If there were only one phrase capable of describing Koala's feelings at this moment, it would be absolute despair.
She was not foolish enough to believe that Lloyd intended anything good by allowing her to return. With her body now completely under Lloyd's control, she did not even dare imagine what would happen if she reunited with Luffy and the others.
At this point, the only thing she could do was resist as much as possible. Fortunately, from what she had observed, Lloyd did not seem capable of directly forcing her to reveal information through her own mouth.
However, Lloyd suddenly summoned a soldier and ordered him to bring someone named Pudding.
The moment Koala heard that name, a sense of unease surged through her heart.
Charlotte Pudding possessed the Memo Memo no Mi, a Devil Fruit with terrifying abilities related to memories. Lloyd had specifically brought her along for this operation.
Before long, Pudding entered the cabin.
The moment she saw Lloyd, her face brightened.
"Saint Lloyd!"
Lloyd nodded slightly before turning toward Koala.
"Allow me to introduce her. This is Charlotte Pudding, the user of the Memo Memo no Mi."
Koala's pupils contracted instantly.
Her face turned pale as she stared at Pudding.
A Devil Fruit capable of manipulating memories was undoubtedly one of the worst opponents she could face in her current situation.
Pudding quickly grasped the circumstances and smiled.
"Saint Lloyd, would you like me to extract this woman's memories?"
Lloyd gently stroked Pudding's head.
"That's right. She's Koala, one of the Revolutionary Army's executives. I need information regarding Luffy and his crew's current location."
Pudding immediately puffed out her chest proudly.
"Understood, Saint Lloyd! Leave everything to me!"
With that, she turned toward Koala.
A mischievous smile slowly appeared on her face as she approached step by step.
Koala instinctively tried to retreat.
Unfortunately, her body remained under Lloyd's control.
All she could do was tremble in fear.
"No... don't come any closer!"
The more terrified Koala appeared, the more excited Pudding seemed to become.
Giggling softly, she stopped in front of Koala.
Then she raised her hand and lightly tapped Koala's forehead.
A moment later, she pulled outward.
Film-like memory fragments emerged directly from Koala's mind.
Pudding turned around, holding the strips of memory in her hands.
She smiled sweetly at Lloyd.
"Saint Lloyd, would you like me to search through the memories related to Luffy and his crew?"
Lloyd had already lit a cigarette.
After taking a slow drag, he nodded.
"Go ahead."
Pudding closed her eyes briefly and organized the information she had extracted.
Soon, she began reporting.
"At present, the Straw Hat Pirates and the Revolutionary Army's senior executives are hiding inside three submarines beneath the sea."
Lloyd's eyes narrowed slightly.
Realization dawned on him.
No wonder they had vanished without a trace.
They had been hiding underwater the entire time.
He also recalled Luffy's previous escape into the ocean.
Even with the extraordinary perception granted by his True Ancestor Fruit and his highly developed Observation Haki, he had been unable to detect Luffy's whereabouts.
From that, Lloyd concluded that Luffy, or more accurately Joy Boy, likely possessed some method capable of concealing his presence.
Pudding continued.
"Before submerging, Koala was left on shore to handle logistical matters."
"One week ago, Lindbergh sent the Fish-Man Hack to contact Koala."
"The supplies aboard their submarines had already been depleted by more than half and urgently needed replenishment."
"After receiving the message, Koala organized personnel to purchase supplies across multiple locations."
Lucci nodded immediately.
"Saint Lloyd, that's exactly how Gabra discovered her."
"He followed the scent trail left behind by one of the Revolutionary Army groups purchasing food supplies."
Lloyd nodded approvingly.
A faint smile appeared on his face as he gestured for Pudding to continue.
Pudding obeyed.
"Koala is scheduled to transfer supplies to Luffy and the others on the night after tomorrow."
"The meeting location is Gott Island."
"Gott Island..."
Lloyd rubbed his chin thoughtfully.
He remembered the island.
It was the location where Alvida, the user of the Slip-Slip Fruit, had once established her pirate base at the beginning of the story.
Now that he possessed both the time and location, there was no reason to delay.
Turning toward Lucia, Lloyd issued his orders.
"Lucia, have someone locate the exact coordinates of Gott Island."
"The moment they're found, order the fleet to advance at maximum speed."
"Yes, Saint Lloyd!"
Lucia gave a precise military salute.
Her Navy coat fluttered behind her as she turned and departed.
Meanwhile, Koala remained kneeling on the floor.
Her eyes were vacant and unfocused after having her memories extracted.
Pudding glanced at her and asked,
"Saint Lloyd, what should we do with this woman?"
"Should I turn her into an idiot?"
As she spoke, she made a cutting gesture toward the memory film in her hand.
Lloyd waved dismissively.
"No need."
"That would be meaningless."
"It's better to keep her alive for now. She still has value."
Pudding nodded obediently.
Though a trace of disappointment flashed across her face.
Lloyd continued immediately.
"Pudding, I need you to alter her memories."
"You can do that, can't you?"
Pudding instantly straightened up with pride.
Memory modification was one of the Memo Memo no Mi's specialties.
"No problem, Saint Lloyd!"
"How would you like them changed?"
Lloyd fell silent for a moment before speaking.
"Give her a new identity."
"Make her believe she's a member of Cipher Pol who infiltrated the Revolutionary Army as an undercover agent."
"And..."
Lloyd calmly explained the rest of his instructions.
Pudding listened carefully without missing a single detail.
After he finished, she nodded confidently.
"Understood, Saint Lloyd."
"The amount of information is fairly large, so it'll take some time to complete."
Lloyd asked,
"Can it be finished before the night after tomorrow?"
Pudding laughed.
"Hehe, that's more than enough time."
"I'll have everything completed before noon tomorrow."
"I guarantee you'll be satisfied."
Seeing her confident expression, Lloyd chuckled softly.
"Pudding, if you perform well, this will count as a significant achievement."
"Would you like me to arrange a Navy rank for you?"
Pudding's eyes darted around.
Then she puffed out her cheeks and shook her head.
"That's not necessary."
"Actually, I like living at Saint Lloyd's residence."
"Monet and the others are there, and every day is fun."
Lloyd did not pursue the matter further.
"Very well."
"When the time comes, tell me what reward you want."
"I'll grant it."
Pudding's smile immediately widened.
"Okay, Saint Lloyd!"
"Should I take her away and begin working now?"
"Go ahead."
"You've done well."
Pudding clasped her hands behind her back and tilted her head slightly.
A bright smile spread across her face.
"Hehe, it's not hard at all."
"I'm happy to serve Saint Lloyd!"
Pudding had been by Lloyd's side for quite some time.
In the beginning, she had been terrified of him.
However, as time passed, she gradually realized that Lloyd was not the monster she had imagined.
His ruthless and terrifying side was reserved exclusively for his enemies.
Toward those he accepted as his own, Lloyd displayed an entirely different demeanor.
He offered protection, security, and stability.
As long as one stood beneath his shadow, few in the world could threaten them.
It was precisely because of that contrast that Pudding's fear had slowly transformed into admiration and trust.