Toku emerged from the sea and stepped onto Blue Dot Island, still dripping wet. He walked straight to where Doflamingo was waiting, surrounded by his black-cloaked SOS members.
"Done," Toku said simply. "I took care of the CP-0. If you want their bodies, you'll have to fish them out of the sea yourself."
Doflamingo threw his head back and laughed. "Fufufufufu! You make me proud, Boss."
Toku looked around at the small, hidden island — beautiful, hard to spot, and with an underwater world full of vibrant corals and fish beneath it.
"I've been thinking," he continued. "I like this island. It's small, but perfect. I've decided I'm going to build my kingdom right underneath it. Underwater."
The SOS members gasped in shock.
Doflamingo raised an eyebrow. "How exactly are you going to do that?"
"The Fude Fude no Mi," Toku answered. "It can bring any painting or drawing to life. The last user is dead, so I'm going to find the fruit, get a skilled artist, recruit him into the crew, and we'll start building. It'll be the biggest kingdom in the sea — and eventually, the world. What do you think, Donflamingo? You've always wanted to be a king, haven't you?"
Doflamingo stared at him for a moment, then slowly dropped to one knee. He lowered his head, one arm resting on his knee in perfect submission.
"I'll follow you for the rest of my life, Boss."
Every single SOS member dropped to their knees at the same time, heads bowed.
"All hail the Shadow Emperor!"
"All hail the Shadow Emperor!"
"All hail the Shadow Emperor!"
Their voices echoed across the island.
Doflamingo's signature laugh rang out, low and delighted.
"Fufufufufu… Fufufufufu… Fufufufufu…"
Toku stood above them all, invisible smirk hidden behind the wind.
The foundation of his empire had just been laid.