Leo had charged ahead to attack Law's group, only to be promptly captured. Now, he was desperately calling for Doflamingo to save him.
Doflamingo, who had been tracking Leo's situation with his Observation Haki, remained unhurried upon realizing the intruders were his own people.
"Doflamingolando, hurry! Leo is calling for help! He must be in danger!" Wicca said anxiously from her perch on Doflamingo's shoulder.
"It's alright, Wicca. Don't worry," Doflamingo soothed, picking up his pace.
The wind howled past, rushing into Wicca's open mouth as she tried to speak again, giving her an unexpected mouthful of air.
Back in the forest, Law found himself in an awkward position. Holding the captured Leo, he didn't know whether to attack him or let him go. The tiny dwarf had become a hot potato.
"Hey, hey, little guy, stop shouting. We're not going to hurt you," Baby 5 said patiently. "We know the person you're talking about. He's our Young Master. Can you take us to him?"
"I don't believe you! You're all big villains! When Doflamingolando gets here, you'll be sorry!" Leo struggled.
They actually believed him. With Doflamingo's power, dealing with them would be child's play.
"Kid, stop messing around. We really do know him," Law said, his voice sharp.
"If you let me go, I'll believe you," Leo proposed.
"How do we know you won't just run off? You're so small, we'd never find you," Buffalo pointed out.
Law had to agree. The little guy was incredibly fast and tiny. If it weren't for his Op-Op Fruit, catching him would have been nearly impossible.
"You!" Leo glared angrily at Buffalo.
"Law, let Leo go."
A familiar voice cut through the tension. Law, Baby 5, and Buffalo froze for a moment before turning toward the sound.
It's the Young Master! Baby 5 was certain.
"Young Master! I missed you so much!" she cried, rushing forward and throwing herself into Doflamingo's arms. He caught her effortlessly, holding the young girl.
"Mr. Doflamingo, it's so good to see you're alright," Law said, his voice filled with emotion.
"Young Master," Buffalo said with a respectful nod.
"Are you all okay?" Doflamingo replied.
"Sniffle, sniffle…"
"Hey, hey, Baby 5, why the long face?" Doflamingo asked, hearing her whimpers. He gently turned her face towards him and saw that she was crying her eyes out.
"I am not!" she retorted, pouting.
"Fuffuffu, you silly girl." Doflamingo chuckled and affectionately ruffled her hair, earning him a playful eye-roll from the young assassin.
"Doflamingolando, you know them?"
Seeing the happy reunion from his shoulder, Wicca finally asked.
"Wicca, these are my family," Doflamingo said, his tone serious and sincere.
"Oh, I see." Wicca nodded thoughtfully, then looked at Leo, who was still in Law's hand. "Leo, I hope you've learned your lesson this time!"
"Wicca, you don't have to tell me. I get it," Leo said, his face flushing with embarrassment as he accepted his mistake.
"Heeheehee." Wicca let out a light, tinkling laugh at Leo's predicament.
Seeing that the situation was resolved, Law opened his hand and set Leo free.
Standing in Law's palm, Leo looked up at Doflamingo with shining eyes. "Doflamingolando, if your family is this strong, then how strong are you?"
"That's right! Our Young Master is the strongest!" Doflamingo's number one hype-woman, 'Baby 5', declared proudly.
"Tell me, tell me!" Leo asked, practically bouncing with excitement.
Doflamingo and Law exchanged a helpless glance at Baby 5's antics, but Doflamingo didn't mind. He was happy to let her have her fun.
"Let's head back to the Tontatta Kingdom first," Wicca suggested.
"Aww, what for?" Leo grumbled.
"That's a good idea," Doflamingo agreed, ignoring Leo's protest.
And so, the group made their way back to the kingdom of the dwarves. Along the way, Leo and Baby 5 hit it off. With her vivid descriptions, Baby 5 painted Doflamingo as a figure so grand and heroic that even he felt a little embarrassed. Seeing the look of pure adoration in Leo's eyes, Doflamingo found it quite amusing. It seemed Baby 5's performance had been very effective; he had gained a new fan.
"Mr. Doflamingo, Lord Diamante and the others are nearby. Everyone is waiting for you to return," Law said quietly, moving closer to him.
"Is that so? Thank you for your hard work during this time, Law. We'll head back to them shortly," Doflamingo replied, patting his shoulder.
Soon, they were back in the Tontatta Kingdom, where the group was once again surrounded by the curious dwarves.
"Leo!"
A sharp voice cut through the air. Doflamingo and the others turned to see a tiny figure in an elegant white dress, looking daggers at Leo, who was chatting animatedly with Baby 5.
"Your Highness!" Leo's face fell, and he immediately bowed to Princess Mansherry.
"Leo, get down from there this instant! Doflamingolando and his friends are our guests!" Mansherry said with a huff. In truth, she just couldn't stand seeing Leo so close to another girl.
"The princess is being unreasonable again! Why is it okay for Wicca, but not for me?" Leo muttered under his breath.
"Leo!" Mansherry's voice went up an octave, startling him so much that he immediately jumped off Baby 5 and scurried to the princess's side.
"My apologies, honored guests. I'm not usually like this," Mansherry said, politely greeting Doflamingo's group.
"Hehe, I believe you, little sister," Baby 5 said with a smile, curiously sizing up the tiny princess.
Doflamingo also observed her closely. He already knew that Mansherry was a walking first-aid kit. He had to get her, no matter what. Seeing her obvious affection for Leo, he knew exactly how to proceed. Threats and coercion were the lowest form of manipulation. The best way was to make them come to him willingly, and be grateful for the opportunity.
"Thank you," Mansherry replied.
"Doflamingolando, we thank you," King Gancho said gratefully.
"Not at all. It was you who helped heal my injuries," Doflamingo replied graciously.
The Tontatta were indeed naive, pure-hearted, and kind. Doflamingo's performance had successfully won their favor.
"Law," he said to the man beside him.
Law understood and took out a Den Den Mushi from his pocket. The one Doflamingo had been carrying was destroyed in the battle.
"This is my Den Den Mushi. If you ever need anything, you can use it to contact me," Doflamingo said, handing the miniature snail to the king.
"Oh, well, since it is a token of your sincerity, Doflamingolando, I cannot refuse," Gancho said happily.
"Then, we must be on our way."
"Doflamingolando, you're leaving already?" Wicca and Leo asked in unison.
"Yes. But we'll meet again."
With that, Doflamingo prepared to leave with his crew.
"Doflamingolando! Baby-5-lando! You have to come visit again soon!" Leo shouted after their retreating figures, waving goodbye.
The journey to the land of the dwarves was over. The chaos on the neighboring island of Dressrosa was escalating, but for now, that had nothing to do with him. All Doflamingo had to do was wait for the right moment.
For now, it was time to see his lovely family.