Chapitre 76: Increasing Intimacy with Doflamingo
There are rules and laws. The knowledge of politics from the previous life made it very clear.
Laws do not truly exist.
People obey the law only because the state holds the highest level of violence (the military), using force to suppress the populace, compelling everyone to bow down and abide by the law.
But if an individual possesses the highest level of violence, then he becomes the law.
"Doffy, it's a pleasure drinking with you," Lakeman said sincerely.
Although Doflamingo was a lawless rogue, only thinking about doing bad things and breaking rules for profit, he was much better than those who blindly followed the rules of the World Government.
"I feel the same, Saint Lakeman," Doflamingo nodded genuinely.
The two drank late into the night.
In the banquet hall, the beautiful maids had long been dismissed. Only Lakeman's butler and guard squad, along with Doflamingo's core family members, remained.
The two groups listened to the two drunk men chat, sweating coldly.
"The World Government is nothing but a holder of violence; otherwise, how could they stay on top for eight hundred years?"
"Exactly, in the four seas, find any remote island, and the Five Elders can't control us."
"I say, this backward and ignorant system should have been overthrown long ago."
"Indeed, I suspect they hold one of the three ancient weapons, Uranus; otherwise, they couldn't have stayed in power for so long."
"Doffy, let's find a chance to cause a big scene in the Holy Land."
"Hahaha, sure, I've been curious about the secrets of the Celestial Dragons for a long time."
As they talked, they seriously started planning an attack on the Holy Land. One former Celestial Dragon, one current Celestial Dragon. Their familiarity with the Holy Land far surpassed outsiders.
When the two insiders conspired, the plan they formulated could indeed pose a threat to the World Government.
'Damn it. Damn it.' Rosinante's face turned pale as he listened, his heart trembling.
He had arrived midway through. The first thing he heard upon arrival was Lakeman and Doflamingo discussing the loopholes in the World Government's control over its territories.
Rosinante was paralyzed. He never imagined his brother Doflamingo was wilder than he appeared.
Not only did he build a force and conduct illegal business, but he also planned to establish a new regime, bypassing the World Government's eyes and ears.
'This Saint Lakeman too, isn't he a Celestial Dragon?' Rosinante's eyes were filled with terror and confusion, 'Why is he rebelling against his own kind?'
Meanwhile, Lakeman's butler was sweating profusely beside him. His face was pale, his hands trembling. 'Why would the young master think of rebelling against the World Government?' The butler was both shocked and afraid, 'Isn't our current life good enough?'
'The Celestial Dragons are already the most noble beings in the world.'
'Beyond this, there's only...'
The butler quickly stopped his thoughts, not daring to think further.
That night, many people lost sleep. Lakeman, who drank until midnight, stayed at Doflamingo's house.
Hancock had a peaceful night. Of course, she wasn't the focus. The focus was Rosinante, who, after the banquet ended, used the Silent-Silent Fruit to create a silent field and quietly dialed Fleet Admiral Sengoku's phone.
...
Marineford, Marine Headquarters.
Buru Buru Buru—
Sengoku woke up from his sleep and instinctively picked up Kizaru's dedicated Den Den Mushi. But the ringing continued.
"Not you?"
Sengoku looked at the sleepy, confused Den Den Mushi in his hand, smiled apologetically, and put it back. Then he picked up the right one. It was a call from his planted undercover agent, Rosinante.
"Why have you become like Kizaru, calling in the middle of the night?" Sengoku muttered with a headache, reluctantly answering.
As soon as he picked up the receiver, Rosinante's urgent voice came through.
"Fleet Admiral, Doflamingo met with Saint Lakeman today." Rosinante's voice was anxious and hurried. "They are plotting a big conspiracy."
"A big conspiracy?" Sengoku instantly sobered up, his expression becoming solemn. "Explain in detail."
"Yes."
Rosinante relayed everything he heard at the banquet to Sengoku.
After a few sentences, Sengoku's expression completely changed, his mouth hanging open in shock. By the time he finished, Sengoku was utterly stunned, his head felt like it had grown two sizes bigger.
"A former Celestial Dragon and a current Celestial Dragon plotting to overthrow the World Government?" Sengoku's lips twitched, feeling he had heard the biggest joke of the year.
I rebel against myself?
