Hogback was another original character that Black disliked.
His dislike wasn't because Hogback had abandoned his identity as a Celestial Dragon to become a commoner.
Rather, it was because Hogback acted without proper planning or mental preparation, had no contingency for risks, lacked basic situational judgment, and no self-awareness… He had simply acted rashly, leaving Mary Geoise with his entire family and burning every bridge behind him.
If he had endured the path he chose, Black might have called him a man.
But after only two years, Hogback had given up.
He sought aid from Mary Geoise, hoping to return to the Holy Land.
Are you kidding?
Forget about being a World Noble like a Celestial Dragon; even a chat group isn't something you can just leave and rejoin at will.
Black's disdain for Hogback boiled down to two points.
First, he dragged his entire family along to court death; second, he regretted that choice.
Doflamingo's decision to shoot and kill Hogback was extreme, but understandable from his perspective.
After all, it was natural to harbor hatred toward a father like that.
Imagine this: your grandfather was once the richest man alive, and your father, seeking the life of a commoner, gave away all the family assets.
Then he dragged you, your mother, and your younger brother still children to a construction site to move bricks.
Not only did you endure endless labor, but other workers beat your family.
Even your mother died.
Considering that, Doflamingo's resentment toward the world made perfect sense.
After hearing Black's thoughts, Doflamingo remained silent.
He was too young then and blamed his father entirely.
He naïvely believed that if his father were gone, he and his brother could return to Mary Geoise and reclaim their former lives.
Black didn't intervene to dissuade him, instead asking something that piqued his curiosity:
"I heard you know about the national treasure?"
The question instantly pulled Doflamingo from past thoughts, and a wicked, charming smile returned:
"Fufufufufu… You want that too?"
Black shook his head:
"Just a little curious."
"I'm curious about many secrets, like the poneglyphs, like Raftel..."
"If I find out, fine. If not, no need to chase it."
"Quite an open-minded approach."
Doflamingo sighed:
"Unfortunately, I can't tell you."
Black nodded, acknowledging the answer:
"In that case, never mind."
"I am content."
"Since I can have everything without trying, why pursue more?"
Saying so, he stood and tossed a den den mushi to Doflamingo:
"Thank you for your hospitality. Should trouble arise, contact me."
"Of course, as a low-influence Celestial Dragon, I may not be able to help much."
Black smiled and left, waving at Doflamingo.
Doflamingo hesitated, then asked:
"Why can you still act… like a human… while wearing those clothes?"
Black paused, turned, smiled, and tapped his chest without a word.
After Black departed, Diamante leaned to Doflamingo, examining the den den mushi:
"Young Master, what does he mean by that?"
"Fufufufufu…"
Doflamingo chuckled briefly, offering no explanation:
"He's really an interesting fellow."
Leaving the Donquixote Family base, Black and his group first returned to the sanctuary.
They planned to explore the island thoroughly, so no need for a big display.
After sending the giant Slaves, symbols of status, back to the ship and keeping a few normal-sized Slaves, Black led the women ashore.
They took a few Slaves because they would stay on the island for a while.
Setting off, Perona regained her energy:
"There are so many workers here, more than all the ports we've visited."
Black glanced at her.
Indeed, not only were there many workers, but numerous cargo ships were docked along the pier.
After thinking, Black explained:
"This is a major cargo distribution center for the Donquixote Family."
"Apart from Germa 66's share, almost all of North Blue's arms trade departs from here."
"Does the Marine or World Government manage this?"
Robin, beside him, looked puzzled.
Although brilliant and well-read, Robin hadn't experienced much hardship yet.
She wouldn't have asked this twenty years later.
"Why should they?" Black retorted.
"These weapons are for non-affiliated countries."
"Even if they shut this down, what then? Fighting doesn't stop for lack of weapons."
"Where there's demand, there's a market. If not Doflamingo, someone else will supply it."
"Besides, as long as the tenryuubito tribute isn't affected, their battles don't concern the World Government."
"Eventually, some non-affiliated countries may merge, producing a state capable of paying the tribute."
"Even then, any crackdown targets Doflamingo and his subordinates, not the entire arms market."
"That would impact too many people, including our interests."
Black patted Robin's head:
"My share grows even bigger then. How about I get you a new dress?"
Robin paused slightly.
After this explanation, she understood.
She looked at her clothes, briefly lost, but quickly recovered.
Thanks to Black's earlier brainwashing in Mary Geoise, she no longer overflowed with a saintly desire to save them all.
While Robin contemplated this, Perona had snuck to the far side of the pier.
She picked a piece from live wood being transported, studied it, then ran back.
"Look, everyone! These woods glow!"
"So pretty!"
"How magical!"
Even the ice-faced Mandy couldn't help but glance a few extra times.
Robin explained:
"These are fluorescent woods unique to Tracqueilia."
"The glow comes from a symbiotic relationship with luminous algae."
"Architectural carvings made from them shift color with the moon's phases."
"Sister Robin is amazing!" Koala said, eyes wide.
Robin smiled awkwardly:
"I just happened to see these carvings in the Holy Land and learned about them."
The group continued exploring, spending nearly a month on the island.
The Colorful Spiderweb Canal, the Golden Scale Cathedral, the Squid Theater… Black and companions visited all unique attractions before preparing to head to their final destination in North Blue.
The White Town — Flevance.
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