"Lucci, it's me, Bruno."
He looked calm, lowering his voice:
"A pleasant surprise, the Son of the Demon, Nico Robin, suddenly appeared in my tavern. She's currently heading towards a nearby Life Card shop with her companions."
"The blueprints of Pluton aren't in sight yet, but capturing this woman is still a significant achievement, isn't it?"
"You're busy repairing a ship and can't come, huh?"
"No matter, I can handle Nico Robin by myself... Hm? You're sending those two over? Seems unnecessary... Just being cautious, I understand."
...
About half an hour later.
Robin and her two companions emerged from the Life Card shop.
This shop was hidden in a small alley. Combined with the Water Capital's complex, three-dimensional layout, it was quite hard to find. They had to split up and ask locals until they finally located the entrance.
They've already placed the order and paid the deposit.
Once the rest of the Endgame's crew arrives, they'll be able to make the Life Cards here.
"Task completed, what next?"
Robin turned to her two companions with a light smile, "I saw a large bookstore on the way here. I'm planning to go in and buy some books. What about you?"
"Eh—"
Nami drew out her words, "That's too boring, Sister Robin. You're always in the library on the ship, and now you want to drown yourself in books again?"
"Count me out!"
She linked arms with Nojiko, "Nojiko, let's try that water meatball we passed by! And water sausage, water tiger-skin cake... I want them all! Those stalls are all crammed together, the smell's driving me crazy with craving!"
The local snacks of Water Capital are numerous, mostly named with "water," showing the residents' pride in their city.
"Eat, eat, eat, all you know is eating."
Nojiko pinched Nami's nose, a bit exasperated, "Lazy and spoiled, your brother really spoiled you too much..."
Despite her words, she still took out her wallet, ready to set off with Nami.
"Should we bring you something, Sister Robin?"
"I..."
"Don't refuse, it's rare to be in such a big city, you should indulge a little!"
"...Okay."
Robin finally nodded with a gentle smile.
Watching her two companions walk away, she turned and placed her hand above her forehead, heading toward the bookstore in the setting sun.
The sunshine is truly warm.
...
No one noticed.
At this moment.
On the orange rooftop at the alley's entrance, three figures were hiding in the shadows like cats in the night, quietly watching the three below as they went their separate ways.
"Their bond seems strong. The Son of the Demon from O'Hara managed to find companions willing to accept her?"
Kalifa adjusted her golden glasses, calmly saying, "But those so-called companions seem to be just nobodies. Do you recognize them?"
"Hmm, let me think carefully."
Beside her, Kaku's long nose drooped as he pinched his chin, racking his brain:
"The blue-haired girl seems to have a Warrant somewhere, but the orange-haired girl doesn't ring a bell. Her bounty must not be high enough to catch my attention."
"No need to overthink, just act directly."
In the middle, Bruno shook his head slightly, speaking in a deep voice:
"I'll handle Nico Robin. With my abilities, she can't escape... With your skills, it should only take a few minutes to subdue those two women, then bring them to me. They can be leverage to make her cooperate with us."
"Mhm."
"No problem."
Kalifa and Kaku nodded calmly.
A few minutes?
They're underestimating them a bit, it's just a matter of one encounter.
"Even though this mission is foolproof."
Bruno took out a package from his cloak, opening it to reveal various disguise costumes and tools:
"But Lucci said, to be on the safe side, we should not easily expose our identities. So, I was prepared... before meeting you."
————
On the outskirts of the bookstore street.
Robin wore a long black leather coat, carrying a backpack, strolling alone along the canal of Water Capital. The sunset glow reflected on the shimmering water, highlighting her leisurely and carefree expression.
At this moment.
A tall figure in a robe, wearing a white mask and wig, brushed past her.
Such attire was everywhere during the mask carnival, so Robin glanced over without paying much attention.
However.
In that split second, a low voice, audible only to Robin, sounded indifferently:
"I am CP9."
Robin's footsteps abruptly halted, her eyes showing a hint of surprise.
Her first reaction was...
—Did the captain's fruit-snatching get exposed this quickly?
No, that's not right.
If they knew about the infamous "Shano," they'd send a Grand Admiral.
No nameless lackey would dare approach if they knew her alliance.
So...
They're purely targeting her?
CP9, the World Government's second most mysterious intelligence agency, doesn't know who ambushed them last night, nor who owns their ship now?
She turned her head, interested in scrutinizing this insensible fellow.
But the figure did not pause, striding directly into a secluded side alley.
It seemed sure that she'd follow.