Stussy had left Mariejois, setting out on the task Claudius had assigned to her. It wasn't anything too complicated; just a return to her "old business." Claudius had tasked her with establishing a force known as "Happy Street."
In the original timeline, had Claudius not intervened, Stussy would've likely received this assignment from CP-0 anyway. After all, as Claudius knew, this was the period during which the future heavyweights of the dark world were beginning to carve out their empires. Morgans, the bird-man, had already aligned himself with the World Government. Umit, as Claudius had recently learned, was starting his dealings in Mariejois. The others hadn't crossed his path yet, but Claudius had a sense that his cousin Doflamingo was also beginning to make his way into the underworld. It was all unfolding around the same time.
With the support of a Celestial Dragon like Claudius, he was confident that Stussy's development wouldn't lag behind her original trajectory. In a few years, "Happy Street" would undoubtedly rise to become a major intelligence power in the dark world. By then, CP-X would have no real weakness when it came to information gathering.
Meanwhile, in North Blue, the young Doflamingo was also expanding the reach of his Donquixote Family.
Although Doflamingo was only fourteen, he was cruel and ruthless in his actions. His subordinates, many of them considerably powerful, had already declared their loyalty to him as their king. His reputation in the dark world was steadily growing.
On his ship, Doflamingo sat listening to a report from one of his lieutenants. Despite his youth and somewhat immature appearance, there was a certain gravitas to the way he carried himself. He was already showing signs of being a future kingpin.
"Young Master," Trebol, the man who looked like a slug, reported, "I've gathered some intel on the leader of Germa 66. His name is Vinsmoke Judge. He was a wanted man not too long ago, but somehow, he's returned to Germa 66 and taken over as their new leader. What's strange is that, despite being a fugitive, Germa 66 is now recognized as one of the World Government's allied nations. They don't have a fixed territory, but they still enjoy the privileges of a member nation. Even Vinsmoke Judge's wanted status has been lifted."
Doflamingo frowned, clearly puzzled. He didn't understand how things had changed so drastically.
North Blue didn't have many big players, and his Donquixote Family had been flourishing in the region. Whenever they encountered trouble, they could always use the backing of his cousin Claudius, a Celestial Dragon. Most people wouldn't dare provoke the Donquixote Family.
But recently, this organization called "Germa 66" had emerged. Though technically an organization, it flew the flag of a World Government-affiliated nation, which made things tricky. Doflamingo couldn't just go up against them head-on, so he had to investigate them carefully.
Though some intel had been gathered, Doflamingo still couldn't piece it all together. How had this Vinsmoke Judge, once a wanted man, become a king?
Doflamingo found the situation frustrating. He wasn't yet powerful enough to openly challenge a member nation of the World Government. Germa 66's affiliation forced him to tread carefully in any competition with them.
Just as Doflamingo was mulling over the issue, the phone snail on the table beside him began to ring.
Doflamingo turned his head, and upon seeing the caller, his frustrated expression instantly vanished. A grin spread across his face as he quietly muttered, "It's him."
Trebol, observing his young master's joy, couldn't help but feel a bit helpless. While Doflamingo was exceptionally capable, he relied on his cousin a little too much. Whenever he encountered difficulties, his first instinct was to consult Claudius. Though it was a little strange to them, none of his subordinates dared to comment on it. After all, they knew very well Doflamingo's cousin was none other than a true Celestial Dragon!
Fortunately, this cousin of his had always treated Doflamingo well, helping him and his family on many occasions. And despite Doflamingo's occasional reliance on his cousin, he had grown into a sharp decision-maker on his own.
Picking up the phone snail, Doflamingo greeted enthusiastically, "Cousin! I read the papers. I heard you had quite the clash in the New World and even managed to injure the legendary pirate Golden Lion, Shiki! That's incredible!"
Claudius chuckled on the other end. "It wasn't as dramatic as the papers made it seem. They exaggerated things a bit. How are you, Doffy?"
Doflamingo shared a few details about his family's expansion, mentioning how they were making steady inroads into the dark world.
After chatting for a while, Doflamingo hesitated for a moment before speaking up, "Cousin, you're on Mariejois, so your intel is probably more reliable than mine. I've got something I need your help with. Could you check it out for me?"
