Stussy, the ever-alluring beauty, appeared today in a pristine white ladies' suit, topped with a small white hat adorned with a rose. Her slender arms rested gracefully in front of her like those of a noblewoman, a dainty handbag dangling from the crook of her arm.
Every gesture of hers seemed deliberately perfected; even the simple act of descending the gangway carried an intoxicating allure that stirred the senses.
Ortoren thought to himself, Truly, she lives up to her title as Queen of the Pleasure District.
The Pleasure District itself wasn't even that old—barely two years since its founding. Yet in such a short time, Stussy had turned it into one of the underworld's most formidable intelligence organizations. Of course, the World Government's immense financial and material support played its part, but it also spoke volumes about the woman's skill and cunning.
As she approached Ortoren and Katakuri, Stussy covered her mouth with one hand in a feigned 'shy' gesture, laughing sweetly.
"To have two such handsome men waiting here for me, how delightful~"
"Miss Stussy, it's been a while," Katakuri greeted her, his face still as cold as ever.
Ortoren smiled faintly. "I've long heard of the Queen of the Pleasure District's unmatched elegance. Seeing you today, the reputation is truly deserved..."
"Vice Admiral Benn of the Marines, famed for your countless achievements. I've long heard you're the rising star of the next generation. But I must say, you're even more dashing and heroic in person than in photographs~" Stussy replied with a cheerful laugh.
After this round of flattering words, Katakuri, Ortoren, and Stussy left the port together and made their way toward the island.
It wasn't that Stussy's presence demanded such an escort; rather, she and Lu Feld were the only guests scheduled to arrive that day, and there was no one else left to welcome.
One had to admit, Stussy's social skills were nothing short of flawless. Along the way, her conversation was lively and clever, yet always refined and appropriate, never crossing a line.
Naturally, Ortoren found her company enjoyable.
When they reached the castle, Katakuri escorted Stussy to her assigned guest quarters and was about to take his leave. But just then, Stussy hooked a finger into the hem of Ortoren's coat and said,
"Vice Admiral Benn, I have a few personal matters I'd like to discuss with you. Do you have some time?"
As she spoke, she deliberately cast Ortoren a flirtatious glance right in front of Katakuri.
Katakuri, reading the situation, tactfully patted Ortoren on the shoulder. "Toren, I have business to attend to. I'll leave you here."
Ortoren, of course, didn't refuse. He gave a small nod and stepped into the room with Stussy.
Once inside, Stussy immediately closed the door. She pulled a small black box from her handbag, opened it, and set it on the table. Only then did she seem to relax as she said,
"Signal jamming complete. Vice Admiral Benn, a pleasure to finally meet you. I haven't formally introduced myself, but I'm sure you already know who I am?"
"CP-0, Senior Agent Stussy," Ortoren replied, his expression firm, as if the answer was obvious.
Stussy kept her enchanting smile as she leaned in slightly. "Then, Vice Admiral Benn, what is your true purpose here on Whole Cake Island? For a Marine to appear so openly at Big Mom Pirates' tea party… doesn't that seem a little inappropriate?"
"Let's not beat around the bush. The World Government knows exactly who I am. As for whether it's appropriate… I'd say it's perfectly fine. In fact, the Marines already reported this operation to Mary Geoise."
Ortoren dropped himself onto the sofa, lounging back casually as he crossed one leg over the other.
After a brief pause, Ortoren's gaze darkened as he looked at Stussy.
"So, Ms. Stussy, are you here to interrogate me?"
Stussy seemed to feel the weight in his eyes, yet she only let out a soft chuckle, waving her hand playfully.
"You misunderstand, Vice Admiral Benn. I only wanted to remind you to be mindful of your position..."
Before Ortoren could reply, Stussy sat down beside him, leaning naturally against his arm. Her voice turned gentle.
"I only arrived today, while you've been here for several days already, haven't you? I wonder if you've gathered any useful information or intelligence you could share with me?"
Ortoren didn't shy away. Sure, he was married on paper, but in reality, he lived like a proper bachelor. So what if someone leaned in a little close?
Leaning back into the sofa, savoring the faint fragrance clinging to Stussy, his serious expression eased into a smile.
"Yes. Years ago, the Big Mom Pirates clashed with us Marines over the MADS research group. In the end, the Big Mom Pirates took Caesar with them. I assume you're aware of that, Ms. Stussy?"
"You're suggesting Linlin has probably long known my true identity?" Stussy sighed with mild resignation. "I figured as much ages ago. But as the saying goes, 'see through but don't expose.' Since Linlin never mentioned it, I naturally kept quiet as well. In this unspoken understanding where everyone pretends not to know, yet secretly does, business and negotiations become much easier, don't they, Vice Admiral Benn?"
It was clear Charlotte Linlin was shrewd, but Stussy wasn't any less so. Caesar's presence with the Big Mom Pirates was hardly a secret. With him around, the old secrets of MADS could never be hidden from Charlotte Linlin, nor could Stussy's identity.
Yet, as Stussy said, this tacit agreement—where truths remained unspoken—actually made sensitive dealings far more convenient.
"I wasn't talking about your identity," Ortoren shook his head before continuing. "What I mean is that the Big Mom Pirates now have a fully developed military production line. According to our G-5's market investigations in the underworld... though I suppose this may sound like lecturing an expert. As one of the rulers of the underworld, Ms. Stussy, you should know better than anyone the share the Big Mom Pirates hold in today's arms market."
Stussy nodded but didn't answer.
Seeing this, Ortoren pressed on. "And as I understand it, the World Government intends to delegate military production... seeking partners worldwide. I believe the Big Mom Pirates are a perfect candidate."
Ortoren was nothing if not straightforward. Since Charlotte Linlin had agreed to share her profits with him, he was determined to push this deal forward. Only then could he acquire the weapons technology G-5 needed to build its own production lines and achieve its first goal of self-sufficiency.
"So Vice Admiral Benn intends to play lobbyist for the Big Mom Pirates in this matter?" Stussy asked, sitting a little straighter.
"I've heard this decision falls under the oversight of your CP agency. Surely, Ms. Stussy, you can provide some assistance. As for being a lobbyist—yes, you could put it that way. I do have a separate deal with the Big Mom Pirates on this matter, though the details aren't something I can share with you." Ortoren spoke with a candid smile.
"I see~" Stussy feigned sudden realization, her expression playful.
Then she leaned back against Ortoren's arm once again, smiling sweetly.
"And if I were to help you, what's in it for me?"
Before Ortoren could answer, she widened her eyes innocently, her gaze fixed on him.
"To be honest, Vice Admiral Benn, CP has already narrowed it down to two candidates: Kaidou's Beasts Pirates and Linlin's Big Mom Pirates. At present, only those two can meet Mary Geoise's demands for arms production. The problem is, the World Government leans more toward Kaidou's side—because Wano offers more than just weapons..."
"Seastone?" Ortoren sighed quietly.
That was it. In terms of military production, the Big Mom Pirates weren't at a disadvantage compared to the Beasts Pirates. In fact, Totto Land's industrial capacity far outstripped Wano's, with greater efficiency as well.
But Kaidou had a natural edge: he could bundle weapons with Seastone. Wano was the world's largest known source of it.
Totto Land had some Seastone resources too, but compared to Wano, it was barely worth mentioning. They couldn't even meet their own needs, let alone sell any.
...
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