After tossing the unconscious Enel to the science division for treatment, Doflamingo reached down and lifted the small figure beside him, leading him toward the God's Palace.
It was only then that he took the time to carefully examine Gladius, whom he hadn't seen in a long while.
His sky-blue hair had begun to regrow from his once-burned scalp, now barely an inch long. To conceal his scarred, burned skin, he wore a full-body protective suit adorned with gear-like decorations—a fashion once popular in his town. Even his eyes were covered by gear-shaped goggles that obstructed his vision. The bulging section around his waist was unmistakably filled with explosives.
'Gotta admit, Otohime, your Observation Haki is really something.'
Feeling the emotions of reverence and gratitude transmitted to him, Doflamingo loosened his grip on the small hand he had been holding a bit too tightly and ruffled Gladius' short hair. His voice was gentle.
"Gladius, do you still know how to craft watches?"
Hearing this, Gladius carefully pulled out a small gift box from his chest and held it out with both hands, his voice tight with nervousness.
"Y-Young Master… this is my creation!"
Opening the box, Doflamingo took out the watch and slipped it onto his wrist, finally taking a closer look.
The white strap was made from the leather of a Sea King, while the red watch face revealed an intricate array of minuscule gears, interlocked and synchronized to power the ticking hands. The design formed a symmetrical pattern resembling a pair of sunglasses—Doflamingo's signature shades.
"Fufufufu… well done, Gladius. Now, tell me—what is your dream?"
Gladius froze at the question.
In his young mind, he had never considered such things before. After a brief silence, he hesitantly gave his answer.
"Young Master… I want to dedicate everything to you. I want to become someone like you."
The sincerity in his voice pleased Doflamingo. This was what true loyalty looked like. Smiling, he spoke.
"That's exactly what I like to hear, Gladius. From now on, you'll be studying in Water 7 for a while. Take a look at this."
As he spoke, Doflamingo pressed a button on the Den Den Mushi video recording device.
"Whoa! Iceburg, Tom, Granny Kokoro… amazing! This thing works just like a camera!"
...
"See that blue-haired boy and the fish-man with horns? Memorize their faces. Your mission is to learn the world's best shipbuilding techniques—and obtain a set of blueprints. Understood?"
"I understand, Young Master. I'll study hard!" Gladius fixed his eyes on the projected image, nodding firmly.
"Very good, Gladius. Remember, you have two chances. The first will be in two years, the second, in sixteen. These will determine when you can return to the family."
"I won't forget, Young Master."
"I'll create the right opportunities for you. The best way to interact with people your age—you've already learned it from your family. Take the Den Den Mushi and get going."
...
Germa Laboratory
Inside the Germa lab, Judge and Caesar were locked in a heated argument over a thick stack of blueprints.
"Caesar, the Ark Maxim—this is clearly the real name of Uranus, not Pluton. Hand it over."
Judge smirked as he eyed the increasingly sleep-deprived Caesar, relishing the rare feeling of being well-rested. Not having to work overtime felt great. Unable to resist, he started mocking him.
"Who says Pluton can't fly? The legend states that Pluton is capable of obliterating an entire island with a single shot. Look at the schematics—where does it not fit the characteristics of Pluton?" Caesar bared his sharp teeth in frustration.
"You idiot! Look more closely—what do you see here? A thick mass of dark clouds! That's the power to control weather! That's the mark of the ancient weapon Uranus!"
"Hah?! Did you just call me an idiot, Judge?!"
Caesar was so enraged by Judge's dismissive attitude that he began losing control, causing wisps of gas to leak from his body.
"Crack!"
A faint sound came from the blueprint copies as their argument grew more heated. Watching them bicker, Doflamingo smiled brilliantly.
"Fufufufu… I do enjoy your competitive spirit, but I didn't summon you here to argue. Your job is to analyze these blueprints. Save your debates for after I leave. Understood?"
Caesar, who was on the verge of losing his temper, immediately snapped back to his senses and floated over to Doflamingo with a sycophantic grin.
"Ahh! You're truly wise! I get it now! There's no doubt that this blueprint represents the pinnacle of ancient weaponry. Leave the construction to me! As an expert in weapons of mass destruction, no one surpasses me!"
'Once I complete this, I, Caesar, will go anywhere I want! Shurorororo!'
Seeing through Caesar's self-serving ambitions, Doflamingo's smile stretched even wider, his mouth nearly reaching his ears.
"No, you're wrong. Copying something without understanding it is the most foolish approach. Mimic, comprehend, surpass—take it one step at a time. That is what you two should be doing. Caesar, you are not Vegapunk. You lack the ability to grasp these concepts immediately. But you are young. You have time."
Despite his frustration, Caesar dared not speak out.
"Entrust Germa 66 to me! We will be your most loyal hounds."
Judge took the opportunity to declare his allegiance.
"No rush, Judge. For now, focus on deciphering the flight mechanism of the Ark Maxim. That is your new assignment."
"Caesar, take a month off. A new red-light district has opened in Birka—you'll enjoy it. While you're at it, take a squad from the science division to investigate the remnants of Lunarian architecture."
...
One Month Later – New Germa Island
Custom-made pink clouds drifted overhead.
The women of the new Donquixote Kingdom, resembling little angels, flitted about the wedding banquet, making the event feel almost surreal.
"Sora, I love you!"
Clap clap clap! The sound of applause filled the venue as Judge and Sora sealed their vows with a passionate kiss.
Who would've thought that after shaving his scruffy mustache and donning a suit, Judge would actually look somewhat refined?
As the ceremony concluded, Doflamingo stepped forward to offer his heartfelt congratulations.
"Fufufufu… congratulations, King Judge, Queen Sora. Wishing you both a happy marriage!"
Judge and Sora bowed respectfully, responding with gratitude.
"Thank you."
Following Doflamingo's lead, the Donquixote family members also offered their well-wishes.
"Behhh! Judge, congrats on your wedding!"
"Wahaha! Judge, congratulations!"
"Judge, old man here wishes you a happy marriage."
...
The event was a joyous success. Judge and Sora were satisfied.
Doflamingo was satisfied as well.
After all, the five yet-to-be-born children of Judge were premium combat specimens—highly valuable assets he desperately needed.
...
Three Months Later – Waters Near Water 7
Captain Reck of the Crocodile Pirates, a crew hailing from the North Blue, stared at a nearly tattered mission scroll in his hands. His gaze lingered on the image of a fiery-red winged figure, as if burning it into his memory.
His bloodthirsty eyes swept over his crew—including a certain explosive brat who had joined them two months ago. His voice was menacing.
"Listen up, you lot! We hit the jackpot in Mogu Town's black market! This mission just got posted, and I snatched it up first! Now take one last good look and memorize that flying bastard's face! Catch him, and we'll be ten billion Belly richer!"
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+100 chapters on p@treon/tambeerg