergo would grasp it.

After a moment of silence, Vergo said, "Yes, Doffy, I constantly strive to remember my identity."

"Fufufufu~ Maintain your good habits," Doflamingo pointed at Vergo. "Remain highly vigilant of everything around you, even when you're by my side."

Vergo nodded.

"The Marines are not your home. North Blue is not your home. The Donquixote Family? No, not really! Your home is wherever I am... my brother," Doflamingo mumbled as if in a dream, full of emotion. This was different from his usual routine of casually mentioning "family" or "family members" while maintaining a business-like attitude.

Vergo stared, speechless. Years of undercover work in the Marines had instilled many habits in him. Maintaining high vigilance of everything around him, always looking left and right, was one; being a man of few words was another. And, of course, there was lying and detecting lies.

Unbeknownst to him, Vergo had become a master liar. Because he lied so often himself, he instinctively felt that others often lied and thus judged them accordingly. Even with Doflamingo sitting across from him, he unconsciously assessed him. He found no signs of Doflamingo lying...

"You don't need to worry about this large-scale recruitment and training at the Marine Academy. I'm certain the Marines have gathered all their young talents, and you are among the best of them," Doflamingo casually changed the subject. "But being 'among the best' isn't enough. I want you to remove that 'among' and be the best! The only best one!"

Vergo scratched his watermelon-cut hair. "I don't have that much confidence."

"I brought you 'confidence,' fufufufu~" Doflamingo pushed the prepared small box towards Vergo. "Take a look."

Vergo opened the small box, half-skeptical. "A Devil Fruit?"

"Not just an ordinary Devil Fruit, it's a Logia-type! Even among Logia Devil Fruits, it's a top-tier one," Doflamingo chuckled. "The Rumble-Rumble Fruit, the power to control lightning! Do you have confidence now?"

Even Vergo's calm, serious face couldn't help but show a surprised look of joy. He said with conviction, "Of course! I won't disappoint you, Doffy!"

"Eat it," Doflamingo said gently. "Develop and utilize it well, but don't become reliant on it. Don't neglect your Haki and physical training."

Vergo took the Devil Fruit and promptly replied, "Yes, Doffy!"

"Your objective needs to change as well," Doflamingo licked his lips. "Aim for the position of a Marine Admiral!"

Vergo, who had just swallowed the Rumble-Rumble Fruit, was so startled he nearly choked. "Cough, cough, cough~ Gulp, gulp..." After downing a cup of coffee, he stared blankly at Doflamingo. "A Marine... Admiral?"

"I know it's difficult, but it's not without opportunity..." Doflamingo said calmly. "The Marines are in a long phase of changing generations. Even the Three Admirals lineup has two empty spots! No! I guess the Fleet Admiral position is also changing. Admiral 'Sengoku the Buddha' will be promoted to Fleet Admiral, and Fleet Admiral 'Kong the Steel' will be promoted to the World Government's upper echelons. That means three spots will be open!"

"There are a few young talents in the Marines who are currently gaining attention, such as 'Akainu,' 'Kizaru,' 'Aokiji,' 'Momousagi,' 'Chaton,' and others. I want you to join their ranks!" Doflamingo said. "Even if you can't compete with them this time and don't become an Admiral, at least get onto the Admiral candidate list. Then, whether it's a Marine fortress commander or an important department in the World Government, they'll welcome you with open arms."

Vergo suppressed his shock, took a deep breath, and said, "I will do my absolute best, Doffy."

"Go back," Doflamingo reached out and patted Vergo's shoulder, chuckling as he rambled, "If you miss home, call or write! Oh, right, cut your watermelon hair. Get a sharper, tougher look..."

After an exhaustive amount of advice and giving Vergo a bank card, Doflamingo finally let him go.

Returning to the coffee shop, Doflamingo deeply contemplated alone for a while.

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