On the vast, barren landscape of Fairy Vearth, marked only by countless meteorite craters, the colossal Ark Maxim rested. Doflamingo and his crew had lingered here for quite some time, dedicating considerable effort to exploration, yet ultimately finding little beyond ancient ruins and the dormant automata within them.
"Time to go," Doflamingo murmured, standing on the Ark's deck and gazing towards the distant, beautiful blue planet hanging in the star-dusted void. A flicker of longing touched his eyes.
"Thanks, Doffy," Enel said, standing beside him. "Yes, it's definitely time to leave." Having fulfilled his lifelong dream of reaching Fairy Vearth, Enel's formidable ambition was now entirely focused on the Blue Sea below.
"What's with the thanks between us?" Doflamingo lightly chided, clapping Enel on the shoulder. "Getting too polite on me, Enel? You're precious family, remember?"
"Yahahaha! Right!" Enel paused, momentarily taken aback, then beamed with genuine joy. "Right, Doffy! We're family!" He nodded enthusiastically.
Satisfied, Doflamingo turned away, leaving Enel to savor the feeling, and went to inform Robin and Ibes.
He found them in the Ark's expansive study. Robin was deeply engrossed in studying the records and history gleaned from the lunar ruins they'd explored. Ibes, finding herself with idle time and possessing a natural curiosity about her distant ancestors' past, was assisting her.
"Robin, Ibes, it's time to leave," Doflamingo announced as he entered. "Fairy Vearth was just one leg of our journey. Now, it's time to return and build a truly unshakeable foundation for our home."
Robin looked up from the documents spread across the desk, a hint of reluctance in her eyes. "Onii-chan, are we leaving so soon?"
Doflamingo sighed inwardly. "Robin, we've been stationed here for over half a year already. You call that 'soon'? If we stay any longer, we're going to eat through all our remaining supplies!" He knew Robin could get so lost in her research that she completely forgot the passage of time. If he didn't intervene, she'd probably still be here when the food ran out. Not that she needed to worry, with him around. He fully supported her research... but her combat abilities needed significant improvement first; that was crucial for his larger ambitions.
"But Onii-chan is here, right?" Robin countered with a small pout. "What do I possibly have to worry about?"
"You little rascal," Doflamingo said, his voice a mixture of mild exasperation and fond persuasion. "Come outside for a bit. Take a look at our beautiful planet waiting for us. Staying cooped up in the study constantly isn't healthy."
Ibes, listening to their exchange from the side, covered her mouth to hide a quiet giggle.
And so, the journey to Fairy Vearth concluded. The tangible spoils were limited – the automata and knowledge of the ruins. But the intangible gains, far more valuable in Doflamingo's eyes, were Enel's profound gratitude and the significantly strengthened bond between them.
The Ark Maxim lifted off once more, charting a course back towards the vibrant blue planet. This time, they were heading home.
Aboard the ship, besides the original Donquixote Family members Doflamingo had brought, were now a contingent of the small lunar automata. Doflamingo envisioned practical uses for them – managing the Ark's systems, perhaps assisting future scientific personnel within the Family. Their potential was varied. As for Fairy Vearth itself, Doflamingo now considered it firmly within his sphere of influence, a resource temporarily shelved, its ultimate purpose yet to be determined.
Through the vast, silent expanse of space, the solitary Ark drifted, a lonely vessel drawn towards the beckoning blue sphere, like a long-lost wanderer finally returning to the embrace of its mother.
Back in the North Blue, within the Donquixote Family's stronghold, Rosinante had now been living undercover for over a year. His initial anxiousness had gradually tempered into a calm, steady resolve. He was no longer the novice operative he had been upon arrival; he had become much more adept at the game. Over the long months, he had successfully integrated himself, forming amicable relationships with many Family members. This wasn't solely due to his status as Doflamingo's brother but also a result of his own concerted efforts – all aimed at gathering intelligence. Unfortunately for his mission, most of the crew he interacted with were relatively new recruits, possessing little knowledge of the Family's deeper secrets or Doflamingo's true plans.
Diamante kept a watchful eye on Rosinante's activities. Seeing him blend in harmlessly, even forming bonds with the lower-ranking members, brought a measure of relief, although Diamante never fully lowered his guard. He knew that if Rosinante had attempted any sabotage during the Young Master's prolonged absence, Diamante would not have hesitated to act decisively, familial ties notwithstanding – though dealing with the fallout from Doflamingo afterward would undoubtedly have been complicated.
For Rosinante, life within the Family was surprisingly comfortable, far more relaxed and free than the rigid structure of the Marines. Yet, despite the ease, he found himself missing the discipline and purpose of the Navy. This unstructured, morally ambiguous lifestyle was not what he truly desired.
During his daily routines and interactions, Rosinante continued to subtly probe the subordinates, trying to glean any information about Doflamingo's doings. As expected, however, he learned little of significance.
