In the steamy bathhouse, Doflamingo finished his bath, casually wrapping a bath towel around his waist. His firm abdominal muscles and wheat-colored skin still glistened with a few drops of water, shimmering alluringly under the dim lights.
However, the expression on his face was not very pleasant.
His gaze fell on Orochimaru, who was leaning languidly against the wall, his black hair wet and hanging down, a few strands clinging to his delicate and slightly pale face.
Doflamingo's lips curved into a playful smile as he picked up a thick, plush towel.
He gently lifted Orochimaru and sat him on his lap, then raised one of Orochimaru's arms. The towel glided over the delicate skin, meticulously wiping from the arm to the shoulder.
He murmured some ambiguous sweet nothings in a low, husky voice.
Doflamingo's fingers caressed the mark on Orochimaru's shoulder.
"Is it really not possible...?"
Orochimaru turned his head slightly, his gaze meeting Doflamingo's, the seduction and provocation in his eyes intensifying.
Doflamingo's heart tightened, stirred by that look. His hand movements abruptly stopped, and the towel slipped silently.
He took the opportunity to press Orochimaru tightly against the wall, his chest heaving violently.
Doflamingo gazed into Orochimaru's eyes, slowly lowering his head, about to kiss those slightly upturned lips. Just at this critical moment—
Luffy's loud voice echoed through the palace, calling out for Orochimaru.
"Orochimaru, stop bathing! The banquet is about to start!"
This sudden shout was like a heavy hammer, smashing the extremely ambiguous atmosphere in the bathhouse to pieces.
Doflamingo frowned, a flicker of annoyance and unwillingness in his eyes.
Orochimaru, however, gently pushed Doflamingo away and unhurriedly put on his clothes, as if the heart-pounding, ambiguous moment had never happened.
Doflamingo watched Orochimaru's retreating figure, took a deep breath, and tried to calm his disordered breathing. He also began to tidy his own attire, glaring at the heartless person through gritted teeth.
"Your brother is so annoying! Doesn't he know how to be discreet!"
Orochimaru, for once, showed a hint of tenderness.
"If he really knew, you'd be a pancake by now. By the way, I have two more brothers like him."
By the time the two emerged from the bathroom, the banquet had already begun.
Luffy, though still slightly frowning, was quick with his meat-eating.
Orochimaru casually took a seat beside him.
Doflamingo appeared shortly after, his face so dark it looked like water could drip from it. His gaze, sharp as a knife, pierced Law, then glared unpleasantly at Straw Hat Luffy.
Seeing Orochimaru beside Luffy, Doflamingo grew even more displeased. He reached out a large hand
and effortlessly lifted Orochimaru as if he were a small chicken, placing him on his own lap.
This series of actions was fluid and practiced, clearly not the first time he had done this.
Immediately after, Doflamingo picked up the exquisite cutlery on the table, his eyes instantly becoming gentle and doting.
He skillfully cut a piece of steak, first blowing on it gently at his own lips, then slowly offered it to Orochimaru's mouth.
Orochimaru cooperated perfectly, taking a small bite.
Meanwhile, the Donquixote Family Executives were long accustomed to the scene before them.
Their faces showed no ripple of emotion; they continued with their own affairs, either conversing in low tones or quietly drinking, completely disregarding the interaction between Doflamingo and Orochimaru.
But Luffy and the others watched with twitching expressions. "So you're the culprit, Doflamingo, for spoiling Orochimaru like this! Have you forgotten that you're the one being threatened? Don't fall so completely!"
Nami watched the scene with a hint of exasperation, poking Baby5, who was sitting close to her.
"Don't you think something's not quite right here?" Nami frowned, her eyes full of confusion and bewilderment.
Baby5 turned her head, glanced at their young master, Doflamingo, whose expression clearly showed unfulfilled desire, then calmly picked up her pumpkin soup and took a sip.
"You'll get used to it. We've been watching this for two years."
Baby5's voice was unruffled, as if this scene was as normal to her as the daily sunrise; she had long ceased to be surprised.
Nami threw her hands up in exasperation.
"That's not right, is it? Isn't Heavenly Yaksha Doflamingo the King?!
And your Captain! Don't you think it's weird for him to serve an outsider like this??"
Baby5 gently set down her soup bowl and wiped the lingering soup from her lips with a handkerchief.
"Because the Young Master is the one on the bottom."
After Baby5 spoke, the scene instantly fell silent. After all, almost everyone present possessed Observation Haki.
The muscles on the Donquixote Family members' faces seemed to twitch slightly, but they still tried to maintain their poker faces.
Only their movements became a little stiff as they continued to mechanically eat. After all, they hadn't believed it at first either, but what could they do? Were they supposed to get under the covers to confirm?
As for Luffy's crew, except for Luffy who was still single-mindedly focused on the food, everyone else's gaze shifted simultaneously to Doflamingo's face.
Especially Law, whose expression was utterly priceless, as if he had seen a ghost. He was completely dazed, his mouth slightly agape, seemingly wanting to say something but his mind went blank from the sudden shock.
He could only stand there stunned, his eyes darting back and forth between Doflamingo and Orochimaru, as if trying to process this incredible and explosive piece of information.
Doflamingo's already dark face instantly turned as black as the bottom of a pot. Veins bulged on his forehead, and his characteristic sinister smile vanished without a trace, replaced by rage and humiliation.
Orochimaru, however, couldn't help but let out a chuckle. His shoulders shook slightly, his eyes full of amusement and teasing.
He understood that Dellinger's earlier comment had led to this misunderstanding, as he hadn't thought much of it at the time, and Doffy wouldn't bother to explain. This was truly a beautiful misunderstanding.
This laughter only added fuel to Doflamingo's fire. He glared fiercely at Orochimaru again, gritting his teeth and saying, "You dare to laugh!"
But within that anger, there was also a hint of an unspeakable awkwardness and embarrassment.
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