When things go bad, seize the chance to slip away! This had been Spandine's secret to surviving perilous situations for so many years.
Spandine yelled "Withdraw!" and his subordinates, tasked with protecting him, quickly surrounded their director, preparing to retreat.
The members of the Donquixote Pirates, naturally, wouldn't let them escape. They spontaneously formed a perimeter around Spandine and his men, not attacking but continuously forcing them back. Spandine and his subordinates looked on warily, a tense standoff with neither side having yet made a move.
Doflamingo certainly wouldn't let him off. After all, Spandine had been so arrogant and imposing just moments ago, looking quite dapper. Now, he was scurrying about like a cornered rat, a truly wretched sight.
"Do you think this is a place you can just come and go as you please, Director Spandine? You still have something you haven't left behind!" Doflamingo sat high on his throne, looking down at the pathetic Spandine.
"Donquixote Doflamingo, I am an official of the World Government! Are you truly prepared to make an enemy of the World Government?" Spandine, stubborn as a dead duck, blustered, hoping Doflamingo might change his mind and let him off.
"The World Government, so what? Whoever has the bigger fist holds the truth. Surely you understand such a basic principle!" Doflamingo ignored Spandine's threat, directly refuting his words.
"Damn it! Donquixote Doflamingo, you truly are a madman! How could you possibly comprehend the might of the World Government?" Spandine looked at Doflamingo as if he were a lunatic, driven to distraction by Doflamingo's words. He hadn't expected to encounter such a madman.
"'Madman,' what an elegant term. I'll take it as a compliment. And as a reward, I will give you a complete funeral," Doflamingo said, completely unfazed by Spandine's pronouncements. So what if you see me as a rabid dog! One cannot achieve greatness without a touch of madness. Doflamingo wanted to embrace that madness, to turn this world upside down. The world was already rotten enough; what did it matter if it became a little more chaotic?
"Damn it, Donquixote Doflamingo, you're just a lunatic!" Spandine cursed Doflamingo again, then ordered the CP members beside him, "You must protect me!"
"Yes, Director!" Still the same coward, afraid of death! Although they were loyal dogs of the World Government, they too had their own aspirations and didn't want to sacrifice themselves for the sake of World Government orders.
"Damn bastard, how dare you insult the Young Master! I'll hack you to pieces!" The men surrounding Spandine, hearing his frantic yelps, couldn't help but tighten their grip on their weapons, determined to make Spandine pay.
Doflamingo paid no attention to his subordinates' reactions. That he was so beloved was, of course, a good thing! However, the matter of revenge right now naturally had to be handed over to the most suitable person present.
"Robin, the demon who unleashed the Buster Call on Ohara, who killed your mother and everyone on the island, is right here. For the sake of the countless innocent lives of Ohara, this time, you will exact revenge yourself! I believe they too would want justice. This justice, you will reclaim it personally," Doflamingo said, looking at Robin beside him.
"Do you need help?" Ibes asked Robin gently.
Robin stared deadly at Spandine. This was a man whose existence she would never forget, even in her dreams – though they were always nightmares.
Spandine, feeling Robin's gaze, shivered and shrank behind his subordinates, avoiding her eyes.
For Robin, Spandine was a recurring figure in her memories. It was he who had brought the Marines and World Government forces to destroy Ohara. The hatred in her heart had not diminished in the slightest. However, before meeting Doflamingo, she hadn't dared to even imagine revenge; just staying alive had taken all her effort. Even after joining the Donquixote Family, she hadn't dared to think about such things, afraid of bringing disaster upon them.
After all, this was her new home. She loved everything here. She didn't want to bring new calamities upon the Family because of her. Even though Doflamingo had told her to fear nothing, her heart was still filled with as much worry as possible, and she had made plans for Doflamingo's future. If things became untenable, even if she had to sacrifice herself, she would save Doflamingo and the Donquixote Family. Robin, you really haven't changed! Still such a kind person!
Hearing Ibes's words, Robin shook her head. For this enemy, even if Doflamingo hadn't said anything, she would have taken action herself. This vengeance, she had to exact it! She didn't need anyone's help. She had to face this herself, to reclaim justice for those innocent people.
Not only to eliminate the obsession in her heart and her fear of the World Government, but also, as a scholar of Ohara, for the sake of that precious knowledge, she had to avenge them. This was her undeniable duty.
Under the watchful eyes of many Family members, Robin quickly appeared before Spandine and his men.
"Spandine! For Ohara, you must die, so they can rest in peace! This long-overdue justice, I will reclaim it now," Robin said, her face cold, her voice chilling, her killing intent washing over Spandine and his men.
"Demon Child, Nico Robin! You've really grown up, haven't you? What is justice? That's not for you to decide. All of this was decided by the World Government!" Spandine, surrounded by his men, was not intimidated by Robin's words. Having weathered so many storms, how could he be scared by a mere brat's words?
