The members of the Donquixote family were absolutely loyal to Doflamingo, so naturally they believed his every word. Since Doflamingo had already spoken, that meant everything Buffalo said was true.
"Hss—!"
A series of sharp intakes of breath echoed around the room.
"To use stamina as ammunition… it's really hard to believe that such advanced technology exists in this world!"
"Yeah! And something that's basically handheld-sized has such incredible power. We've never seen weapons like this before…"
Everyone was momentarily speechless, filled with curiosity about this so-called small cannon.
With the level of technology they were familiar with, it was hard to imagine what kind of weapon this could be. Their interest only grew stronger.
Ignoring their astonishment, Doflamingo got straight to the point. "Trebol, the task I assigned you—did you take care of it?"
"I've already ordered the men to handle it, Young Master!"
Hearing this, the others became curious.
"By the way, Young Master, why do you need so many entertainment goods?" Sugar asked while sucking on a lollipop.
"Hehe!"
Doflamingo let out a chuckle. "These items are for trading that small cannon I mentioned!"
Sugar was shocked. "Entertainment goods… for weapons?"
"The other party actually made such a request?"
All the cadres looked strange, bewildered by such an odd trade condition.
"Truly, you live long enough and you'll see anything," Trebol sighed.
"Yeah! If our Donquixote family tried something that bizarre, we'd have gone bankrupt long ago…"
Doflamingo didn't want to waste time chatting and went personally to supervise the gathering of goods.
With the Young Master overseeing the operation himself, everything was gathered quickly. After all, being the ruler of a nation made collecting such items easy.
Once everything was ready, Doflamingo hurried to complete the trade with Mork. Trebol, Pica, and the rest followed as well, driven by curiosity.
Doflamingo trusted his family's cadres wholeheartedly, so he didn't stop them. Together, they headed toward the "Steel Fortress at Sea."
After some sailing, the steel giant appeared on the horizon.
Even from afar, its massive structure left those seeing it for the first time—like Trebol—completely stunned.
"It really looks like a steel beast rising out of the sea!"
"To build something like this on the ocean… the level of technology must be unimaginable!"
Before such a colossal fortress, a primal sense of insignificance rose in everyone's hearts—a natural human reaction.
As they approached, their ship drew near the fortress without receiving any warning shots. After all, Mork had already made a deal with Doflamingo and knew they were coming.
However, the rows of cannon barrels pointing straight at them still made the Donquixote family uneasy.
Being aimed at by pitch-black cannons was enough to make anyone uncomfortable, no matter who they were.
Even Doflamingo couldn't help the twitch at the corner of his mouth, silently cursing in his mind: Is this guy in the fortress really necessary?!
He had tested the fortress's defenses on his first visit using his String-String Fruit abilities. With his power, he couldn't even scratch the surface of the steel fortress. There was no need for such vigilance.
With uneasy hearts, they reached the base of the fortress.
Doflamingo stepped to the front of the ship, smiling. "Sir, I came quickly, didn't I?"
He pointed at the goods behind him. "Everything you wanted—I've brought it all!"
"I checked the market. These are all the most popular manga, CDs, music, and other entertainment goods from recent years…"
He rambled on at length.
Mork didn't interrupt—after all, Doflamingo was being polite. And no one hits a man who's smiling.
But Doflamingo really talked too much. As expected of a villain—always monologuing. After a while, Mork finally couldn't stand it.
"I get it. Shut up."
Doflamingo coughed lightly, the eyes behind his sunglasses narrowing.
Being told off like that in front of his own men was irritating, but with those black cannon barrels aimed his way, he could only force a smile. "I respect your wishes."
Inside the fortress, a mischievous thought flashed in Mork's mind: Just how far will Doflamingo endure humiliation for profit?
He smirked subconsciously but quickly pushed the thought away. He wanted a peaceful salted-fish life, not unnecessary trouble. He shook his head—no pranks.
He ordered, "Baby, activate transport beam!"
This time, not only the entertainment goods but also a ship—useful for fortress upgrades—were transported.
After everything had been brought in, Doflamingo stood at the bow, barely able to hide his excitement even behind his sunglasses.
At last—the high-tech cannon was his!
Mork wasn't planning to cheat him. He didn't want trouble with anyone, and Doflamingo had been nothing but polite since the beginning. Scamming him would feel too petty.
So once the resources were brought inside and the ship absorbed, Mork transmitted the small cannon to Doflamingo.
As the cannon materialized, Doflamingo's face lit up with joy.
Trebol, Pica, and the other cadres gathered around to examine this so-called high-tech weapon.
But when they saw the small cannon, their expressions turned strange.
This?
This looks way too ordinary…
Judging by appearances alone, the Donquixote family had plenty of weapons that looked more powerful.
Still, seeing their Young Master so happy, they didn't say anything. They could only hope its performance wouldn't disappoint…