One of the Five Elders, Saint Saturn, gripped his ancient, weathered staff and stepped forward. His somber eyes surveyed all the guests gathered below through the height of the Celestial Stairway as he spoke in a level tone:

"The inauguration of the new Commander and Vice Commander of the God's Knights has always been one of the most significant events for the World Government."

"We extend our deepest gratitude on behalf of the World Government that you have set aside your pressing duties to attend this ceremony at the Holy Land."

Hearing his words, the representatives of the Member Nations present all nodded stiffly.

"It is our honor to witness such a momentous occasion."

"Indeed. Without the support of the Government, where would our nations be?"

"No matter how busy our affairs, nothing compares to the importance of this event."

"The Five Elders are too kind…"

"…"

Saint Saturn waved his hand, cutting straight to the point:

"We have gathered you here today to witness, under the gaze of the entire world, the growth of two young talents—to witness the moment they shoulder this glorious responsibility."

His voice was slightly hoarse, yet it carried an authoritative weight and an undeniable command.

"As an elite force safeguarding the dignity and authority of the Imperial Family, the God's Knights' primary duties are to protect the safety of the Celestial Dragons, uphold the World Government's supremacy, deter any external threats, and wield the authority of judgment and punishment internally."

"Therefore, the positions of Commander and Vice Commander of the God's Knights are of paramount importance to the entire World Government and the inner workings of the Holy Land itself!"

"For this reason, we have undergone multiple rounds of deliberation and meticulous consideration in selecting candidates, ultimately choosing the most suitable individuals."

Saint Saturn tapped his staff lightly, his tone lifting slightly as he smiled:

"We believe that with their assistance, the Government will better safeguard the security of all Member Nations worldwide, protecting them from any individual or faction!"

"As for the identities of these two individuals, I trust everyone present here has heard their names to some extent."

"Now then, let us welcome these two young men to the stage."

With that, he glanced toward the nearby World Government official.

The administrator immediately understood, stepping forward to announce in a clear voice:

"Next, we welcome the candidate for Vice Commander of the God's Knights!"

"In his youth, he renounced the privileged status and prestige of the Celestial Dragons, the world's nobility, choosing instead to set sail and explore the seas. After enduring countless hardships and perils, he ultimately proved his worth, passing the trials set by the Five Elders."

"He is the Underworld Emperor of the New World's underworld. He is one of the government-recognized, formidable Great Pirates 'Shichibukai'. He is the defiant 'Heavenly Yaksha'…"

Hearing this, everyone present realized something, their expressions turning pale. Their pupils contracted to their limits, many unable to suppress a gasp of shock.

They whirled around, staring toward the plaza entrance, their expressions gradually turning utterly horrified.

"His veins carry the most noble bloodline in this world…"

The Administrator's voice rang out, high-pitched and fervent, echoing across the entire plaza and broadcast through the image-Den Den Mushi to every corner of the world.

"…He is Donquixote Doflamingo!"

As the words fell, representatives from the World Alliance Member Nations stared wide-eyed in unison, their gaze following the camera's shift.

At the entrance of the vast plaza, a figure cloaked in a pink feathered coat descended from the sky, gliding down to land steadily under the world's gaze.

Sunlight made his golden, tousled short hair gleam like a dazzling crown. Sunglasses accentuated his flamboyant, arrogant demeanor—a presence both defiant and boisterous.

"This... can't be!"

"It's Doflamingo!"

"He's a Celestial Dragon!?"

"How is that possible!"

"Isn't he a pirate? He's one of the Shichibukai!"

"..."

The moment that figure appeared, everyone present—including numerous representatives from Member Nations—was plunged into complete shock. They could never have imagined that Doflamingo—the madman notorious for his countless atrocities, whose name sent terror into the hearts of many—could be a Celestial Dragon!

This was simply...

Simply...

Well, actually, it kind of made sense.

The corners of everyone's mouths twitched involuntarily.

Yet, they still found the Five Elders' decision deeply perplexing and baffling. Even if Doflamingo was a Celestial Dragon, with no issues in terms of his bloodline, that didn't mean he was qualified to shoulder such an important responsibility as Vice Commander of the God's Knights!

In fact, it wasn't just them. People all over the world, watching this inauguration ceremony through the Den Den Mushi, were also plunged into a prolonged state of shock and confusion.

"Damn it! That bastard kid Doflamingo is a Celestial Dragon! No wonder the government and Navy never bothered him!"

In the New World's underworld, Umit, one of the Underworld Emperors known as the "Shipping King," smashed the wine glass in his hand. His face flushed crimson as he glared at the arrogant face on the screen, cursing through gritted teeth.

"Tsk tsk tsk tsk tsk. Doflamingo's background is indeed no small matter... Looks like we'll have to give him a bigger cut in future deals."

Meanwhile, another Underworld Emperor, the "Loan Shark King" Du Feld, lounged on a plush leather sofa, one arm wrapped around a blonde beauty. He grinned maliciously as he blew out a smoke ring.

At the same moment, major powers and pirate crews, large and small, stood dumbfounded.

"This spells trouble. Doflamingo actually has such a background…"

"Boss, let's join the Donquixote Pirates too!"

"We must escape the New World immediately!"

"..."

...

"Fufufufu…"

Amidst the shifting expressions of the Member Nations and the stunned gazes of the entire world, Doflamingo strode forward with his hands in his pockets, his arrogant gait accompanied by a defiant chuckle.

The surrounding garrison troops instinctively parted to form a passage. As he advanced, rows of Holy Land Guard soldiers respectfully knelt on one knee.

"Doflamingo-sama!"

From the rear of the crowd, Stussy, wearing a fox mask, watched Doflamingo stroll toward the Celestial Stairway. Her eyes narrowed.

Daren, did you see that?

Your so-called godson is about to ascend to the pinnacle of power.

Those eyes, brimming with ambition and desire... Can you truly control him?

When the Flamingo spreads its wings of power, will it remain bound by the shackles of the past?

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