Stussy didn't know the exact details of the deal between Leno and Vegapunk.
But she knew it must involve her somehow—at the very least, her life wasn't in immediate danger.
The problem was—
Leno's unfathomable gaze was terrifying.
It made her skin crawl.
For the sake of her life, Stussy decided to proactively demonstrate her value.
She put on a flattering smile, her voice turning soft and ingratiating.
"Lord Leno~ sparing my life is definitely a wise decision."
She began listing her bargaining chips.
"As the largest intelligence hub in the New World, the Pleasure District can provide you with a constant stream of information."
"Whether it's Marine movements, the intentions of other Yonko, or underworld activity—I have channels for all of it."
She paused, her gaze sweeping over Leno.
"And… when it comes to 'serving' others, I also have quite a few unique 'skills'~"
Though she lacked real experience, her theoretical knowledge and training were extensive.
Otherwise, how could the Pleasure District attract so many powerful figures?
If Leno was willing—
She wouldn't mind testing it out herself.
Leno raised a hand and cut her off, expression unchanged.
"Finished?"
He hadn't planned to kill Stussy anyway—after all, he had an agreement with Vegapunk.
But this CP0 spy was far too cunning.
He couldn't let her roam freely within his crew.
"I know your value."
Leno stood up and walked toward her.
"But to ensure your loyalty… we'll need a small insurance."
Before Stussy could react—
His finger tapped her chest.
A subtle fragmenting energy seeped into her heart like a parasitic curse.
Even with her cushioning, Stussy's body stiffened.
She felt her life now firmly in Leno's grasp.
With a single thought—
Her heart would shatter instantly.
"Alright," Leno withdrew his hand.
"Now your heart is with me. Not bad… quite soft… I mean, quite good."
"Do your job well. Don't get any funny ideas."
Only after securing control over her life did Leno feel slightly at ease.
He looked her up and down, then asked curiously:
"Do you know who your original is?"
Stussy was still shaken, not yet recovered.
The sudden topic shift caught her off guard.
"…I know. Vegapunk told me."
"So—what do you think about what your original became?"
He might as well have shoved a microphone into her mouth.
He was genuinely curious.
Hearing this, Stussy frowned.
She knew what Bakkin currently looked like.
Every time she thought about it, she shuddered.
"No way! Absolutely not!"
"I'd rather die than end up like her!"
Her face was filled with determination.
At this moment—even if a blade was held to her throat—
She wouldn't waver in the slightest.
"Ambitious!" Leno gave her a thumbs-up.
Then he waved his hand.
"Go. I'm done here."
"Find Kujaku and Hibari. 'Train'… I mean, educate them properly. Let them understand their current status and situation."
Stussy looked speechless.
Was the topic change really necessary?
It was too fast—she could barely keep up.
But she quickly composed herself and bowed respectfully.
"Yes, Lord Leno. Understood."
After she left—
Leno finally had time to check on the progress of the Sloth statue within his body.
His brows furrowed.
"Too slow! It's only halfway done after all this time?"
"At this rate, when will it fully awaken?"
He muttered with dissatisfaction:
"Looks like I'm still not lazy enough! I need to work harder at being lazy!"
Just then—
Stussy, who had just left, returned.
Unlike her earlier fearful obedience—
She now seemed to have fully accepted reality.
Same side now—no need to pretend.
Her usual confidence and charm had returned—
Though now mixed with clear flattery toward Leno.
Leno looked at her speechlessly.
"You again? Didn't I tell you to 'educate' Kujaku and Hibari?"
Stussy rolled her eyes charmingly and said with a soft tone:
"You scared the soul out of me just now, Master~ I almost forgot I had something to report~"
"Speak properly," Leno said irritably.
She immediately dropped the act, pouting slightly.
"BIG MOM—Charlotte Linlin—has sent me an invitation to her tea party. It's happening soon."
"I need to go to Totto Land. Do you… want to come?"
"Tea party?" Leno paused.
After a moment of thought, a playful smile appeared on his lips.
"Go. Why not? I've heard Totto Land's desserts are excellent."
If the opportunity arose—
He wouldn't mind recruiting a few strong fighters while he was there.
After all, his crew still lacked high-end combat power.
This was purely for strengthening the team.
Definitely not for selecting wives from the Big Mom Pirates.
"Right," Leno added as if remembering something.
"Go call Kalifa for me."
Stussy didn't understand why Leno suddenly wanted Kalifa—
But she nodded obediently.
"Yes, I'll get her."
Soon—
Kalifa entered, dressed in her usual professional attire, glasses in place.
"Captain, you were looking for me?"
"Mm." Leno looked at her and said directly:
"Prepare yourself. I'm going to make it so you won't be able to get out of bed for a few days…"
Kalifa froze.
What did that mean?
Was her spring finally here?
Leno didn't think there was anything ambiguous about his words.
He was going to modify her Devil Fruit ability.
After the Munch-Munch Fruit finished devouring—
Of course she'd be too weak to get out of bed.
…
One day later.
After rushing nonstop—
Kizaru finally returned to Marine Headquarters, Marineford, with Sentomaru.
Both looked exhausted.
Instead of heading to the Fleet Admiral's office—
Kizaru went straight to Garp's recovery ward.
He didn't know if Sengoku had returned—
And didn't feel like getting blasted by his shouting.
Better to tell Garp the bad news first…
"Hopefully Vice Admiral Garp can take it…" he prayed internally.
Inside the room—
Only Garp and Staff Officer Tsuru were present.
Tsuru had returned again.
Garp, lying in bed, saw Kizaru enter—
His previously sluggish spirit instantly lifted.
His eyes lit up with excitement and anticipation.
"Borsalino! You're finally back!"
"Is my new body ready?! Hurry! Let me see it! I'm rusting lying in this bed!"
He struggled to sit up, clearly excited.
However—
Tsuru, standing beside the bed, noticed Kizaru's strange expression.
And Sentomaru behind him—
Head lowered, not daring to meet anyone's gaze.
A bad premonition immediately rose in her heart.
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