Time passed, and before long, seven or eight days had gone by.
Over the past few days, Doflamingo had become thoroughly familiar with the three kids. Under his corrections, their training routines had also finally entered the proper track.
It was still too soon to see any results, but in another month or two, they would discover that proper training was ten or twenty percent more effective than their improvised methods. At the same time, they would recover their strength faster and be less likely to suffer lasting internal injuries.
Over time, proper training would give them a much stronger foundation than their haphazard methods ever could.
That day, after the three had just finished their physical training, Sabo approached with a solemn expression, as though he had something to say.
Doflamingo had noticed long ago that Ace and Sabo had both seemed preoccupied these past few days, so he was not surprised to see him come over.
"Big Brother Doff, there's something I'd like to ask you to help with." Sabo came before Doflamingo, bowed first, then spoke.
Doflamingo had already guessed what he wanted to say. Sure enough, Sabo continued.
"I want to ask you to help clear out the Joker Party at Uncertainty Terminal."
Doflamingo chuckled. Just as he had expected.
"That won't do, kids. You should take those guys down yourselves."
"Huh!" Sabo, who had worked up so much resolve before coming to ask for help, froze. Then Doflamingo continued:
"Clown Buggy and I have some history, after all. Whatever he wants to do, I'm not going to interfere."
"Besides... after joining the Joker Party, the people at Uncertainty Terminal might even be living better lives than before."
"If I dealt with the Joker Party, could you make Uncertainty Terminal a better place?"
At those words,