Meanwhile, everyone else had their own duties.
Lao G was consumed with thoughts of battle.
Pica was fine as a guardian, holding down a location.
Rosinante was focused on his hometown and other affairs.
Diamante and Trebol were stretched thin, handling matters in both the North Blue and Skypiea.
Since Skypiea was now their primary stronghold, most of the family's forces were stationed there—it wasn't possible for those two to leave.
The truth was, they simply lacked the manpower. Enel, that bastard—
Once he sharpened himself a bit more, he could be promoted to a combatant. But what they really lacked were core management personnel.
Where was Monet, that secretary of his? They would have to make do with their current members for now.
Doflamingo sighed, letting go of his tense expression.
Seeing the shift in atmosphere, Jora stepped forward to break the silence.
"Woh ho ho ho! Young Master, you must be exhausted from the long journey! For tonight's dinner, I've prepared sweet shrimp and the signature bubble beverage of Sabaody! Are you satisfied?"
"Of course, I'm very satisfied. It's been a while, Jora. Thank you for all your efforts on behalf of Skypiea. Go ahead and prepare it."
"Woh ho ho ho! Did you just call me Miss World? Oh, stop it! You're making me blush!"
Still lost in her own delusions, Jora cheerfully clasped her hands to her face and pranced off toward the kitchen.
"Machvise, have you found any information on Gild Tesoro?"
"I found forty-nine individuals with that name. If we limit it to those around your age, there are three in Sabaody. Here are their photos, mmh!"
"Good. Tomorrow, we'll take a trip to the human auction house. We need some fresh talent."
...
In a Corner
A man with moss-green hair finished a long day of hard labor. Dressed in his best attire, he hurried toward the human trade shop.
The quiet of the night provided a rare moment of respite for the enslaved. At least for now, they wouldn't have to endure the humiliation of being examined like livestock.
A blonde woman sat inside a cage, gazing longingly at the dark streets beyond. Hope shone in her eyes.
Tap... tap tap tap...
"Stella! I've come to see you!"
Sweat dripped from the man's brow as he arrived. Seeing him, Stella's eyes curved into a beautiful arc, twinkling like stars.
Despite her captivity, despite her lack of freedom—
Her broken heart had long since been healed by the man before her, filling her with an indescribable sense of happiness.
"I know," she whispered sweetly.
Without hesitation, she reached out, cupping the man's face, ignoring the sweat clinging to his skin.
"Tesoro, go home and rest. Come back next time—you've worked hard enough."
Tesoro's rough, calloused hands gently held hers, shaking his head slightly.
"It's fine, Stella. Listen to my new piece..."
...
The Next Day
As Doflamingo and his group made their way to the human trade shop, they naturally attracted attention.
Not because of their height—they were fairly unremarkable in that regard.
Rather, it was the massive wings on Urouge's back that caught the interest of a certain crowd.
Glancing at Urouge, who had grown even more muscular since they last met, Doflamingo raised a curious brow.
"Urouge, does your Devil Fruit permanently enhance your body?"
With his ever-present smile, Urouge responded, "The strengthening effect isn't permanent. As for my size—well, God, I am still growing. Just like you."
Still growing?
Doflamingo blinked, suddenly reminded that he was technically still in his adolescence. It made sense that he was still developing.
...
At the Human Auction House
Preparations for the day's business were underway.
"Do your jobs properly! If anyone screws up, you'll be the ones getting sold as slaves next!"
At those words, the workers trembled, carefully wiping every surface with extra caution.
Seeing their diligence, Disco finally turned away, leading his men toward the holding area. This was, after all, the foundation of his livelihood.
"Boss! Boss!" One of his subordinates came rushing over, out of breath. "That rare specimen—the one with wings—he's back! He's gotta be worth a fortune!"
Disco's eyes lit up as he grabbed the man's collar, shaking him excitedly.
"Where? What island? Make sure you block him—don't let him wander into Marine territory!"
"H-he's heading right for us! But there's someone with him—"
Disco didn't hear the rest. His mind was already racing.
"Hurry! Gather the men! Catch him! The big shots in the Holy Land will love this! My human auction house is about to hit the jackpot!!"
...
As they neared the auction house, more nobles appeared, leading their slaves on chains.
That's right. The Celestial Dragons weren't the only ones who kept slaves—nobles, too, imitated this practice as a status symbol.
They called it fashion.
Watching this familiar yet foreign sight, Doflamingo felt a strange sense of dissonance.
Familiar, because back in the Holy Land, he had done the same.
Foreign, because in his past life, he had been nothing more than a disposable pawn—he had never seen this kind of scene firsthand.
Even in those so-called underground circles, he had only ever heard rumors—never personally experienced it.
Tap... tap tap...
A cluster of armed men appeared, blocking their path. Their hostility was clear.
Doflamingo smirked and raised a hand, signaling his group to stop.
From the crowd emerged a bizarre-looking man—wearing a tall hat, star-shaped sunglasses, and a long purple-pink mane. He was dressed in a gaudy dress, standing out even among the freaks.
That unmistakable, eccentric outfit triggered an old memory in Doflamingo's mind.
This guy... isn't he Disco? My subordinate from the original timeline?
He really has a passion for the slave trade. Two decades later, and he's still at it. That's dedication if I've ever seen it.
Disco strutted forward, adjusting his sunglasses as he eyed Urouge's muscular frame and large wings. His grin widened in satisfaction.
"Hahaha! A true rarity—a Sky Islander! Such a powerful build, strong physique... The big shots in the Holy Land will absolutely love this!!"
As he spoke, he instinctively moved closer, reaching out.
"Let me take a good look at those wings—"
"Hands off."
Before Disco could react, Urouge grabbed him like a helpless chick, lifting him into the air.
"W-wait! Don't kill me! I'm rich! I have powerful connections! The Celestial Dragons—"
Doflamingo ignored the trembling gunmen. They were weaklings, irrelevant.
His gaze fell on the terrified Disco, his voice dripping with mockery.
"I originally planned to purchase some slaves, considering my new dealings with the World Government. But since you're being so rude—well, I suppose I'll return the favor."
Thread Bullet.
The air shrieked as razor-sharp strings sliced through the gunmen.
"W-wait! I-I'm a World Noble's business partner! I have money—"
"Oh?"
Doflamingo's grin widened.
"Fufufufu... You don't seem to understand your situation, Disco. Your money—"
"—already belongs to me."
Five Strings.
Schlup!
Five razor-thin threads sliced through Disco's flesh, his pink insides spilling onto the ground.
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+100 chapters on p@treon/tambeerg