NOVEL NEXT Chapter 474: I’m Waiting for You
Time seemed to freeze in that moment.
Doflamingo stared at the defiantly grinning face before him. Behind his sunglasses, his eyes suddenly grew unfocused as he stood utterly still. He let Daren's rough, large hand ruffle his hair, yet an inexplicable, indescribable... sense of security—one he'd never felt before—began to take root within him.
"It's not your place to..."
Daren's words echoed relentlessly within his mind, churning and reverberating.
Instinctively, Doflamingo recalled his own mediocre, selfish, incompetent, and naive biological father.
What had he said?
"Doffy, everyone in this world is equal. We Celestial Dragons are no different from ordinary humans."
"If you treat others with kindness and warmth, they will surely treat us the same."
"Even if we are no longer part of the Celestial Dragons, we can still live happily in this world."
"We will use our own hands to create happiness for our family."
"Don't worry, I will protect you all."
"..."
"Doffy, I'm sorry. Father is useless... I haven't found work yet, but trust me—tomorrow, I will find work!
"Don't worry. If all else fails, I'll go to the docks to carry cargo. No matter what, we won't starve."
"...My wages were stolen by a thief. Today, we'll have to eat these leftovers."
"...Doffy, Rosinante, you're both grown men now. You and Rosinante should go out together to find food."
"Doctor... Doctor... But we have no money left..."
"..."
"Doffy... Doffy... Why did you do this? I'm your father."
"...So that's it. You've been harboring resentment toward me all along?"
"I'm sorry. Then do it. Take my head to buy the wealth, power, and status you desire."
"..."
Countless images flashed through Doflamingo's eyes like a kaleidoscope, causing the golden-haired Celestial Dragon youth's eyes to redden slightly, bloodshot and moist. Both were "fathers" he never recognized. Yet the face of this man—the one he'd always longed to kill with his own hands—no longer seemed so repulsive.
"Pfft..."
SMACK!
Doflamingo suddenly wrenched Daren's hand away, turning his face away as his tone turned icy. He let out a sinister chuckle.
"You're the one who underestimates others, my esteemed Godfather."
He turned to look out the window, hands pressed against the frame, speaking coldly:
"I never doubted your abilities... but I also don't want you to doubt mine."
"You can act in your way. I'll act in mine."
Snap!
Doflamingo's fingers clenched violently, shattering the wooden window frame into splinters. His eyes narrowed menacingly as he stared out at the prosperous holy land of Mary Geoise.
"Once I've reduced everything before me to utter ruin, standing atop the corpses of all the Celestial Dragons and the rubble..."
His voice brimmed with murderous intent.
"At that moment, I will personally pluck your head from your shoulders."
As these words left his lips, Doflamingo's gaze hardened with resolve, and an inexplicable, subtle shift seemed to ripple through his very aura. It was as if a rabid beast had gained human intellect, cleverly concealing its claws deeper within its fur, biding its time until the perfect moment to deliver an irresistible, fatal blow to its long-coveted prey.
Daren, whose Observation Haki perception had greatly increased, keenly sensed the shift in Doflamingo's mood and aura. A satisfied smile finally spread across his face.
"Excellent. That's the kind of resolve I need."
He turned and strode purposefully toward the entrance.
"Keep growing stronger, Doffy."
"Taking my head will prove infinitely more difficult than destroying the World Government itself."
Daren pushed open the gate. Warm, brilliant sunlight poured in, engulfing his figure and casting a long shadow across the ground, completely enveloping Doflamingo.
Doflamingo instinctively turned his head, staring blankly at that tall, imposing silhouette.
"Failure after failure, fall after fall—none of it matters. As your godfather, I will forever stand atop the world's highest peak, waiting for you to strike..."
The dark-haired youth turned to meet the golden-haired boy's gaze, his expression softening into a gentle smile:
"...to kill me."
Swish!
The words faded as Daren's form vanished like a phantom in the sunlight, ceasing to exist.
Only Doflamingo remained frozen in place, unable to snap out of his daze for a long while.
Sunlight shifted, bathing his face.
"Very well."
He suddenly smiled and said.
As the words left his lips, the usual savagery in his eyes had faded considerably.
Shaking his head to dispel the tumult within, Doflamingo walked slowly to the wardrobe and opened it.
Gazing at the uniform hanging inside, he paused for a second.
The uniform featured red and black as its dominant colors, adorned with golden patterns and wheat-ear shoulder epaulettes, giving it an upright and imposing appearance. The black hunting boots and leather belt added a cold, iron-blooded feel.
This was the uniform of the God's Knights. The golden wheat-ear epaulettes signified his position as Vice Commander of the God's Knights.
Once he donned this uniform, he would attain everything he had ever dreamed of. Those Celestial Dragons who had looked upon him with disdain, contempt, and condescension would crawl at his feet, trembling in fear.
Yet.
"This isn't enough."
Doflamingo slowly pulled out the uniform, meticulously buttoning each golden fastener, securing the belt, and lacing up the military boots.
Gazing at the reflection of the blond youth who now carried a touch more maturity and coldness, his face showed little overt joy. He merely stared impassively at his mirror image, murmuring softly:
"This is nowhere near enough."
Lifting the pink feathered cloak, he draped it over his shoulders. Donquixote Doflamingo, Vice Commander of the God's Knights, strode out of his residence.
Outside the estate's grounds, a gilded carriage, several CP members in black suits, and a twenty-strong contingent of Holy Land Guard had been waiting for some time.
"Doflamingo-sama!"
"Please board the carriage!"
A government official in ornate robes approached cautiously, his face plastered with a smile.
Doflamingo-sama glanced at him and suddenly laughed:
"Fufufufu, no need."
"A man once taught me that the path of life must ultimately be walked by oneself."
With that, disregarding the stunned gazes of others, he leapt into the air.
Under the brilliant sunlight, he soared toward the Celestial Stairway. His pink coat fluttered in the wind, his wings full and dazzling.
Like a flamingo reborn from the flames.