Chapter Thirty-Two: The Blood Clan’s Code (Part One)

“So… you’re saying you’ve only recently arrived in the North Sea from the New World? And you actually crossed the Calm Belt?” Even when Doflamingo asked this question, there was a hint of genuine curiosity in his tone.

By now, the conversation had shifted from their previous location to the dining table within the room.

Since they called themselves the “Donquixote Family,” this pirate crew truly maintained certain family traditions, even if those traditions were little more than rigid rituals—for example, whenever members of the family had no other duties, they were always required to gather around the dining table and eat together.

At this moment, Qiu Bai, Ain, and even their bear each had a seat at the table.

It was indeed a grand table… Naturally, Doflamingo sat at its head, and most of the family members were present.

Among them were the top executives: Pica of the Stone-Stone Fruit, Diamante of the Flap-Flap Fruit, and Trebol of the Sticky-Sticky Fruit.

The cadre included Gladius of the Pop-Pop Fruit, Señor Pink of the Swim-Swim Fruit, Machvise of the Ton-Ton Fruit, Jora of the Art-Art Fruit, and Lao G.

A brief enumeration made it clear that this pirate crew followed an elite path—aside from Lao G, a master of martial arts, all the others were Devil Fruit users.

“Yes. Although we were beset by Sea Kings toward the end of our voyage, luck favored us, allowing us to cross the Calm Belt,” Qiu Bai replied to Doflamingo’s question, while shoveling steak into his mouth.

From the beginning of his journey to now—nearly three months—Qiu Bai had barely eaten a proper meal. After all, even the News Crows had ended up on his menu; it was easy to imagine how wild and desperate his days had been.

The Donquixote Family’s cuisine was, without doubt, a salvation for his stomach.

Now, the family had grown again:

Trainee executive: Ain of the Turn-Turn Fruit.

Trainee executive: Qiu Bai of the Sword-Sword Fruit.

Yes, Qiu Bai had disguised himself as a Devil Fruit user, and his fruit’s name—at least for now—was the “Sword-Sword Fruit.”

Or rather, he could only call it the Sword-Sword Fruit; he must call it the Sword-Sword Fruit.

In this pirate crew, Doflamingo was known as “Joker,” and the organizational structure was arranged like a deck of playing cards. Doflamingo’s subordinates were divided into four groups: the Club Army of special ability users, the Spade Army for special operations, the Diamond Army for combat, and the Heart Army for espionage.

According to the organization’s rules, Qiu Bai and Ain, as newcomers, were assigned separately—not as a means of division, but in accordance with the crew’s structure.

Owing to the unique nature of her abilities, Ain naturally entered the Club Army, and if she proved herself during her trainee period, she would likely be promoted to special executive. Despite its drawbacks, the Turn-Turn Fruit could prove crucial when needed.

As for Qiu Bai, by the rules, he ought to belong to the Spade Army, yet for some unknown reason, Doflamingo assigned him to the Heart Army. Beppo accompanied him, though Beppo did not count as an executive—he was regarded as Qiu Bai’s possession, the so-called “pet.”

“Did you use Sea Prism Stone? If so, it’s indeed possible to cross the Calm Belt. But you’re right, luck… you were very fortunate.”

“Extremely fortunate,” Doflamingo echoed, for luck was truly the most vital factor in crossing the Calm Belt.

Doflamingo’s plate was already empty, but since most of the family was still eating, he remained at the table.

In his hand was a goblet filled with blood-red wine, and as he spoke, he raised it toward Qiu Bai.

Looking through the curved glass, Qiu Bai saw Doflamingo’s warped, distorted face.

No doubt, his own face appeared much the same to Doflamingo.

“This Mink was found on that ship as well?”

“Of course.”

By now, Qiu Bai had explained all the “necessary parts” of his journey since setting out to sea, focusing on how he arrived in the North Sea from the New World… As for his encounter with Ryuma, that clearly fell under the “unnecessary parts.”

Given the recent New World commodity trading in the North Sea, and the peculiar qualities of certain fruits, Qiu Bai’s story could be corroborated. If Doflamingo wished to verify or investigate, those points would merely serve to reinforce Qiu Bai’s credibility.

If Doflamingo was cautious, he would surely do so. However… distrust always arose first.

“Young master, I don’t think this brat is trustworthy. Crossing the Calm Belt? Even we can’t do it—how could he possibly manage it? Wait, maybe he’s a Marine spy! That’s why he spun such a tale.”

The first to voice this suspicion was Jora, the sharp-tongued, middle-aged woman of the group. She dared not question Doflamingo’s decision to let Qiu Bai and Ain join, so she could only express her mistrust of Qiu Bai.

Still… bringing a pet along as a spy, and occasionally stroking a furry bear—what luxury!

“Trust or distrust can only be proven with time. As a newcomer, I neither wish nor intend to quarrel with the family’s senior members. But there’s no need to befriend everyone either. In any family, expecting eternal harmony among all members is unrealistic. Yet one thing must never be transgressed… submission to the family’s supreme will, is it not?” Qiu Bai did not meekly endure; he rebuffed her directly, hardly the behavior of a novice.

“You…” Jora started to retort, but Doflamingo’s laughter cut her off.

“Hehehehe, Qiu Bai, you’re quite eloquent.” He laughed and drained his glass, evidently pleased with Qiu Bai’s words.

“Jora, according to Qiu Bai’s account, the crew’s actions were perfectly reasonable. In dire straits, humans can exert themselves beyond their limits; even if the Donquixote Family can’t accomplish something, ordinary people might yet manage it. The real question is ‘how likely,’ not ‘if possible,’ and so long as the answer is ‘possible,’ then it might truly happen.”

Qiu Bai glanced at the one who spoke up for him… Señor Pink.

Dark skin, black sunglasses, slightly curly black hair, tall and upright, immaculate suit, a calm yet forceful manner of speaking… If there was one word to describe this man, it would be “tough.” From what Qiu Bai knew, Señor Pink was indeed a tough man.