"Treinta Fleur: Clutch!" Robin wasted no more breath and directly took action. As she activated her fruit ability, thirty arms sprouted on the backs of Spandine and his men, forming two giant arms. She manipulated one of these giant arms to grip their jaws in a V-shape, while the other arm wrapped around the tops of their heads. Then, with a forceful twist…
Spandine and his men struggled desperately, but it was useless.
Crack... Crack...
The sound of necks snapping echoed successively. Spandine and his men, without any ability to resist, were easily dealt with by Robin. They collapsed one by one, their foul blood staining the deck of the Ark Maxim.
The men who had accompanied Spandine this time were not strong. For the World Government, people like Spandine were a dime a dozen; they wouldn't care in the slightest about his death.
The tragedy of the weak – even as tools, no one would mourn them! One wondered what his dear son would think upon hearing this news! Would he cry, or rejoice? Either was possible.
Until the moment of his death, Spandine hadn't imagined Robin's abilities would be so formidable. He still had so many ambitions unfulfilled! To die just like that, at the hands of a little girl he had looked down upon – all his beautiful dreams were shattered by Robin's hands.
"Well done, Robin. Congratulations, you've finally reclaimed a little interest," Doflamingo, seeing Robin deal with Spandine and his men so cleanly, offered his praise without reservation.
Even the other Family members couldn't help but let out a silent cheer for Robin. They hadn't realized such a young woman possessed such formidable strength. Previously, they had felt somewhat resentful of Robin's high position; although they hadn't voiced it, there was some discontent in their hearts. Robin's actions this time had truly opened the eyes of many Family members, and they were now convinced.
Robin, hearing Doflamingo's praise, didn't reply. Her head was bowed, as if immersed in sorrow. Even though she had taken revenge and reclaimed justice, her loved ones couldn't return. This left her feeling sad and oppressed.
"Robin, are you still grieving? Our enemies are still very powerful, you know. We can't afford to sink into despair like this! You've reclaimed justice for them; those people will all be grateful to you! As long as you live well, those who love you will be happy for you," Doflamingo, sensing Robin's sadness, quickly appeared by her side. He gently stroked her head, comforting her.
"Thank you," Robin lifted her head, glanced at Doflamingo, and said softly.
"We're family, Robin. Family doesn't need such formalities!" Doflamingo was taken aback for a moment by Robin's thanks, then quickly responded.
"Yes, Robin, we're family," the understanding big sister, Ibes, quickly appeared by Robin's side, pulling the still somewhat sorrowful Robin into her embrace, offering her the warmest hug to heal her grieving heart.
"Family!"
"We are all family!"
The onlookers also let out cheers of "Family!" Even the somewhat aloof Law shouted a few times at the top of his lungs, only to be seen by Baby 5, which made him blush profusely.
"It's so good to have you all!" Robin said sincerely, looking at everything happening.
Purupurupuru…
Just as everyone was still cheering for "family," the ringing of a Den Den Mushi disharmoniously cut through the atmosphere. Everyone's gaze followed the sound to its source. Soon, they found the Den Den Mushi on the deceased Spandine.
Doflamingo took the Den Den Mushi from an understanding subordinate's hand and, under everyone's watch, casually answered the call.
"Is this Spandine? Has the matter been settled?" A stern voice came from the other end of the line. To the ears of the Donquixote Pirates, it felt somewhat discordant. The owner of the voice sounded so high and mighty, like a god looking down on the mortal world, devoid of any emotion.
"The Five Elders?" Doflamingo inquired.
"Donquixote Doflamingo? It seems matters weren't settled then! Spandine has already been killed by you, hasn't he?" The Five Elders were momentarily stunned not to hear the familiar voice, but quickly recovered their cold indifference.
"Fuffuffuffuffu! That piece of trash Spandine? Of course, he was dealt with by me. After all, it counts as reclaiming a little interest," Doflamingo directly gave them a positive answer.
"Trash is indeed trash. Can't even handle one simple thing."
"What time is it now? Just one Spandine, dead is dead. Business is more important."
"Alright, now we can discuss things directly with Donquixote Doflamingo."
The conversation between the several Five Elders came through the Den Den Mushi. Doflamingo quietly waited for what they would say next.
"So, Donquixote Doflamingo, are you planning to refuse our proposal?" The Five Elders once again threw the question to Doflamingo.
"Five Elders, you plan to bestow the title of a Warlord of the Sea upon me as charity? Aren't you looking down on people a bit too much!" Doflamingo said coldly, his Conqueror's Haki flaring up, causing those around him to involuntarily retreat several tens of steps. Doflamingo quickly retracted his aura upon seeing this.
Ever since Doflamingo had slain Red Hair, he felt his Conqueror's Haki had grown somewhat. It seemed the benefits of clashing with the strong were indeed numerous. Now, Doflamingo merely had to leak a little of his Conqueror's Haki, and those around him might not even be able to withstand it.
Those who had been forced back were somewhat afraid to look at Doflamingo. Being pushed back by his sudden burst of aura made them feel ashamed, their hearts filled with humiliation. From then on, even without Doflamingo's supervision, they would train diligently with great effort. After all, Doflamingo was getting stronger and stronger now. If they couldn't even withstand the aura he exuded in the future, it would be too embarrassing! They had their pride too.
