Doflamingo always had a sense of superiority over others, it was his birthright, it was the blood flowing in his veins, but that sense was always at its zenith when he would observe those beneath him grasp their positions, struggle and fight (with themselves or against him), deny and accept the situation for what it was, and understand where they were compared to him. They were lucky to be breathing the same air as him, lucky to walk the same earth, lucky if they caught HIS attention.
There was mere satisfaction at the man’s reply, at the meekness of voice and frustration. Eyes were windows to the soul, and with his forever hidden, he had the best view into everyone else’s. Struggle, fight, little PREY, your HUNTER is right HERE. ❝ Of course. Nothing personal, I do it to everyone, fufu~ ❞ The more he observed, the more he saw what Vergo had seen. The young man was absolutely normal, no, he SEEMED normal, a civilian working for one of the three great powers of the world. There was nothing unusual there, plenty did the same as well. With his manners and personality, he was just an ordinary human, no one to keep eyes on, he was invisible. And it was precisely those who fit that criteria, who checked most things off Vergo’s personal list, that made his spy focus on them. Those were the people who’d cooperate.
People who were adaptable were also quite tricky. Doflamingo liked them, he was adaptable himself. It was a quality of constantly keeping the game going, of finding different ways to solve the problem. The man displayed it too, he was perfect for the job.
Doflamingo licked his lips, he would do, he was such an interesting toy to play with. ❝ I don’t plan to get you fired. Information runs the world, you see, and I like to keep my cards up my sleeves. ❞
❝ The files are following, Marine code 84300, Marine code 23064, Marine code 05937. And the last one, which I assume you’ll find in Sengoku’s office, Marine code, ❞ Even if subtle, there was edge to the last word, memory burning still, the words and voice clear as day, ❝ …01746. Do not look into a single file. ❞
nothing personal. he shouldn’t be so sensitive and concerned over being looked into, but such sensations were his curse to deal with. already before the discovery of haki was he hypersensitive to other’s emotions – not out of empathy, don’t get confused – and responded accordingly to ensure his own survival. one who went through hardships at the hands of others had to learn to try to think two steps ahead and gauge people’s real thoughts behind whatever facade they presented to the public. but this man seated upon his desk? outside of a certain calm confidence that came with his position of an apex predator: unreadable. they may have been playing a similar game, but doflamingo had mastered it entirely, junpei feeling much like a novice. he never meant to get in over his head, though with challenge came growth. he would have to better himself and his own skills of deception. despite his fear, he had a new goalpost for his own work, culminated in the tall figure enshrouded in pink feathers. an idol ? would that be the term he would choose to define the man ?
gaze lifted once more as it was confirmed that if things went well, the likelihood of him losing his job ( and facing time in jail ? ) would be slim if not nil. such truer words have never been spoken. information was the most valuable asset anyone had. they thought along similar lines – that narrowed the margins for any miscommunication, then.
junpei listened closely as the other listed marine codes, green eyes distant as he committed those numbers to memory. it would be absolutely incriminating to write them down of course, and he was no fool. there had to be zero traces of this task, of their encounter. taking a moment, the younger man gave a nod of confirmation, silently repeating the codes in his mind. he wouldn’t look – it was part of his policy of not asking questions. in a sense, the less he knew, the better this would go. and despite himself, a bit of a nervous smile came to his features.
“ of course, you have my word. ” he would ignore the weight in doflamingo’s tone for the final code provided; it was none of his business. “ given my current workload, i predict this may take a few months, especially considering i don’t have authorization to enter sengoku’s office. when may i look forward to you visiting again ? ” not that he was certain he would expect a concrete answer, for such was the nature in the information trade, but it would be worth a shot. perhaps he could have some tea or something prepared for the man if possible – he wanted to ensure he made a lasting good impression, after all.
