The Straw Hat Crew spent the day wandering around the Golden City. Doflamingo was in no hurry, and they did not meet him until evening.
"Big Brother Dof!" Luffy was the first to run over when he saw Doflamingo, looking utterly delighted.
Sanji, on the other hand, appeared quite respectful. In a sense, Doflamingo was both his teacher and his boss.
The others wore a variety of expressions. Chopper and Usopp were trembling with fear, while Zoro and Kuina seemed rather eager to give things a try.
Doflamingo's swordsmanship was quite renowned across the seas. After all, not just anyone got to spar with Hawkeye.
Moreover, Zoro had yet to witness the strength of the world's greatest swordsman, Hawkeye, so he was still bursting with confidence.
Doflamingo saw through his thoughts at a glance. It was fortunate that Kuina beside him had at least some manners, or he might have come right up and challenged him.
Put plainly, he just needed a good beating!
Doflamingo tugged at Luffy's mouth, stretching it out long. "You brat finally set sail, huh? Ace and Sabo have both already made it to the New World. I heard they're doing quite well now—the Spade Pirates are considered a force to be reckoned with in the New World!"
"Ow, ow, ow." Luffy struggled desperately a couple of times. The moment Doflamingo let go, his mouth snapped back with a smack.
Rubbing his mouth, Luffy muttered, "No way, they've already reached the New World? Then I need to work harder too. The one who becomes the One Piece in the end will definitely be me!"
"Becoming the One Piece isn't easy." Doflamingo looked at Luffy with a smile, his gaze somewhat like he was looking at a fool with money to burn. "At the very least, you