North Blue, the base of the Donquixote Family.
Recently, Doflamingo had been staying put in the North Blue, not running around or recklessly causing trouble.
However, he still sent people to inquire about affairs in the New World.
Naturally, he became aware that the situation in the New World was extremely tense and that a great war could erupt at any time.
Two days ago, he saw the latest news.
The former fish-man Marine member who had betrayed the Navy, thanks to the strong support of Fish-Man Island, had quickly been appointed as the newest Warlord of the Sea in a short time.
This made Doflamingo nervous.
Because, by his count, there was now only one position left in the Warlords of the Sea.
There were already six current Warlords of the Sea:
Smoker the White Hunter, who was currently allied with the Whitebeard Pirates and was extremely ambitious, eager to make his mark in the New World.
Bartholomew Kuma the Tyrant, who was secretive, appeared to have the best superficial relationship with the Marines among all the Warlords of the Sea, and had recently made an appearance at the Fleet Admiral's promotion ceremony.
Crocodile the Desert King, who was secretly operating in Alabasta, seemingly intending to whitewash his record and transition into a great noble, though there were faint rumors that he was a member of the Revolutionary Army.
Dracule Mihawk the Hawk-Eyes, hailed as the World's Strongest Swordsman, standing at the pinnacle of swordsmanship, who flew a pirate flag but was essentially a wanderer.
Boa Hancock the Pirate Empress, Emperor of Amazon Lily and Captain of the Kuja Pirates, who had only conducted one pirate raid before hiding out in the Calm Belt without further activity. She was renowned as the world's most beautiful woman, possessing unparalleled looks that even Doflamingo had to acknowledge.
And finally, Jinbe the Knight of the Sea, the former Marine who had recently betrayed them yet shamelessly secured the title of 'Knight of the Sea.'
With six of them in place, only the final Warlord of the Sea spot remained.
Doflamingo was terrified that someone else would pop out from some hidden corner and snatch the position before him.
Thus, he had been quite anxious recently.
Fortunately, that jerk Diarmuid had sent word not long ago, saying he would come to the North Blue to meet him and instructed him to prepare the Flame-Flame Fruit and other things.
Doflamingo had indeed prepared the Flame-Flame Fruit. Now, whether eating, sleeping, or doing anything else, he wouldn't let the Flame-Flame Fruit leave his sight, afraid that someone would spoil things at the very last moment.
Doflamingo was now like the saying, 'once bitten by a snake, afraid of a well rope for ten years.' Having been deceived twice regarding Devil Fruits, with the Gold-Gold Fruit and the Ope Ope no Mi, it would be a miracle if he hadn't learned his lesson!
"Young Master, that fellow's ship has appeared on the horizon," Gladius quickly entered from the door and reported to Doflamingo, who was sitting on the sofa.
Doflamingo's heart skipped a beat upon hearing this. He immediately stood up and said, "Let's go. We'll go to the port and welcome our 'good friend.'"
'Good friend? Young Master, you actually want to kill him, don't you?' Gladius grumbled inwardly.
However, on the surface, Gladius quickly nodded, "Yes, Young Master!"
Soon, Doflamingo, carrying a box containing the Flame-Flame Fruit, arrived at the main port.
At the same time, a huge, standard Marine Headquarters warship was slowly docking at the port.
When the warship was secured, the gangway was steadily lowered, and Doflamingo saw the figure of that jerk Diarmuid.
Although he desperately wanted to bite this scumbag to death, the thought of the Warlord of the Sea position made Doflamingo feel that Diarmuid looked somewhat agreeable.
Diarmuid, walking down the gangway, also saw Doflamingo waiting below.
He smiled and reached out to help Hina, who was following behind him.
Hina's face flushed. She quickly avoided Diarmuid's arm and whispered, "Admiral, you must maintain your dignity in public. I don't want to be the one who acts inappropriately."
Diarmuid paused, then burst out laughing, "Hahahaha, very well."
During the entire journey, Diarmuid, due to his guilt, had taken extremely good care of Hina, indulging her every whim and allowing the young girl to be quite spoiled.
He hadn't expected her to be so sensible and composed in a public setting like this.
She completely maintained Diarmuid's public image, respectfully following behind him, acting like a professional secretary and a mere background presence.
Stepping down onto the port ground, Doflamingo walked up, smiling as he greeted him, "Admiral Diarmuid, you've finally arrived. I've been waiting for you for a long time, Fuffuffuffu..."
Diarmuid glanced at the briefcase in Doflamingo's hand. He understood the situation and was willing to afford Doflamingo sufficient courtesy where unnecessary conflict wasn't required.
Therefore, he didn't put on any haughty airs. He clapped Doflamingo's shoulder casually, "You've gone to great trouble, Doffy."
'Doffy?'
Doflamingo was slightly surprised by the nickname, but quickly grew delighted. At least this proved his relationship with Diarmuid had become closer.
"Fuffuffuffuffu, it's nothing. I also have something I desire," Doflamingo said with a laugh.
He subtly hinted that this was a transaction, essentially warning Diarmuid, "You're a big shot, so don't you dare try to pull a fast one and leave me empty-handed!"
"Don't worry, I value my word," Diarmuid nodded.
Doflamingo was only carrying the box to demonstrate his sincere attitude. He wouldn't handle the whole business right there at the port without even letting Diarmuid into his home.
Thus, he happily invited Diarmuid to come inside and sit down at his headquarters.
