hotmtlnovel Chapter 223: Doflamingo Who Desperately Wants Immortality!
Chapter 223: Doflamingo Who Desperately Wants Immortality!
Above a certain area of the North Blue, a massive sailing ship was gliding through the calm waters. This was the Prometheus, Claudius's personal ship.
At this moment, Claudius lounged on a sunbed, sunglasses perched on his face, basking in the sunlight. Nearby, Stussy and Nia were engaged in an intense game of badminton. The two women, both dressed in bikinis, moved with energy and grace, creating a rather delightful scene for Claudius's enjoyment.
"I've told you before, don't get so worked up, Doffy," Claudius said casually, speaking into the Den Den Mushi in his hand. His gaze, however, remained fixed on the two women as they played.
"Cousin, you of all people should understand the significance of the Ope-Ope Fruit," Doflamingo's voice came through, his tone sharp with frustration.
"What's so special about it?" Claudius asked lazily.
"You—" Doflamingo paused, seemingly at a loss for words, before continuing with a hint of indignation, "Don't tell me you've never heard the rumors?"
"Ahahahaha, so you admit it's just a rumor?" Claudius responded, amused.
"It may be a rumor, but hasn't it already been proven true?" Doflamingo retorted immediately.
"And how exactly was it proven?" Claudius asked, still sounding amused.
"If it were just some ordinary Devil Fruit, would the World Government pay a staggering five billion berries for it? Would the Five Elders personally assign you to oversee the matter?" Doflamingo snapped back.
"Ahahahaha, you've got a point there," Claudius replied, still sounding nonchalant.
"Cousin, can you take this seriously for once? We're talking about immortality here! Immortality! Even if you don't care, I do!" Doflamingo said, his frustration evident.
"Immortality, huh? Doesn't that sound boring to you, Doffy?" Claudius said with a chuckle.
Doflamingo was silent for a moment before replying, "I wouldn't know, but I'd still like to live a few more years."
It was clear that the fruit's rumored ability to grant eternal life had captured Doflamingo's imagination. His suspicion of Claudius was rooted in his own obsession, and yet Claudius didn't seem bothered by it.
"Is that the only way to achieve immortality?" Claudius said with a chuckle.
Doflamingo was taken aback for a moment before laughing as well. "The Fountain of Youth? That's just a legend. Too vague, too unreal. If you ask me, Devil Fruits are far more credible."
"Perhaps. But don't forget about pure gold," Claudius said, smiling faintly.
"That's just another myth, isn't it?" Doflamingo replied, his tone skeptical.
"Isn't the Ope-Ope Fruit also a 'myth'?" Claudius countered.
Doflamingo had no response to that. After a moment, he sighed and said, "Alright, cousin. Trafalgar Law is mine. I'll leave the rest to you."
Doflamingo had come to realize that following Claudius's advice was his best option. As far as he was concerned, they just needed to play their roles, Doflamingo as the dutiful broker, cooperating with Marine and the World Government as if nothing were amiss.
Of course, Rosinante would inevitably try to disrupt things. When that happened, Doflamingo planned to turn a blind eye, subtly aiding Rosinante in delivering the fruit to Trafalgar Law. Once Law had consumed the fruit, Doflamingo would ensure the blame fell squarely on Marine and Rosinante.
If everything went according to plan, Doflamingo could then manipulate Law, gaining control of the Op-Op Fruit indirectly.
As for Rosinante? Doflamingo no longer had any illusions about him. His brother's betrayal had destroyed any lingering sense of familial loyalty.
Meanwhile, Claudius had his own reasons for being involved. Beyond the Ope-Ope Fruit, he was interested in X Drake, the son of Barrels. Drake had great potential. One day, he would become one of the Supernovas and even infiltrate Kaido's crew as an undercover Marine.
Such a promising individual was worth Claudius's attention. He saw Drake as a potential asset, someone who could either assist Lucci or serve as Claudius's contact within Marine.
"Well, Trafalgar Law is yours, but make sure to keep everything under wraps. The World Government can't know about this. As far as I'm concerned, my job is just to ensure you don't screw up. If Marine and the World Government want to throw fits later, let them deal with it themselves," Claudius said with a carefree laugh.