This, Too, Was a Kind of...

Doflamingo struggled to keep up with Law, and only then did he have time to look around.

He then realized that this was actually a spacious kitchen!

It's much bigger than his kitchen in Dressrosa!

Many chefs, dressed in neat white chef uniforms, are carefully preparing dishes.

That brat!!

Doflamingo glared menacingly at the back of Law's head.

Is this where he received his treatment?

Among the chefs, a blond imp laughed and spoke to Luo, "You actually brought him back to life? I thought you were going to make him into soup."

Doflamingo recognized him; he was the third son of the Vinsmoke family, recruited by Ian when they were in the North Blue, and now he was growing into a teenager.

"Then this soup probably won't taste good."

Luo gave a casual reply.

Should we prepare food for them?

Sanji glanced at Doflamingo.

"Them?"

Law turned around with a grin, glanced at Doflamingo, and said jokingly, "Preparing a last meal for them wouldn't be bad, after all, it would be too tragic to let them leave this world hungry, wouldn't it?"

Sanji's brows relaxed, and he said gently, "Law, you're so gentle now."

His voice was very gentle; Sanji had always been a gentle child, but at this moment, his words also carried a strong sense of determination and confidence. "Leave it to me. I will make a meal that will satisfy them and make them truly happy with the world!"

"Oh! Then I'll leave it to you!"

Doflamingo almost gritted his teeth as he watched the two kids talking to themselves.

It's like a tiger fallen into the plains being bullied by dogs; these two bastards actually dared to be so arrogant in front of me!

Satisfied?

I don't want to die yet!

Doflamingo licked his lips.

Since he's still alive, it means Ian still wants to talk to him.

Then there's still a chance.

After exchanging pleasantries with Sanji, Law led Doflamingo onward.

I left the kitchen and walked down the wide hallway.

Along the way, many pirates greeted Luo respectfully.

"Fufufufu, Luo,"

Because he was frozen, his injuries showed no improvement even after a long time. Coupled with the suppression from the Seastone, Doflamingo had to exert all his strength with almost every step. However, his laughter remained as loud and unrestrained as ever.

"You're doing pretty well working for Ian, aren't you?"

"Well enough."

Luo chuckled and said, "I have to thank you, Doflamingo. Without you, I wouldn't have been able to see Ian."

"Doflamingo?"

Doflamingo's shoulders shrugged, almost unable to contain his laughter, as if he had heard the most hilarious joke.

"Fufufufu! Hey! Luo, is this how Ian taught you?"

How dare this brat call him that?

Luo sighed inexplicably. He didn't turn around, but simply said, "How pitiful."

He said nothing, and there was nothing more he needed to say.

Doflamingo's forehead veins were bulging. "Hey! Kid!"

Luo Bing just smiled and walked forward on his own. "Let's go. Go and take your family members with you first. Don't worry, they're not injured at all, and they're in much better condition than you are."

They completely ignored Doflamingo's rage.

Doflamingo's face had already turned red.

To ignore is the greatest contempt.

This brat who used to work under him now doesn't even respect him!

But at this point, Doflamingo was completely powerless to do anything.

They couldn't even bring themselves to shout insults at Luo.

He could only suppress his anger and quietly follow behind Luo.

Soon, Doflamingo followed Law to the underground prison.

The Donquixote Family's officers are imprisoned here at this time.

Because there were many ability users, they simply put all of them in Seastone shackles, and now they all sit weakly against the wall, looking like they're about to die.

When they saw Luo, all they could do was glare at him angrily.

However, they immediately became excited when they saw Doflamingo behind Law.

"Doflamingo-- "

Trebol's voice trembled weakly, but his eyes were filled with excitement, "I'm so glad you're alright!"

"Young Master!"

Baby-5, who is two years younger than Luo, burst into tears.

Everyone was excitedly calling out Doflamingo.

Imprisoned here, with Doflamingo absent, everyone has lost their leader and lives in constant fear.

Thankfully, the man who led them has returned!

Doflamingo breathed a slight sigh of relief; it was good that everyone was alright.

Luo couldn't help but laugh, reminding him, "Calling his name won't work. I'm the one who's going to release you next, Ian is the one who will control your lives from now on."

