Snap!
Katakuri immediately covered Brulee's mouth with one hand and spoke in a trembling voice,
"Could you let my sister go?"
Lloyd looked down at him. A faint black Haki gathered around his raised hand as he replied in a quiet tone,
"Even now, you are still thinking about your sister. You are a good brother, but why do you think you are in any position to ask me for anything?"
At such close range, even Katakuri, who had never feared Charlotte Linlin's soul abilities, felt a chill deep within his soul.
He suddenly lowered his head, then dropped to his knees with a heavy thud. Through clenched teeth, he said,
"Please spare my sister's life. I can do anything for you, even give up my life!"
Katakuri knew he had no leverage. The only thing he could offer was himself.
Brulee, held tightly in his arms, burst into tears at the sight. If her mouth had not been covered, she would have begged to trade her life for his.
Lucia quietly observed Lloyd. Based on her understanding of her young master, if he had intended to kill them, they would already be dead.
The fact that they were still alive meant Lloyd had no intention of ending their lives.
Lloyd raised his hand slightly and squeezed Lucia's hand that rested on his shoulder. She immediately stopped and stepped back with quiet obedience.
This did not resemble Nightingale, the only female Admiral in the Navy.
In truth, Lucia had never cared about her status as an Admiral. She had joined the Navy for one reason only, Lloyd.
Wherever Lloyd went, she followed. Whatever he commanded, she obeyed.
No matter how her position changed, even standing at the center of naval power, what she valued most was still her identity as Lloyd's personal maid.
Lloyd rose from his chair and looked down at Katakuri.
"I can let your sister go."
Katakuri's eyes widened, disbelief flashing across his face. He had not expected Lloyd to agree so easily.
He quickly bowed his head, striking it against the ground with a dull sound.
"Thank you!"
Still dazed, Brulee was forced down by Katakuri to bow as well.
A faint smile formed on Lloyd's lips.
"Do not rush to thank me. I have a condition."
Katakuri's body stiffened. He raised his head slowly, determination clear in his eyes.
"Please tell me. No matter what it is, I will not hesitate."
"I do not need your life," Lloyd said. "I need you to join the Red Hair Pirates."
Katakuri froze, his mind unable to process the words.
After a moment, realization struck.
"You want me to infiltrate them as a spy?"
Lloyd tilted his head slightly, looking at him with clear disdain.
"Do you really think I need spies?"
Katakuri fell silent.
With Lloyd's strength, intelligence gathering was meaningless. If Lloyd wanted something destroyed, he would simply do it himself.
Even Katakuri felt embarrassed by his own question.
Lloyd gestured for him to stand.
"Do not overthink it. When you meet Shanks, tell him I sent you. He will accept you. After that, follow him sincerely. He will not treat you poorly."
The more Katakuri listened, the more confused he became. However, one thing became clear.
The relationship between Lloyd and Red-Haired Shanks was far from ordinary.
He recalled how Shanks had rejected Whitebeard's alliance and even crippled Monkey D Dragon when he attempted to mediate. That alone spoke volumes.
Katakuri chose not to ask further and simply nodded.
Lloyd understood his character well. Katakuri was a man who kept his word.
Sparing him was not out of admiration alone. Lloyd intended to send strength to Shanks, ensuring his position remained stable when facing Blackbeard.
Katakuri was the perfect candidate.
As Lloyd's thoughts settled, his smile deepened.
Then, without warning, he struck.
His elongated fingernail shot toward Brulee's neck at terrifying speed.
"Brulee!"
Katakuri's expression changed drastically as he moved to intervene.
Bang!
Lucia's fist slammed into his abdomen.
Already heavily injured, Katakuri collapsed to the ground, clutching his stomach in pain.
"Why..."
"Brother!"
Brulee's voice rang out in alarm.
Katakuri forced himself to look up, and then froze completely.
The wrinkles on Brulee's face were disappearing. Her dull skin became smooth and radiant, visibly restoring itself.
"This... how is this possible?"
Pop!
Lloyd withdrew his fingernail.
Brulee now looked at least twenty years younger.
In truth, her lifespan had been stolen by Charlotte Linlin long ago. Lloyd had simply returned what was taken.
The transformation was immediate.
The once witch-like appearance vanished, replaced by the form of a full-bodied, mature woman.