The Five Elders couldn't feel Doflamingo's aura, but they could sense his anger.
"Didn't your father always want to restore his status as a Celestial Dragon? We are giving you a chance, Donquixote Doflamingo. Don't you want this chance?" The voice of the Five Elders was as cold and emotionless as ever, completely disregarding Doflamingo's mood.
"I don't want your charity! What was taken from me by you all, I will naturally take back myself, personally!" Doflamingo said coldly.
"Such audacity, Donquixote Doflamingo! Do you even know the capabilities of the World Government? We have ruled this world for eight hundred years! Compared to that, Donquixote Doflamingo, you are just a greenhorn brat, a tiny ant! Facing us, you dare to speak so arrogantly?" A hot-tempered member of the Five Elders finally couldn't hold back, fiercely attacking Doflamingo with words.
"A single spark can start a prairie fire. I am willing, with this faint spark of mine, to fill this world with 'light'," Doflamingo said, completely unfazed by being underestimated by the Five Elders, boldly voicing his aspirations to them.
"Hahaha! Naive little brat! Light belongs to us, the World Government! Don't elevate yourself too highly, Donquixote Doflamingo!"
"Light is not something a little brat like you can talk about! Whoever has the bigger fist owns it. Don't you even have that little bit of understanding, Donquixote Doflamingo?" The Five Elders said mockingly.
"Then we shall wait and see! Who knows if this fire of mine won't burn your heads? Don't be too quick to conclude who the light truly belongs to," Doflamingo retorted sarcastically.
"Arrogant little brat!"
"What exactly will it take for you to hand over Nico Robin?" The Five Elders didn't waste any more breath on Doflamingo, quickly shifting the topic back to Nico Robin.
Robin, being discussed by the Five Elders, was also taken aback. She hadn't expected the highest leaders of the World Government, ostensibly, to care so much about a harmless, cute, lovable, somewhat slyly mischievous, lively young girl like her.
The other members also looked at Robin with curiosity. Why was the World Government so concerned about Robin? Was it merely because Robin understood the ancient texts? Were they afraid Robin would reveal history? Would the World Government, which had ruled for eight hundred years, still be afraid of these things? They didn't quite understand! And there was no one to explain it to them.
Robin, meeting everyone's gaze, simply returned a sweet smile.
Doflamingo also withdrew his gaze and said solemnly, "Robin is my indispensable family. This matter is simply impossible."
"Hahaha! Donquixote Doflamingo, are you playing house with a bunch of children now? Family? Isn't your family already dead? How pitiful you are, how much you must desire to have a family! Just such a rabble, is this your confidence to challenge the World Government? Donquixote Doflamingo, don't think too highly of yourself. A rabble, no matter what, can never make it to the grand stage," Hearing Doflamingo's words, the Five Elders retorted with derisive laughter.
"We are not playing house! We will always be with Doffy! We are family who protect each other! Five Elders, don't use your clumsy words to belittle us! We are family! We will accompany Doffy to the very peak!" Hearing the Five Elders' words, everyone was furious. However, Diamante was one step ahead, roaring at the other end of the Den Den Mushi.
After speaking, Diamante realized he had been impulsive. Seeing others belittle and slander Doflamingo, his mind had heated up at that moment, and he had charged forward involuntarily. Regardless of the other party's status, he would still launch a tirade.
"My apologies, Doffy!" Diamante looked at Doflamingo apologetically.
Doflamingo stopped Diamante's apology, instead saying "thank you" to him.
"We are family," Diamante also used Doflamingo's words.
"Yes, family," Doflamingo also said with emotion. There was no time when the words "family" had a deeper impact on Doflamingo than now.
Enel quickly came to Diamante's side, affectionately slinging an arm around his neck, giving him a thumbs-up, and praising, "Diamante, a real man! You spoke what was in all our hearts! Well done!"
"Yes! A real man! Diamante, we are not a rabble!" Pica also couldn't help but speak up.
The other executives also looked at Diamante with expressions of praise.
"Lord Diamante, you looked really cool just now!"
"The Donquixote Family will not tolerate slander! We will protect the Young Master!"
Diamante was somewhat embarrassed by everyone's praise but still looked at each person seriously. He wanted to protect the Family; this was his wish.
The other end of the Den Den Mushi fell into a deathly silence.
"Fuffuffuffuffu! Five Elders, did you hear that? This is my family!" Doflamingo replied with a laugh, his mood quite good. Thank you, Five Elders, for making the Donquixote Family's unity even stronger!
"Donquixote Doflamingo, then you can just play house with your family! I believe we will meet again soon!" The Five Elders also stopped wasting words with Doflamingo. Being roared at by Doflamingo's subordinate just now had made them lose a lot of face. So, after delivering their threat, they hung up the call.
"Then I shall wait!"
"Hahaha!"
The Ark was filled with joyous laughter. No one paid any mind to the Five Elders' threat. However, what Doflamingo and his crew didn't know was that a conspiracy against him was already brewing.