Doflamingo returned to the North Blue fully loaded from his expedition, having acted so stealthily that the wider world remained oblivious. This success, however, left the Marines with a significant headache. When the World Government received the initial report of the robbery, their primary reaction wasn't concern over the stolen goods – which they considered trivial – but outrage that their dignity had been violated. They couldn't fathom that someone possessed the audacity to target the World Government directly, daring to rob them.
"Investigate! I want to know exactly who did this! Who dares challenge our authority?!" one of the Five Elders commanded furiously, glaring down at the assembled Cipher Pol agents below.
"Yes, sir! We will begin investigating immediately!" the black-suited CP agents replied respectfully, terrified of further provoking the five men who stood at the apex of the world.
Meanwhile, at Marine Headquarters, within the Fleet Admiral's office, Kong, Sengoku, Garp, and Tsuru were gathered. They too were analyzing the situation, trying to deduce who could possibly be so brazen.
"Sengoku, Tsuru," Kong began, addressing his two most reliable strategists while pointedly ignoring Garp, "in your opinions, who would dare act so arrogantly, setting their sights on the World Government itself?"
"From my perspective, only pirates would operate with such blatant disregard," Tsuru offered thoughtfully. "The question is, which pirate group would be so audacious?"
"Indeed," Sengoku concurred. "Ordinary pirates wouldn't have the nerve to touch anything belonging to the World Government."
"Puahahaha! Maybe it was Whitebeard? Or one of those other big shots from the New World?" Garp interrupted with his characteristic booming laugh.
Hearing Garp's seemingly flippant remark, a vein pulsed on Sengoku's forehead, his irritation flaring. But upon reflection, he found himself begrudgingly admitting the old fool might have a point. His anger dissipated as quickly as it had risen.
"Garp, for once, your guess might not be far off," Tsuru commented with a rare note of approval.
"Puahahaha! Really?" Garp laughed boisterously again, looking slightly sheepish at the unexpected praise.
"It seems the New World pirates are indeed the most likely culprits," Fleet Admiral Kong conceded, hearing the consensus. He pondered for a moment before continuing, "However, we cannot rule out any suspicious parties just yet. Aren't the CP agents already investigating? Let's hear their findings before making any definitive conclusions."
Although the World Government considered this incident a matter of grave importance, the Marines were already stretched thin with countless other duties. If not for the direct pressure from the Five Elders, Kong and his admirals wouldn't have wasted precious time and resources on it. Dealing with World Government affairs often put the Marines in an awkward position; their primary focus was, and always should be, pirates. Besides, wasn't that what Cipher Pol was for? Why should the Marines handle every thankless task?
Hearing Kong's decision, the others nodded in rare unanimous agreement. They would put on a show of cooperation, go through the motions to appease the higher-ups, but gladly leave the real headache to CP.
While the World Government and Marines puzzled over the mysterious robbery, Doflamingo had safely returned to the North Blue, his mood exceptionally bright. His expedition had been a resounding success; he'd obtained exactly what he needed to significantly bolster his Family's strength.
He convened a meeting in the Family conference room, gathering all core members. Doflamingo wouldn't miss this perfect opportunity to instill some key values, to give his subordinates a tangible goal: remain loyal, dedicate yourself to the Family, and you too might obtain everything you desire.
"Doffy! Did you bring back something good from your trip?" Enel couldn't contain his curiosity, his eyes fixed intently on Doflamingo.
"Yes, Doffy," Diamante added, sensing the anticipation in the room. "What's the good news that required all of us to assemble before you announced it?"
"Fuffuffuffu..." Doflamingo surveyed the room, a knowing smile playing on his lips. "Rest assured, they are very good things indeed. Things that will significantly increase your strength."
"Something to boost our strength?" "Could it be... Devil Fruits?" "Or maybe famous swords?" A buzz of excited speculation immediately filled the room.
"Robin," Doflamingo addressed the girl standing quietly nearby.
"Hm?" Robin nodded, understanding the unspoken cue. She carefully placed the sturdy box she'd been holding onto the large table in the center of the room and opened the lid, revealing three fruits nestled within, each bearing the distinct, swirling patterns characteristic of Devil Fruits.
"They really are Devil Fruits!" "Wow! What types are they?" "Young Master, does this mean you'll be granting them to someone among us?" "Are you kidding? Those have to be for the executives! We wouldn't stand a chance!"