"I can't believe it either, but they seriously discussed it." Rosinante said with a bitter smile.
"... Let the World Government worry about this." Sengoku rubbed his head. "As for their plan for a dual auction house and Dressrosa, we can't handle it."
"Why is it impossible?" Rosinante was anxious.
"First, the Sabaody Archipelago is a blatant lawless zone. Neither the Navy nor the World Government can do anything about it." Sengoku sighed and explained: "Second, areas 1 to 5 are already the private domain of Saint Lakeman. In theory, we have no way to intervene in anything he does."
"Same goes for Dressrosa, as Marines don't have any rights to interfere with the member country of the World Government, unless the king asks the World Government for help."
Rosinante fell silent. This is reality. The oppressive rule of the World Government makes justice merely patchwork.
"I understand..." Rosinante hung up the phone heavily. That night, he lost sleep. Coincidentally, far away in Marineford, Sengoku, listening to the busy signal of the Den Den Mushi, also lost his sleep.
The next afternoon.
When Doflamingo woke up, it was already past four o'clock in the afternoon.
Snap, snap—
He stretched comfortably, feeling unprecedentedly relaxed.
"Take these things away." After getting up, Doflamingo waved at the luxurious decorations and the groups of maids, "Saint Lakeman is not someone who indulges in such low-level entertainment."
After last night's heart-to-heart talk, Doflamingo felt a deep kinship with Lakeman. He thought providing such low-level entertainment was an insult to Lakeman. Men like him and Lakeman should have higher ambitions.
"Yes." The family members, hearing this, quickly had everything removed. Restoring the original state.
"He's already up, watching the sunset outside." Someone replied.
"Sunset, huh?"
Doflamingo touched his chin and smiled. "What an elegant interest. I'll join him in watching it."
Saying this, he walked outside. No need for guidance. Relying on his Haki, Doflamingo easily located Lakeman. That beast-like formidable aura within a kilometer radius could only belong to Lakeman.
With this in mind, Doflamingo walked up a coastal slope, finding Lakeman lying on a recliner, quietly watching the sunset.
'Stronger again?' As Doflamingo approached, he couldn't help but be surprised. His observation Haki told him that Lakeman's strength had increased slightly compared to yesterday.
'How did he manage to increase his power while drinking with me all night?' Doflamingo wondered. However, he had no intention of prying into others' secrets. He simply walked over and casually said, "Fufufu, I didn't expect you to have such an artistic hobby, Saint Lakeman... watching the sunset?"
"Just something to pass the time until you woke up." Lakeman laughed without turning his head, his Haki had already sensed Doflamingo's arrival.
But this answer made Doflamingo pause. It didn't quite sound right?
Doflamingo shook his head inwardly, thinking he was overthinking it, and asked, "I had many entertainment options prepared for you. None of them interested you?"
"No interest, it's always the same old stuff, boring." Lakeman said.
"Fufufu, as expected of you, not interested in what ordinary people would indulge in?" Doflamingo laughed, saying, "Indeed, you and I share greater ambitions and desires."
Hearing this, Lakeman turned to look at Doflamingo.
"Isn't that right?" Doflamingo smiled, squinting.
"Indeed." Lakeman chuckled, stretching. "I don't regard the World Government highly, nor do you. In some ways, we are quite similar."
"Fufufu. I really like you, Saint Lakeman." Doflamingo laughed excitedly.
Lakeman also smiled. "I like you too, Doffy."
But this "like"... For some reason, it sounded strange to Doflamingo. It seemed like it had a different meaning.
'Am I overthinking it?' Doflamingo frowned inwardly. But he thought he was just being too sensitive.
"There are many beautiful sceneries here in Dressrosa. If you're interested, I can have someone show you around." Doflamingo suggested.
"No need for now, Doffy. Do you have time?" Lakeman turned and smiled at Doflamingo.
"Me?" Doflamingo raised an eyebrow. "Just handling some family affairs. Interested?"
"Very interesting. Can I watch?" Lakeman asked.
"Of course, no problem." Doflamingo agreed readily.
At this moment, Doflamingo was unaware of what would happen.
The next day. He got up early, practiced, and then invited Saint Lakeman to his office. All morning, Doflamingo was in the office, meeting various family members, remotely directing various deals. From conquering lands to seizing special islands, to selling illegal arms. All openly displayed to Lakeman.
