The leisurely time spent ashore always seemed to pass by in a flash. Soon, the Donquixote Family members began returning to the Ark Maxim in small, boisterous groups.
"Tsk, brother, you have no idea! The girl I was with... that taste, that feeling... man, it was incredible!" "Hehehe, I say, you little toothpick, you think you could actually satisfy her?" "Get lost, get lost! So what if one couldn't? Can't a group of us manage?" "Hahaha! Brother, so that's what you're into! You're really open-minded! What a pervert!"
Men often found it easy to be unguarded with each other, especially when the topic turned to women and... those kinds of activities. The atmosphere among them was undeniably lively.
However, Doflamingo certainly wouldn't be sharing in this particular brand of joy. His subordinates had their own ways of having fun, and if they could bond and let loose together, Doflamingo was actually pleased to see it. Such camaraderie only strengthened the Family's cohesion.
Their boisterous laughter and crude jokes eventually reached Doflamingo's ears. Spotting their Young Master, the crew members immediately reined in their rowdy behavior, their expressions shifting to respectful attentiveness. They held Doflamingo in high esteem, bordering on worship; it was important to maintain a semblance of decorum in his presence.
"If you're on break, then relax properly!" Doflamingo said, his tone magnanimous. "Don't mind me. It's better when everyone is enjoying themselves." He knew the value of such gestures. These were his Family members; even if their individual strength was lacking, opportunities to win their hearts and secure their loyalty were not to be missed.
"Young Master!" The crew members looked at Doflamingo, visibly moved. His words made them feel truly seen, valued – not just as disposable pawns, but as individuals who mattered. Their loyalty to the Family deepened further.
The Ark Maxim set sail once more, gliding across the vast, boundless ocean on its journey home.
That evening, at the dinner table, Robin formally introduced Baby 5, now clad in a neat maid outfit, to the Family dinner. Originally, Robin had prepared many beautiful dresses for Baby 5, but the little girl had taken an instant liking to the maid uniform and insisted on wearing it. (As for why Robin even had a maid outfit in her possession... I don't know either. Use your imagination.)
Doflamingo, seeing the cleaned-up and presentable Baby 5, felt a surge of satisfaction. Robin seated Baby 5 beside her, and the 'family' began their meal together, a picture of domestic order.
And so, the Donquixote Family gained another little rascal, and Doflamingo acquired a new little maid, dedicated to performing whatever small tasks she could for him.
Baby 5 had been aboard the Ark for a week now. This past week had shown her a glimpse of what a good life could be. A genuine sense of contentment filled her heart; she thoroughly enjoyed this new existence. Though the Young Master often appeared stern, he treated her well. The others were kind too, especially Ibes-neechan and Miss Robin, who both made her feel very comfortable. However, deep down, Baby 5 felt the greatest sense of security when she was near the Young Master. After all, she had made a promise – to obey only his commands. Though young, Baby 5 possessed a stubborn, single-minded determination.
Back at the Family's main base, everything proceeded as usual. The North Blue's development remained firmly within the Donquixote Family's grasp. Trebol, while not exceptionally strong in combat, possessed a remarkable talent for managing Family affairs. During Doflamingo's absence, he had handled everything impeccably.
Finally, the day arrived when Doflamingo and his contingent returned. Diamante, having received word, waited anxiously at the port. This was the first time he hadn't been by Doflamingo's side during a major undertaking. In the past, no matter what dangers arose, he had always fought alongside his Young Master. He wondered what Doflamingo had accomplished during his long absence.
"Lord Diamante, look!" a subordinate called out, pointing towards the horizon.
Diamante's gaze swept across the distant sea. A colossal ship was approaching, its form radiating an aura of extreme luxury. The brilliant gold adorning its hull glinted so brightly in the sun that it was almost difficult to look away.
"That must be Doffy," Diamante muttered to himself.
Soon, the Ark Maxim docked smoothly. Doflamingo disembarked with his entourage, and the reunion with Diamante and the others began.
"Fuffuffuffuffu! Diamante! It's been a long time!" Doflamingo greeted him with a broad smile.
"Hahaha! Doffy! It certainly has been too long! We've all missed you terribly!" Diamante laughed in return.
"Welcome home, Young Master!" the assembled Family members cheered enthusiastically.
The townsfolk were largely unfazed by the grand arrival. The Donquixote Family's presence here was no longer a secret. Though the pirates had a fearsome reputation, their presence also brought a strange kind of stability and peace to the area.
"Let's go," Doflamingo said, his smile fading into a more serious expression as he led the group back towards the Family headquarters.
Rosinante had also received news of his 'dear brother's' return. However, he hadn't joined Diamante at the port to welcome him. Instead, he waited within the Family compound. Given the persona he had carefully cultivated, this was the most natural course of action. Rosinante was intensely curious about what Doflamingo had been doing during his prolonged absence. Yet, he knew that at times like these, maintaining composure was paramount.
