NOVEL NEXT Chapter 471: Those You Can Trust
"—A full-scale declaration of war!"
Saint Saturn's cold, authoritarian voice struck like an iron whip, sending invisible shockwaves through the air.
In the solemn and imposing Hall of Authority, the atmosphere instantly thickened with a chilling murderous intent, oppressive enough to suffocate anyone in its path.
Massive shadows twisted and expanded behind the Five Elders, as if the five hellish demons themselves were eagerly awaiting bloodshed, craving the taste of gunpowder, restless and poised to strike.
Stussy and Doflamingo both narrowed their eyes, a chill creeping down their spines.
Though they had both felt the power of the Five Elders—the World Government's supreme authority, dubbed the "Gods of War"—before, the weight of their presence now was so overwhelming it made their skin crawl.
An unshakable thought surfaced in their minds:
How in the hell did that bastard Daren manage to battle these five monsters without even losing ground?
While Doflamingo was certainly curious, Stussy, who knew Daren better, was more focused on another question:
If Daren unleashed that so-called "Magnetic Field Rotation" again in his fight with the Five Elders... what would happen?
Would it be an even match?
An overwhelming victory?
Or could he... actually kill them?
Stussy's heartbeat quickened momentarily before she quickly regained her composure, lowering her head.
"Fufufu, so this is the plan you old men have cooked up…"
Doflamingo chuckled darkly, his voice laced with amusement.
"Taking this chance to flaunt the World Government's military strength, to secure the trust of the member nations… quite a clever move."
"Since Saint Garling is handling the declaration of war against Rogers Daren… does that mean I'm in charge of the extermination operation against the North Blue Fleet?"
Saint Warcury nodded, smiling as he praised him.
"Doffy, you truly are sharp. Summoning you back was the right choice. Appointing you as Vice Commander of the God's Knights was a brilliant decision."
Doflamingo sneered,
"Old man Warcury, don't call me that. We're not that close yet."
His eyes gleamed with a defiant, ruthless edge.
"'Doffy'... that's a name only family can use."
Stussy heard this and glanced at Doflamingo, her expression unreadable.
If she recalled correctly, Daren had called Doflamingo "Doffy".
She had never seen the proud Doflamingo protest that nickname.
Seems like that bastard Daren really does have a way with people, turning this brat into such a compliant creature.
"You are one of the Celestial Dragons. By that definition, we are your family. This is beyond dispute."
Saint Warcury spoke with quiet finality.
A cold smile twisted at the corner of Doflamingo's lips.
Seeing this, the Five Elders chose not to press the matter any further, casually dismissing the conversation.
"According to the ceremony's order, your inauguration will precede Saint Garling's. Before the eyes of the entire world, we shall bestow upon you the authority of Vice-Commander... Do not disappoint us."
Doflamingo shrugged, chuckling eerily:
"Fufufu, that depends on whether you possess sufficient sincerity."
Saint Warcury slowly shifted his gaze to rest upon Stussy.
"As for your task, you are to provide him with CP Division combat strength and intelligence support."
Saint Saturn gripped his mottled staff with both hands, striking it against the marble floor as his eyes hardened:
"When the moment arrives, wipe out that eyesore, the North Blue Fleet... utterly annihilate them!"
"Yes, my lord."
Stussy bowed his head, his tone respectful.
Doflamingo's smirk deepened into a savage grin.
"Then go prepare, Saint Doflamingo."
Saint Warcury turned to Doflamingo, his tone cool.
The latter rose from the sofa with a savage grin, lit a cigar, thrust his hands into his pockets, and strode out of the Hall of Power with a swagger.
Once the heavy doors closed behind him, Stussy also took her leave:
"Then I shall take my leave as well."
"Wait..."
Just as she was about to turn away, Saint Saturn suddenly called out to her.
Stussy froze, asking:
"Your Excellency, please speak."
Saint Saturn replied coldly:
"Regarding your assignment, we have a special order."
"While cooperating with Doflamingo and providing intelligence support, you are to secretly monitor his actions. Should he exhibit any unusual or peculiar behavior, report it to us immediately."
Stussy's heart jolted. Her pupils contracted slightly as a look of alarm and uncertainty flashed across her face. She stammered,
"What you mean is..."
Saint Saturn sneered coldly,
"Exactly what you understand. Though he now holds the position of Vice Commander of the God's Knights, we are well aware that Doflamingo still harbors resentment toward the Government and us."
"Power and status may be irresistible, but they cannot guarantee loyalty."
Stussy pressed her lips together and bowed her head.
"But Doflamingo... isn't he a Celestial Dragon?"
Saint Saturn scoffed contemptuously:
"So what? Even if he is one of the Celestial Dragons, it cannot change his lowly origins. Were it not for the treacherous state of affairs, this arrogant brat wouldn't even have the qualifications to set foot in the holy land of Mary Geoise."
He turned to Stussy, smiling slightly.
"Compared to so-called Celestial Dragons like Doflamingo, we place far greater trust in loyal and capable subordinates like you."
"..."
Stussy immediately bowed her head, replying respectfully:
"Thank you for your trust, Your Excellencies!"
"This humble servant will spare no effort to fulfill the tasks entrusted to me!"
...
At the same moment.
As Doflamingo-sama entered his private residence within the Holy Land, a CP0 agent clad in a black suit materialized like a Ghost Shadow in the mansion's grand hall.
"Doflamingo-sama, a secret order from the Five Elders..."
The CP0 agent knelt on one knee with utmost reverence, head bowed.
Doflamingo chuckled softly:
"Fufufufu, what business could those five old men have that they can't discuss in person? Why must they send a bodyguard to deliver secret orders?"
The CP0 agent replied in a solemn tone:
"The Five Elders request that you monitor CP0 agent Stussy during your mission. Should any unusual activity be detected, report it immediately to the Five Elders."
Doflamingo froze, his expression turning strangely peculiar.
"Don't the old men trust that woman?"
The CP0 agent replied solemnly:
"The Five Elders believe only a Celestial Dragon like yourself, Doflamingo-sama, is truly trustworthy."