Doflamingo merely sneered at the request.
On the surface, he agreed, but deep down he was already preparing to betray them.
He ordered his subordinates to invite the Straw Hat crew while keeping the palace occupied and preparing the banquet as quickly as possible.
He knew well that the Straw Hats had many women—among them Boa Hancock, the Pirate Empress herself, who happened to be involved with Luffy.
During the Marineford War, the empress had completely ignored the existence of the other Shichibukai; her eyes had been filled with admiration for Luffy alone.
And while he was still racking his brain and preparing everything…
Luffy and Sabo walked straight into his palace.
They didn't disturb Nami, who was shopping, nor Chopper and the others, who were out looking for a pharmacy to buy medicine.
Luffy brought only Uta, Sabo, and Koala to the palace.
Upon realizing their arrival, Doflamingo rushed out immediately to greet them.
"Straw Hat Luffy—no, Captain Luffy, it's been a long time! Before the Marineford War, I never would have imagined you'd become one of the Yonko."
Doflamingo's grin was wide.
His posture wasn't the arrogant swagger he was known for; instead, he walked with controlled restraint. He wasn't even wearing his iconic pink feather coat, having traded it for a very formal dark-red suit.
Seeing him again, Luffy was momentarily stunned.
His entire aura had changed.
He used to look like a street thug, but after changing his outfit, he almost looked fashionable.
As for Doflamingo adopting such a humble and polite demeanor, there was nothing surprising about it.
In this world, strength ultimately speaks louder than anything else.
In his past life, money meant power—here, power is determined by fists.
Doflamingo feared Kaido. So, faced with Luffy—another Yonko—of course he would lower his stance.
"When I passed through Punk Hazard, I killed your subordinate, Vergo, didn't I?"
Luffy said calmly, "Honestly, I couldn't care less about your SMILEs. But even though you weren't the mastermind behind the kidnapping of those kids, as an accomplice you're not getting off the hook."
Doflamingo's expression froze, and he didn't dare retaliate.
Such direct, aggressive words are a privilege reserved for those in a higher position.
"The fault is mine. I beg your forgiveness," Doflamingo said at once. He gestured invitingly. "I've prepared a banquet for you. Please, follow me to the banquet hall."
His smile was a bit sycophantic.
Luffy, however, seemed rather disappointed.
"I liked you better when you looked rebellious. You should get that vibe back."
Hearing that, the corners of Doflamingo's mouth twitched. Slowly, his expression shifted back to its former self—playful, sinister, sly.
"Better?"
"Yes, that's more like it!"
Luffy nodded, satisfied, patted him on the shoulder, and walked into the palace.
Uta, Koala, and Sabo followed behind.
Uta held her stomach laughing. "Luffy you're so wicked"
"Seeing him acting like that made me uncomfortable," Luffy grumbled, rolling his eyes.
When the group arrived at the banquet hall, a line of maids bowed respectfully.
"Welcome back, Master~"
"You're trying this hard?" Luffy glanced at Doflamingo.
"Fufurfurfur… To properly entertain esteemed guests, certain manners must be observed."
Doflamingo smiled politely. "Feel free to do as you like."
To anyone who knew what was happening, it was clear he was welcoming them into Dressrosa's palace for a celebratory banquet.
To someone who didn't, it might look like he had walked into a club and ordered a special service.
Luffy waved a hand. "They can all leave."
"Hurry!" Doflamingo commanded at once.
"Yes, Master~"
The maids scurried out through a side door.
In the hall, only a few members of the Donquixote Family remained.
Luffy immediately walked over and sat down at the seat meant for the host.
Doflamingo wasn't upset by this blatant dismissal of his role as host.
The most dangerous part was already over.
What was there left to fear?
What had terrified him the most was the possibility that Luffy might kill him the moment they met—without a word.
The fact he was still alive meant negotiations were still possible.
So he instantly ordered all his officers to stand and clear a space.
"Make room for our guests!"
The officers felt ashamed at their young master's display of servility.
When he had met Kaido before, he hadn't acted this humiliatingly.
Still, they got up one after another and moved aside.
"As expected of an underworld broker," Sabo muttered indifferently as he followed Luffy to his seat.
Uta was even less reserved; the moment she saw the delicious dishes on the table, she began eating without hesitation.
Koala, however, didn't dare eat so casually. "Uta, be careful of tricks."
"Hmm?"
Mouth full like a hamster, Uta mumbled, "It's fine. Luffy's here."
Koala blinked in surprise, then chuckled and sat down.
That level of trust—entrusting her entire safety to Luffy without a second thought.
As expected of the man who stormed the Holy Land and massacred Celestial Dragons—deeply loved and trusted by his crew.
At that moment, Doflamingo spoke:
"Luffy, news of your arrival on this island has been reported to the World Government. The God Knights are on their way."
He sold out the government's plans instantly.
First, he wanted to test Straw Hat's reaction.
But there was none. Not even a hint of concern. It was as if the God Knights didn't matter at all.
Instead, Luffy laughed.
"What are you going to do about it?"
"What could I do?" Doflamingo replied with a wry smile. "As long as someone reports the whereabouts of any member of the Straw Hat crew, they're paid ten million. That amount means nothing to me—especially if it puts a target on my back."
After a pause, he added with a smirk, "The person who reported it was someone from this kingdom… He must have been desperate for money. Probably in debt… or something of the sort."
(End of Chapter)