Law’s harsh words cut deep when he accused Doflamingo of viewing his family as mere tools, devoid of genuine affection. “You vile human, you only gather people you can use as tools and you had no love for your brother,” Law spat, a sentiment echoed by many who witness Doflamingo’s ruthlessness. Doflamingo’s chilling reply, “Fine, I have no love for my brother – If that helps you sleep at night,” seems to confirm this callousness. However, a closer look at Doflamingo’s actions reveals a more complex picture of his relationship with the Donquixote Family.
The idea that Doflamingo’s connection to his family is purely utilitarian simply doesn’t hold up under scrutiny. Numerous instances point to a deeper level of care and concern. He consistently caters to the egos of his executives, like Diamante, and acts as a protector, shielding Baby 5 from unwanted attention. Crucially, Doflamingo didn’t just recruit strong fighters; he actively sought out abandoned children, offering them a home and raising them within his ranks. While Corazon’s chaotic nature may have scared some away, Doflamingo’s initial act of taking them in speaks volumes. Furthermore, his explosive reaction to anyone mocking his family’s vulnerabilities, such as their speech impediments, underscores a fierce protectiveness that goes beyond mere utility. Even Rosinante, despite a lengthy and unexplained absence during his childhood, was welcomed back into the family without question. Doflamingo’s concern extended to external threats as well; upon Law’s arrival, he immediately researched Flevance’s history, displaying empathy and outrage at the prejudiced treatment Law faced due to his illness. And despite significant failures from Baby 5, Buffalo, Trebol, Sugar, and Jiolla during the alliance’s operations, Doflamingo showed forgiveness, indicating a level of patience rarely associated with someone who views others as disposable. While he might consider sacrificing a family member as a last resort, the evidence suggests this is not his preferred or desired course of action.
Doflamingo is undeniably a narcissist and sociopath. Yet, within his warped worldview, there exists a circle of individuals whom he strives to treat “right.” This approach, while lacking empathy for the wider world, offers his inner circle protection and a sense of belonging. In Doflamingo’s eyes, worth is determined by capability. Weakness and lack of resolve, like Bellamy’s, lead to insignificance. However, demonstrate competence and loyalty, and Doflamingo becomes a staunch ally, offering unwavering support to his family.
Interestingly, Law himself implicitly recognized and exploited Doflamingo’s familial affections when he used Jiolla as leverage to halt Doflamingo’s advance, showcasing a subconscious understanding of Doflamingo’s priorities.
The origins of this selective “love” are debatable. Perhaps it stems from the trauma of his “peasant life” after losing his Celestial Dragon status, or maybe it’s an unexpected vestige of inherent goodness inherited from his parents. Regardless, Doflamingo’s familial bonds, while twisted, possess a quality distinct from the outright disdain exhibited by other nobles and World Nobles like Saint Rosward or Outlook III.
However, Doflamingo’s love is undeniably conditional and selective. Betrayal is an unforgivable sin. His experiences have been marked by repeated betrayals within his supposedly close circle. His own father, Homing, initiated this pattern. Then, Rosinante’s defection solidified it. Killing Rosinante forced Doflamingo to confront the devastating reality that his own blood relations were, in his eyes, enemies.
Law’s eventual betrayal further reinforced this pattern. Law overheard Doflamingo’s callous pronouncements, leading to a justified loss of respect and trust. Yet, even this outcome wasn’t Doflamingo’s intended desire.
Doflamingo’s concept of “nakama” differs significantly from the idealistic bonds espoused by Luffy or Law. His loyalty doesn’t transcend personal ambition. He embraces his role as captain and king, expecting unwavering fealty and protection from his “army” of family members. While not selfless, this approach doesn’t paint him as the universally cruel monster Law and Rosinante perceived. Had Corazon not betrayed him first, the tragic outcome might have been avoided entirely.
Looking ahead, the possibility of Law and Doflamingo’s paths crossing again raises intriguing questions. While Doflamingo remains unredeemable for his widespread crimes, his “redemption” specifically for Corazon’s death might be considered resolved with the liberation of Dressrosa, the very people Corazon sought to protect. The escalating global conflicts hint at a future where unlikely alliances might become necessary. If Law and Doflamingo were to encounter each other again, they might find themselves on the same side against a common, even greater enemy.
Considering Doflamingo’s ambiguous connections to those “above,” and Law’s crucial role as a “D” and wielder of the Ope Ope no Mi – the fruit rumored to grant immortality – a temporary collaboration against figures like Imu doesn’t seem entirely improbable. Doflamingo possesses knowledge of the world’s hidden powers, while Law holds the key to potentially disrupting them. Such a dynamic, however unlikely, adds another layer to the complex tapestry of the One Piece world. The return of both characters remains highly anticipated, promising further twists and turns in the unfolding saga.
