The early morning mist clung to the docks of a small, bustling port town. Sailors shouted to each other, merchants carried crates of goods, and the smell of salt and fish filled the air. To most, this was just another day of trade and toil. But to Doflamingo, this town was a starting point—a tiny knot on a vast web he intended to weave across the world.
Having familiarized himself with the geography, politics, and key figures, Doflamingo moved through the streets with a quiet confidence. His eyes missed nothing: the merchants who tried to cheat customers, the pirates looking for opportunities, and the whispers of the town's small but influential factions. Every detail mattered; every person was a piece he could manipulate.
He stopped at a large, worn building overlooking the docks. The local trading guild operated here, controlling most of the commerce in the port. Doflamingo's lips curved into a faint, knowing smile. A simple investment, a little leverage, and this guild would be singing my tune before the week was over.
Entering the building, he surveyed the room of merchants, each focused on their ledgers and arguments over prices. Doflamingo spoke with a calm, persuasive voice, asking seemingly innocuous questions about trade routes, shipments, and debtors. He did not immediately reveal the knowledge he had of the future; instead, he planted seeds of influence with careful precision.
"You have excellent ships," he remarked casually, "but have you considered the potential of investing in the gold trade from the northern islands? I happen to know a shipment that will arrive in a few weeks… very profitable if handled correctly."
The merchants exchanged uncertain glances. Doflamingo continued, dropping hints of future opportunities and subtly demonstrating his knowledge of trade flows, ship movements, and the value of commodities. Though he revealed nothing overtly, his aura of certainty and charm made even the most skeptical pause. By the time he left the building, the local guild was already discussing how to align themselves with him.
Outside, Doflamingo walked the docks again, observing a small crew of pirates attempting to smuggle rare goods past the guards. He approached them, a slight smirk forming. Unlike other pirates, he did not draw a weapon immediately. Instead, he spoke with authority and intrigue.
"I know your operation, and I know what's coming for you," he said calmly. "But I also know how to make it profitable for both of us."
The pirates froze, unsure whether this stranger was a threat or a boon. Doflamingo's knowledge of the future, combined with his calculated charisma, allowed him to manipulate their fear and greed. By the end of the conversation, he had secured an arrangement: the pirates would work under his guidance, sharing a portion of their spoils while keeping him informed of local events.
As evening fell, Doflamingo ascended a small hill overlooking the town. The sun's fading light painted the horizon with streaks of gold and crimson. He contemplated the threads he had already begun weaving: the merchants swayed, the pirates obedient, and rumors beginning to spread of a mysterious, knowledgeable newcomer.
But Doflamingo's ambitions extended far beyond a single port. He knew of major pirate crews gathering in nearby islands, naval patrols monitoring trade routes, and secret alliances forming in hidden corners. His strategy was not only to accumulate wealth but to position himself as a decisive player before anyone else realized the game had changed.
The night brought a cool breeze, carrying whispers from the town below. Doflamingo sat atop the hill, mapping in his mind the connections between people, ships, and resources. Each decision was precise, each word a thread in a web that would soon span the entire East Blue.
He considered his next move: infiltration of political circles, acquisition of strategic assets, and the subtle elimination of rival influences. Using the knowledge he possessed, Doflamingo could anticipate threats and neutralize them before they materialized. In his mind, the world was not chaotic—it was a chessboard, and he knew every piece's potential movement.
Days turned into weeks. Doflamingo continued to build his network quietly. Traders began trusting him, local pirates aligned under his subtle command, and even minor nobles took notice of his clever manipulation of trade and resources. The wealth he accumulated was impressive, but it was only a fraction of what he planned.
Yet Doflamingo did not rush. His knowledge of future events allowed him to wait for perfect opportunities. A misstep could alert the powerful players in the East Blue too early; patience was as vital as strategy. By staying ahead of time itself, he ensured that his rise would appear seamless and inevitable.
One evening, a shipment arrived at the docks—precisely the one Doflamingo had mentioned weeks earlier. The merchants who had trusted him profited greatly, spreading tales of the "stranger with golden foresight." The rumors traveled faster than he could have hoped, reaching neighboring islands and stirring curiosity. Doflamingo observed the unfolding events silently, satisfied that his plan was working exactly as intended.
While he cultivated wealth and influence, Doflamingo also strengthened his personal skills. He practiced combat techniques discreetly, blending his natural abilities with tactical thinking. Even a minor skirmish in this era could be turned into a lesson or an advantage, and he intended to be ready for any eventuality.
By the time the full moon illuminated the seas, Doflamingo had established a firm foothold in the port town. He had wealth, loyal subordinates, and influence over trade and crime alike. But more importantly, he had control of information, the most powerful currency of all. Every rumor, shipment, and alliance moved along lines he had designed.
As he gazed at the calm waters under moonlight, Doflamingo's mind shifted to the larger picture: the future Yonko, the coming pirate alliances, the revolutionary movements, and even the unpredictable actions of a certain straw-hatted boy whose adventures would change everything. He smiled faintly. Every event, every decision, every confrontation could be manipulated… if he played the game correctly.
The first threads had been laid, but the web was far from complete. In the coming years, Doflamingo would stretch it across islands, seas, and oceans, weaving influence and power until the world itself became a stage for his ambition. And as the wind whispered through the sails and masts of the ships, he knew—this was only the beginning.
The embodied Doflamingo was no longer a mere observer of history. He was the architect, the puppeteer, and soon—the emperor of all he surveyed.