Gladius moved cautiously across the snowfield, searching like a hound. Suddenly, his gaze locked onto a trail of fresh footprints and a particularly conspicuous figure in the distance.
The figure wore a familiar black feathered coat. Even curled up, he carried an indescribable elegance and... resolve.
It was Corazon.
Gladius's pupils contracted slightly. He did not act rashly, instead immediately reporting through a Den Den Mushi. Like a stone dropped into a still lake, the news instantly sent ripples spreading outward.
Inside the base, Pica received the report and immediately informed Doflamingo, who sat at the head of the room, his fingertips unconsciously tapping the armrest. His shrill voice was wildly mismatched with his massive frame.
"Doffy, Corazon's been found!"
Doflamingo's expression behind his sunglasses was unreadable. The habitual sinister smile at the corner of his mouth seemed to freeze for an instant. Then he abruptly rose to his feet, his feathered coat cutting a sharp arc through the air.
"Move."
There were no unnecessary words, yet the suppressed fury and some indescribable anticipation made everyone present tense up.
Like dark storm clouds, the group swiftly bore down on the location where Gladius had reported Corazon's appearance.
The brothers reunited in the snow.
After a display of "brotherly affection," Rosinante revealed that he could speak and that he was a Marine. Then he raised a Flintlock, pointing its barrel at his older brother.
Doflamingo remained unmoved as he looked at his pale-faced younger brother, whose lips nevertheless held a relieved smile.
He spoke quickly, his tone urgent.
"Answer two questions. Where is the Op-Op Fruit, and where is Luo?"
Rosinante looked straight into the eyes behind his brother's sunglasses, eyes that might have been cold, and answered bluntly.
"Doffy, I never got the Op-Op Fruit. Luo... escaped. The Marines protected