"Instead of calling out Doflamingo's name, we should first pray for Ian's forgiveness."

"Luo, you little brat!"

Gladius gritted his teeth in hatred as he looked at the arrogant brat in front of him.

This brat was once completely subdued by him, and no one dared to utter a word of dissent in his presence.

How the wheel of fortune turns!

"Alright, let's go."

Luo completely ignored the wailing of the defeated dog, and simply said, "It's time to see Ian. Don't keep him waiting."

He had the prison door opened, then led Doflamingo and the Donquixote Family's executives up the stairs to the first floor, and then took the Tanaka elevator all the way up to the floor where Ian's office was located.

As they drew closer to the office door, the Donquixote Family members broke out in a cold sweat.

Next, they will face Ian, one of the Four Emperors.

Ian is no longer their partner.

"Oh."

Luo noticed their hesitation but said nothing, only chuckled softly, and then stepped forward to knock on the door.

Knock, knock, knock.

Come in.

Ian's calm voice came from inside.

Doflamingo's lips instantly twitched downwards.

The moment of destiny has arrived.

Luo pushed open the office door and gestured for the Donquixote Family to come in.

Doflamingo felt his heart begin to race.

No matter how much he told himself he should calm down, he still couldn't control himself.

He finally stepped into the office.

"Hey, Doflamingo,"

A familiar voice immediately came through. Doflamingo saw Ian sitting at a desk, calmly looking at him. "Haven't seen you in a while, have you? What happened to make you look so disheveled?"

Doflamingo gave a forced smile. "What do you think?"

"Blame me."

Ian sighed, "That girl Yamato never knows her own strength when she strikes; I should have warned her beforehand."

Luo stood silently to the side, his face tense, but the slight upturn of his lips suggested that he was about to break down.

"You specifically asked me to come here?"

Doflamingo used the word "search," implying, "You're not just doing this to mock me, are you?"

"Of course not, Doflamingo, my friend,"

Ian suddenly sighed and said, "I just want to ask you, what did I do wrong? Why did you betray our friendship and do what I told you not to do?"

Doflamingo remained silent.

He almost laughed. Friendship?

You really have the nerve to say that, Ian.

However, Doflamingo knew very well that this was now a critical moment of life and death.

No matter how unwilling I am, I absolutely cannot provoke this bastard in front of me now.

"Oh well, what can I do? We're friends."

Ian smiled and said, "So-called friends are supposed to be tolerant of each other, right? Let's put aside all past grievances and work together from now on."

Doflamingo remained silent, staring intently at Ian.

What does this guy mean?

However, because of Ian's words, the Donquixote Family's executives suddenly perked up.

Can it really be wiped clean?

"So, Ian,"

Doflamingo's smile held a hint of unease. "What will the price be?"

"Join my ranks, Doflamingo,"

Ian extended a sincere invitation, "Now that you're no longer one of the Shichibukai, only I can protect you."

"Become my subordinate, follow behind me, and I'll take you to see the most magnificent scenery in the world."

Doflamingo fell silent instantly.

Behind him, the Donquixote Family executives also fell silent.

Luo stood with his arms crossed, simply watching quietly.

What choice will Doflamingo make?

Doflamingo!

Trebol stared intently at Doflamingo's retreating figure.

He admitted that the moment Ian offered to recruit them, a surge of relief and excitement welled up inside him.

But soon, that excitement transformed into another emotion that I can't quite describe.

Are you ashamed?

The unsettling silence lasted for several seconds.

Then, laughter suddenly broke the silence.

"Fufufufu! I see!"

Doflamingo burst into laughter, "You actually want me to kneel before you, Ian!"

"Isn't that incredibly arrogant?! Who do you think I am?!"

Law glanced at Doflamingo.

Putting everything else aside, this guy does have some merits that deserve respect.

At least they're incredibly brave.

Is that so?

Ian nodded slightly. "That answer doesn't surprise me much."

Those who possess Conqueror's Haki are primarily characterized by their unruly and rebellious nature.

Doflamingo may be a bit of a coward, but he would never grovel before anyone just to save his life.

However, Ian was not disappointed at all.

