As Bright and Jinbe set out on the road back to Fish-Man Island, in a stretch of sea somewhere in the New World, a ship was slowly making its way forward.
Doflamingo sat on the railing, calmly gazing out at the sea.
It looked like he had maintained that posture for quite some time.
"Doffy, everyone's injuries have been treated."
A man with bandages wrapped around his head and a trembling body that made him look like some disgusting fusion of sticky sludge emerged from the cabin. "They were all badly hurt, but fortunately, they're all right. This time, we suffered a crushing defeat."
"Sorry, Trebol."
Doflamingo turned around. The corners of his mouth remained downturned, and his usual reckless grin was nowhere to be seen. "I was too careless this time."
"Doffy! What are you saying?!"
Trebol was incredibly anxious, practically stomping his feet as he shouted, "You're the king destined to rule the seas! How can you bow your head to anyone else?"
"Fuffuffuffu, don't say such stupid things, Trebol."
Doflamingo stretched lazily. "No one in this world can avoid making mistakes. A person who can keep surpassing his former self—that is a true powerhouse!"
"Doffy!"
Trebol was nearly moved to tears.
This was the man they had chosen, the man they believed could become king!
"What did Vergo say?"
Doflamingo asked, "What's the situation in Dressrosa?"
"Right, good news, Doffy!"
Trebol hurriedly said, "Pica is alive. He was captured, and King Riku plans to hand him over to the government. The government has already sent Marines from the G-5 base to take custody of him."
"As for those bastards from Bright's side, it seems they'll be leaving soon. But—"
He hesitated again.
"Dressrosa and Fish-Man Island have formed a cooperative relationship, and Tesoro has decided to move