Vice Commander of the Knights of God.
When the Gorosei's offer reached his ears, Doflamingo's pupils shrank to pinpoints beneath his sunglasses. His breath hitched in his throat.
Beside him, Senor Pink could no longer maintain his usual composure. His mind reeled.
Vice Commander of the Knights of God—second only to the Commander himself. That position carried authority greater than that of the Celestial Dragons, with the power to judge and even execute other World Nobles.
Beyond such overwhelming authority, the members of the Knights of God were granted the privilege of having their statues erected along the Stairway to Heaven, becoming objects of universal worship, their names etched into history.
To put it bluntly, the post of Vice Commander of the Knights of God crushed the status of a "New World Underworld Emperor" or a "Shichibukai" into dust. The gap between them was as vast as the distance between heaven and earth.
The Chamber of Deliberation fell into silence once more.
Behind his sunglasses, Doflamingo's eyes were bloodshot as he stared at the Encrypted Den Den Mushi, his breathing growing heavy.
He had to admit that, deep inside, he was tempted.
All his life, Doflamingo had chased power and status. To join the Knights of God had been his childhood dream.
He never imagined the Gorosei would dangle such a high price before him.
"Are you serious?" Doflamingo stopped laughing. His voice turned rough and hoarse.
On the other end of the Den Den Mushi, the Gorosei—some seated, some standing—wore matching, satisfied smiles. Their gazes locked on the receiver, as if saying:
See? This is what true power looks like. Even the most arrogant of the Shichibukai are nothing but pieces on our board.
"Of course," Saint Warcury said, lifting a cup of tea and taking a light sip. "Saint Figarland Garling also considers you a very suitable candidate."
"Doflamingo, we know you've suffered greatly these past years. But that is all in the past now. It's time to look ahead."
His tone took on the warmth of a kindly elder as he said persuasively:
"Looking back, the reason you grew into such an exceptional force instead of sinking into the depraved mediocrity of your peers is precisely because you endured trials far beyond their comprehension."
"That ordeal was a necessary crucible—a test we set for you."
"Congratulations, Doflamingo... you passed."
"You've proven that you are not some talentless, foolish waste like your father, not just another piece of Celestial Dragon trash. You are the Celestial Dragon among Celestial Dragons."
His deep voice echoed slowly through the chamber via the Den Den Mushi, carrying an almost hypnotic pull.
"Come back to us, Doflamingo... We will grant you unprecedented glory, power, and status. You will stand above all others."
"The Donquixote Family will rise to greatness once more beneath your banner."
Doflamingo said nothing.
The Gorosei, on the other end, were not impatient. They waited calmly for his answer.
After a long half-minute, Doflamingo finally let out a slow breath and said in a hoarse voice, "I need some time to think it over."
"Of course. Take all the time you need," Saint Warcury replied with a confident smile.
For a rebellious brat like Doflamingo, refusing to agree on the spot was only natural.
Any so-called hatred, past insults, or lingering pride were illusions. In the face of absolute power and status, such things crumbled easily.
He could not imagine Doflamingo turning this offer down.
Vice Commander of the Knights of God—for any Celestial Dragon, this was a dream beyond dreams.
"Doflamingo, do not disappoint us."
With that, the Encrypted Den Den Mushi cut off.
"...Young Master?"
Senor Pink stared at the motionless blond Celestial Dragon, unease gnawing at him.
Could Young Master actually be shaken by the Gorosei's offer?
If he became Vice Commander of the Knights of God... that would mean turning his back on the Godfather.
"You... you're going to accept?" he asked, unable to hold back.
At the sound of his voice, Doflamingo's eyes flickered, then slowly refocused.
He smiled, waved a hand dismissively, and picked up another Den Den Mushi.
After staring at it in silence for a while, he took a deep breath and dialed a familiar number.
Purupuru... purupuru...
The Den Den Mushi rang again and again.
Senor Pink's agitation grew with each unanswered ring, his unease mounting.
Then at last, a familiar, detached voice came through, sweeping his worries away like the tide.
"Doffy?"
The voice was weak, but carried a trace of amused surprise.
"Calling me out of nowhere? That's not your style. What's wrong? Need my help with something?"
Doflamingo pursed his lips. His voice was hoarse when he spoke. "Can I ask you a question?"
Darren chuckled. "Go ahead. You're my Godson, after all."
Doflamingo lowered his gaze, hesitated for a moment, then asked, "Do you think my past—the suffering I went through—is the reason I've achieved what I have today?"
There was a brief silence on the other end.
Then Darren's voice returned, laced with quiet amusement.
"Doffy, let me tell you something..."
"Never romanticize suffering, and never glorify it. Hardship is inevitable in life... but if you want to temper your will, there are countless better ways."
"Anyone who stands in front of you and preaches about the 'value' of suffering most likely wants to control you—mind and soul—so you'll willingly do what they want."
Doflamingo froze. His hand trembled around the Den Den Mushi.
Senor Pink was just as stunned, cold sweat breaking out along his spine as a tidal wave of realization crashed through him.
He... saw right through it.
He completely saw through them...
A surreal, dreamlike feeling washed over Senor Pink.
He instinctively bowed even lower, his gaze toward the Den Den Mushi growing more reverent than ever.
"...I understand. Thank you, Godfather," Doflamingo said at last, taking a deep breath. His voice was heavy.
"Any other questions?" Darren asked.
"That's all," Doflamingo replied, shaking his head.
"Hmm. Good, then..."
There was a pause. Just as Doflamingo was about to hang up, Darren's voice came again:
"—I think you should accept the Government's terms."
Doflamingo went rigid, as if struck by lightning.
Senor Pink froze in place.
"Godfather..."
Darren let out a long sigh. "I'm sorry, Doffy."
"As your Godfather, I've failed you many times. I wasn't there to guide you as I should have, and that's why you hesitated. That's my fault."
Doflamingo remained silent.
"But I want you to remember one thing," Darren continued steadily. "Always stay close to your friends—and even closer to your enemies."
"...no matter who your enemies are."
To be continued...