Rimo, are you interested in being the deputy head of the brigade?"
Hearing Chrollo's words, Rimo was momentarily taken aback.
"Deputy head? We are just a small team of thirteen. Do we really need a deputy head?"
Rimo couldn't understand Chrollo's reasoning. What would a deputy do in such a small group?
"No, even though we are small, the Troupe's operations are inherently dangerous. And although I have confidence in my abilities, mistakes are inevitable." Chrollo's voice was calm, measured. "In the future, unexpected incidents will occur. If I cannot fulfill the duties of the head, the Troupe must have someone to take over."
"From the discussion just now, it's clear to everyone that your proposal—and your judgment—are excellent. If it were you, you would be fully capable of handling the responsibilities of the head."
"Moreover, the leader is never the most important element. The Troupe itself is. Should something happen to me, Rimo, you would inherit the position."
After pausing, Chrollo scanned the group. "What do you all think?"
"Rimo as deputy head? I'm the first to agree!" Uvogin, ever impatient, jumped immediately.
"We agree." Machi and Nobunaga's voices followed, their regard for Chrollo rising after his proposal.
"If it's him, then I agree too." Unexpectedly, Feitan's voice came next. Franklin, sitting beside him, raised a curious eyebrow. Still a 'bad character'?
"I don't care." Franklin said with a calm shrug. His trust in Rimo's clarity and decisiveness was absolute.
Pike Nuotan glanced at Chrollo. "Since Chrollo approves, I have no objection." Her words were straightforward, mirroring Machi's adherence. Pike Nuotan's allegiance to Chrollo was quietly growing.
Chrollo's smile widened. He spread his hands in a gesture that mirrored Rimo's earlier initiative. "Rimo, see? Everyone recognizes your value."
Tsk—Rimo thought, Do everything for me, I'm just here to enjoy the fun of COS, not work!
And yet… Pike Nuotan's acknowledgment was unmistakably directed at him. Rimo wanted to refuse, but Machi's expectant gaze left him momentarily speechless.
"Alright, alright," Rimo muttered, scratching his head. "But don't expect me to share your work—I'm lazy!"
Chrollo's smile deepened. "It's fine. That's all."
Rimo rolled his eyes internally. I think you just want to be lazy too!
If the Phantom Troupe were merely a group of thieves, as Rimo had originally assumed, he would have expected self-interest to dominate. But now he realized: this was more like a charity organization.
The benefits to be gained were purely the pleasures arising from action. The leader's prior work had no bearing on the satisfaction derived—it only manifested during the execution of tasks. In other words, being head was thankless.
For Rimo, interest equaled pleasure. Money and resources? Trivial. With Material Manifestation, anything he needed could be embodied instantly.
Even food wasn't a problem. Although he could create dishes from his previous life, he still needed to taste the world's local cuisine for authenticity.
Decided! Once we go out, find a cook.
"Please take care of me in the future, Deputy Head," Chrollo said again, smiling and extending his right hand.
"Take care, Captain." Rimo stood reluctantly and shook Chrollo's hand. Nima… this is the third time.
"Wow! Great, Rimo, pinch! Since today is so happy, let's have a banquet tonight!" Uvogin exclaimed, excitement written across his face.
Machi promptly slapped him on the head. "Idiot, address the deputy head!"
Unfazed, Uvogin corrected himself: "Deputy Head, how about our banquet tonight?"
Though usually simple-minded, Uvogin's proposal was sensible—new members deserved a feast.
Rimo nodded. "Everyone, I don't know your original stations, but as far as this one is concerned, stay with me for now if you aren't leaving Meteor Street."
"Alright, your residence is finally ready. Let's go and see it." Chrollo cooperated, sharing a tacit smile with Rimo.
Over the next few days, all eight members stayed at Rimo's residence. The sudden increase in occupants required Rimo to expand his space once more. Fortunately, his prior experience allowed him to do so rapidly.
Chrollo finally witnessed Rimo's Material Manifestation at full power. He was stunned.
All manner of furniture—magical in form, beyond ordinary craftsmanship—manifested effortlessly from Rimo's hands. Rimo appeared unburdened, as if creation was second nature. Chrollo's appraisal was immediate: Perfect.
Low energy consumption, vast output, sustainable over long periods, and highly versatile.
And this was only daily life application. With Rimo's description, anything in contact with him could be manifested infinitely.
In combat, Chrollo's mind raced: The Rose of the Poor!
If fully leveraged, Rimo's ability could rival world-altering power. A treasure. Initially thought to be a mere all-purpose assistant, now Chrollo realized: Rimo alone could contend with an entire world. A humanoid natural disaster incarnate.