How can one be disappointed when something was already anticipated?

Furthermore, how can one truly trust someone like Doflamingo once he's under their command?

Ian looked at the Donquixote Family executives behind Doflamingo, "So, what about you? Are you willing to submit to me?"

These guys are actually the main members of the Donquixote Family.

Even without Doflamingo, controlling them is essentially the same as controlling the Donquixote Family.

But.

"Pooh!"

Pica spat fiercely, her neck held high, her voice sharp yet resolute, "Who do you think we are? Ian! The Donquixote Family would never betray our king!"

"That's right!"

The beautiful green-haired woman, Monet, also wore a resolute expression. "The young master is the man destined to become king!"

"Excellent, truly excellent."

Ian sincerely praised, "He may be a little weak, but at least he's very loyal."

To be fair, aside from the Blackbeard Pirates, the villainous groups in the Pirate World are all quite united.

The assassins from Baroque Works, under Crocodile's command, later opened a café together, and the members of CP9 were willing to perform for money to save Lucci when they were being hunted by the government.

"Do whatever you want!"

The black-haired girl, Baby-5, declared loudly, "Even if we die, we will never betray our young master!"

"Well done, Baby-5!"

Gladius exclaimed in praise, "Don't let this guy look down on us!"

This is the spirit of the Donquixote Family!

"Fufufufu"

Doflamingo's laughter rang out, "Look, Ian, your plan seems to be going to fail."

Even though he's a stray dog now, it's not bad to have thwarted Ian's plans.

Ian's lips curled into a smile. "Is that so? But I really need you all."

"Hey!"

Baby-5's eyes lit up instantly, filled with surprise and delight. "You... you really need me?"

The expressions of the Donquixote Family's executives around them changed instantly.

I almost forgot, that brat!!

"Um."

Ian smiled and nodded gently. "Yes, you really need it."

"There's really no way,"

Baby-5's round face was a little red. "Then I'll join your ranks."

"Baby-5! You bastard!!"

Pica's eyes were practically bloodshot.

The middle-aged woman, Jola, also said angrily, "I completely forgot that this girl has absolutely no ability to refuse other people's requests!"

"Hateful!"

Diamante glared at Luo, "Kid! You're the one who told Ian, aren't you?"

Luo curled his lip; he'd long forgotten about such trivial matters, so how could he tell Ian?

However, Ian always seems to know some strange things.

"Alright, let's end this small talk."

Ian sat up straight and looked at the green-haired girl hiding behind Monet. "Sugar, right?"

"Hmm!"

Sugar is only ten years old this year. She was already terrified, and now that Ian had called her name, she became even more fearful and hid behind her older sister.

Ian, however, didn't seem to care. He tilted his head slightly and said, "Luo, untie her."

Luo, of course, didn't care and quickly walked over to remove the Seastone shackles from Sugar's body.

The little girl still looked terrified, but now she could hold onto her sister's arm.

What do you want to do?

Her sister, Monet, feigned bravado but was actually quite cowardly, saying, "The mighty Pirate Emperor, are you really going to lay a hand on a child?"

"Don't misunderstand,"

Ian smiled and said, "The Hobby-Hobby Fruit, such a precious ability, of course I won't waste it."

Doflamingo's pupils dilated instantly.

This guy really knew!

Moreover, why did he specifically untie the Sugar?

"Ian! What do you want to do?"

Doflamingo suddenly had a very scary guess.

What can I do?

Ian sighed, "I've already said I need your family, but I can't shake their loyalty to you, so Doflamingo, my good brother, I'm afraid you'll have to suffer a bit."

"Asshole!!"

Doflamingo was immediately drenched in sweat.

"Okay, Sugar,"

Ian raised a finger and tapped it lightly.

A gust of wind brushed past Sugar's ear, and the girl instinctively turned around to see a small hole punched in the wall.

The little girl's body was trembling violently, and tears welled up in her large eyes.

"If you don't want this blow to fall on your sister later, stand up and walk up to Doflamingo."

Ian smiled and said, "Consider it using the Hobby-Hobby Fruit's power on him for your sister's sake."

No! No way!

Pica screamed instantly, "Ian, you can't do this!!"

