One Piece: A King's Path Anew

An ark soaring through the sky slowly approached the town where the Donquixote Family resided. The townspeople witnessed this scene, but they remained unfazed. By now, nothing the Donquixote Family did could overly surprise them.

The Ark Maxim docked gently by the coast. Doflamingo led his crew swiftly back to the Family headquarters. At the entrance, Robin, Ibes, and others were already gathered, welcoming Doflamingo and his entourage on their victorious return.

Doflamingo, sensing everyone's joyful anticipation, ordered his men to prepare a banquet to celebrate the day's victory.

And so, while the Donquixote Family reveled in their triumph, celebrating their success…

On the other side of the world, Borsalino had returned to Marine Headquarters, Marinfod.

"Borsalino, you've worked hard. Go get some rest now," Sengoku said. He had already heard everything that had transpired from Borsalino: not only had the World Government and Marine forces been utterly defeated and the Op-Op Fruit vanished, but his own adopted son, Rosinante, had been killed by Doflamingo's own hand. Sengoku was in a terrible mood. He dismissed Borsalino curtly; he couldn't bring himself to reprimand him too harshly. After all, the future of the Marines depended on people like him, and besides, Borsalino had done his best.

Borsalino gave Sengoku a deep look before taking his leave. "Well then, I'll be off to rest."

Sengoku waved a hand, signaling him to depart.

The moment Borsalino left the office, Sengoku could no longer hold back his tears. His face contorted in grief, and his heart ached with self-reproach.

No one knew of this. Sengoku bore it all alone, and the entire office was filled with a heavy sorrow.

The next day, the all-night revelry finally subsided, and the Donquixote Family returned to its normal operations.

After eating the Op-Op Fruit, Law's condition was gradually improving, and he began training systematically with the other executives.

In his study, Doflamingo frowned, deep in thought. He recalled recent news, marveling at how quickly time passed and how events destined to happen had indeed occurred.

"It seems those familiar faces are finally about to appear!" Doflamingo mused aloud, sitting in his chair. "Now this is how it gets interesting! Let's turn this world upside down!" A domineering aura returned to him as he spoke with commanding arrogance.

Several days later, Doflamingo departed alone. No one knew his destination. The Donquixote Family, accustomed to his absences, didn't panic and continued their work smoothly. This time, Doflamingo intended to bring back everyone he needed. He didn't want to dally any longer. The North Blue was far too small; only the New World was a place where the strong could truly thrive, and Doflamingo's ambitions stretched far beyond that.

In a neighboring town on Swallow Island, there was someone Doflamingo needed. That's right, it was the white bear, Bepo. As the master of the North Blue, Doflamingo had easily received news of his whereabouts and had immediately set out for this location.

Doflamingo wasn't looking to recruit Bepo merely as a mascot or a pet. Bepo certainly had his uses. Aside from his potential to become a navigator, behind him stood the Mink Tribe. Gaining even a little support from them was an opportunity not to be missed. The only issue was that these Minks were far too stubborn, recognizing only the Kozuki Clan. Doflamingo desired such loyal retainers for himself! Kozuki Clan, Donquixote Family – it mattered little. If Donquixote Doflamingo set his sights on something, they would have to submit. However, forcefully suppressing them was the crudest method and wouldn't provide a lasting solution. Doflamingo had no intention of doing that. The best way, of course, was to make them willingly pledge their allegiance to the Donquixote Family. As for how to orchestrate that, that was a matter for the future. First, he had to get Bepo.

Doflamingo strolled down the main street of Swallow Island. It was as bustling as ever with merchants, pedestrians, and local toughs. Occasionally, one could even spot Marines and pirates, making the small island surprisingly lively.

Doflamingo had no mind to delay. He swept his Observation Haki across the entire island, directly searching for Bepo.

Bepo had set sail from the New World in pursuit of his older brother, Zepo, but had accidentally boarded a ship bound for the North Blue, eventually finding himself stranded on Swallow Island.

Doflamingo meticulously scanned every corner of Swallow Island and finally found the bear he was looking for. Bepo's white fur was somewhat dirty and matted, and he looked rather wretched, resting in a deserted spot.

The world was vast and full of wonders; the residents of Swallow Island were no longer easily surprised. A talking bear was just that. It was well known that Minks, like Fishmen and Merfolk, were considered prime slave material, highly favored by the World Nobles, the Celestial Dragons. As a former Celestial Dragon himself, Doflamingo understood that Mink slaves were quite rare. Moreover, Bepo, a large white bear, was visually striking. For him to appear so openly in the North Blue and not have been captured yet – Doflamingo considered Bepo quite lucky.

Doflamingo quickly appeared before Bepo. Seeing the suddenly materialized figure, Bepo tensed, instinctively on guard.

"You've had it rough, haven't you? For a Mink to end up in a place like this," Doflamingo said, his tone overtly sympathetic.

"You know me?" Bepo said, a little embarrassed, pointing a finger at himself as he questioned Doflamingo. Doflamingo's words made him feel as if he had utterly disgraced the Mink Tribe by falling into such a sorry state.

Doflamingo shook his head, then nodded, a gesture that thoroughly confused Bepo.

"What's your name?" Doflamingo asked.