Claudius smiled. "Of course. What's going on? Let's hear it."
"It's about this organization called 'Germa 66' that's recently popped up in North Blue. The leader's name is Vinsmoke Judge. It's strange because not too long ago, this guy was wanted by the World Government. But suddenly, he's become a king of a member nation. We think Germa 66 might also be getting involved in the dark world, but we don't know if they're going to be a friend or a foe. Could you look into them for me?"
Claudius paused for a moment, recognizing the name. "Vinsmoke Judge, huh?" He thought for a moment before asking, "Are they using those massive snail ships?"
Doflamingo immediately replied, "Yes, their floating base is called the 'War House'..."
Claudius laughed. "Well, I happen to know a bit about this. Let me fill you in."
Doflamingo's eyes lit up, and he leaned forward with excitement. "Cousin, you're amazing!"
Claudius chuckled before continuing, "Vinsmoke Judge is a top-tier scientist. Based on the info you gave me and what I already know, I'd bet he was part of a private scientific team alongside Dr. Vegapunk. Their research was so dangerous that the World Government couldn't just leave them to their own devices. They wanted to bring the whole team under their control and form a Marine science division. Vegapunk has already been taken in and is now leading that division. But Judge managed to escape with some of their research and is now back in Germa."
Doflamingo was stunned. "A scientist? And he's also a king?"
"Yes, Judge's background is decent he's a prince from the Germa Kingdom. Based on what you've told me, it sounds like he's managed to elevate himself to king. But because Germa 66 is technically a World Government member nation now, the government won't take any drastic actions against them. That's probably why their status has shifted so much," Claudius explained.
The details clicked into place in Claudius' mind. Though his knowledge of the Marine science division and Vegapunk was limited, he had pieced together enough from Doflamingo's intel. His deductions weren't far off the mark Vegapunk had indeed been forcibly brought into the World Government's service not too long ago. Now, he led the newly formed Marine science division.
Doflamingo, still processing the information, said, "So he's that powerful? A scientist?"
"Yes. From what I know, even though Germa 66 is an allied nation, they aren't exactly liked by the World Government. In the distant past, the Vinsmoke family ruled North Blue with military force, which made the World Government wary of them. The Vinsmokes have been trying to get the World Government to give them a fixed territory, but so far, that request hasn't been approved. And you're right they are looking to move into the dark world. They plan to sell 'war' and operate as mercenaries."
Claudius had just laid out the Vinsmoke family's entire background for Doflamingo.
Doflamingo took a moment to process all of this before responding, "So, they're not really on good terms with the World Government?"
"That's right," Claudius confirmed.
"In that case, they might not be enemies. In fact, we might be able to work with them. If they're selling war, I could benefit from that maybe even branch into the arms trade," Doflamingo mused.
Claudius was impressed. His cousin was only fourteen, yet he was already showing sharp business instincts. He had a strategic mind.
"You're not wrong, Dover," Claudius said, amused. "They might not be enemies. And speaking of business, I've got a proposition for you. I've recently gained the trust of the Five Elders, and they've authorized me to establish an organization called CP-X..."
Claudius went on to explain the details of CP-X and what he had in mind.
Doflamingo listened carefully, then exclaimed, "That's incredible, Cousin!"
"As my cousin, I'd like to invite you and your Donquixote family to join CP-X. What do you think? I see it as a mutually beneficial arrangement. You're already making moves on your end, and when it comes to business, this could serve as a protective cover, making everything seem legitimate."
Doflamingo didn't hesitate for a second. After all, the Donquixote family wasn't a major power yet more like a small seedling still growing. As his cousin had pointed out, this partnership would give him more freedom to take bold actions.
Using the World Government's banner to bolster his own strength, while secretly plotting to eliminate those arrogant Celestial Dragons sitting high above… wasn't that a thrilling thought?
"Cousin, since you've invited me, of course I'll agree," Doflamingo said without delay.
"Hahaha, that's what I expected from my younger brother. That's all I wanted to say. If you need anything, don't hesitate to reach out," Claudius said lightly.