Overwhelming!
That was Caesar's feeling after that punch.
Perhaps he was used to fighting tough Zoan users, but the effect of this punch exceeded his expectations. Caesar didn't expect this guy to be so cocky yet unable to withstand even a casual punch.
At this moment, Caesar felt as if he had stepped out of the beginner's village and was now invincible in the world!
Was Doflamingo strong?
Not really. Among the top executives of the Emperor Crews, he was only mid to lower tier.
Was Doflamingo weak?
Not exactly. The guy had some strength, as previously mentioned, every master has their strengths and weaknesses.
When it came to Devil Fruit ability development, he was one of the few who had awakened his fruit.
But in terms of Haki and physical prowess, he was somewhat lacking.
The strings created by the String-String Fruit could cut through steel, but unfortunately, Caesar's current physique, enhanced by multiple bloodline fusions and the awakening of his Conqueror's talent, was evolving almost daily. Even if it couldn't yet match Big Mom's Iron Balloon, it was probably not far off.
Add to that his Conqueror's Haki Infusion and his more refined Armament Haki training.
In terms of raw power, Caesar felt he had already reached the level of a Four Emperor, at least far stronger than King!
Could Doflamingo take a Thunder Bagua from Kaidou?
Obviously not…
Even Luffy in Fourth Gear couldn't withstand it, let alone this fragile guy who couldn't even handle Fourth Gear.
Glancing at Doflamingo's slightly twitching right hand, Caesar subtly shook his head, feeling a bit emotional.
Indeed, to become stronger, one still needs to cheat!
The Vampire Fruit brought about a transformation in his physique.
The Conqueror's talent accelerated this transformation while also elevating his potential to the highest level!
The subsequent bloodline evolution added fuel to the fire!
With the Conqueror's top-tier talent, the day Caesar woke up and found his strength hadn't increased at all compared to the previous day, it would basically confirm that he had become the strongest in the world.
"So weak…"
Caesar shook his head slightly. "Don't you have any decent moves?"
Doflamingo's smile stiffened, a wave of humiliation washing over him.
He was, after all, one of the Warlords of the Sea. Though he couldn't compare to the Emperor Crews or the Marines, he was still a renowned figure on the seas. Caesar's words were undoubtedly an insult to him!
But… he had to endure the humiliation!
After all, this guy's fists were bigger than his.
Even Jack, with his brute strength, couldn't shatter the Five Color Strings with a single punch, yet this guy's punch broke them like noodles…
They were completely on different levels!
Where did this monster even come from?
"Fufufufu… My meager strength is naturally no match for you, sir."
Doflamingo suppressed his arrogance. "As an apology for my offense—two Devil Fruits! How about that?"
"Fine…"
Caesar nodded. He was in urgent need of Devil Fruits. If he could find the Dark-Dark Fruit, that would be one thing, but if not, he'd have to rely on Doflamingo's connections.
"But don't you have anything else interesting here?"
"Of course, sir, of course!"
Seeing Caesar relent, Doflamingo quickly responded, gesturing for him to follow as he escorted Caesar out of the arena.
"I wonder what aspect you might be interested in? Casinos, bars, parties, slaves, or perhaps beautiful women? The ladies of Dressrosa are as fiery as they come, fufufu..."
Doflamingo flashed a knowing smile, completely unfazed by the fact that the other man was Kaidou's son-in-law.
"Not particularly interested in any of those..."
Caesar replied nonchalantly, rubbing his chin.
He had no interest in gambling, and as for beautiful women...
The Dressrosa arc didn't feature any particularly captivating beauties.
Rebecca, the former princess, though dressed rather provocatively, wasn't what he'd call a great beauty. Her personality wasn't particularly appealing either, and he had no interest in such a young girl.
Violet was quite sexy, but she was Doflamingo's woman.
Not to mention, he was still counting on Doflamingo to help him find a Devil Fruit, and Caesar himself wasn't keen on taking someone else's leftovers.
"Speaking of which, you have a maid named Baby 5, don't you?"
Caesar tilted his head slightly, looking at Doflamingo. "I happen to be in need of someone to serve tea. How about introducing her to me?"
"Baby 5?"
Doflamingo paused for a moment, then forced a smile. "Fufufu... Isn't it a bit unethical to take advantage of a fool?"
"You, Doflamingo, talking to me about ethics?"
Caesar laughed. "Should I remind you where all these toys around us came from?"
At those words, Doflamingo's heart sank. Behind his sunglasses, his gaze toward Caesar grew increasingly dark, and his back was instantly drenched in cold sweat.
So... he already knew?
But how did he find out?
Observation Haki mind-reading?
Or... is there a traitor?
"I understand..."
Doflamingo bowed slightly, his demeanor growing more humble.
At this moment, he regarded Caesar as being on the same level as Kaidou.
He was also immensely relieved that he hadn't impulsively sent Sugar to approach Caesar.
Otherwise, it would have been like throwing meat to a dog—there'd be no return.
Against a powerhouse of this caliber, even if he had personally intervened, it would have been nothing more than offering himself up as a meal.
"What a pity..."
Caesar sighed softly. "I was hoping to show off my Foresight when that little girl approached me, and then sweep the entire Donquixote Family with a thunderous strike. But it seems you're more cautious than I expected."
"You know, that sudden display of power? Doesn't it seem cool?"
"Fufufu... You're quite the joker, sir."
Doflamingo forced a friendly smile. "I'll have Baby 5 brought to you right away."
Soon, within the palace, Baby 5 was brought before Caesar.
Caesar examined the young maid in front of him. She was around eighteen or nineteen, with black hair and eyes, a striking appearance, dressed in a long maid outfit, a cigarette dangling from her lips, one hand resting on her slender waist.
"Doflamingo, what do you want with me?"
Baby 5's tone was unmistakably annoyed.
The reason was simple: just two days ago, Doflamingo had killed her fourth 'fiancé,' though the man was nothing more than a debt-ridden gambler.
"Hey! Baby 5! You're being incredibly rude!"
Standing nearby, Diamante's expression darkened. Although they were all aware of Baby 5's personality flaws, it didn't mean he could tolerate such disrespect toward Doflamingo.
"It's fine, Diamante…"
Doflamingo turned to Caesar: "This girl has significant personality flaws due to her childhood experiences."
"That may be so…"
Caesar examined the young girl before him, his nostrils twitching slightly: "But you've protected her well, haven't you?"
"She's family, after all, fufufu…"
Doflamingo's smile was somewhat complicated: "Well, this girl will execute any order you give her without hesitation, and she's also a user of the Arms-Arms Fruit. I assume you wouldn't easily kill her, would you?"
"What are you talking about?"
Caesar shot him a glare: "You're a scumbag, but I'm not!"
Doflamingo: "…"
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