Egghead Island, Research Floor. In the kitchen, Sephiroth pulled a pizza from the oven for what felt like the hundredth time, turning to place it on the table for the trio of ravenous eaters. Just then, a figure appeared at the kitchen door—a woman in a pink combat suit, her curvaceous frame accentuated by short, curly blonde hair.
"How did you end up here?" they asked in unison.
Sephiroth glanced at Stussy standing in the doorway and let out a teasing chuckle. "Heh, as an Admiral of the Marines, overseeing all Marine operations in the New World, Egghead Island falls squarely within my jurisdiction. Nothing unusual about me inspecting the work, right? On the other hand, Miss Stussy of CP0, what brings you here? Planning to set up a Pleasure Quarter?"
Stussy's face darkened instantly, recalling the crude remarks Sephiroth had made during their first encounter. As an elite CP0 agent and the so-called Queen of the Pleasure Quarter in the underground world, she'd dealt with her share of lecherous men. But none had dared insult her so brazenly. Those who had tried in the past hadn't lived to regret it.
If only she could beat him, she'd have chopped Sephiroth into pieces and fed him to the sharks long ago. "Tsk," she clicked her tongue. "It was just a joke. We're having lunch. Why don't you join us? We can talk over a slice."
Stussy let out a cold snort, her disdain palpable. She had no desire to engage with this scoundrel. But the rich aroma of pizza wafted through the air, and for Vegapunk's sake, she decided not to escalate the tension. A moment later, she sighed contentedly, her hand resting on her slightly rounded belly after indulging in the pizza.
Who would've thought that scoundrel Sephiroth could cook so well? she mused silently. I guess he's not entirely useless.
Her opinion of him shifted slightly—from utterly repulsed to merely disgusted.
"Speaking of which, Miss Stussy," Sephiroth said with a half-smile, "care to explain why you're really here?" He studied the blonde woman before him, aware of her triple identity: Queen of the Pleasure Quarter, elite CP0 agent, and Vegapunk's undercover spy planted within the World Government. Her background was complex, and with the world in turmoil, her sudden appearance on Egghead Island piqued his curiosity.
"Huh?" Stussy blinked, suddenly remembering her purpose. She silently chastised herself for getting sidetracked. Turning to the apple-headed old man beside her, whose belly was just as full as hers, she said, "Dr. Vegapunk, I've come to Egghead Island with something urgent to discuss. Let's find a private place to talk."
"Of course," Vegapunk nodded, rising from his chair with some effort. Holding his large belly, he led Stussy out of the kitchen and down the hall.
Sephiroth glanced at Bonney, who had fallen asleep at the table after her feast, completely defenseless. "Youth is a wonderful thing," he muttered with a chuckle, draping his cloak over her. After waiting a few seconds, he drew the butcher knife from his waist, opened a spatial door, and stepped through.
Meanwhile, Vegapunk led Stussy to a reception room constructed with special insulating materials. The two settled onto separate sofas, ready to discuss whatever urgent matter had brought her here.
"Stussy, what brings you back to Egghead Island so suddenly?" Vegapunk frowned, his voice tinged with confusion. Stussy, a clone of Buckingham Stussy, was Vegapunk's first successful clone experiment during his time with the MADS illegal research team. He had raised her like his own child.
After forging a cooperation agreement with the World Government, Vegapunk had sent Stussy to work as an undercover spy within their ranks. Her mission was to monitor their movements and, if necessary, serve as his contingency plan and trump card against them.
Under normal circumstances, Stussy wouldn't contact him, let alone show up unannounced. "Doctor," she began carefully, "I assume you've heard about the complete destruction of Holy Land Mary Geoise?"
"Ah, yes," Vegapunk chuckled. "While it likely means my research funds will dry up in the future, I couldn't resist opening a bottle of champagne to celebrate that day."
As an elite CP0 agent, Stussy was well aware of the Celestial Dragons' despicable nature. Vegapunk's reaction didn't surprise her; if anything, she found it justified. "In that case, Doctor, I have two pieces of bad news for you. The Gorosei are still alive."
"They weren't buried beneath the sea with Holy Land Mary Geoise. Instead, they secretly boarded a ship and are now en route to Egghead Island. It seems they intend to take control of this place."
"Additionally, they've contacted powerful CP agents scattered across the globe, summoning them here. I'm one of those who received the call. Sensing the gravity of the situation, I rushed here overnight to warn you."
Vegapunk's expression shifted to one of surprise. "What?! The Gorosei are alive? Then why aren't they publicly announcing it? If they stepped forward, the world wouldn't be in such chaos..."
"I don't know the specifics," Stussy admitted, her brows furrowing slightly. She was just as puzzled, though she could guess one or two reasons for their interest in Egghead Island. The island housed a hundred Pacifistas, dozens of mechanical sea beasts, and countless high-tech innovations—assets of immense strategic value. It made sense that the Gorosei would want control.
Just then, a scarlet light flashed, and a spatial door slowly opened. Sephiroth, who had been eavesdropping from within the door's dimension, stepped into the room, leaving Vegapunk and Stussy stunned.
"The reason the Gorosei dare not reveal themselves is simple," Sephiroth said with a wicked smile. "They're afraid I'll kill them."
"You!" Vegapunk's eyes widened in anger. "Sephiroth, you were eavesdropping on us?"
"This new Admiral, Sephiroth," Stussy interjected, her tone sharp. "Would you care to explain why the Gorosei fear you?"
As she spoke, Stussy stood up, positioning herself protectively in front of Vegapunk. Her eyes locked onto Sephiroth, filled with vigilance and caution...