Hearty laughter soon echoed through the halls, reaching Rosinante's ears. He quickly made his way to the main hall to greet his brother.
"Rosinante! You're here too!" Doflamingo spotted him immediately, offering a smiling greeting.
Rosinante responded with his usual combination of written notes and gestures, expressing his welcome. His sharp eyes, however, quickly noticed Baby 5 standing near Doflamingo. So, Doflamingo goes away for a long time and comes back having 'kidnapped' another child, Rosinante thought, his heart growing heavy. He stood there silently, his expression unreadable.
The initially cheerful atmosphere in the hall cooled somewhat with Rosinante's somber presence. Although the core executives knew the truth about him, Doflamingo hadn't officially unmasked him, so they could only maintain the strange, strained facade.
"Men! Prepare a banquet! To celebrate the Young Master's return!" Diamante, sensing the awkwardness, quickly stepped in to liven things up.
"Yahahaha! A banquet? Excellent!" Enel exclaimed happily.
"Then get to it!" Doflamingo chimed in. "I've missed the Family's cooking!"
That evening, the banquet was held as planned. Everyone in the Family ate and drank merrily – everyone, that is, except Rosinante. Though he put on a show of enjoyment, no one truly knew what was going through his mind. Doflamingo formally introduced Baby 5 to the assembled Family, explaining that she was now his personal maid, responsible for attending to his daily needs. The Family members accepted her presence without objection.
When Baby 5 was mentioned, Rosinante's expression darkened slightly, but no one paid him any mind. They were all too busy eating, drinking, boasting, and generally making merry. Who had the time to scrutinize the mood of one quiet man?
My dear brother, Rosinante thought bitterly, nursing his drink, your sins have deepened yet again. Such a young child... following you will undoubtedly lead her to ruin. It falls to me to save her! He was convinced of his righteous path.
Unbeknownst to Rosinante, who believed his inner turmoil was well concealed, Doflamingo had been subtly observing him all along. Seeing his brother's expression, Doflamingo knew Rosinante's 'savior complex' was flaring up again. He'd already failed to 'save' Robin; now, it seemed Rosinante would set his sights on Baby 5.
Doflamingo raised his wine glass, took a sip, and smiled a subtle, enigmatic smile.
Banquets, Rosinante had learned, provided the perfect cover for contacting Sengoku. With everyone engrossed in the festivities, no one would notice his brief absence.
After the main revelry died down, Rosinante feigned drunkenness, stumbling unsteadily back to his room. His movements were practiced, ensuring both secrecy and safety – the hallmarks of a seasoned undercover agent.
Inside his soundproofed room, Rosinante expertly dialed the familiar number. It was late, yet Sengoku answered almost immediately. The life of a Marine Admiral is truly arduous, Rosinante mused.
"I see. Alright, I understand. Take care of yourself, Rosinante. Protect yourself," Sengoku's voice came through the Den Den Mushi. Hearing his adoptive father's concerned words brought a warmth to Rosinante's heart that he never felt with his biological brother. These brief conversations with Sengoku gave him the strength to persevere. The irony wasn't lost on him.
The banquet was still ongoing, but Doflamingo had excused himself much earlier. Now, in his private chambers, Ibes was patiently relaying every detail of the conversation she had just intercepted.
"Doffy," Ibes asked, her beautiful eyes blinking with concern, "what are you going to do?"
"Let him keep bouncing around for now," Doflamingo replied nonchalantly, showing no particular urgency. "It's of little consequence."
"But..." Ibes began, clearly worried, but she hesitated to press further. This involved Doflamingo's own brother; it wasn't her place to dictate his actions.
"Relax," Doflamingo reassured her, walking over and gently placing an arm around her waist. His other hand softly stroked her smooth hair.
Ibes leaned into his embrace, her anxiety easing, and said no more, content to enjoy the quiet moment of peace.
The night was long, and everyone pursued their own activities. Robin, ever the scholar, was engrossed in a book in her study. Enel and Pica, usually at odds, had surprisingly found common ground over alcohol and were now thoroughly drunk. Trebol and Diamante, despite enjoying the banquet, eventually retired to their own rooms; their positions meant they couldn't truly relax and mingle freely with the rank-and-file. As for the newcomer, Baby 5, Doflamingo had initially intended for her to stay with him but then dismissed her, telling her to go to her own room and sleep.
Baby 5 lay quietly on a large, comfortable bed. At first, she tossed and turned, unable to sleep in the unfamiliar surroundings, a vague sense of unease fluttering in her small chest. Eventually, however, exhaustion claimed her, and she drifted off into a deep, oblivious slumber.
Everything within the Family was proceeding according to plan. Doflamingo was eager to set out for the Grand Line, but there were still certain... assets he needed to acquire. He wasn't in a rush. A skilled hunter, above all else, possessed patience. And patience, Doflamingo believed, was something he had in abundance.