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**Chapter 616: Doflamingo's Challenge Mission!**
"Shichibukai, Donquixote Doflamingo, pays respects to Lord Im!"
Inside the cold and clear Empty Hall.
Im sat upon the Empty Throne on the three-tiered high platform, looking down at Doflamingo kneeling below with his head bowed.
Although there was no mountain-like heavy, invisible Aura this time.
But under the gaze of those Golden Ripple Eyes, the latter still felt a Sense of Urgency like thorns on his back.
However, Doflamingo had long since accepted Im's existence, so he didn't feel any resentment or dissatisfaction.
Instead, he held feelings of gratitude and worship, more or less.
Gratitude was because Lord Im had restored his Celestial Dragon Identity and recognized his Ability, entrusting him with the important task of managing the Maritime Domain.
Doflamingo wasn't interested in making money, but he greatly enjoyed the feeling of controlling thousands of people.
To put it bluntly.
His Control desire was extremely strong, far exceeding that of most people.
Perhaps this was also the reason why he was so compatible with the String-String Fruit.
Of course, it was also possible that the String-String Fruit had a certain influence on him.
As for why he felt worship.
One reason was Im's absolute Strength, and the second was Im's Identity.
These two combined became the most reassuring Support for all Celestial Dragons.
This gave Doflamingo the confidence to face anyone, no matter how powerful.
Finally, there was the existence of the Star Gate.
Doflamingo had already learned from the Five Elders.
The Star Gate was a unique Ability that Im had developed over eight hundred years, by perceiving the Aura of the Cosmic Star Sea.
To be honest, when he first heard this explanation, he was completely stunned.
It took him several minutes to finally digest this information.
Although it was incredible, thinking about the various Abilities of Haki, it didn't seem so strange after all.
One could only say that Lord Im's Haki Realm had reached a level they couldn't possibly imagine.
So, when he was suddenly summoned to Noah's Ark this time, Doflamingo was actually excited in his Heart.
He thought he was finally going to receive a Secret Mission as a Shichibukai.
But Im's very first sentence that followed was like a bucket of cold water poured over his head, making his Heart feel completely cold.
"You are too weak."
"As my Shichibukai, your current Strength and the Speed of your improvement are unsatisfactory."
Im was blunt, pointing out the problems with the other party.
This caused Doflamingo, who was kneeling on the Red Carpet, to flush red with some shame and Anger, but he only dared to press his forehead tightly against the ground.
By nature, a surge of viciousness rose in his Heart, but his strong Rationality suppressed it tightly.
"The Shichibukai are my direct Subordinates. In the Future, you will inevitably face powerful Opponents from the Myriad Worlds. If you are easily defeated because you are too weak, that will be very troublesome for me."
Hearing this, Doflamingo suppressed his shameful and anxious mood.
He gritted his teeth and asked in a low voice, "Then, Lord Im's meaning is...?"
He thought Im wanted to remove him from the Shichibukai.
This was something he couldn't accept, and it was an extremely humiliating Matter.
"Since you are weak, then make yourself Strong. Isn't that a matter of course?"
In Im's view, Doflamingo had Potential.
His Control over Conqueror's Haki and his Development of the String-String Fruit Ability were excellent, but his shortcomings lay in his Martial Arts and Two Colors of Haki levels.
Since the problem was known, the solution was to strengthen those areas specifically.
"So that's it, phew—"
Doflamingo understood Im's meaning, and his Heart immediately relaxed. His shame and anger also returned to calmness.
"For now, ignore external matters. You will stay here and improve your Strength."
As soon as Im finished speaking.
The Main Gate of the Empty Hall was seen being slowly pushed open by the two 'Giant God Soldiers' guarding outside, Oimo and Kashi.
Doflamingo, who had already gotten up, turned his head to look.
He saw four more 'Giant God Soldiers' wearing Golden Blood-Patterned Armor walking in, two by two in a row.
They were Surtr, the Fire Giant, a Logia System Flame-Flame Fruit User.
Utgard, the Frost Giant, a Logia System Snow-Snow Fruit User.
Brogy, the Disaster Giant, a Zoan Snake-Snake Fruit, Mythical Type: Yamata no Orochi Form User.
And Dorry, the Thunder Giant, who had just eaten the Logia System Plasma-Plasma Fruit a few days ago.
This Plasma-Plasma Fruit was a Devil Fruit that Red Count Redfield had accidentally found in the North Blue.
After Im heard about it, he directly ordered the Five Elders to send it to the Ark, and then gave it to Dorry.
Actually, he had initially considered giving the Mythical Zoan Kirin Fruit to Dorry, just to pair him up with his Partner Brogy.
But later, after hearing about Esdeath, he directly dismissed this idea and kept the Kirin Fruit for her.
