Diamante was a user of the Ripple-Ripple Fruit.
This Ability allowed him to transform any object he touched into a cloth-like, fluttering form, without altering the material itself.
Using this power, he had crafted a full suit of steel armor for himself.
Countless enemies had tried to ambush him, only to find their attacks utterly ineffective against his impenetrable defense, leading to their swift defeat.
Yet Diamante had never imagined that he would be forced to deploy his prized armor against a mere brat he had completely underestimated.
Even worse, he had revealed such a humiliating display before Young Master Doflamingo!
Though everyone knew it was his own arrogance and carelessness that had allowed the boy to land a surprise attack, the damage was done. His pride had been shattered beyond repair.
'Unforgivable!'
Overwhelmed by rage, Diamante kicked Abel with nearly full force, sending him flying.
The force of that kick could easily have been fatal!
"Calm down, Diamante!"
Hearing Doflamingo's voice, Diamante finally realized what he had done. Suppressing his fury, he let out a curt snort.
Today, he had truly humiliated himself.
He knew he would be the laughingstock for a long time to come.
Doflamingo, however, didn't mock Diamante. He simply thought the brat had remarkable courage, was ruthless yet taciturn, and knew how to conceal his true killing moves.
With proper training, the boy might become a valuable asset in the future.
As for Law... he had the ruthlessness, but lacked in other areas. Patience was key.
With these thoughts, Doflamingo's mood brightened considerably.
"Baby-5, Buffalo, bring them back for treatment. Let's hope our new family members don't die so easily."
"Yes, Young Master."
"Wonderful! I'm needed again~"
Doflamingo's words clearly acknowledged Abel and Law, signaling his intention to induct them into the family for training, just like Baby-5 and Buffalo.
Simultaneously, his words carried another layer of meaning: Diamante's actions had gone far enough.
Of course, if luck wasn't on their side and they were already dead, it would be the same.
Doflamingo would never reprimand Diamante over such a trivial matter. In his eyes, the two were on entirely different planes of importance.
Even if Diamante had killed both brats today, well... they'd just be dead.
Dead men held no value and wouldn't warrant a second glance.
Yet the surprises Abel had in store for him seemed far from over.
Baby-5 and Buffalo had barely taken a few steps when they saw the man Diamante had kicked flying earlier actually pull himself back to his feet. It was utterly unbelievable!
"S-so terrifying!"
"He's risen from the dead! A ghost!"
Ignoring the panicking Baby-5 and Buffalo, Abel glared intently at Diamante with his left eye, his gaze fixed on the man's astonished face.
That kick had truly brought him face-to-face with death.
But fortunately, the System Shop had refreshed the previous day, and he'd managed to purchase another life-saving item.
[Item: [Defense Bracelet] (Blue)]
[Equipment-Type Item]
[Description: A high-tech product of unknown principles.]
[Effect: When actively activated, it creates a transparent protective film in front of the user. Defense Value: 500]
[Price: 200 Transaction Points]
[Quantity: 1]
[PS: Despite its many flaws, it can be a lifesaver in critical moments.]
Although the Defense Bracelet required manual activation and only provided protection from one direction, seemingly burdened with numerous drawbacks, Abel purchased it immediately.
Just moments ago, this thing had saved his life!
The cost was the instant destruction of his 500 Defense Value, rendering his newly acquired Defense Bracelet, which he'd only had for a day, completely useless.
His arms, which he had crossed in front of him to block the kick, were now broken and hung limply at his sides.
After being sent flying, his head had slammed into something, leaving a deep gash on his forehead. Blood streamed down his right cheek, blinding his eye.
The sight was terrifying, making him look utterly ferocious.
Doflamingo, however, saw this and a flicker of admiration crossed his eyes.
In battle, strength was crucial, but the willpower to rise again no matter how many times you were knocked down was even more vital.
Those with such resolve, if they didn't die prematurely, would inevitably grow into formidable individuals capable of standing alone.
But...
"Amber Lead Syndrome... This is a tricky one. Well, let's see how their luck holds out."
Diamante had initially decided to let it go, but Abel's defiant glare truly irritated him.
Just as Diamante was about to teach the brat another lesson, Law, who had been mocked by the crowd earlier, suddenly stepped in front of him.
His expression spoke volumes: If you want to pass, you'll have to kill me first!
Diamante's eyes narrowed instantly. Without hesitation, he raised his longsword and brought it down...
Thud!
That was the sound of Abel collapsing unconscious, unable to endure any longer.
At the same moment, Diamante's sword flicked Law's hat into the air.
Another inch forward, and it would have been Law's skull, not his hat, that was split open.
Yet Law stood his ground, not a trace of fear in his eyes.
"Boring. But since Dof approved your joining, so be it. Let's see how long you last. Hahahahaha!"
Diamante strode away. Law retrieved his hat, put it back on, and immediately rushed to Abel's side.
After confirming that Abel was severely injured but not in immediate danger, Law hoisted him onto his back and followed Baby-5 and Buffalo to the infirmary.
The doctors here were mediocre at best. Not only were their skills poor, but they were also terrified by the white patches on Abel's body.
They refused to let Abel stay, eager to get rid of him.
Even if Doflamingo asked later, they could claim his injuries were too severe to save him.
But they hadn't anticipated that Law was not only skilled in medicine but a genius in the field!
Law took matters into his own hands, treating Abel himself and kicking out the incompetent doctor.
The doctor, who had never been humiliated like this before, flew into a rage and rushed to Doflamingo to report the incident first.
Little did he know, Doflamingo had already learned the truth.
Without hesitation, Doflamingo ordered the doctor's arrest.
If Abel died despite treatment, the doctor might have been spared.
But if Law managed to heal Abel...
Can you guess what fate awaits a useless man in this organization?
The doctor's face paled instantly, overwhelmed with regret for the first time in his life. But it was too late for regrets.