No one understands the Hobby-Hobby Fruit better than the Donquixote Family.

If Doflamingo gets infected, he's doomed!

Ian ignored his wailing and simply looked calmly at Sugar. "Doflamingo, or your sister, young lady, make a decision."

Sugar's face turned pale. She wasn't the legally recognized 22-year-old loli she would become in the future; she was still a genuine 10-year-old girl. At this moment, she was completely bewildered by Ian's threat.

She instinctively looked at her sister.

Monet shook his head repeatedly, "No! Sugar! You can't do that!"

"Oh?"

Ian smirked. "You'd better think this through. If you use the Hobby-Hobby Fruit's power on Doflamingo, he might still survive, since I'll forget about him too."

"But if you refuse, then he'll have no choice but to die."

Ian said casually, "If you're alive, there will always be a chance, right?"

They froze.

All the Donquixote Family executives froze.

Luo couldn't help but want to laugh.

What kind of devilish choice is this?

That bastard Ian still has the same twisted sense of humor as always.

Monet's expression changed, and she couldn't help but look at Doflamingo.

However, the young master she respected also had a stiff expression.

"Go, Sugar!"

At that moment, Trebol suddenly gritted his teeth and said, "Use the power of the Hobby-Hobby Fruit on Doflamingo!"

Ian is right, there is always hope as long as you're alive!

"Are you kidding me!"

Doflamingo roared angrily, "Do you want me to become a toy?"

"I'm sorry, Doflamingo, but let's do it this way!"

Diamante also looked exhausted and spoke in a low voice.

Once you're dead, there's no hope of turning things around.

Sugar looked at her sister.

Monet gritted his teeth and nodded with a deeply pained expression.

Sugar sniffed, stood up unsteadily, and walked over to Doflamingo's side.

She said cautiously, "Young Master, I'm sorry."

The tiny hand reached out, cautiously stretching forward.

"Sugar!!"

Doflamingo's eyes widened in fury. "Stop it!"

How could he possibly endure being turned into a toy, forced to live like Nezumi, barely scraping by?

Sugar's hand trembled, but she didn't stop, and finally touched Doflamingo's chest.

In the final moment, Doflamingo subconsciously looked up and saw Ian shining with golden light.

How did this guy use his ability?

Bang!

A burst of white smoke appeared, Doflamingo vanished, and a Doflamingo doll, shorter than Sugar, reappeared in the spot.

In an instant, the expressions of all the Donquixote Family executives present became somewhat subtle.

Damn it!

Doflamingo struggled to lift his head.

The sudden drop in perspective made him feel very uncomfortable.

He knew that everyone had forgotten him!

"Then let me ask one more time."

Doflamingo heard Ian's voice. "Submit to me, or die. What is your answer?"

Doflamingo's body began to tremble as he looked at his most cherished family members.

Soon, Trebol stammered, "I... I surrender! Lord Ian!"

A strange feeling within him made him unwilling to give in; it seemed he had someone he should follow.

But that kind of person doesn't exist in my memory at all.

Trebol could not find a reason for himself not to give in.

Refusal will kill me!

Moreover, by following this man, by following Ian, one of the Four Emperors, one can reach the pinnacle of the world!

It was as if he had flipped a switch.

"I surrender too!"

Diamante followed closely behind.

"Me too!"

Jola refused to back down.

Doflamingo watched helplessly as his family members swore allegiance to Ian.

Without him, everyone lost their anchor; how could they dare refuse Ian?

His eyes widened in fury.

Ian!!

You bastard!!

However, there is still a chance!

Sugar had not made a contract with him; he was not bound in any way. He was a free doll!

There's still a chance!

He still has a chance!

Now that Ian has forgotten about him, he can hide in the shadows and make his plans!

If he can knock Sugar unconscious, he can regain his human form!

A hand grabbed his neck and lifted him off the ground.

The next moment, Doflamingo met a face.

Ian's face wore a strange smile.

"How are you feeling now, Doflamingo?"

Doflamingo was stunned.

He... he still remembers himself.

One chapter for today... I'm having writer's block. I need to organize the plot. I'll make up for the missed chapter tomorrow or the day after. Sorry...