After that night's heart-to-heart (in Doflamingo's view), he trusted Lakeman highly, considering him a like-minded partner.
"Bored, right?"
At noon, Doflamingo finally got a break and smiled at Lakeman.
Lakeman glanced at the system prompt.
[Current Progress: 6.04%...]
He shook his head. "I don't think so."
"Really?" Doflamingo was surprised. He had clearly seen Lakeman yawn several times and looked uninterested in the morning. He thought he had lost interest.
"Shall we continue in the afternoon?" Doflamingo asked.
"Of course." Lakeman replied instantly.
At noon. The two naturally had lunch together. In the afternoon, back in the office. One focused on work, the other absentmindedly watching the former work.
This scene made many people react differently. There was even a small stir among the Donquixote family.
"Young Master, isn't he trusting him too much?"
"They even drank all night together…"
"It's the first time I've seen Young Master so happy."
"They've only just met, yet he's more affectionate with him than with us family members."
"It's really annoying…"
Many family members were envious. Many old members never received such warmth from Doflamingo. How long has this Saint Lakeman been here?
The Young Master was enthusiastic like seeing an old friend, not only eating together but also allowing Saint Lakeman to watch him work in the office. The trust level exceeded 90% of the family members.
Meanwhile,
'This time it's Doflamingo?' the butler thought secretly. Lakeman's bodyguards were also whispering.
"It seems the master has his eyes on Doflamingo…"
"Last time it was Silver Rayleigh, the time before it was Kizaru. The young master seems particularly interested in strong men."
"Don't talk nonsense. the master just admires strong individuals."
"Yes, there's no special relationship."
"Just wait and see, the young master's enthusiasm fades quickly. In less than a month, this Doflamingo will be discarded."
The bodyguards were used to it. Kizaru, Rayleigh, two clear examples. The master was interested in exceptional strong men, but the interest waned quickly. After a while, he would discard them. The bodyguards had already foreseen Doflamingo's fate.
The discussions among the Donquixote family naturally reached Rosinante's ears. He appeared worried.
'The relationship between my brother and Saint Lakeman is heating up too quickly?' Rosinante thought, feeling uneasy. 'Two restless guys together, are they planning to overthrow the government?'
Rosinante couldn't help but worry. At the banquet that day, the two drunk men had reckless conversations, each sentence being something the World Government would hunt them down for. Even Spider miles facing a Buster Call was highly likely.
In Rosinante's eyes, Saint Lakeman and his brother were like two flints. Colliding together would spark intense flames. Flames of destruction.
'I need to find a chance to remind Doffy.' Rosinante thought secretly.
At the same time. Lakeman's bed partner, Hancock, also heard some rumors. But she didn't mind; in fact, she was quite pleased.
"Has another man caught his attention? Haha, that's great." Hancock smiled happily.
"If it were before, I would doubt my own charm being overshadowed.
"I would also worry about the master's sexual orientation."
"But now, I only thank Doflamingo, hmm... and also Rayleigh, Kizaru, they have wonderfully diverted Lakeman's attention, allowing me to enjoy peaceful nights."
Hancock muttered to herself, even humming a song. In a great mood.
That night. As Hancock expected, Lakeman didn't come back to sleep but stayed at Doflamingo's place. She slept with her two sisters for the first time in a while.
"..."
"Yes, right there, press harder.
"My legs and waist are sore."
Hancock instructed her two sisters to massage her.
"Elder sister, your muscles are so stiff." one sister said puzzledly: "Don't you stretch properly after training."
"Yeah, and you have all the medicinal baths and potions you need." The other sister was also confused: "And sister's talent is better than ours, we don't feel tired, how come you are accumulating fatigue?"
Hehe…
Hancock smirked, normally she wouldn't be. But she couldn't withstand the extra training every night.
Hancock didn't want to discuss these matters with her sisters, just raised her eyebrows and took the elder sister's stance to scold: "Stop talking and press harder."
The two sisters immediately bowed their heads like quails, they obediently continued massaging her.
Another day passed. In Doflamingo's office.
Yawn…
Lakeman yawned, feeling sleepy watching Doflamingo work. But glancing at the system prompt, he immediately perked up.
