Leaving the card room, Doflamingo returned to his residence on Whole Cake Island.
This secluded manor, located near the grand plaza, was strictly off-limits to anyone except Doflamingo under normal circumstances.
Since Doflamingo's work involved some of the Beast God Pirates' classified matters, the vast estate didn't even have a single servant.
"The location of this house isn't ideal. I should have Pica find a quieter spot to build a new one sometime."
Alone, Doflamingo walked through the courtyard and entered his study.
Hearing the distant wails of some fat man echoing across the plaza, he couldn't help but sigh.
Caesar had originally allocated several islands for him to choose from as living quarters for himself and his subordinates.
But Doflamingo had refused.
He felt his current work required constant coordination with Katakuri, King, and other executives of the Beast God Pirates.
Living on a remote island would be highly inconvenient.
Though the Donquixote Family had many members, after joining the Beast God Pirates, they were like a drop of water merging into the ocean—quickly absorbed and scattered.
Pica, Diamante, and others had all been assigned their respective roles.
Doflamingo didn't find this arrangement inappropriate.
He had long noticed that after their defeat in Dressrosa, his personal authority within the family had significantly declined.
Especially Diamante and Trebol, who seemed to disapprove of his so-called "downfall."
Doflamingo understood why they felt this way.
Decades ago, it was Diamante and Trebol who had recognized his kingly qualities, betting on him to become a supreme ruler with them as his right-hand men.
But after joining the Beast God Pirates, despite receiving some recognition due to their decent strength, the sheer number of stronger figures above them meant Diamante and the others could no longer act like local tyrants.
Personally, Doflamingo found his current life much more relaxed than before.
In the past, while he appeared to wield absolute control over the family, he was actually constrained at every turn.
Running their operations meant not only kowtowing to various big shots but also constantly worrying and scheming for the family's future—countless headaches.
Now, with several powerful figures above him, he only needed to focus on what he excelled at.
Truth be told, Caesar had shown him genuine trust and treated him quite well.
Under the flickering bright lights, Doflamingo leaned back in his chair, pondering various matters concerning the Beast God Pirates.
"Fufufufu, perhaps this really is a good place to settle. Being the Demon of Heaven is no easy task, but a flamingo can have its fun. Let the muscle-brained fools handle the fighting. Commerce is where I, Doflamingo, truly excel. That bastard Tesoro—last time I invited him to Totto Land, he actually refused. Hmph! That guy's path just got narrower."
Some underground rumors claimed Tesoro controlled twenty percent of the world's Berries.
Doflamingo scoffed at the news.
Tesoro had business sense, sure, but his vision was too small, content to stay holed up in the Misty Sea like a frog at the bottom of a well.
Maybe he did have a mountain of gold reserves, but money needs to circulate.
That brainless fool only knew how to hoard wealth, not how to make it grow.
And what was the point of amassing that much money anyway?
Without a team of strong fighters to guard it, all that wealth would just attract packs of hungry jackals.
"That bastard didn't even give me face. Once I find out where his ship is, I'll have Caesar rob him blind."
After indulging in his wandering thoughts, Doflamingo straightened up and placed several Den Den Mushi on the table.
"Hmm, tonight I need to deal with the G-5 Marines, the weapons issue in Wano Country, and preparations for reopening auction houses worldwide."
After a moment's consideration, he picked up one Den Den Mushi and dialed Wano Country first.
At this hour, Black Maria should be the one answering.
"Purupurupuru, purupurupuru…"
.....
Meanwhile, in the former Udon Prison, now a steel refinery in Wano Country.
Betty and Morley leaned against a corner, eyes closed, resting.
Opposite them, workers lay scattered across the floor, knocked out cold.
Thanks to Ivankov's Tranquility Hormone, they'd likely sleep for days.
Ulti, severely wounded, had long since fallen into a deep coma.
Her Ancient Zoan resilience kept her injuries from worsening, slowly healing instead.
But without consciousness, the recovery was sluggish.
As for Black Maria, Betty had ordered her to sit quietly in an open area, forbidden from moving recklessly.
The night was late, and the factory was pitch-black, no lights lit.
Suddenly!
From Black Maria's direction, a "purupurupuru" rang out in the darkness.
"What are you doing? Didn't we tell you not to make any unnecessary moves unless you want to die?"
Betty and Morley snapped awake, rising to their feet and striding toward Black Maria.
Black Maria pulled a Den Den Mushi from her robes and forced a smile.
"I didn't do anything. The Den Den Mushi is ringing."
"A Den Den Mushi? Don't answer it! Hang up!" Betty barked.
Morley quickly interjected, "No, if we hang up, they'll get suspicious. Spider-woman, who's on the other end?"
"It's Doflamingo. If he's calling now, he probably wants to check on the progress of Wano's weapon shipments."
In the darkness, Black Maria made no sudden moves.
She knew these two were sharp enough to catch any tricks.
"Doflamingo? Give me the Den Den Mushi. Now." Morley immediately stretched out his massive hand.
He was a giant, even taller than Black Maria.
Taking the Den Den Mushi from Black Maria's hand, Morley didn't hesitate and directly answered the call under Black Maria's astonished gaze.
"Doflamingo, what's the matter calling so late?"
Molly spoke, and his voice had actually become identical to Black Maria's!
In the darkness, the Den Den Mushi in her hand transformed into Doflamingo's likeness.
"Fufufufu, why so slow? Were you asleep already? Aren't spiders nocturnal creatures?"
From the Den Den Mushi came Doflamingo's signature laugh.
Morley stretched his lips, covered in stubble yet painted with bright red lipstick, and yawned.
"If you have something to say, say it directly. I'm very tired—I did a lot for Her Majesty the Queen during the day."
...
In Doflamingo's study on Whole Cake Island.
Doflamingo's eyes narrowed instantly as he listened carefully to the voice coming from the Den Den Mushi.
It was undoubtedly Black Maria's voice.
But...
'She always used to call Hiyori by her name directly, didn't she? Why is she saying 'Queen' now?'
Doflamingo knew that Black Maria seemed to have some kind of relationship with Caesar.
Because of this, in previous calls, Black Maria had always referred to Hiyori by her name.
'Something was off!'
These thoughts flashed through Doflamingo's mind in an instant.
He instinctively responded with a laugh.
"It's nothing much. I just wanted to ask if the weapons production on your side is finished yet. We've already lined up many buyers here and can proceed with the transaction immediately."
"If it's ready, have Holdem arrange for them to be loaded onto the carts. I'll send someone to collect them tomorrow."
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