"We're just ordinary allies, nothing particularly close..."

Listening to Stussy's ridiculous excuse, Doflamingo suddenly had the urge to take off his sunglasses and roll his eyes at her.

Sure, I'm only fourteen or fifteen right now, and yeah, that makes me just a kid by age—naive, inexperienced, whatever.

But I'm young, not stupid, alright?

I've lived in the underworld, seen the darkest and bloodiest corners of these seas. What kind of filthy deal haven't I witnessed? You really think I can't see through your little arrangement?

And as for his so-called "Godfather," do you think I, Doflamingo, don't know exactly what kind of man he is? With a gorgeous, seductive queen like you standing before him, you expect me to believe he didn't lay a hand on you?

Heh.

After a moment's thought, Doflamingo decided to let it slide and not expose her. He took a deep breath, forcing himself not to burst out laughing.

If this prideful woman wanted to keep up appearances in front of him, then fine—let her keep lying to herself. Calling her out now would only make her lash out in humiliation, and that'd be a pain to deal with.

As for the rest of what she said, he simply ignored it.

From their earlier exchange, it was clear that this woman was wary—hostile, even—toward his position as Vice Commander of the God's Knights. That alone proved that Daren's sordid relationship with her was surprisingly strong... and deep.

"And what about you?"

Seeing the blond Celestial Dragon before her fall silent in thought, Stussy sneered and asked,

"Back then, you brought your own father's severed head, full of hope, thinking you could use it to return to the Holy Land of Mary Geoise. But instead, you were humiliated and driven away in shame."

"And now, after years of effort and struggle, you've climbed your way up, step by step, until even the Five Elders are forced to recognize your worth..."

Her eyes gleamed with amusement.

"You've gained everything you ever wanted. That hollow Mafia tradition no longer binds you... which means you're free now, Doflamingo."

"So?"

Doflamingo raised an eyebrow and grinned wickedly.

"What you really want to ask is whether I'll betray Daren, right?"

Stussy chuckled softly, her voice dripping with charm.

"Fufufufu, talking with a smart man really is refreshing. Exactly."

Doflamingo's eyes narrowed, his gaze sharp and menacing as he fixed it on Stussy.

"Betray?"

He suddenly leaned forward, lips curling into a vicious grin.

"Of course I will!"

Stussy froze.

"Fufufufu..."

Doflamingo licked his dry lips, his laughter low and sinister.

"Don't you know that in this world, besides those five old fossils in the World Government and that pack of pigs in the Holy Land, the person I've wanted to kill most with my own hands... is that bastard Rogers Daren?"

Thick veins bulged across his forehead, his face twisting with rage.

"Even those five old fossils of the World Government wouldn't dare make me kneel on one knee and kiss the back of their hands!"

How amusing.

Watching the violent, murderous intent pouring from Doflamingo's body, Stussy couldn't help but feel something absurdly funny well up inside her.

He wasn't lying.

This brat actually wanted to kill his own godfather?

Was he addicted to patricide or something?

Stussy's expression turned oddly complicated. After a brief pause, she couldn't help but ask,

"You have the chance to break free from him now, don't you?"

As the Vice Commander of the God's Knights, Doflamingo could return to live in the Holy Land of Mary Geoise, no longer forced to drift endlessly across the seas. He could even disband the Donquixote Pirates, bring his entire family to the Holy Land, and enjoy a privileged life above all others.

"Break free from him?"

Doflamingo let out a savage laugh, as if he'd just heard something utterly absurd.

"Fufufufu!"

His laughter grew so manic that he pressed a hand over his face, his shoulders trembling uncontrollably.

"Don't be ridiculous!"

"Why would I want to break free from him?"

"Though I can't stand the sight of that man, he once said something I actually agree with—'Always keep your friends close, but your enemies closer still!'"

"Only by staying close enough to him will I ever have the chance to kill him with my own hands!"

By the time he finished speaking, Doflamingo's grin had grown feral, his fingers unconsciously twitching in the air.

"..."

Stussy's lips twitched.

Listening to this blond Celestial Dragon brat's dramatic declaration, she had to put in serious effort not to burst out laughing.

She honestly didn't even know where to begin criticizing him.

Perhaps he truly did harbor murderous intent toward that man. But when his name was mentioned, beyond the killing intent, hatred, and madness flickering in his eyes, she could still clearly see that faint, deeply hidden trace of... admiration.

Yes, Doflamingo—no matter what you say, you're just a blond brat who worships a "strong and reliable" father.

Of course, after hearing this, Stussy understood.

Doflamingo's acceptance of the position as Vice Commander of the God's Knights was most likely done under Daren's instruction.

It seemed this brat's cooperative "father-and-son" relationship with Daren was unexpectedly solid... and deep.

Both lost in thought, their gazes occasionally met, only to quickly dart away again, as if each was struggling to suppress something.

After a moment, once both had finished their cigarettes, Doflamingo suddenly spoke.

"So, we're officially starting our partnership now?"

Stussy nodded, smiling lightly.

"Haven't we already been partners for quite some time?"

Doflamingo blinked in surprise.

That was true.

Their first collaboration had begun with Stussy. She had approached him on her own, offering to help him become one of the Shichibukai—on the condition that they work together against Daren.

"So, the goal remains the same?"

Doflamingo asked suddenly.

Stussy paused, then smiled sweetly.

"Exactly. The goal remains the same—to continue our partnership, and in the end..."

Doflamingo finished her sentence with a smirk.

"...take down Rogers Daren!"

Their eyes met, and the two of them shared a knowing laugh.

"Good. In that case, I can rest easy."

Doflamingo stood, turning to leave the cabin. But just as he reached the doorway, his steps came to an abrupt halt.

"Oh, right," he said, glancing back over his shoulder, his expression twisting into cruel delight.

"I'll let this one slide. But if I ever hear you bring up my worthless father again, I won't be able to stop myself from killing you..."

He grinned, his voice low and mocking.

"...my dear Godmother."

With that, his figure vanished from sight.

Stussy's earlobes instantly flushed red.

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