Watching Doflamingo stride up the Celestial Stairway with his arrogant, sneering demeanor, Stussy's alluring eyes beneath her mask narrowed into dangerous slits.

The taste of power was undeniable. Even battle-hardened warriors with iron wills could be weakened by its corruption, let alone a madman like Doflamingo, who was inherently obsessed with authority and status.

After all, what the Five Elders could offer Doflamingo… was simply too much.

The position of Vice Commander of the God's Knights wasn't limited to the power that came with the title itself. It also meant Doflamingo's reinstatement as a member of the Celestial Dragons, with even greater authority and status than most of his peers.

And what about that Daren guy?

Compared to the Five Elders, what could he possibly offer Doflamingo?

Back in the North Blue, Daren could still suppress Doflamingo with his status in the Marines; later, he could leverage the Navy's influence to provide resources and support for Doflamingo's ambitions to expand his pirate crew and underground empire.

But now?

Perhaps Daren still had overwhelming strength, but so what?

Doflamingo could simply settle in Mary Geoise, and then Daren wouldn't be able to do much about it.

So, beyond sheer force and threats, what else could Daren use to maintain his "cooperation" with Doflamingo?

Stussy couldn't fathom it.

As for that so-called "godfather-godson" bond? In her eyes, it held no real power.

A man like Doflamingo wouldn't be restrained by such mundane ties.

But…

'Hmph. Even if Doflamingo really betrayed him, what does that have to do with me?'

Stussy silently sneered to herself.

And just as her thoughts churned, under the gaze of the entire world, the defiant Flamingo had already slowly made his way through the dense crowd, arriving before the Celestial Stairway.

At that moment, gazing upon the Five Elders beaming encouraging smiles at him, feeling the warm breeze and brilliant sunlight, and the gaze of everyone present—more intense than the very sun itself...

Even with his heart and will now transformed, Doflamingo couldn't help but feel a dizzying sensation. Behind his sunglasses, his eyes flickered momentarily.

Not long ago, he had stood upon the Celestial Stairway like a dog, his hands stained with blood, despised and spat upon by his former comrades.

Now, clad in an opulent ceremonial robe, he stood in the same place, resplendent and radiant like a deity, basking in the supreme glory and splendor of the entire world.

A dreamlike shock and sense of contradiction flooded through Doflamingo's mind like a torrent.

Yet this intense impact lasted only an instant before abruptly ceasing.

His fingers curled slightly, veins bulging on his forehead, while the smile at the corners of his mouth grew ever more pronounced.

"Well, Doflamingo... Is this the feeling you've always dreamed of?"

Saint Saturn looked down at Doflamingo from above, smiling as he spoke.

"The feeling of standing above everyone else—it must be quite nice, right?"

Doflamingo grinned.

"Fufufufu... I haven't surpassed everyone yet. Aren't you still looking down on me, old man Saturn?"

Saint Saturn paused, giving him a deep look before laughing.

"If you wish to replace us, you still have much to strive for."

"But before that, the one you should be chasing is Figarland Garling."

Doflamingo's smile grew even broader. Their hushed "whispering" went unheard by the others present. To all other onlookers, they merely exchanged a few smiling words.

"Hmm..."

Saint Saturn raised his hand slightly, and immediately, an administrative officer approached cautiously, presenting a medal on a tray.

The emblem of authority, shaped like a cross, symbolized the World Government's rule and the peace of the world. Encircling the emblem was a majestic, solemn dragon.

"This is the insignia of the God's Knights, and your identity marker."

Saint Saturn said calmly to Doflamingo. His hoarse voice rose, resonating with deep authority as he proclaimed:

"I, Saturn Saint, Supreme Authority of the World Government, Warrior God of Science and Defense, Jaygarcia Saturn..."

As he spoke, the other four Five Elders echoed in succession:

"I, the Supreme Authority of the World Government, Warrior God of Finance, Saint Ethanbaron V. Nusjuro..."

"I, the Supreme Authority of the World Government, Agricultural God of War, Saint Shepherd Ju Peter..."

"I, the Supreme Authority of the World Government, Warrior God of Justice, Saint Topman Warcury..."

"I, the Supreme Authority of the World Government, Warrior God of the Environment, Saint Marcus Mars..."

The five declared in unison. Their voices echoed across the vast plaza, commanding solemn respect from all attendees, and were broadcast worldwide through the Den Den Mushi network.

"...In the name of the Five Elders, we hereby formally appoint Donquixote Doflamingo, Saint, as the new Vice Commander of the God's Knights!"

With that, Saint Saturn solemnly lifted the gilded medal from the tray and pinned it to Doflamingo's chest under the curious and envious gazes of countless onlookers.

"Fufufufu, this really feels a bit strange..."

Doflamingo glanced at the medal on his chest and couldn't help but chuckle softly.

Immediately after, the sound of clapping filled the air.

"Clap, clap, clap..."

The crowd in the square began to applaud, the applause quickly growing enthusiastic.

...

Yet what no one knew was, at the very moment the world's gaze was fixed on the investiture ceremony before the Celestial Stairway, another scene was unfolding.

In the Hall of Power in Pangaea Castle, a figure appeared silently. Black hair stirred lightly, and blue arcs of electricity danced between the fingers of a hand with distinct knuckles.

"Though I anticipated most of the garrison strength would be deployed at the ceremony site, still..."

Daren lifted his head slightly, began walking, and casually picked up a cigar from the marble coffee table beside him. He placed it between his lips and lit it.

Smoke curled around him as a hint of amusement touched his lips.

"This infiltration was easier than I anticipated..."

Exhaling a smoke ring, he chuckled upon hearing the thunderous applause echoing from the distant plaza. Turning, he gazed into the depths of the Hall of Power, where an unfathomably deep passageway led to an unknown destination.

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