The ocean floor was a realm of dead silence and profound darkness, with only the vibrant schools of fish bringing a hint of life to the abyss.
The sea has always been an object of fear for humanity. No one knows what truly exists in its depths. Only the fish-men and merfolk could be considered truly blessed here; they were the children of the sea, protected by its embrace.
Unfortunately, even with the sea's protection, they could not escape the hunt. Greedy humans would always risk everything, finding ways to capture them.
In the deep sea, Doflamingo's was not the only pirate ship heading for Fish-Man Island. Countless crews met their end in these waters every year. The massive, magnificent Ark Maxim stood out amongst the other vessels, an intimidating presence even in the crushing depths.
Aboard the ark, the crew marveled at the beauty of the world below. Even Doflamingo found himself carefully observing his surroundings. Though he had been to aquariums and seen marine life before, this was his first time experiencing it up close, a truly unique and privileged view.
Swarms of fish, colossal Sea Kings, and giant squid—these were sights Doflamingo had never witnessed before. It was a real eye-opener.
"It's so beautiful!"
"Truly stunning!"
"I never imagined the world under the sea could be this gorgeous."
The women stood before the coating membrane, completely captivated by the underwater world, sighing in admiration.
Bepo curiously reached out, trying to catch a small fish that had swum near the ship, wanting to feel the temperature of the water. Just as his paw was about to touch the membrane, Law quickly pulled him back.
"Bepo, if you do that, you'll break the coating!" Law warned.
Startled, Bepo immediately apologized. "Sorry."
"There will be plenty of chances for that once we get to Fish-Man Island," Law said gently, unable to resist Bepo's soft-hearted nature.
"Will there be any female bears there?" Bepo asked curiously.
The question made everyone stop.
"Bepo, Fish-Man Island is home to fish-men and merfolk. Why would there be female bears?" Robin explained.
Bepo looked embarrassed. "Oh, I see. Sorry."
After that small interruption, the crew continued their peaceful journey toward Fish-Man Island.
In his room, Doflamingo made a call.
Purupurupuru...
There was no answer. Doflamingo ended the call and dialed another number.
"Doffy?" Trebol's voice asked tentatively from the North Blue.
"It's me," Doflamingo's distinctive voice replied.
"Doffy! What are your orders?" Trebol asked.
"Bring the Gold-Gold Fruit to the Sabaody Archipelago and give it to a man named Tesoro. After that, you can come to the New World. The North Blue must be getting boring, right, Trebol?" Doflamingo said calmly.
"Behehehe! Doffy, is it finally time? In that case, I'll get ready to leave right away," Trebol responded with a laugh.
"Then I'll see you in the New World."
"We'll see each other soon, Doffy! I'll make sure everything in the North Blue is taken care of," Trebol promised.
"I'm counting on you."
With that, Doflamingo hung up.
In the North Blue, at the Donquixote Family's base.
After receiving his orders, Trebol immediately called a meeting.
"Lord Trebol, has something happened?" Jora asked.
"Ne, ne, that's right. I just got a message from Doffy. He wants me to meet him in the New World," Trebol announced.
"That's great, G!" Lao G exclaimed.
"We can finally reunite with the Young Master!" Senor Pink was also ecstatic.
"However, our operations in the North Blue can't be left unattended. Someone has to stay behind. Who wants to volunteer?" Trebol's change of topic silenced the executives in the room. Everyone wanted to follow Doflamingo and build an empire, not be stuck in a small place like the North Blue.
"What, is the North Blue not good enough for you anymore?" Trebol sneered.
His words made everyone hesitate.
Finally, Senor Pink stood up. "I'll stay," he said. "I'll guard the North Blue for the Young Master."
"Senor..." Lao G and Jora looked at him with shame, but Trebol's eyes were full of admiration.
"Alright then, Senor. The North Blue is in your hands. I'll take these two with me to the New World. Don't worry, we'll be back for you soon," Trebol said encouragingly.
"Don't worry, Lord Trebol. The North Blue will always belong to the Donquixote Family! As long as I'm here, no one can take it from us," Senor Pink declared, rising to his feet.
"Of course I trust you. And Doffy trusts you too," Trebol said, looking at Senor Pink with approval.
With the matter settled, Trebol left first, leaving Lao G and Jora to face Senor Pink awkwardly.
"Senor, we..." Lao G and Jora began to say something, but Senor Pink stopped them.
"I know what you want to say. I want to fight alongside the Young Master too, but our foundation is here in the North Blue, and so is my home. It's best for me to stay. You don't need to feel guilty. Just take my share of the fight with you," Senor Pink said with a carefree air.
Lao G and Jora looked at each other, understanding his words.
"We'll be waiting for you, Senor."
"Of course. See you in the New World."
"Hahaha!" The three of them shared a cheerful laugh.
A few hours later, Trebol set off with his group, leaving Senor Pink alone to guard their home. A great test now lay before him. With the elite members of the Donquixote Family gone, he alone would have to face the challenges of a new generation.
At the coast, Senor Pink watched them leave, a hint of envy in his heart.
"Honey, you wanted to go with them, didn't you?" his wife, Russian, said, holding their son, Gimlet, as she stood beside him.
"I do want to fight alongside the Young Master," Senor Pink said, his gaze fixed on the horizon. "But I can fight for him here just as well. Besides, you and Gimlet are here. I'm not leaving."
"Giggle," Gimlet laughed, as if agreeing with his father's words.
"Gimlet, you need to grow up fast," Senor Pink said, playfully tickling his son.
"My dear husband, Gimlet..." Russian smiled happily. To live in peace like this was better than anything. Although she would never stop him from chasing his dreams, she had her own small wish.
"Russian, Gimlet," Senor Pink pulled them into a tight embrace, vowing to protect them with all his might. The family of three held each other, a picture of happiness.
Both his small family and his large one—Senor Pink was determined to protect them all.
In the deep sea, the Donquixote Pirates had still not reached Fish-Man Island.
Doflamingo had settled things with Trebol, but his other dear brother's call had not gone through earlier.
Purupurupuru...
Doflamingo, who was enjoying a massage from a beautiful woman, glanced at the Den Den Mushi. Monet obediently handed it to him.
"Is that you, Doffy?" a man's emotionless voice came from the other end.
"It's me, my dear brother. I'm about to enter the New World," Doflamingo said with a warm smile.
Monet watched him, mesmerized by his dangerous charm, and instinctively snuggled into his arms, seeking his warmth. Doflamingo casually wrapped an arm around her as he continued his call with Vergo.
"That's great," Vergo's voice was as cold as ever, but to Doflamingo, it sounded different.
"Let's meet up after I leave Fish-Man Island," Doflamingo said, toying with Monet's green hair.
"Alright. It's been a long time since we've seen each other."
"My dear brother, I haven't forgotten you for a moment."
"Me neither, Doffy."
Monet listened to the two brothers' exchange, a flicker of curiosity about this "dear brother" in her eyes.
"See you in the New World, then."
"I'll be waiting for you, Doffy."
Far away in the New World, at the G-5 Marine Base, a knowing smile touched Vergo's lips.