[Current Progress: 10.54%...]
The binding progress increased significantly.
It was worth it to stick close to Doflamingo day and night, maintaining extreme proximity…
"Saint Lakeman, you..." Doflamingo's expression was thoughtful. He felt something was off. Was Saint Lakeman sticking too close to him?
He visited North Blue once, didn't look around, didn't interact with others. Just stayed in my office all day.
In the Office
"Is my work interesting?"
"You don't have to stay and watch me work. You can go explore other places, visit anywhere around here," Doflamingo urged.
"No," replied Lakeman, shaking his head seriously, "I find your work very interesting."
Doflamingo: 'Then who yawned just now? Was it me?'
"But my daily work is really not that interesting, it's pretty much the same every day," Doflamingo said reluctantly, starting to feel uneasy. It was a different kind of unease compared to the life-and-death crises of the past. It was the fear of losing something precious.
"But I find it fascinating," Lakeman said earnestly, looking at Doflamingo.
'No, don't look at me. Look somewhere else.' Doflamingo panicked and lowered his head, afraid to meet Lakeman's gaze, fearing he might see something he didn't want to see.
"Saint Lakeman, the work is really boring."
"But I find it very interesting."
"It's really not interesting."
"But it really is interesting."
Neither could persuade the other. The air in the office fell silent.
Suddenly, the office door was knocked.
"Young Master, it's Trebol, reporting to you." Trebol's voice came.
Doflamingo felt relieved: "Come in."
"Yes."
The door opened. Trebol, looking much thinner, walked in. After more than months of recuperation, he had fully healed. The physical resilience of people in the pirate world was truly extraordinary. His bones had been shattered extensively, yet he recovered completely in just a month.
On Earth, a month wouldn't even be enough time in the ICU.
"Saint Lakeman."
Upon entering and seeing Lakeman, Trebol's expression tightened slightly. The blow he received at the auction left a significant psychological shadow. Despite using his fruit ability, he had been forcibly knocked out.
"Hello, Trebol."
Lakeman smiled warmly and said gently, "It was a small misunderstanding before. I hope you don't mind. As an apology, I have a gift for you, which I hope you'll like."
To Lakeman, a minor figure like Trebol was not worth holding a grudge against.
"This..." Trebol was flattered and quickly looked at Doflamingo.
"Go ahead, accept it, Trebol," Doflamingo laughed. "Let's put the past behind us. From now on, our Donquixote family and Saint Lakeman are loyal allies."
Hearing Doflamingo say this, Trebol relaxed.
"Yes, then I will shamelessly accept it," Trebol said. He held no grudge against Lakeman. After all, he was not as skilled, and he had indeed played tricks back then. Even if he had been killed, he wouldn't have had any complaints.
What's more, Saint Lakeman had shown mercy.
"This serious injury and near-death experience actually gave me significant insights. Perhaps I'll advance further soon," Trebol thought to himself.
He reported to Doflamingo about his recovery and expressed his readiness to return to work. Doflamingo was delighted and assigned him new tasks.
Soon, Trebol left with enthusiasm, returning to his work. The office fell silent again.
"Saint Lakeman, if you want to watch, then watch," Doflamingo said thoughtfully.
Strong people had their quirks. Just like Doflamingo liked to play with others using his parasite strings, if Lakeman enjoyed watching him work, it was no big deal.
"He's already yawning, he'll probably lose interest and leave in a few days," Doflamingo thought to himself. He didn't know that similar thoughts had once crossed Rayleigh and Kizaru's minds.
For the next half month, Lakeman showed up in Doflamingo's office every day, like clocking in for work. He did nothing but watch Doflamingo work. Sometimes, when he got tired or bored, he would openly take a nap or read a book. But no matter how bored he got, he didn't leave.
"If you're bored enough to sleep, why stay?" Doflamingo was baffled and frustrated. He was sure now that Lakeman had some ulterior motive. A strange motive.
"Could it be what I'm thinking?"
Doflamingo's heart started to tremble with analysis.
"Though some of the Celestial Dragons have peculiar preferences, it's just a few. Could it be that Saint Lakeman is one of those few?"
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État de l’alimentation hebdomadaire
-- Classement
Power Stone 
-- Power
stone