"Bepo," the bear replied sheepishly. Bepo himself didn't know why he had just told his name to this stranger. He was still somewhat wary, but perhaps he sensed an aura of safety around Doflamingo.

"Do you want to come with me?" Doflamingo stated his purpose directly.

"I'm sorry," Bepo said, lowering his head and refusing. This was, of course, normal. Doflamingo was a stranger. Although he knew of Bepo's origins, he was still a stranger, and following him might not lead to anything good.

Just then, two young children came running towards them, shouting, "Bear! Stupid bear, so there you are!"

Doflamingo glanced at the two children, thinking, These must be Shachi and Penguin.

Bepo looked nervously at the two children running towards him. Doflamingo watched this scene with mild amusement. Perhaps Bepo's chance to leave with him lay here.

"Stupid bear, there you are!" Shachi and Penguin said with mocking grins, looking at Bepo.

"I'm not stupid! You two brats, looking for another beating, are you?" Bepo said, seeming to puff out his chest a little, perhaps emboldened by Doflamingo's presence.

"Who's beating whom, huh?" Penguin retorted, making a face at Bepo.

"Well, well, look what we have here. Found yourself a helper, did you?" Shachi said, looking at Doflamingo beside Bepo, warily sizing him up. "Only we get to bully the stupid bear. Who are you?" Shachi and Penguin addressed Doflamingo with caution.

"I-I'm not… I'm sorry," Bepo's voice softened, and he lowered his head, though his eyes darted towards Doflamingo.

Doflamingo found the children's antics rather amusing. It seemed this unlikely trio had developed some sort of bond through their squabbles. He extended a finger, electricity crackling around it. "Do me a favor," he said to Shachi and Penguin. "Bepo is my friend."

Shachi, Penguin, and Bepo all stared at the lightning coalescing on Doflamingo's finger, a shiver of fear running through them.

"Uh, okay!" Shachi and Penguin stammered, cold sweat beading on their foreheads.

Bepo stared at Doflamingo with wide eyes, astonished that this person could command lightning. His curiosity was piqued, momentarily overshadowing the gratitude he felt.

Doflamingo was quite satisfied with their reaction. They were just children, after all. Though they might have grown up on the rough and dirty streets, they understood things many sheltered children didn't, such as who they could afford to provoke and who they absolutely could not.

"So, Bepo, how about it? Want to come with me?" Doflamingo extended his invitation once more.

"Okay! But I want to know how you can make electricity," Bepo asked shamelessly.

"All the lightning in the world will be mine to command. I ate the Rumble-Rumble Fruit, making me a Lightning Man. Also, remember my name: Donquixote Doflamingo. From now on, call me Young Master," Doflamingo explained.

"Donquixote Doflamingo," Shachi and Penguin muttered, as if a realization had struck them. Bepo, on the other hand, nodded thoughtfully. He figured having such a friend wouldn't be bad at all. Not only could he control lightning, but he had also helped him out of a jam. This must be fate! Indeed, it was fate! A fate rather forcefully arranged.

Just as Doflamingo was about to leave with Bepo, Shachi and Penguin suddenly knelt before him.

"Lord Doflamingo, we want to follow you!" Shachi and Penguin knew this was a chance to crawl out of the gutter, so they knelt without hesitation, pleading with Doflamingo.

"You two!" Doflamingo looked at the kneeling pair, a flicker of hesitation in his eyes. Although these two were part of Law's original crew in canon, Doflamingo hadn't initially planned on recruiting them. However, Doflamingo considered himself a great philanthropist, especially in front of Bepo. Naturally, he had to put on a bit of a show to win Bepo's goodwill.

"I can give you a chance," Doflamingo offered. "I can lend you the Donquixote Family's flag. If you can achieve something that satisfies me, I will allow you to join my Family."

"That's great! We will definitely earn your recognition!" Shachi and Penguin said gratefully.

"Get stronger. I have high hopes for you," Doflamingo said lightly. Empty promises cost nothing, so Doflamingo was naturally willing to paint them a grand picture. As for how they would develop, that was none of his concern. Whether they would make something of themselves, like Bellamy, or fade into obscurity, depended entirely on them.

Doflamingo and Bepo, man and bear, walked down the street.

"Young Master, where are we going?" Bepo asked.

"To get you cleaned up, change into some clean clothes, and get you a proper meal to fill your stomach," Doflamingo said, looking at Bepo.

"I'm sorry," Bepo lowered his head in shame. Then, overcome with emotion, he hugged Doflamingo, nuzzling against him. "Wooo~ Young Master, you're too kind! Garchu!"

Doflamingo didn't refuse Bepo's "Garchu." After all, it was a Mink custom, and Doflamingo believed in respecting local traditions. Besides, a "Garchu" from a big, fluffy white bear was quite acceptable!

"Alright, alright," Doflamingo said, a touch of resignation in his voice, though he wasn't averse to it.

Thoroughly content, Bepo pulled away from Doflamingo and said guiltily, "I'm sorry, I got you dirty too!"

"It's fine. Let's go," Doflamingo said, ruffling Bepo's large head. It felt just like a plush toy, very comfortable! Except this was real fur, which made it even better!

"Mm!"

"Garchu" is how Minks in the One Piece world show they like someone or are happy to see them. It's like a friendly, affectionate nuzzle or hug.