BIG MOM's move didn't surprise Doflamingo in the slightest.
After all, when it comes to forming alliances of mutual benefit, sometimes using the lower half of the body proves incredibly effective.
His "Dio" wasn't just his own—it also belonged to the forces backing him. And if he played his cards right, he might even score an unexpected win.
However, the moment he laid eyes on the first photo, only two words popped into his head:
Headache.
How was she even fatter than her mother, BIG MOM?!
This was beyond ridiculous. Her mother was a stunning beauty, yet these two had already blown up like balloons at such a young age.
Maintaining a neutral expression, Doflamingo casually moved Charlotte Mondée's photo to the bottom of the pile before finally shifting his attention to the other candidates.
...
A little distance away, a group of Charlotte family women huddled together, whispering among themselves.
"He's a strong one. Surviving Mom's attack like that shows incredible potential! If I weren't already married, I'd want to marry him too! What about you, Mondée?"
Charlotte Compote, the eldest daughter of the family, shared a striking resemblance to her younger sister, Charlotte Mondée. Both of them were destined to take after their mother in the future.
Even the slightest movement of their enormous bodies caused the Homies sofa beneath them to groan under the pressure.
"Hmm… He does look quite good, but I doubt he'd choose me. With his level of strength, Mom wouldn't force him into marriage either."
Mondée had a decent sense of self-awareness.
"I think he'd go for someone even stronger. What do you think, Amande? Effilée?"
The ninth daughter, Broye, gazed at Doflamingo's well-built physique, a glimmer of admiration flashing in her eyes. However, when she turned to Amande and Effilée, there was a faint trace of hostility in her voice.
Among the eligible daughters present, only she and Amande held ministerial titles—Broye as the Minister of Meringue and Amande as the Minister of Nuts.
"No matter who he chooses, Mom has the final say," Amande said, taking a deep drag from her cigarette. A cold, dangerous glint flickered in her eyes.
"So put away that hostility of yours. Otherwise, once Mom's wedding banquet is over, I wouldn't mind paying Milenge Island a visit."
...
Meanwhile, after going through all the available candidates, Doflamingo found himself slightly bewildered. His perception of the Charlotte family's ages seemed to be completely off.
Setting aside those who were yet to make a name for themselves in the future—or those who simply looked too strange—his real options boiled down to the Amande sisters, Brûlée, and Smoothie.
Among them, Smoothie was undoubtedly the most accomplished.
As one of the future Three Sweet Commanders, her strength and potential were unquestionable.
But she was only ten years old. Would Charlotte Linlin even agree to this?
"Doflamingo, all of my daughters are beautiful. Which one has caught your eye? Tell me, and I'll grant her to you."
Charlotte Linlin was starting to grow impatient.
"Of course, every Charlotte lady possesses a unique charm, making it difficult for me to choose. So, I've decided on the Fourteenth Daughter, Charlotte Smoothie."
With that, Doflamingo pointed at the long-legged girl hidden within the crowd.
Me?!
The young Charlotte Smoothie froze, her mind going blank.
In a panic, she darted behind the enormous frame of Charlotte Compote, peeking out cautiously.
Her gaze was filled with confusion.
Why would he pick her, a mere eleven-year-old, over her older, more eligible sisters? Did this guy have some kind of weird fetish?
The cigarettes in Amande and Effilée's mouths nearly dropped to the floor.
"Mamama~ma! Smoothie is only eleven! Are you sure about this, Doflamingo?"
The same question echoed through BIG MOM and the surrounding members of the Charlotte family. Even Katakuri's expression turned slightly peculiar as he looked at Doflamingo.
Even Enel was staring at his young master, starting to wonder if there was something seriously wrong with his brain.
Ignoring the odd stares, Doflamingo remained completely unfazed.
As long as he secured actual benefits, it was a win. A future Sweet Commander's power? There was no way he'd pass that up.
Calmly, he responded, "That's not a problem. We can get engaged first. I'm only seventeen myself—by the time Smoothie reaches marriageable age, I'll only be twenty-two. Besides, my late mother used to adore long-legged girls."
"Well said! Then let's finalize the engagement! Ma~hahaha! The engagement party will be held tonight!"
...
A few days later, the Numancia Flamingo sailed away from Cake Island.
"Perospero, I don't trust that guy. He's dangerous," Katakuri said, adjusting his scarf as he watched the ship disappear into the horizon, his eyes filled with caution.
"What does it matter? Everyone has their own motives. As long as it strengthens the family, that's all that matters. So long as Mom is around, Doflamingo will be a valuable ally. Perorin~"
Perospero licked his candy cane staff, brimming with confidence in his mother's power.
"What about Smoothie?"
"Unless you can convince Mom to change her mind, Perorin~."
"..."
Onboard the Numancia Flamingo, Enel gazed longingly at the shrinking Cake Island.
"I didn't even get to eat enough of those talking apples…"
"Why are we leaving so soon, Young Master?"
"Sharing a room with a tiger that could go berserk at any moment isn't exactly a smart move, Enel."
After successfully completing the engagement ceremony and wrapping up BIG MOM's multiple wedding and birthday celebrations, Doflamingo wasted no time in making his exit.
He had already accomplished his main objective in Totto Land.
Staying any longer around a woman who wouldn't hesitate to attack her own children? No thanks.
Not to mention, a diet consisting solely of cake was bound to lead to diabetes sooner or later.
Now, all he had to do was let time do its work…
...
South Blue – Baterilla Island
"Roger, quick! Come over here!"
Portgas D. Rouge waved enthusiastically at her husband, who had just emerged from the sea.
Slowly, Roger made his way over, carrying a string of fresh fish in one hand. Compared to the former Pirate King who once ruled the Grand Line, he now resembled nothing more than an old fisherman.
Rouge eagerly looped her arm through Roger's half-dry sleeve.
"Cheese!"
"Sir, ma'am, here's your photo—150 Belly."
Liya, the wife of Kagasi, handed them a freshly developed image from the Image Den Den Mushi.
"Thanks! Roger, let's go."
As she tugged him along, Roger's gaze lingered on the woman's wings and the shell in her hand, stirring old memories.
It hadn't been long since he'd gone into hiding, yet it already felt like a lifetime away from the sea.
"Are you from Skypiea? Has the war settled?" he asked, his voice carrying a hint of nostalgia.
Liya looked at the unassuming man before her, respect shining in her eyes.
"Yes! You've been to Skypiea before? The conflict is over—our new god brought peace. Under his guidance, we've even made our way to the Blue Sea."
"A charismatic leader, huh? Tell me more. How's Gan Fall doing?"
Hearing the deep admiration in her voice when she spoke of the 'new god,' Roger's curiosity was piqued.
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+255 chapters on p@treon/tambeerg