Dressrosa, Royal Palace.
Rustle…
Violet walked gracefully into the room, holding a newspaper in her delicate hands as she approached the Donquixote Family executives.
Trebol wiped his dripping nose and laughed loudly. "Bring it here! Doffy's been waiting—snort snort—!"
Diamante watched Violet approach and grinned. "Violet, that dress looks stunning on you today."
Violet placed the newspaper in front of Donquixote Doflamingo before turning to Diamante with a sweet smile. "Diamante, you look quite dashing yourself today."
Diamante waved his hands humbly. "No, no, you flatter me. I'm just average today, nothing special."
Violet tilted her head playfully. "Oh? Then perhaps I misjudged. But if you say so, I'll take your word for it."
Gladius nodded in agreement. "I thought the same. Quite the interesting exchange."
Suddenly—
"FUFUFUFU…!"
Doflamingo leaned back in his chair, his laughter erupting in wild amusement.
"He's finally been marked by the Marines! FUFUFUFU!"
The executives froze, then quickly snatched up the newspaper.
"CHRIS—BOUNTY: 100 MILLION BERRIES!"
The room fell silent.
Pica's high-pitched voice broke the tension. "Ugh, just another rookie. What's so special—squeak?"
Diamante stroked his chin. "I do look rather dashing today. My mood is excellent."
Violet rolled her eyes. "You two are impossible."
"But this is interesting!"
She pointed at the newspaper.
"Isn't this the young man Doffy mentioned before? Chris!"
Doflamingo's grin widened. "The very same."
Jora twirled her hefty body. "What a fearsome youngster! A first bounty of 100 million Berries—ohohoho!"
Diamante nodded. "Impressive indeed."
Trebol shuffled forward, mucus dripping. "Doffy, Doffy! Are we really gonna work with this brat?!"
"You're our king! Why lower yourself to partnering with some snot-nosed kid?!"
Gladius crossed his arms. "Compared to our business with the Underworld, this kid isn't worth our time."
Lao G remained stoic. "Simply put—he's beneath you."
Doflamingo's grin never wavered.
"I used to think the same."
"But if we were to fight to the death… the outcome wouldn't be so certain. FUFUFUFU!"
The executives stiffened.
They knew Doflamingo better than anyone.
He never acknowledged others. He never considered anyone his equal.
Yet now—
He admitted Chris might be a threat.
Pica's voice turned serious. "If Doffy says so… then this Chris must be terrifying."
Diamante frowned at the newspaper. "No wonder Doffy spoke so highly of him. The kid's a monster."
"To cause such waves before even entering the Grand Line… unbelievable."
Doflamingo's fingers twitched.
"When we fought, I was pushed to my limits."
"I didn't use my full power… but even then, his strength was undeniable."
Diamante's eyes gleamed. "For Doffy to acknowledge him… that alone speaks volumes."
Gladius smirked. "I'd love to meet him. See what makes him so special."
Jora giggled. "Ohohoho! Let's capture him and make him my plaything!"
"He's so handsome~! I adore him!"
Trebol snorted. "Doffy's the strongest! No brat can match him—snort snort!"
Violet's Thoughts
As the executives bickered, Violet remained silent, her eyes locked on Chris's photo.
"Doflamingo is arrogant. He looks down on everyone."
"Yet he admitted Chris pushed him to the edge…"
"That means—
"Doflamingo couldn't defeat him."
Her grip tightened.
"I must contact Chris."
"If I can reach him… Dressrosa can be saved."
"Father can retake the throne. Our people can live in peace again."
"Mother… please watch over me."
"Even if it costs me my life—I'll free this kingdom."
To Be Continued…
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