Just as the Whitebeard Pirates were engulfed in ecstasy, the Donquixote family members in another corner of the laboratory were frozen in place, as if collectively iced, their faces filled with shock and disbelief.
Doflamingo stared at the imposing Whitebeard, his mind a blank.
This... this Devil Fruit... is its effect really this heaven-defying?! A bone-deep regret instantly consumed Doflamingo. Not only can it heal all hidden injuries, but it can also make one return to youth, and even gain an immortal body comparable to Kaido's?!
If only I had known... If only I had known that this pink Devil Fruit, found on my territory, had such terrifying effects... His heart was bleeding profusely. I would have rather offended Whitebeard and said I didn't have it!!!
Extreme regret transformed into violent transference of blame.
Doflamingo suddenly turned his head, his gaze sharply raking the equally stunned Caesar Clown beside him, the killing intent in his eyes almost solidifying.
It was all this useless Clown!
Guarding such a treasure yet knowing nothing about it!
And almost letting it be stolen and eaten by a brat!
Caesar was so startled by Doflamingo's murderous gaze that he shivered, almost collapsing to the ground. He quickly waved his hands, silently mouthing, "I... I didn't know either, shurororororo!!!"
"Vegapunk himself admitted it was a failed product!"
It wasn't just Doflamingo; the family executives behind him, like Diamante and Trebol, all had expressions as if they had seen a ghost.
"W-what a joke..." Diamante's long sword trembled slightly in his hand. "I feel... the current Whitebeard... could probably smash all of us into dust with one punch... It's too terrifying!"
"I say, I say the main point is... the main point is that!" Trebol's viscous body rippled violently, his voice sharp. "H-how can a person eat two Devil Fruits and not die?!
This fundamentally violates the iron law of this world!!!"
They rubbed their eyes hard, and some even pinched themselves fiercely to confirm they weren't in a nightmare.
"Strange... This is truly the most absurd strange thing I've ever seen in my life!"
Caesar Clown's heart was experiencing a raging tsunami. He stared intently at Whitebeard's body, which radiated infinite vitality, his features twisted by extreme anger and frustration, his teeth grinding audibly.
Failed product?! That damned liar Vegapunk! A complete and utter liar!
He roared silently in his heart, Where the hell is this a failed product?! This is clearly a god-tier Devil Fruit that surpasses the original!
It allows a person to gain a second Devil Fruit ability and not die!
It also allows one to return to youth! Such a treasure... such a treasure...
Thinking that this priceless Devil Fruit had once been in his own laboratory, stored casually by him as Vegapunk's waste product, and even almost stolen and eaten by an unknown brat,
while he himself was completely oblivious to its true value, Caesar felt a rush of blood to his head, so angry he almost exploded!
Damn it!! I didn't even have time to conduct any research on it! Extract its lineage factor! Replicate its power!
Infinite remorse and greed gnawed at his heart,
It was just... just eaten like that?! Such a waste! What a terrible waste!!!
Unlike Caesar's almost overflowing anger and regret, Doflamingo, after the initial massive shock, quickly forced himself to calm down. He glared fiercely at Caesar, temporarily suppressing his killing intent.
He knew clearly that no amount of regret now would change anything.
The Devil Fruit had already been eaten by Whitebeard, and its power now belonged to the other party. The most important thing now was not to dwell on past mistakes, but how to face the future.
His mind raced, his gaze sweeping over the imposing Whitebeard and the unfathomable Ace beside him.
This Ace guy... he's Whitebeard's son, and he also has a mysterious relationship with the Marine... he really wants to play both sides... If I can use this opportunity to maintain a good relationship with the Whitebeard Pirates, especially with Ace... perhaps in the future, this could be an unexpected trump card...
Thinking this,
Doflamingo's rigid expression quickly transformed into one of extreme cordiality, even with a hint of a smile.
He took a step forward, bowed exaggeratedly towards Whitebeard, and said in a loud voice:
"Fufufufu! What a... what an astonishing miracle!
Congratulations, Captain Whitebeard! You've completely recovered to your peak and gained such miraculous abilities; this is truly an event worth celebrating across the entire Grand Line!"
He spread his arms, trying his best to show his warmth and hospitality: "To celebrate this great success, please do me the honor of allowing me to host the grandest banquet to entertain everyone!
Dressrosa's fine wines and delicacies are always ready for you and your sons!"
However, Whitebeard merely glanced at him indifferently, his deep voice like rumbling thunder:
"Gurarara... I appreciate your kindness, old man. As for the banquet, it's not necessary. Since the Devil Fruit is in hand and our goal is achieved, it's time to leave this island."
Doflamingo saw that Whitebeard was determined to leave, knowing that any further attempts to persuade him would be futile, but he still had to maintain appearances.
The cordial smile on his face remained undiminished, as if he was genuinely happy for the other's recovery. At the same time, he adopted a very humble posture, his words full of goodwill and laying the groundwork for the future:
"Fufufu... Since that's the case, then I won't force you to stay. For a great figure like Captain Whitebeard, time is naturally precious."
He bowed slightly, "However, it is an honor for my Donquixote family to have served you today. In the future, on this Grand Line, if there is ever anything you need me for,
whether it's information, resources, or the convenience of certain 'special' channels—please do not hesitate to contact me! I, Joker, will certainly give my full support!"
His words were eloquent and smooth, saving face while subtly extending an olive branch of cooperation.
The members of the Whitebeard Pirates only nodded casually upon hearing this, acknowledging the "polite remarks" but not truly taking them to heart.
For them, the main objective of this trip had been achieved beyond expectations; everything else was minor.
Just as everyone was about to turn and leave, Ace suddenly remembered something crucially important and slapped his forehead:
"Wait! I almost forgot something big!"
Under everyone's puzzled gaze, he immediately immersed his consciousness within his body, communicating with the mysterious system that only he could perceive.
"System, sign in at Punk Hazard!"