One day, Rosinante was taking his usual walk through a bustling area of the base. Family members greeted him warmly as he passed – "Lord Rosinante!" – their enthusiasm perhaps fueled by dreams of gaining favor through the Young Master's younger brother.
Rosinante nodded politely in return, his mind preoccupied. Where had Doflamingo gone? To be absent for such an extended period... it surely meant he was involved in something monumental, some earth-shattering secret.
I swear, I will uncover my dear brother's secret! Rosinante silently reaffirmed his unwavering determination.
Having journeyed back from the cosmos, Doflamingo's group first returned to Sky Island. They took some time to rest, offload some of the automata to assist with managing their sky-high territory, and replenish their own supplies. Then, boarding the Ark Maxim once more, they descended back into the familiar skies of the North Blue.
The great golden Ark now sailed upon the azure sea. After spending so long flying through clouds and space, Doflamingo found himself actually missing the feel of navigating the ocean waves. It was also a good opportunity to test the Ark Maxim's seafaring capabilities.
Unsurprisingly, the ship's opulent, gold-laden appearance attracted unwanted attention from numerous greedy pirates. However, none who approached stood a chance. Enel alone effortlessly dispatched any would-be attackers, allowing Doflamingo to relax and focus on his own training. Having overcome the initial hurdles with Armament Haki, Doflamingo was now concentrating on mastering the intricacies of Conqueror's Haki Coating. Progress was slow, however, making him idly muse whether he needed a 'lesson' from Kaido – perhaps one good, Haki-infused club strike would serve as a quick introduction to the technique!
On the sun-drenched deck of the Ark, Robin and Ibes lounged comfortably on deck chairs, enjoying the sea breeze and warm sunlight.
"Young Master!" a subordinate called down from the observation post. "We're approaching Miracle Town!"
"Mm," Doflamingo acknowledged from his throne. "About time we made landfall for a break. Let's see what pleasantries the North Blue has to offer this time."
Soon, the magnificent Ark Maxim docked smoothly at Miracle Town's port. With characteristic magnanimity, Doflamingo granted the crew shore leave, allowing them time to unwind. Enel, quite characteristically, declared shore leave boring and volunteered to stay behind and guard the ship, claiming vehemently that he needed to train relentlessly to keep pace with Doflamingo and couldn't afford to waste time. Doflamingo simply shrugged and accepted his decision. Robin and Ibes headed into town together, likely intent on shopping – a typically feminine pursuit Doflamingo had no intention of joining; accompanying them would likely be more exhausting than a serious fight. What business did a man like him have meddling in women's affairs anyway? The rest of the crew members eagerly disembarked, heading off in small groups towards what they clearly considered 'their favorite street,' undoubtedly anticipating alcohol, massages, and other forms of relaxation.
Doflamingo strolled alone through the town's bustling streets. Surrounded by the flow of people, he felt a strange sense of detachment, a momentary disconnect from the everyday world after having been away from such mundane activity for so long.
Suddenly, a commotion up ahead broke through his reverie. "Catch her! That little beggar!"
Curiosity, an inherent human trait, tugged at him. After all, why bother coming ashore if not to witness a bit of local drama?
He pushed his way through the gathered onlookers. Some started to curse at the interruption, but upon seeing Doflamingo's imposing height and expensive attire, they quickly swallowed their words, wisely deciding not to offend someone who clearly held status.
At the center of the ring of spectators were two children – the source of the disturbance.
One was a small girl, kneeling pitifully on the ground with her head bowed low. Her ragged clothes marked her unmistakably as a beggar. Standing over her was another young girl, dressed in fine clothes, clearly from a wealthy, perhaps noble, family. The contrast between them was stark. Doflamingo couldn't immediately tell what had transpired to bring these two disparate lives into conflict.
'Mind your own business,' a cynical voice whispered in his mind. He assessed the scene, countless similar scenarios playing out in his memory. It was a classic, depressingly familiar tableau: the powerful tormenting the weak. The little beggar girl was an easy target. In this world, poor children were often treated as less than human, while the offspring of nobles acted as if inherently superior. What an unjust, mocking world. The beggar girl's fate seemed predetermined – likely a beating, further torment, perhaps even death.
He felt no flicker of sympathy. Such incidents were tragically common; intervening once wouldn't change the fundamental cruelty of the world or ultimately save her.
Deciding to leave the unpleasant scene behind, Doflamingo turned away. Just as he did, the little beggar girl lifted her head. Her small, tear-streaked, grimy face registered in the reflection of his sunglasses.
Recognition struck him. "It's her!" Doflamingo stopped, a genuine flicker of surprise crossing his features. He knew this child – Baby 5.
An unexpected question immediately formed in his mind: This maid... should I recruit her or not?