Diarmuid had no reservations about this. Although being a Marine Admiral seen mingling with a pirate scumbag like Doflamingo was somewhat demeaning and bad if photographed, this was Doflamingo's main base. Diarmuid figured that, given Doflamingo's intelligence, he wouldn't allow such scandalous things to happen.
He gladly accepted the invitation, leaving the port with Hina and Doflamingo.
Vergo was also brought along. He looked at his companions with a slightly resigned expression, shook his head, said nothing, and followed the group.
It must be said that Doflamingo was definitely someone who knew how to enjoy life; he was, after all, born a Celestial Dragon.
Diarmuid now stood by the window of the reception room, looking at the scenery outside. It was a castle-like building, and outside the window was a massive swimming pool garden. Although Doflamingo hadn't arranged a flashy pool party to entertain Admiral Diarmuid, the pool still had many beautiful young women wearing bright swimsuits, playing happily in the water.
Their graceful figures made Diarmuid nod his head repeatedly until Hina shot him a glare. Only then did he reluctantly turn away.
Diarmuid couldn't identify the specifics of the interior decor, but he could faintly sense the extravagance from the details.
For example, the baseboards on both sides of the staircase leading to the second floor were adorned with black pearls.
The decorative wall hangings clearly appeared to be extremely valuable famous paintings!
And on the living room wall directly facing the sofa, a pair of pure black tusks was mounted.
Diarmuid had seen plenty of pure white ivory, but this was the first time he had seen pure black.
The tusks were ink-black, like jade, and were undoubtedly invaluable.
Reaching out to touch one of the tusk, Diarmuid praised, "A fine piece."
"If you like them, Admiral, I'll send you a pair. Hanging them in your office would certainly highlight your temperament," Doflamingo said with a smile.
While his personal feelings made him want to beat Diarmuid senseless, from a practical standpoint, Doflamingo was determined to establish a good relationship with him.
Diarmuid heard this, shook his head, and smiled, "No need. We Marines strictly crack down on these sorts of dubious items. It wouldn't look good if you, a pirate, gave me, an Admiral, such a precious item. It would be difficult to explain when I return..."
After a slight pause, Diarmuid glanced down at the floor, "The carpet is nice. Get one ready for me later. I'll take it back to use..."
Doflamingo was momentarily stunned, then burst into laughter, "Fuffuffu, Admiral, you truly have an eye for quality!"
In reality, among all the decorations in Doflamingo's entire house, this carpet was truly the most valuable item!
It was worth over six billion Berries!
Diarmuid was surprised to hear this. He honestly hadn't noticed anything special; he had just said that to placate Doflamingo.
Was this carpet really that expensive? How costly could something you walk on be?
He didn't realize that in his past life, in his world, a top-tier rug could sell for millions of dollars, often being priceless collectibles that money couldn't necessarily buy!
However, Diarmuid didn't show any inappropriate reaction. He sat down grandly on the sofa and reached for the Flame-Flame Fruit that Doflamingo had revealed by opening the box on the table.
It looked the same as in his memory.
It was indeed the Flame-Flame Fruit. Doflamingo wouldn't dare try to trick Diarmuid in this matter.
After examining the Devil Fruit, Diarmuid tossed it back into the box and looked at Doflamingo, "Very good. I've already spoken with Headquarters. You are free to proceed with your plan. As long as Mariejois approves your proposal to become a Warlord of the Sea, we won't give you any trouble."
Doflamingo's eyes lit up upon hearing this. Wasn't this the exact promise he wanted?
"Then thank you, Admiral, Fuffuffu," Doflamingo smiled.
"What are you planning to do? It seems the higher-ups don't really want you to take this Warlord of the Sea position..." Diarmuid picked up an apple from the table and took a bite, asking.
"I've actually had some plans for a long time, but I've been uncertain about your attitude, Admiral, so I haven't implemented them," Doflamingo said in a low voice.
"Go on?" Diarmuid asked calmly.
"I plan to steal the Heavenly Tribute from Mariejois and use the threat of the Celestial Dragons' dung to force those scumbags to compromise with me," Doflamingo said, looking straight into Diarmuid's eyes.
Diarmuid raised an eyebrow slightly and smiled, "A good idea."
Firstly, the importance of the Heavenly Tribute was self-evident. It represented the member kingdoms' recognition of the World Government's legitimacy to rule, and it also served as a contribution to the Celestial Dragon lineage.
If Doflamingo pulled this off, it would definitely make the people in Mariejois jump through hoops.
Moreover, the Gorosei were currently very short on funds. If Doflamingo stole the Heavenly Tribute, they might genuinely be forced to compromise.
In the original story, that's exactly what he did.
The current situation was even more suitable for Doflamingo to act this way than in the original story!
"If you constantly rely on simply forcing Mariejois to concede, it might not be the most effective long-term approach. On account of this Flame-Flame Fruit, I can tell you that Mariejois is currently very short on cash. Employing both threat and reward might yield miraculous results."
Diarmuid gave him a hint.
Doflamingo was surprised at first, then thought, "In other words, Admiral, you suggest that after stealing the Heavenly Tribute, I should also send a sum of money to Mariejois?"
"You figure it out," Diarmuid was unwilling to say more.
Doflamingo didn't press the issue further.
"What about the Dark-Dark Fruit? Have you heard any news?" Diarmuid asked.
Doflamingo's expression was slightly resigned, "Not yet, but I will intensify the search efforts. I am absolutely sincere about fulfilling the Admiral's condition."