"Eldest Young Master, the Master called you for a discussion. The Second Young Master is also waiting for you."
"Huh? Called me?"
While Doflamingo answered, a bundle of strings appeared in his hand, fiercely tearing the target in front of him into two halves.
"Wait for me a moment, I'll be done soon."
In the blink of an eye, Doflamingo had lived here for nearly a year, feeling as if he had almost gotten used to it, and everything before felt like a dream.
Not long after he first arrived, Adrian presented the String-String Fruit right in front of Doflamingo. Items like Devil Fruit are highly sought after by any organization.
Even so, this changed Doflamingo's view of Adrian; after all, he had never expected Adrian to give the devil fruit to him.
But Adrian still hesitated when giving him the devil fruit, and Doflamingo still remembers their conversation from back then.
"Here."
"..."
"How about I find you a Logia-type later instead?"
"..."
"Do you prefer Mythical Zoan?"
"..."
"..."
"Are you sure you want to give this to me?"
"Of course. Don't you need power?"
Faced with the ready-made devil fruit, Doflamingo ate it without hesitation and subsequently spent every day immersed in the training grounds.
Adrian actually wanted to give Doflamingo a stronger devil fruit, but considering the original plotline later on, Adrian decided to ask Doflamingo for his opinion first.
The well-trained Doflamingo took the towel handed to him by the maid, casually wiped the sweat from his face, and followed the leading maid along the familiar route to Adrian's private office.
"I'm here," Doflamingo said, pushing the door open.
"older brother, you've arrived," Rosinante greeted Doflamingo gently. Rosinante had always witnessed his older brother's efforts.
"Doffy, come and sit down quickly," Adrian called out from behind his desk.
Doflamingo unceremoniously sat down opposite Adrian.
"How is the training going?"
"It's alright. I can accurately control the strings within ten meters now."
"That's a huge improvement, but you still need to rest appropriately."
"Got it, Adrian," Doflamingo replied, casually grabbing an apple from the desk and taking a loud bite.
Rosinante sat on the chair, swinging his feet. He was very satisfied with his current life; his older brother was much cheerier than before, and Adrian treated them very well, even letting Rosinante feel kinship and warmth. His life now was even happier than when they were in Marie Geoise.
Adrian straightened his expression.
"Alright, now it's time to talk business. Doffy, Rosie, do you want to go out and gain experience?"
Doflamingo and Rosinante fell into a brief silence. Doflamingo knew what he needed.
"Actually, this matter is entirely up to you. You know that I have some influence here, but ultimately, I can't openly oppose certain parties, you know."
"Since I can't do things openly, I can provide some convenience behind the scenes. I know you want to use your own strength to achieve your goals, don't you?"
This was exactly what Doflamingo had been thinking about; the time spent here had almost made him forget his hatred.
Doflamingo had also gained some understanding of Adrian's influence over the past while.
"I want to go."
Doflamingo said firmly.
Adrian nodded, then took out a classical, unadorned box from the drawer. It was engraved with delicate blood-colored patterns, and inside, resting on red velvet, were four teardrop-shaped blood-red gemstones.
Adrian took out two of them; the threads they were strung on were extremely fine, almost invisible unless one looked closely.
Adrian stood up and personally put them on the boys. The subtle threads made the rubies look as if they were embedded directly into their chests.
"These are talismans for you."
"Thank you, Uncle Adrian."
"Thanks."
Rosinante picked up the ruby and examined it, and Doflamingo couldn't help but fiddle with his own.
"So, do you have any plans for what you want to do out there?"
Adrian asked carelessly while putting the box away.
"Pirates," Doflamingo said in a deep voice.
He had his own plan; this step was the initiative.
Rosinante was momentarily stunned by his older brother's answer. From start to finish, the conversation was mostly between Doflamingo and Adrian. Doflamingo had always harbored a strong desire for revenge, while Rosinante merely wanted to return to peace.
Seeing Rosinante's dumbfounded expression, Adrian couldn't help but step forward and pinch Rosinante's cheek, saying with a smile:
"What's wrong, Little Rosi?"
Adrian picked up the bewildered Rosinante and sat him on his lap, gently stroking his golden curly hair, then turned his gaze back to Doflamingo.
"Doffy, being a pirate is too early. How about trying out the mafia first, to experience being a mafia young master?"