Because according to the records in the Devil Fruit Encyclopedia, the Ability of the Kirin Fruit was to Control Ice and Snow, fly by stepping on clouds, and also provide a high increase in Speed.
Once the Ability Awakening occurred, it would gain an additional Ability to Control Lightning.
Im felt that these Abilities had a high match with Esdeath.
Moreover, there was already a Frost Giant among the 'Giant God Soldiers', so there was really no need for a second Ice/Snow Type Ability User.
As for Dorry's Plasma-Plasma Fruit, it was a lower-tier Fruit compared to the Rumble-Rumble Fruit.
Although it didn't have the lightning-fast Speed and deafening Thunder of the latter, it could transform the Body into a dangerous High Temperature plasma mass.
Coupled with the Giant Tribe's massive Body Size, once Element Transformation was used, its Power would be extraordinary.
"They are your Challenge Opponents from now on. When you defeat these four 'Giant God Soldiers', you will leave the Ark to carry out new Missions for me!"
Looking up at these four 'Golden Giants' with formidable Aura, Doflamingo's Corner of Mouth twitched, and a strong feeling of foreboding began to rise in his Heart.
"Lord Im, when you say 'defeat', do you mean I should defeat them one by one, or defeat them when they team up?"
"As you like, just defeat them."
Im showed a playful Expression, raised his Right Hand, and rested his Chin on the Throne, saying, "However, if you can defeat them when they team up, I will be happier~"
"..."
Doflamingo was speechless, a string of Black Line appeared on his head. These words directly left him with no room for Choice.
Defeating four 'Giant God Soldiers' who were clearly Stronger than Giant Vice Admirals by himself.
If he could do that, his Strength would probably have reached Admiral Level Combat Power, right?
He suddenly felt that he would be staying here for a very long Time.
"Oh, right, let's add a Time Limit."
But then Im spoke again, saying words that made Doflamingo's mood even heavier.
"You are twenty years old this year, so complete this Challenge before you turn twenty-five."
"If you fail by then, your Shichibukai Identity will be revoked, and you will spend your entire life managing the Maritime Industry on the World."
Doflamingo's face stiffened, and he clenched his fists tightly.
He knew this was equivalent to deciding his Future. No matter what, at most, he would just be a Sea Transport King on the Sea Star Mainland.
As for higher Status, greater Power and Influence, and a more exciting stage, none of that would have anything to do with him.
"I respectfully obey... Lord Im's Divine Oracle..."
"Shichibukai, Donquixote Doflamingo, pays respects to Lord Im!"
Inside the cold and clear Empty Hall.
Im sat upon the Empty Throne on the three-tiered high platform, looking down at Doflamingo kneeling below with his head bowed.
Although there was no mountain-like heavy, invisible Aura this time.
But under the gaze of those Golden Ripple Eyes, the latter still felt a Sense of Urgency like thorns on his back.
However, Doflamingo had long since accepted Im's existence, so he didn't feel any resentment or dissatisfaction.
Instead, he held feelings of gratitude and worship, more or less.
Gratitude was because Lord Im had restored his Celestial Dragon Identity and recognized his Ability, entrusting him with the important task of managing the Maritime Domain.
Doflamingo wasn't interested in making money, but he greatly enjoyed the feeling of controlling thousands of people.
To put it bluntly.
His Control desire was extremely strong, far exceeding that of most people.
Perhaps this was also the reason why he was so compatible with the String-String Fruit.
Of course, it was also possible that the String-String Fruit had a certain influence on him.
As for why he felt worship.
One reason was Im's absolute Strength, and the second was Im's Identity.
These two combined became the most reassuring Support for all Celestial Dragons.
This gave Doflamingo the confidence to face anyone, no matter how powerful.
Finally, there was the existence of the Star Gate.
Doflamingo had already learned from the Five Elders.
The Star Gate was a unique Ability that Im had developed over eight hundred years, by perceiving the Aura of the Cosmic Star Sea.
To be honest, when he first heard this explanation, he was completely stunned.
It took him several minutes to finally digest this information.
Although it was incredible, thinking about the various Abilities of Haki, it didn't seem so strange after all.
One could only say that Lord Im's Haki Realm had reached a level they couldn't possibly imagine.
So, when he was suddenly summoned to Noah's Ark this time, Doflamingo was actually excited in his Heart.
He thought he was finally going to receive a Secret Mission as a Shichibukai.
But Im's very first sentence that followed was like a bucket of cold water poured over his head, making his Heart feel completely cold.
"You are too weak."
"As my Shichibukai, your current Strength and the Speed of your improvement are unsatisfactory."
Im was blunt, pointing out the problems with the other party.
This caused Doflamingo, who was kneeling on the Red Carpet, to flush red with some shame and Anger, but he only dared to press his forehead tightly against the ground.
