Chapter 97: Chapter 75.1 : Meeting Doflamingo??
"I know this request may seem a bit forward, but Ian, you understand that some things can only be truly believed when witnessed firsthand."
Doflamingo's attitude was sincere; after all, he knew who he was speaking to. "I just want to show my utmost sincerity."
"I can send someone over," Ian replied.
This guy wanted to showcase the strength of the Donquixote family, clearly not content with merely being a distributor for the Beast Pirates.
He aimed to take things a step further.
Doflamingo may not have had much power, but his ambition was undeniable.
In the original story, he indeed managed to secure a position as one of the most important partners of the Beast Pirates, essentially serving as a small king among them.
If he hadn't been defeated by the Straw Hats so early, he would have qualified for a spot in the battle at Onigashima, possibly facing off against Yamato at that time.
However, going to the North Blue?
Where would he find the time for that?
He had just decided to visit Fish-Man Island.
While the North Blue was just a narrow Calm Belt away from the New World, who knew exactly where the Donquixote family was located within the vast expanse of the North Blue? It might be even farther than Fish-Man Island.
"Please, you must come in person," Doflamingo insisted.
"Oh?"
Ian raised an eyebrow, puzzled. "Are you, requesting me?"
Only two people in the world had the gall to demand that of him—Kaido-sensei and Yamato.
Who do you think you are?
"Don't misunderstand, Ian. I just believe that I have enough value to warrant your personal visit."
Doflamingo was unfazed, continuing, "The surname Donquixote belongs to the royal family of Dressrosa from eight hundred years ago."
Ian was momentarily taken aback.
This guy, was he exposing his true identity?
"Dressrosa? Are you saying that your Donquixote is a member of the royal family from Dressrosa, eight hundred years ago, and the later Donquixote family of the Celestial Dragons?" Ian asked knowingly.
"Once, but not anymore."
Doflamingo smirked. "However, at least when it comes to Mary Geoise and the Celestial Dragons, I have some understanding."
Ian was surprised.
Would he go to such lengths?
With that said, it seems there might be a reason to go after all.
Doflamingo had some knowledge of the Celestial Dragons' national treasures. He might even have insights into the Five Elders, the God Knights, and perhaps even Imu's secrets.
Given the gravity of the matter, it might indeed be a good idea to talk to him face-to-face.
"It sounds quite interesting,"
Ian chuckled. "You'd better not disappoint me."
Hopefully, this guy wouldn't pull any tricks; he should just tell the truth about what he knows. Otherwise, things could turn sour for both sides.
"…"
There was a brief pause on the other end of the line, but Doflamingo responded quickly. "Hehehe! Excellent! Ian the Skyfire! You won't regret it! I'll be waiting for your grand arrival in the port city of Spider Miles in the North Blue!"
Someone else took over the call; Umit returned to the phone snail and said, "I'll be here waiting for you too, Mr. Ian!"
"See you later."
Ian hung up the phone.
The North Blue, huh?
He hadn't been to the Four Seas yet.
I wonder if the customs are as simple as in the New World.
But before that, he needed to report to Kaido.
Meanwhile, in the North Blue.
Umit looked at Doflamingo in astonishment. "You've never told me about this—"
"It's not a big deal," Doflamingo scoffed coldly. "But you understand what the consequences would be if you let this slip, right?"
Umit's expression changed instantly.
This involved the Celestial Dragons, so it definitely wasn't a small matter. A careless word could truly make one disappear from the world.
"I completely understand; I won't tell anyone."
Umit was resolute, yet his curiosity couldn't be contained. "But is it really necessary to go this far?"
"Of course it's worth it!"
Doflamingo asserted firmly, "What's a bit of information? If it can lead to the friendship of the man who will one day lead the world's strongest pirate crew, isn't that more than worth the trade?"
The world's strongest pirate crew?
Was he talking about the Beast Pirates?
That makes sense. By the time Ian grows up, the Whitebeard Pirates wouldn't stand a chance against the Beasts.
And when Kaido gets older, Ian would indeed be the most suitable successor for the Beast Pirates.
In that light, it really is a good deal.
Doflamingo smiled.
He might say that, but there's nothing wrong with keeping some things hidden.
Hurry up, Ian.
Later, on the peak of Onigashima.
"You're telling me you want to go to the North Blue?"
Kaido hefted his kanabo. "All for some nameless nobody?"
Ian sighed heavily.
What bad luck.
He just arrived, and he was already caught up here on the peak. Didn't he have enough of fighting with Whitebeard?
Well, it seemed he really hadn't had his fill.
"Going to the North Blue, huh?"
Yamato, who had also been caught, looked at Ian with surprise. "I want to go too!"
"Looks like we'll have to wait a few more days."
Ian glanced at Yamato.
His injuries could heal quickly, but this girl needed time to recover.
After being beaten up so badly today, they needed to give her time to heal.
"Yay!!"
Yamato didn't care about waiting; she was too excited at the prospect of going out to play.
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