"So, the World Government is starting to grasp at straws now?" Rocks asked with curiosity.
"They're indiscriminately trying to recruit any force not aligned with the Angel Alliance?"
"To be precise, they're not just grasping at straws—they're deliberately courting and nurturing pirate factions," Michael shook his head. "For the Celestial Dragons and the World Government, this is the fastest way to bolster their ranks without worrying about accountability."
"That's right," Stussy chimed in, smiling at the two. "For the current World Government, the future of this world no longer matters. What's most important is amassing enough power to crush the Angel Alliance before they can welcome back the true game-changer—that is, before you return."
"That's just wishful thinking on their part," Michael laughed. "Even without me, the foundation I've built may not be enough to wipe out the entire World Government, but the World Government certainly can't wipe them out either."
"So now, the World Government wants to recruit the Old Geezers Pirates to join their ranks, just like Blackbeard."
"Sure," Michael agreed without hesitation.
"I knew you wouldn't agree… Wait, what? You agreed!?"
Stussy had reflexively started to persuade Michael but suddenly realized he had said, "Sure."
She stared at him blankly, mouth slightly open, momentarily at a loss for words.
But she quickly regained her composure.
After all, as a seasoned spy and undercover agent, her mental fortitude was among the best in the Pirate King World.
"It seems you've already devised a plan."
"Nope, I have no plan at all."
Hearing Michael's words, Stussy couldn't help but roll her eyes hard.
Even as an ally, Michael's words and actions were truly infuriating!
What was the difference between that statement and just teasing her?
No plan?
If she believed Michael truly had no plan, she'd be the fool!
"Hey, don't give me that look—I really don't have a plan," Michael said with a grin.
"Precisely because I don't have one, I'm joining the World Government's side as a pirate. Even if we can't get critical intel, we can at least skim some benefits… I've got a whole crew to feed, all old, weak, and injured. It's tragic."
Just as Michael said this, a few old-timers emerged from the ship's cabin.
Michael and Rocks' conversation had long since caught their attention.
"So, we're turncoats now?"
"Garp! Do you have to blurt out the truth like that? Have some dignity!"
"We're pirates now—what dignity? Sengoku… don't forget, acting requires commitment."
"I don't really care… As long as it helps achieve Michael's goal, I'm fine with anything."
Garp, Sengoku, Zephyr, and Kuzan now stood before Stussy.
Stussy glanced at the bounty posters she carried, then looked at the three old-timers and one middle-aged man standing before her without any disguise...
Even with the strongest mental fortitude on the high seas, it was useless now.
Her eyes rolled back as she collapsed backward.
Then, in full view of everyone, Stussy let out a "gah" sound and fainted.
When her head hit the deck, it even bounced slightly.
"Damn! That temperament is something else!?"
Michael quickly rushed over, operating under the glow of Holy Light, and Stussy slowly opened her eyes.
"Michael... aren't you playing things a bit too big!?" Stussy pointed at the three old-timers and one middle-aged man, saying.
"Every single one of these old guys you brought out is a strategic weapon-level existence! Anyone would think you're planning a suicide attack on Mary Geoise!"
"That'd be so boring... And do you know how much cleanup work that would require afterward? I don't want to spend another decade suppressing bandits." Michael curled his lips. "Alright, Stussy, give it to me straight—what benefits can you offer?"
"You're adapting to the role of a pirate way too fast." Stussy wiped cold sweat from her forehead, stood up, and continued, "Of course, there are benefits... but you'll have to actually do something to earn them. Like killing the two vice admirals stationed at Enies Lobby... Well, turns out those two aren't actually dead."
"Tsk tsk, so the World Government wants a free ride, huh?" Michael waved his hand, uninterested in such things.
"Tell you what, give me all the current intel on the Celestial Dragons... As for whatever 'reward' the World Government sent you to deliver, you can keep it."
"Intel on the Celestial Dragons?" Stussy was taken aback, then sighed. "Unfortunately, my knowledge of the Celestial Dragons is no different from the Angel Alliance's now."
"Aren't you a CP0 agent under the Celestial Dragons?"
"True, CP0 is the Celestial Dragons' direct force... but the problem now is that CP0 has been completely sidelined under Imu's orders. All we do now are messenger or suicide missions... All of CP0's original duties have been taken over by the expanded God's Knights."
Michael frowned slightly.
Lily... She's completely cut off all external contact channels?
This is rare.
Either she's preparing to flee for good, or she's brewing something big.
Given that the World Government and the Celestial Dragons have long had no retreat left...
That girl must be planning something major.
Seeing Michael deep in thought, Stussy hesitated before deciding to tell him.
"Even though CP0 has been sidelined, I did hear some... rumors in Mary Geoise."
"Rumors?"
"Yes... The current ruler of the World Government and the Celestial Dragons, the one called 'Lord Imu'... is gravely ill."
"Ill!?"
Michael's urgent reaction startled Stussy.
"It's just an unverified rumor... but Imu hasn't appeared in public for a long time."
Michael fell silent.
Was this so-called "illness" real or fake?
Although Lily had undergone the "Perennial Youth Operation" from the Op-Op Fruit user back then, it was likely there were unknown side effects...
So this might not be just a rumor after all.
But now the question was... what method would she use to break free from this condition?