By nature, a surge of viciousness rose in his Heart, but his strong Rationality suppressed it tightly.
"The Shichibukai are my direct Subordinates. In the Future, you will inevitably face powerful Opponents from the Myriad Worlds. If you are easily defeated because you are too weak, that will be very troublesome for me."
Hearing this, Doflamingo suppressed his shameful and anxious mood.
He gritted his teeth and asked in a low voice, "Then, Lord Im's meaning is...?"
He thought Im wanted to remove him from the Shichibukai.
This was something he couldn't accept, and it was an extremely humiliating Matter.
"Since you are weak, then make yourself Strong. Isn't that a matter of course?"
In Im's view, Doflamingo had Potential.
His Control over Conqueror's Haki and his Development of the String-String Fruit Ability were excellent, but his shortcomings lay in his Martial Arts and Two Colors of Haki levels.
Since the problem was known, the solution was to strengthen those areas specifically.
"So that's it, phew—"
Doflamingo understood Im's meaning, and his Heart immediately relaxed. His shame and anger also returned to calmness.
"For now, ignore external matters. You will stay here and improve your Strength."
As soon as Im finished speaking.
The Main Gate of the Empty Hall was seen being slowly pushed open by the two 'Giant God Soldiers' guarding outside, Oimo and Kashi.
Doflamingo, who had already gotten up, turned his head to look.
He saw four more 'Giant God Soldiers' wearing Golden Blood-Patterned Armor walking in, two by two in a row.
They were Surtr, the Fire Giant, a Logia System Flame-Flame Fruit User.
Utgard, the Frost Giant, a Logia System Snow-Snow Fruit User.
Brogy, the Disaster Giant, a Zoan Snake-Snake Fruit, Mythical Type: Yamata no Orochi Form User.
And Dorry, the Thunder Giant, who had just eaten the Logia System Plasma-Plasma Fruit a few days ago.
This Plasma-Plasma Fruit was a Devil Fruit that Red Count Redfield had accidentally found in the North Blue.
After Im heard about it, he directly ordered the Five Elders to send it to the Ark, and then gave it to Dorry.
Actually, he had initially considered giving the Mythical Zoan Kirin Fruit to Dorry, just to pair him up with his Partner Brogy.
But later, after hearing about Esdeath, he directly dismissed this idea and kept the Kirin Fruit for her.
Because according to the records in the Devil Fruit Encyclopedia, the Ability of the Kirin Fruit was to Control Ice and Snow, fly by stepping on clouds, and also provide a high increase in Speed.
Once the Ability Awakening occurred, it would gain an additional Ability to Control Lightning.
Im felt that these Abilities had a high match with Esdeath.
Moreover, there was already a Frost Giant among the 'Giant God Soldiers', so there was really no need for a second Ice/Snow Type Ability User.
As for Dorry's Plasma-Plasma Fruit, it was a lower-tier Fruit compared to the Rumble-Rumble Fruit.
Although it didn't have the lightning-fast Speed and deafening Thunder of the latter, it could transform the Body into a dangerous High Temperature plasma mass.
Coupled with the Giant Tribe's massive Body Size, once Element Transformation was used, its Power would be extraordinary.
"They are your Challenge Opponents from now on. When you defeat these four 'Giant God Soldiers', you will leave the Ark to carry out new Missions for me!"
Looking up at these four 'Golden Giants' with formidable Aura, Doflamingo's Corner of Mouth twitched, and a strong feeling of foreboding began to rise in his Heart.
"Lord Im, when you say 'defeat', do you mean I should defeat them one by one, or defeat them when they team up?"
"As you like, just defeat them."
Im showed a playful Expression, raised his Right Hand, and rested his Chin on the Throne, saying, "However, if you can defeat them when they team up, I will be happier~"
"..."
Doflamingo was speechless, a string of Black Line appeared on his head. These words directly left him with no room for Choice.
Defeating four 'Giant God Soldiers' who were clearly Stronger than Giant Vice Admirals by himself.
If he could do that, his Strength would probably have reached Admiral Level Combat Power, right?
He suddenly felt that he would be staying here for a very long Time.
"Oh, right, let's add a Time Limit."
But then Im spoke again, saying words that made Doflamingo's mood even heavier.
"You are twenty years old this year, so complete this Challenge before you turn twenty-five."
"If you fail by then, your Shichibukai Identity will be revoked, and you will spend your entire life managing the Maritime Industry on the World."
Doflamingo's face stiffened, and he clenched his fists tightly.
He knew this was equivalent to deciding his Future. No matter what, at most, he would just be a Sea Transport King on the Sea Star Mainland.
As for higher Status, greater Power and Influence, and a more exciting stage, none of that would have anything to do with him.
"I respectfully obey... Lord Im's Divine Oracle..."
