The air was thick with the pungent scent of fresh blood.
Doflamingo didn't mind at all, even as Mafia boss's brain matter clung to his pointed shoes.
He simply revealed a perverted smile of pure enjoyment, spreading his arms wide as if embracing the world.
"Fufufufufu! This is the world I want... a world filled with chaos, a world overflowing with slaughter."
"Everything is but a stage play performed before the king makes his entrance!"
"What an interesting world, what a wonderful smell! Fufufufufu!"
From his slender frame, an overwhelming power erupted without restraint, as if announcing his victory to the world.
The surrounding Donquixote Family members had already formed a large circle, with cadres like Trebol positioned at the front.
Each of them knelt on one knee, offering respectful expressions and worshipful gazes to the king in their hearts.
Those who had just fought still had wounds dripping blood, yet their grips on swords remained exceptionally firm.
They were waiting - waiting for this king to announce who would be permitted to join the Donquixote Family.
Waiting for this young king to issue his first command on this island!
At this moment, every Marine soldier witnessing this scene felt a chill run through their hearts.
"That brat... is a natural-born demon."
"Such a person must never be allowed to remain alive in the North Blue."
Burning buildings, blood gathering into small streams, and corpses strewn everywhere...
The blond-haired youth standing beside the headless corpse appeared like a demon crawled up from hell.
Though nervous, the Marine soldiers' excellent tactical training enabled them to methodically reach their designated positions and complete Raleigh's orders.
Unaware of this scene, Doflamingo scanned the surroundings before withdrawing his smile.
With a cold expression, he declared:
"Today, you all performed quite well."
"Congratulations on passing the Donquixote family trial."
"Everyone still standing may join the Donquixote Family."
Though inwardly overjoyed, none of the present members made any noise.
Doflamingo nodded in satisfaction before issuing his first command.
"Rarotonga Island shall henceforth be the territory of our Donquixote Family."
"Go claim everything belonging to the victors, but remember - civilians are our stable source of income. The arrival of the Donquixote Family will only grant them more stable lives than before."
Though the recent slaughter had stirred the evil within him, he forcibly restrained the desire to destroy everything.
He had to control his innate nature, otherwise he would become like those lowly pirates he looked down upon.
Those wandering pirates who pillaged every place they visited.
Territory!
Influence!
Resources!
These were what he truly wanted.
Rarotonga Island!
The North Blue!
The Grand Line!
Step by step, he would expand his influence until he possessed substantial resources.
Only then would he return to that place that had humiliated him - in the true posture of a king.
When that time came, he would make the world understand who the true king was!
And until he achieved this ultimate goal, he would never allow his innate nature to destroy everything.
Upon hearing Doflamingo's command, the already deeply admiring members of the Donquixote Family were completely won over by him.
Only those who can control their own nature are qualified to be kings.
And this king was the one standing before them, the one they were determined to follow.
The leader of the Donquixote Family—Donquixote Doflamingo!
Just as Doflamingo was savoring the moment of victory, an untimely remark echoed from the alley.
"Miles, if you had even half his skill, I wouldn't have to worry about you losing your life someday."
"Master, in what way am I inferior to him?"
It sounded like an ordinary exchange between a master and disciple.
But Doflamingo knew it couldn't be just any ordinary pair.
Because this place, had long become a slaughterhouse strewn with corpses.
An ordinary person would be too terrified to stand at a single glance.
Let alone converse so casually and effortlessly.
The moment Doflamingo heard the voices, he immediately turned his head toward the source.
His expression shifted and the look in his eyes behind his sunglasses was unfathomable.
The family executives and members guarding him were already seething with rage.
In their hearts, no one in the world could compare to their young master.
The only reason the young master hadn't made a name for himself worldwide was his youth.
Once he matured, he would undoubtedly become the strongest man in the world.
The killing intent that had just subsided among the Donquixote Family members flared up once again.
They were determined to make the one who uttered those words pay the price.
At the damaged alley exit, Doflamingo spotted two figures—one tall, one short.
Likely the master and disciple who had spoken earlier.
But the problem was, behind that pair stood a large group of well-equipped Marine soldiers.
"The Marines?" Doflamingo frowned.
Though he was exceedingly arrogant, he was well aware that he currently lacked the strength to confront the Marines.
He also knew that, due to his special status, the Marines couldn't touch him without concrete evidence.
So, the best course of action was to pretend not to see them.
"You damned fool, how dare you insult our young master!"
Trebol, who regarded Doflamingo as his king, was furious.
He had dedicated his life to making Doflamingo the true king of the Underworld.
To be insulted by a bunch of Marine soldiers from who-knows-where infuriated him beyond measure.
As the enraged Trebol was about to launch an attack, Doflamingo instantly appeared beside him.
He reached out and restrained Trebol.
"Calm down, Trebol. We don't have the strength to oppose the Marines yet,"
Doflamingo whispered to Trebol and the other executives.
He was a clever man—extremely mad, yet equally rational.
"Leave this to me. You all take the others and retreat."
"Doffy..."
Trebol's face was filled with reluctance.
"Doffy, if you don't leave, we won't either. You are our king—it makes no sense for the king to cover the retreat."
The gaunt Diamante drew his longsword, his face dark as he glared at the Marines across from them.
Doflamingo felt the care from the others, warming his heart.
These are the companions he considers family.
Anyone who joins the Donquixote Family becomes his family.
Clap clap clap... clap clap clap...
"Tsk tsk tsk, is this the bond between comrades? How touching."
"Who would have thought that someone like you—so adept at manipulating hearts and reveling in destruction—would fundamentally prioritize family above all else. What a laughable notion."