After dealing with the split-personality brat Cavendish, Alucard still hadn't set sail. Just before his departure, he received word that Doflamingo requested an audience, hoping Alucard could wait a moment.
Supposedly, there was a "big deal" on the table.
"A big deal... Heh."
While Alucard didn't think much of Doflamingo's individual strength, he held the man's business acumen in high regard. Thus, he chose to delay his departure by two days to wait for Doflamingo's arrival.
Two days later, the "Heavenly Yaksha" Doflamingo descended upon the shores of Arderay, treading across the clouds with his erratic, signature flight pattern.
Because of the existing agreement between the two parties, the pirates on the island did not bar his path. They were confident that Doflamingo wouldn't dare cause trouble here; even without Alucard, there were several people on the island capable of putting him in his place.
"The Heavenly Yaksha, Donquixote Doflamingo..."
On the shore, Cavendish, who was currently following Ivalis, muttered to himself as he watched Doflamingo fly toward the distance.
"Split-personality brat, hurry up and move those supplies. We're setting sail soon," Benn Beckman said as he carried a crate onto the warship, passing Cavendish.
Cavendish bared his teeth in anger. "Why do I have to do this kind of grunt work?! I'm telling you, I'm the man who—"
"Is going to be a star. I know."
Ivalis, Captain of the Golden Hair Pirates, came up from behind and kicked the back of Cavendish's knee, sending him face-first into the dirt. He said coldly, "You've said that at least ten times in the last two hours. That has nothing to do with the fact that you're weak. Keep moving!"
"Damn it! What kind of demonic pirate crew is this?!"
Tears streamed down Cavendish's face as he finally humbled himself to continue the chores, muttering under his breath, "This will be a dark stain on my future career as a superstar. I must find a way to erase this..."
This kid has talent, Ivalis thought privately as he watched Cavendish's lean frame.
On the way back from Niflheim, Cavendish had bragged about being "blessed by the heavens," claiming he had reached his current level without any effort at all.
If that were true, with proper tempering, Cavendish really could become someone standing at the pinnacle of the next era. It would be a waste not to mold him, especially since they both favored the rapier.
Cavendish, who still referred to himself as "this noble self" even while doing manual labor, had no idea that for a long time to come, he wouldn't be returning to his easy days of chasing girls. What awaited him was an endless hell of training.
…
Inside the Castle.
Doflamingo walked with his signature bow-legged, crab-like stride toward the steps of the throne.
"I was starting to lose my patience," Alucard said, sitting with his legs crossed, his tone lazy.
Doflamingo adjusted his sunglasses. "My apologies, my apologies."
Though he was apologizing, the grin on his face never wavered, showing not a hint of actual remorse.
"What is this 'big deal'? You know what happens if you disappoint me."
"Fuffuffuffu..."
Doflamingo's shoulders shook with laughter. He raised a finger in his habitual gesture, brimming with confidence. "I might not be sure about others, but with you? I am absolutely certain you'll be satisfied."
"..."
A sharp glint reflected off Alucard's sunglasses.
"Dr. Vegapunk."
Doflamingo's words were a bombshell. Just as he predicted, Alucard's brow twitched. There were very few things in this world that could elicit such a reaction from him.
"The head of the Science Unit, protected by layers of ironclad security at the intersection of the Navy and the Government? Even if two Yonko launched a full-scale assault, it would be difficult to snatch him away," Alucard noted.
He wasn't wrong. Who was Vegapunk? He was a VIP protected by the joint forces of the Navy and the World Government. Anyone who knew of him wanted a piece of his intellect. The last time Alucard had seen Vegapunk, when he traded Kaido for weapons, Sengoku and the three Admirals were personally guarding the center of the formation.
"Fuffuffuffu... If he were still at Marineford, you naturally couldn't touch him. But right now, he isn't there at all," Doflamingo laughed.
Alucard stared at Doflamingo without saying a word, signaling him to continue.
"He is currently at Punk Hazard conducting two top-secret Government research projects: Gigantification and Artificial Devil Fruits."
Doflamingo raised his right hand, explaining in detail, "Punk Hazard is an external branch of the Science Unit. Shortly after Vegapunk finished that deal with you, he transferred to that island to continue his research. A few days ago, an experimental accident destroyed the entire island, and he's been forced to head back. Fuffuffu..."
Toward the end, Doflamingo couldn't help but let out another burst of laughter. "This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."
"Heh heh heh..."
Alucard also chuckled. "And what do you gain from this?"
If Alucard successfully kidnapped Vegapunk, Alucard would reap all the benefits. Doflamingo didn't seem to have a stake in it.
"My target is another scientist. I hope to strike a deal with him, so I need to create as much chaos as possible. The person escorting Dr. Vegapunk is one of my subordinates stationed in the Navy. I hope that when you make your move, you'll leave him with one final breath."
Doflamingo reached into his coat and pulled out an Eternal Pose, tossing it accurately onto the small wine table beside Alucard's chair. "Vegapunk has already set out. At normal sailing speed, it takes about ten days to get from Punk Hazard to Marine Headquarters."
Doflamingo pointed to the Eternal Pose. "That is the tool to track their location."
"Heh heh heh... Keeping you alive has turned out to be unexpectedly useful, Joker," Alucard said, tossing the Eternal Pose in his hand.
"Hmph..."
Doflamingo looked down, clearly displeased by Alucard's remark. After a few seconds of silence, he asked, "A certain brat under your command seems very intent on taking my head. As his Captain, I'd very much like to know your thoughts on the matter."