Judge felt uneasy as he watched Doflamingo's ever-changing expression. Gathering his courage, he spoke up.
"Regarding the bloodline factor transplants… All the other test subjects rejected the procedure and died. As long as these 25 advanced specimens show no issues, we can move to the next phase without delays…"
Doflamingo gently patted Judge's shoulder in reassurance before finally speaking with a smile.
"It's fine, Judge. You've already done enough. I've put too much on your plate. The research on simplifying Pyrobroin particles and the Ark Maxim project will be handled by the designated research teams. Your only job is to compile reports, make necessary adjustments, and oversee the direction of the experiments."
"I'll have Trebol transfer a batch of prisoners from the North Blue for you. You can begin human trials immediately. Sometimes, we have to take bold steps forward. For now, focus entirely on the bloodline factor transplants and modifications. Start with Pica's lineage factor and Enel's Rumble-Rumble Fruit. I'll have Caesar and Enel assist you."
"Yes." Judge exhaled in relief. Being a subordinate was far more exhausting than working independently—especially when he was also busy trying to have children with Sora.
"Besides, these failures aren't necessarily useless," Doflamingo added with a smirk. "We'll have much better test subjects soon enough. They'll ensure your masterpiece reaches its full potential."
"You mean…?"
...
Two Months Later
Sacred Mary Geoise – Domain of the Gods
This was the residence of the world's most privileged elite—the Celestial Dragons.
During afternoon tea, several Celestial Dragons, each donning their signature astronaut-like helmets, sat together, sipping tea and chatting over invitations decorated with painted smiley faces.
"Carlos Saint, the new auction opens in two weeks. They'll have goods from Skypiea. Are you going?"
"Of course. This time, they have high-quality Sound Dial recordings—far better than the defective ones we bought in Sabaody last time. I'll buy one. One of my slaves with a lovely voice is dying soon, and I want to preserve her singing."
"Sounds like a good find! They also have Vision Dials. I plan to record how rebellious slaves are tortured—it should be quite entertaining."
"You people are so dull. All you ever care about are slaves. Cloud Dials are the real treasure! Look—this one produces clouds you can lie on!"
"Saint Mingdalos, you idiot! Wake up! Those clouds disappear quickly!"
"Hah! You're dumber than a Fish-Man! Read the instructions properly. The higher the altitude, the longer they last. And Mary Geoise is at ten thousand meters! Besides, there's a refill service. Just recharge and you're good to go."
"Why, you—! Saint Mingdalos, you—!"
Two bloated, bubble-helmeted figures suddenly lunged at each other, tumbling to the ground in a ridiculous scuffle.
The other Celestial Dragons simply watched, amused.
As the world's highest nobility, living in the sky-high paradise of Mary Geoise, wealth meant nothing to them. Their greatest joy came from competing with each other—whether through extravagant luxuries, rare treasures, or, most of all, slaves.
Slaves served many purposes: transport, entertainment, combat… Making them fight to the death like dogs was a common pastime.
But sheer physical abuse was far too basic for the Celestial Dragons. Their cruelty extended beyond the body—to the mind.
Now, however, they had discovered a new form of amusement: Skypiean Dials.
"We should descend to the surface and see for ourselves!"
Just then, a figure in a crisp white suit appeared before them—a member of CP0. Bowing slightly, he spoke in a low, firm voice.
"Noble lords, by order of the Five Elders, only Saint Mingdalos will be allowed to go on this occasion."
The room erupted in outrage.
"What?! Those damned Five Elders!"
"Why are we being restricted?! Why him?!"
"This is unacceptable!"
But amidst the fury, Saint Mingdalos simply dusted himself off, a smug grin spreading across his plump face. Truthfully, he had no desire to travel alongside his fellow nobles.
"No worries," he said with a chuckle. "I can bring back some souvenirs for you all."
...
A Few Hours Earlier
The Five Elders sat in silence, their gazes fixed on the smiley-faced invitations before them.
"So? Should we ban the Celestial Dragons from attending Doflamingo's auction?" the Elder with the judge's cap asked gravely.
"The goods he's selling can only be fully utilized by royalty and nobility from various nations. He wouldn't sabotage his own business. No need to interfere too much."
"I agree. From our past dealings and Cipher Pol's intelligence, it's clear that Doflamingo has an extreme obsession with gold. Even this auction's entry requirement is gold."
"That's likely due to his experiences in the North Blue… But we can't rule out the possibility that he resents his fellow Celestial Dragons for abandoning his mother. I object."
"Furthermore, let's not forget what he did to CP9. There's no guarantee he won't attack the nobles attending the auction. I object as well."
The room fell into deep contemplation.
Doflamingo's recent actions had left them unsure of his true motives. When speaking with them, his disdain and contempt for the Celestial Dragons had been unmistakable.
The complete annihilation of Spandine's unit…
The attacks on Punk Hazard and the Human Auctioning House…
All of it pointed to one thing—Donquixote Doflamingo had no respect for the World Government.
How much, then, did he still respect the Celestial Dragons?
The problem was, due to his unique position, they couldn't simply send the Marines to arrest him outright.
After a moment of silence, the long-haired, long-bearded Elder spoke.
"Send Donquixote Saint Mingdalos alone. That family line is known for producing both lunatics and saints. Let Doflamingo get a sense of what he's dealing with. If he chooses to attack, it will give us the perfect excuse to send Sengoku in and eliminate him openly."
"Sounds reasonable."
The others nodded slightly.
If Doflamingo made a move against the Celestial Dragons—especially given his past transgressions—it would confirm his ultimate goal was revenge against those who once abandoned his family.
That would justify deploying Sengoku to take him down, ensuring both the untouchable status of the Celestial Dragons and securing control over Skypiea's resources and Seastone.
If Doflamingo didn't attack, they would simply proceed cautiously regarding Skypiea.
A single expendable Celestial Dragon was a small price to pay for eliminating an unstable element and gaining more Seastone.
"Then it's settled."
"Agreed."
"Have Sengoku stand by in advance. This is a rare opportunity."
With the decision made, the discussion shifted to the state of the world.
"The Four Seas have stabilized somewhat due to Sakazuki, Kuzan, Borsalino, and Tsuru's efforts. But the New World remains in chaos. Shiki has been missing since the Battle of Edd War, and if he's aligned with Doflamingo…"
"He flies above the clouds. Cipher Pol has trouble tracking him. The Float-Float Fruit's threat level should be increased. We lack control over aerial territories."
"As for Doflamingo… He's not foolish enough to seek death. If he were, the Golden Lion who razed the Valley of the Gods wouldn't hesitate to kill him."
"Forget the missing man for now. Roger has set sail for the New World again. He just clashed with Charlotte Linlin in Totto Land. The one transcribing the Poneglyphs… We've confirmed he's the shogun's heir from Wano."
"Wano's weapons have already leaked into the world. If the shogun and Kaido are at odds, this is our chance. Send CP0 to investigate. See if we can secure more Seastone."
"Who should we send? Wano's waters are notoriously treacherous."
"Send Aramaki. His abilities are perfect for breaching natural defenses."
"Agreed. Let's proceed."
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+100 chapters on p@treon/tambeerg