After Carl's intense one-week devilish training, Doflamingo and Vergo had begun their own journey in Haki mastery.
Doflamingo was already capable of activating Armament Haki to cover his hands—a challenging feat that marked the most difficult part of the training. From here on, progress was just a matter of practice and patience.
As for Vergo, Carl had not only introduced him to Haki but also inspired him with creative ideas for his String-String Fruit abilities, like the concept of the "Sky Road," allowing him to move through the air by tethering himself to clouds. When Carl presented the concept, even Doflamingo, the original String-String Fruit user, was taken aback. He thought, Saint Carl must be ahead of his time—I'd never have imagined this myself.
On this day, Doflamingo gathered all family members along the shore to bid farewell to Carl.
Carl brought out his special speedboat and threw it into the sea. Turning to Doflamingo with a fond smile, he reassured him,
"It's not like you won't see me again in the future. Now, it's time for you to manage your family well."
Doflamingo nodded silently.
Seeing his contemplative expression, Carl tilted his head, then pulled out a gold necklace and handed it to Doflamingo.
Doflamingo stared in surprise and asked, "Saint Carl, what's this?"
Carl gestured to the pendant, which resembled a mini sword. Although it was "mini," it was just a bit smaller than a dagger.
Doflamingo unsheathed the golden "scabbard," revealing a sleek black blade with purple streaks running along its edge—a work of fine craftsmanship.
Carl lifted his right hand, summoning his demon sword, Muramasa. Doflamingo realized then that this pendant was a replica of Carl's sword.
When Vegapunk was experimenting with imbuing inanimate objects with Devil Fruits, he had requested Carl supply him with some quality weapons for testing. In his characteristic generosity, Carl handed materials over to Vegapunk for the project.
The pendant had been crafted from the leftover material, and its quality was unmatched. Even the gold necklace paled in comparison to this prized piece.
With a quick flick of his wrist, Muramasa vanished. Carl moved closer to Doflamingo, hooked the necklace in his hand, and slipped it around his neck.
Looking at the pink feather coat paired with the new gold necklace, Carl smirked.
"Not bad. It suits you well."
Doflamingo opened his mouth, trying to find words, but they caught in his throat.
Carl simply smiled, turned, and jumped aboard his speedboat. The vessel's tail flared as he prepared to depart. Then, a sudden thump echoed behind him.
Turning back, he saw Doflamingo kneeling, bowing deeply. The others followed suit, kneeling and bowing in unison.
Carl was silent for a moment, then said slowly,
"Do your best. Someone from the World Government will check in with you later. If any issues arise, reach out through her, if it's beyond her scope, contact me."
With that, the speedboat roared off, disappearing swiftly over the horizon.
Doflamingo finally stood, watching Carl's form fade away. He reached up, fingers brushing the pendant that now rested on his chest…
Out at sea, a large ship with black sails drifted lazily on the waves.
On its deck, a gruff, middle-aged man gnawed on a piece of half-cooked meat, its red juices dripping as he tore into it with feral hunger.
Around him stood a motley crew of rough-looking men. A slender, monkey-faced subordinate sidled up to the man, murmuring,
"Captain Jebber, we haven't seen any activity yet—we might want to pick up the pace…"
Pah!
Jebber hurled the half-eaten meat into his subordinate's face, scowling.
"Get lost! Since when do you, Laki, get to tell me how to run things?"
Laki, face dripping with grease, stammered, "I-I'm sorry, Captain! I spoke out of turn!"
Slap! Laki slapped his own cheek in apology while the others watched, amused.
Jebber spat in disgust. "This is ridiculous. A whole month at sea, and I haven't even seen the shadow of another ship. I'm starving here!"
A well-known slave trader in the underground world, Jebber made a living raiding fleets and pirate groups, selling captured women and pirates at the slave auction. But this time, his luck was running dry.
Just then, the lookout shouted, "Captain Jebber! A ship! There's a ship!"
Jebber was on his feet instantly, grabbing a telescope to scan the horizon.
There, drifting aimlessly, was a small boat. He frowned, disappointed—until he spotted a large, muscular fishman lying on the boat. His face lit up with excitement.
A fishman of this caliber would fetch a fortune on the slave market. Many Celestial Dragons would pay handsomely for him.
Jebber's pulse quickened. He turned and yelled, "Drop the smokes, boys! It's time to get to work!"
A wicked grin spread across his face. "Listen up, boys! Our bad luck has run its course—the big fish has come to us. Let's haul him in."
As the crew bustled to maneuver the ship closer, the fishman on the small boat noticed them and waved, assuming it was a passenger vessel.
Jebber waved back, his grin unchanged, muttering to his men,
"Get him aboard first. Don't go rushing in with force, he might have some strength in him, and we don't want any damage to the goods."
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+115 chapters on p@treon/tambeerg