Meanwhile, on a crowded street on Ambri Island, several figures moved through the masses like ghosts, blending in perfectly with the tourists and shoppers. They were dressed in ordinary clothes and looked like any other visitors enjoying their day. However, a closer look would reveal a cold professionalism in their movements and the way their eyes scanned their surroundings—a chilling focus that ordinary people simply didn't possess.
Leading the group was a tall young man with short pink hair and two small horns on his head. His bangs covered his eyes, but from the shadows, his gaze swept over everything like a predator waiting for the perfect moment to strike. This was Who's-Who, an elite agent from the World Government's secret intelligence agency, Cipher Pol No. 9.
"Target confirmed," Who's-Who said in a low voice, a hint of excitement coloring his tone. "The Devil Child, Nico Robin, is inside that villa on the eastern side of the island. Initial surveillance shows three others with her. Two green-haired women and… Takero, codenamed 'Strange Tail'."
He waved a hand, ready to lead his agents to the villa and begin the arrest. Just as he was about to give the order, the young man standing beside him spoke up. He had been observing everything with cold, calculating eyes, a white pigeon perched calmly on his shoulder.
"Our mission is to confirm the target's location and monitor her," he stated flatly. "We are not here to make an arrest."
Who's-Who's brow furrowed in an instant. He turned and glared at the man hailed as the strongest genius in CP9's eight-hundred-year history—Rob Lucci.
Noticing that everyone's attention was now on him, Lucci remained perfectly calm, his expression as unchanging as a frozen lake.
"I am simply reminding you that Takero has connections to the Red Hair Pirates," he said slowly, his voice even. "The Gorosei's secret orders were clear: we are to avoid any direct conflict with them until the situation is fully understood. We must be cautious."
"Have you forgotten that I am the commander of this operation?" Who's-Who's voice dropped, laced with a clear threat. Even if Rob Lucci had incredible potential and the favor of their superiors, a genius who wasn't fully developed was no real threat to him. Here and now, his command was supposed to be absolute.
Lucci seemed to completely ignore the threat. "The official news reports may have blamed Red-Haired Shanks for what happened on this island, but we who operate in the shadows know the truth. That kind of propaganda is for tricking common citizens. Don't let it fool you."
Ignoring Who's-Who's darkening expression, Lucci continued his verbal assault in that same emotionless tone. "Besides, it's not that I'm looking down on you, Who's-Who, but do you honestly believe you're a match for 'Strange Tail' Takero? This is an individual who defeated the Warlord Doflamingo in a direct fight and escaped from Marine Admiral candidate Borsalino unharmed. He is not a simple opponent. The safest course of action is to report the target's location and her connection to Takero immediately. Acting rashly without proper preparation is a mistake."
This damn brat! Who's-Who cursed internally. He clenched his fists so tightly at his sides that his knuckles cracked. Listening to Lucci speak as if he were the one in charge made his blood boil. He was so jealous of Rob Lucci. He was a genius, too, so why did the higher-ups only ever seem to notice this emotionless kid?
But despite his burning rage, the World Government's strict hierarchy was absolute. He didn't dare openly defy an order that stressed caution. With a grim expression, Who's-Who pulled a specialized Den Den Mushi from his pocket and reluctantly contacted his direct superior, silently vowing to get back at his subordinate.
Just you wait, you brat! When this mission is over, I'll make you regret this!
Back in Mary Geoise, in the Room of Authority, Spandine, the new commander of CP9, was giving his report to the Five Elders. He had been promoted for his "merits" during the Ohara incident years ago.
"...And that is the current situation, esteemed sirs," Spandine said, his voice dripping with flattery. "According to the encrypted intelligence from our agents, we have successfully located the Devil Child, Nico Robin! However... she is currently with Takero, codenamed 'Strange Tail.' And our agents believe they are searching for a certain 'city with high technology.'"
"High-tech city?!"
Spandine's words shattered the ancient, solemn atmosphere of the room in an instant.
Saint Ethanbaron V. Nusjuro, the Warrior God of Finance, who had been resting with his eyes closed, snapped them open. His gaze was as sharp as a sword. "That brat... what he's looking for, could it be...!"
He didn't need to finish. Everyone in the room knew exactly what he meant. They thought of the great kingdom from eight hundred years ago, a kingdom that possessed technology far beyond its time before it was erased from history by the twenty kings who founded the World Government. That name was their greatest taboo.
"Nico Robin... the last survivor of Ohara!" Saint Topman Warcury, the Warrior God of Law, spoke, his voice like ice. "She is already researching the Void Century! And now she's with that mysterious boy who wields power like an Ancient Weapon! This cannot be a coincidence!" It was he who had pushed for the Buster Call on Ohara, making this matter deeply personal.
"One who can read history, and one who holds the power to destroy the world..." Saint Marcus Mars, the Warrior God of Environment, stroked his long beard, his tone graver than ever before. "If they find that place... the consequences will be unimaginable!"
"Shanks!" Saint Saturn, the Warrior God of Science and Defense, suddenly connected the dots, a cold light flashing in his eyes. "It's that rebel from the Figarland family! He's the one behind all of this!" They all remembered that the boy named Takero had first appeared alongside Red-Haired Shanks.
"Could it be..." Saint Shepherd Ju Peter, the Warrior God of Agriculture, proposed a terrifying idea that sent a chill through the room. "Before Roger died... could he have told Shanks about Laugh Tale... and even about the ancient kingdom?!"
The thought spread through the minds of the five highest authorities in the world like a wildfire. The more they considered it, the more certain they became. Something was terribly wrong.
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