Doflamingo thought seriously for a moment and nodded.
"In that case, Doffy, go and try learning how to manage subordinates and cultivate the demeanor of a King."
As Adrian spoke, he pressed a button on the desk.
Soon after, a knock sounded, and the maid led four people of varying heights into the room.
These were the very individuals who had originally kidnapped Doflamingo and misled him onto the path of becoming a King. The day after Adrian rescued Doflamingo, he sent people to capture them, and incidentally gave the String-String Fruit they possessed to Doffy.
Having undergone preliminary brainwashing, they were now loyal, and their strength made them decent helpers.
Trebol, the user of the Stick-Stick Fruit.
Pica, the user of the Stone-Stone Fruit.
Diamante, the user of the Flutter-Flutter Fruit.
Vergo, who would later infiltrate the Marine.
"Doffy, they are good helpers."
The four respectfully greeted Doflamingo.
"Greetings, Young Master."
In the hearts of these four, they had always intended to recognize Doffy as their master and King, and now Doffy had an additional powerful backer.
"You may leave for now."
"Yes."
The four withdrew.
"Doffy, what do you think?"
"Not bad."
"I will give you more detailed information later."
Silence fell in the room again.
Adrian spoke.
"Doffy, actually, you could choose to fully develop your abilities here at home before venturing out."
Adrian was somewhat hesitant; after spending so much time with this kid, Doflamingo, he had grown quite fond of him.
Now was different from before; Doffy could enjoy a much better childhood than originally planned, completely avoiding repeating past mistakes. Adrian regretted his decision today; sure enough, coming here had altered even his rational thinking.
Doflamingo paused for a moment, then sneered and turned his head away.
"No need for that."
Adrian did not press the issue, merely looking at Rosinante in his lap.
"Little Rosi, what about you? How about staying here and becoming my heir? Or perhaps going straight to the Marine, and waiting until you can capture your older brother?"
Adrian couldn't help but ruffle Rosinante's curly hair again.
"Hey, why are you trying to instigate Rosie?"
"I'm not instigating; you're just jealous, aren't you? It's because Little Rosi is the youngest one in the family."
Doflamingo turned his head away again.
"Alright, let's put the experience trips aside for now."
"Hmph, you called us here just for this."
Doflamingo snorted coldly, settling back down at the desk and taking another hearty bite of the apple.
"Doffy, have you ever heard that knowledge is power? I've decided not to raise you two in a greenhouse; as men, you must learn independence."
"Speak plainly."
"I plan to send you to school."
Although Doflamingo was wearing his sunglasses, it was easy to see his astonishment at the moment. Even Rosinante looked up at Adrian.
"Seriously, you haven't stopped giving us lessons this whole time!"
Doflamingo complained.
"Uncle Adrian, I need to report that older brother barely does his homework."
"Hey! Rosie! You actually—"
Saying this, Doflamingo looked ready to jump up and charge toward Rosie.
Adrian tapped the desk, signaling the two little ones to quiet down.
"This time, I plan to send you to a proper school. Five years of middle school exams, three years of mock tests—sound familiar?"
Rosinante's Inner Monologue: After spending this year together, I really like Mr. Adrian. To sound closer, I decided to call him Uncle Adrian. Uncle Adrian is truly warm. In his free time, he is willing to play with me, and he hugs me when I'm sad. He also likes to ruffle my hair, and he is willing to tell me bedtime stories. Although older brother doesn't like them, I'm willing to listen. After we fall asleep, he even gives us a goodnight kiss. He told us that as long as we want it, this place will always be our home. I almost regret why I didn't meet Mr. Adrian sooner. I miss Father and Mother, but at least I have older brother and Uncle Adrian here.
Rosinante's Inner Monologue: After spending this year together, I really like Mr. Adrian. To sound closer, I decided to call him Uncle Adrian. Uncle Adrian is truly warm. In his free time, he is willing to play with me, and he hugs me when I'm sad. He also likes to ruffle my hair, and he is willing to tell me bedtime stories. Although older brother doesn't like them, I'm willing to listen. After we fall asleep, he even gives us a goodnight kiss. He told us that as long as we want it, this place will always be our home. I almost regret why I didn't meet Mr. Adrian sooner. I miss Father and Mother, but at least I have older brother and Uncle Adrian here.