The sight of the Devil Fruits ignited a fervent gleam in the eyes of nearly everyone present. Excited chatter erupted as they speculated amongst themselves. Only those who had already consumed Devil Fruits – watched the scene with relative calmness, though their interest was clearly piqued.
Doflamingo listened to the hubbub with a faint smile, letting them absorb the reality of the situation before speaking again.
"Doffy, these..." Enel stared at the fruits in the box with an almost predatory intensity, as if afraid they might suddenly vanish.
"Doffy, I..." Even Pica, usually taciturn, seemed nervous, hesitating as he tried to formulate a question.
Interestingly, Diamante, often one of the most vocal and active members, remained composed, seemingly confident.
"Alright," Doflamingo finally spoke, silencing the room once more now that the atmosphere was sufficiently charged. "I have already decided how these three fruits will be distributed."
"Is that so..." Hearing Doflamingo's words, those who knew they had little chance couldn't help but feel a pang of disappointment. Enel and Pica, however, felt a surge of hope. Surely, Doflamingo relied on them most; he wouldn't give such powerful assets to anyone else.
"We have here one Logia-type Devil Fruit, and two Paramecia-types," Doflamingo continued.
"A Logia!" "Just like the Young Master's power!"
The word "Logia" sent a jolt through the room. Every member without a Devil Fruit ability felt their heart leap into their throat. A Logia! The rarest and often considered most powerful type!
Doflamingo observed their reactions, taking mental notes. Honestly, he thought privately, I still prefer the Human-Human Fruit, Mythical Zoan series. Those are the truly god-tier powers. Logias? What's the big deal? He mentally excluded Chopper's fruit from that assessment, of course – the basic Human-Human Fruit was just the commoner model, lacking any truly heaven-defying abilities.
"I intend to assign these three fruits," Doflamingo announced, his voice firm, "to Diamante, Enel, and Pica."
Upon hearing their names, the three executives visibly relaxed, a heavy weight lifting from their hearts.
"However," Doflamingo added immediately, ensuring fairness, "priority choice will be determined by strength. The strongest among you three will have the first pick." He then described the fruits: "This is the Logia-type Cloud-Cloud Fruit, allowing the user to create, control, and become clouds, granting immunity to conventional physical attacks. This is the Paramecia-type Stone-Stone Fruit, granting the ability to control stone and merge with the earth. And this is the Paramecia-type Flutter-Flutter Fruit, allowing the user to make things they touch lightweight and flutter like fabric – an inferior version of Shiki's Float-Float Fruit. All three fruits have excellent potential," he concluded carefully. "Remember, the inherent strength of a Devil Fruit is less important than how well the user develops its power."
He let his gaze linger on the faces of the broader crew, noting the lingering disappointment in some. "Although these particular fruits won't be available to everyone this time," he added, injecting warmth back into his voice, "continue to dedicate yourselves to the Family. Your loyalty and contributions will not be forgotten."
Hearing Doflamingo's motivational words – the classic "chicken soup for the soul" – the spirits of the disappointed members instantly rekindled, their faces lighting up with renewed determination.
Having dispensed the pep talk, Doflamingo turned his full attention back to the three chosen executives. "So, how do you three wish to decide? Shall we have a fight right now to settle it, or will you discuss it amongst yourselves?"
"Yahahahaha!" Enel shouted instantly, practically vibrating with eagerness. "A fight, of course! Let strength decide everything!"
"Yes," Diamante agreed, his eyes gleaming as he stared at the fruits, particularly the Cloud-Cloud Fruit. He was determined to obtain that Logia power. "That's the only way everyone will truly accept the outcome."
"Naturally! It must be this way!" Pica declared fiercely, his competitive spirit ignited. "And I don't intend to lose!" He wouldn't yield on something like this – it was a shortcut to rapidly increasing his strength!
It was obvious all three men had their sights set squarely on the Cloud-Cloud Fruit. Having witnessed the devastating power of Doflamingo's Rumble-Rumble Fruit, they perceived Logia as inherently superior. Despite Doflamingo's careful framing that all three fruits were potent, the allure of the Logia was simply too strong.
"Very well," Doflamingo declared, seeing their unanimous decision. "Since you've all agreed, let strength determine the outcome." To ensure complete fairness, he decreed, "It will be a three-way free-for-all melee. No holding back, no alliances."