Who would've thought that Rogers Daren—now one of the World Government's greatest enemies—would have a godson who's the second-in-command of the Government's highest authority on law enforcement and judgment?
Just thinking about how twisted and absurd that was made the corner of Momonga's mouth twitch uncontrollably.
Back then, he had strongly disagreed with Daren's decision to take Doflamingo as a godson, believing it was like raising a tiger that might turn on him.
But now, Momonga had to admit—he'd been too rash.
Still, it wasn't something he could say out loud.
Especially not in front of Zephyr-sensei. With his unyielding hatred for pirates, it was unlikely he'd ever accept something like that from Daren.
"In the battle on Philseque, Daren wiped out nearly the entire elite young generation of the Celestial Dragons. And with the casualties from the bombing of Mary Geoise... there's bound to be panic among them."
Momonga chuckled lightly.
"Besides, most of the Celestial Dragons are just pigs in fancy clothes. In the end, the Five Elders didn't have many decent options."
"Doflamingo had already shown extraordinary ability even before he became one of the Shichibukai. And after gaining that title, he used its privileges to massively expand his influence in the New World, becoming an Emperor of the underworld."
"To a certain degree, the resources under his control were significant enough that the Government had no choice but to take him seriously."
"As for the deputy commander position of the God's Knights... it sounds important, but in reality, it holds almost no real authority. He can't mobilize troops and is restricted by the commander in nearly everything. It's just a symbolic title."
"A title that looks prestigious but costs next to nothing—yet it secures the loyalty of someone powerful, resourceful, and well-connected. I'm sure the Five Elders see that as a steal."
"Plus, Donquixote Doflamingo is a Celestial Dragon by blood. So technically, putting him in that role doesn't even break their rules. It's all very convenient."
Zephyr listened to the analysis and gave Momonga a rare, appreciative glance.
The clarity and structure of his reasoning reminded him of Daren.
It was clear that under Daren's influence, Momonga had been working hard to grow into a well-rounded leader himself.
Thinking about that, Zephyr couldn't help but glance to the other side of the deck.
And what he saw... made his temples throb.
Tokikake was sitting lazily with a cigarette in his mouth, using one finger to dig between his toes, then sniffing it under his nose, shivering at the stench—only to go back to digging.
Shuzo, shirtless and jacked, was pounding away at a sandbag like a man possessed, growling over and over, "I need to get stronger! Muscles! Muscles!"
Yamakaji was slouched in a corner, puffing on two lit cigars at once, so completely engulfed in smoke that his figure could barely be seen.
Zephyr: "..."
He turned back to Momonga, standing firm and sharp in front of him, and suddenly clutched at his chest with a pained expression.
"Why does it feel like... all the disciples I've taught are a little unhinged...?"
…
No matter when it was, the Celestial Stairway always inspired an indescribable sense of majesty and awe.
Its pristine white steps stretched endlessly upward, vanishing into the sea of clouds above, as if no end could ever be reached. Flanking the stairway, two rows of towering statues stood like silent gods, watching coldly over all who dared ascend. Their imposing presence forced climbers to feel, deep in their hearts, the supreme authority of the World Government.
This wasn't Stussy's first time climbing the Celestial Stairway.
Since joining CP0, she had climbed it twenty-six times—each time arriving at the Hall of Power in Pangaea Castle to personally face the Five Elders, holders of the world's highest authority.
Yes, twenty-six times. She remembered every one clearly.
Because each ascent filled her with a trembling fear—fear that her identity as a spy would be exposed by the Five Elders, and even greater fear that a careless mistake might lead to Dr. Vegapunk being assassinated by the World Government.
For others, the chance to climb the Celestial Stairway and meet the Five Elders might be a once-in-a-lifetime honor.
But for Stussy, it was always a gamble.
A gamble with no reward for winning. A gamble where losing meant losing everything—including her life.
So each time she set foot on those spotless steps, she walked with her head low, never daring to look at the massive statues of the God's Knights lining the sides, afraid that any oddity might catch the eye of hidden CP agents.
On this path to the pinnacle of power, she walked as if on thin ice.
But today...
At this very moment...
As Stussy climbed the Celestial Stairway for the twenty-seventh time, her heart no longer held fear, anxiety, or unease.
A sense of security—indescribable yet overwhelming—pushed her forward like a pair of invisible hands at her back.
There were two reasons for this change.
The first, naturally, was the journey to Egghead, which had confirmed Vegapunk's safety.
The second—and far more important—
Was that she knew she was no longer alone.
With that thought, Stussy slowly tried to lift her head, which had instinctively remained lowered.
The sunlight was blinding, almost too much to bear.
But in that brief glance upward...
She froze.
She saw that atop the Celestial Stairway, where the two rows of God's Knights statues reached their peak, workers and slaves were laboring under the blazing sun to restore the statues of the commander and vice commander of the God's Knights.
Stussy instantly recognized the commander's statue.
That crescent-shaped red hair, the fierce, devilish smile, and the refined posture—only one Celestial Dragon in Mary Geoise carried such a unique presence.
Saint Figarland Garling.
The king once active in God Valley, now seated at the highest throne of the Knights.
Stussy wasn't surprised by this outcome.
Figarland Garling-sama—whether in power, talent, lineage, or qualifications—was more than fit to succeed Michael-sama.
What piqued her curiosity was the other statue.
The one of the vice commander of the God's Knights.
Frowning, Stussy studied the figure, which was slowly taking shape under the hands of the craftsmen and slaves, and fell into deep thought.
"Why does this person look... so familiar?"